The Ballroom Dance Diaries

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Welcome back to The Ballroom Dance Diaries! In this episode, Carole and Kim dig into the fallout from Dancing with the Stars Season 35, Week 6, and finally go there. Everyone is talking about Val Chmerkovskiy's one-week suspension, so we're giving you our honest, dancer-to-dancer take.

We talk about the social media pressure on the pros, how Jenna Dewan held it together on Dedication Night with Alan Bersten stepping in for Val (including that 10 from Carrie Ann), and whether the no-elimination twist was planned. Then we look ahead to Week 7. Shirley Ballas, the Queen of Latin, is guest judging Horror Movie Night with a double elimination on the line. What happens when Mark's mom sits at the judges' table, and who in the middle of the pack should be worried? ✨

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WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

• Val's Suspension: A top pro and Mirrorball champ sitting out a week. It's never happened before, and we share what we think really went on.
• The Social Media Pressure: Why posting is a full-time job on top of rehearsals for the pros.
• Was It Planned? Dedication Night had no elimination, and we dig into how often the show has done that before.
• Jenna Dewan Steps Up: How she performed with Alan Bersten under all that pressure, and our reaction to Carrie Ann's 10.
• The Lift Debate: Why we'd rather enjoy the show than stare at someone's toe, and why the judges get to make that call.
• Did This Make It a Competition Again? With the front-runners shaken up, the race just got interesting.
• Stuck in the Middle: Tyler, Connor, Tatyana, and Julia Stiles sitting on straight 8s, and why the math says something has to give.
• Shirley Ballas Is Coming: The tiny shoes, the syllabus, and why week seven means no more excuses.
• Can Shirley Judge Her Own Son? Mark Ballas, objectivity, and why she'll get criticized no matter what she scores.
• Is DWTS Testing Shirley for America? Our theory on what her guest spot could mean for the future.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Do you think Val's suspension was fair? Was the no-elimination week planned, or just good timing? And with Shirley Ballas at the judges' table for Week 7, which two couples did you think were going home? Drop

Photo credit: Disney / ABC Entertainment Press Site. Used for commentary and review purposes.

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Welcome back to The Ballroom Dance Diaries! In this episode, Carole and Kim break down all the action, costumes, and controversies from Week 5: Super Bowl Night on Dancing with the Stars Season 35.

We are diving head-first into the sports crossover theme, why guest judge Joe Buck threw a wrench in the leaderboard, and the fierce tie at the top between Jenna & Val and Ezra & Daniela. Plus, we are taking a passionate stand on the great footwear debate—explaining why we think sneakers completely strip away ballroom elegance. From middle-pack struggles with Jackson & Emma and Sharna & Tyler to Whitney's emotional departure, we cover it all. Tune in for the laughs, critiques, and predictions as the race to the finals heats up!

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Welcome & Intro

01:15 - The Sneaker Controversy

03:45 - The Guest Judge Factor

05:10 - Top of the Leaderboard

10:20 - Middle-Pack Madness

14:30 - The Struggles Continue

18:50 - Bottom Two & Elimination

21:40 - Predictions & Closing Thoughts

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Are you with us on the footwear debate, or do you love the theme-night sneakers? Do you think Joe Buck's guest scores threw off the leaderboard, and who are you rooting for as the race to the finals heats up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

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✨ FREE RESOURCES & DIGITAL DANCE JOURNAL:
📥 FREE 2-Week Pre-Competition Checklist:
👉 Download for free: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDiaries

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Welcome back to The Ballroom Dance Diaries! In this episode, Carole and Kim break down all the drama, standout artistry, and backstage politics of Dancing with the Stars, Season 35, Week 4.

From breathtaking Waltzes to heavily scrutinized Rumbas, we look at the leaderboard through the trained eye of competitive Pro-Am dancers:

The Dance Whisperer Returns: Mark Ballas and Maura take the top spot—was it the float choreography, pure teaching mastery, or a well-deserved 9 from Carrie Ann?

The Rumba Breakdown: Val & Jenna’s deep connection vs. the ballet foundation advantage—why are they stuck in Latin dances, and are they being set up for an upset?

Shocking Elimination: Sierra and Brandon get voted out after an ill-fated Jazz routine. Was production setting them up to fail at the top of the hour?

Costume & Frame Disasters: Tyler & Sharna’s confusing "Rumba-dress" Foxtrot and Jackson & Emma’s missed catch and frame struggles.

The "Ick" Factor: Why Connor and Rylee’s overly suggestive Rumba completely missed the mark.

Standout Moments: Daniela & Ezra blowing minds by interchanging Leader and Follower roles, and Harry & Jenna quietly dominating the night's only Tango.

Judge Influence & Mariah Carey Night: Are the judges planting loaded words to sway America's votes?

Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome to Week 4 & Mariah Carey Night
1:15 Mark Ballas & Maura: The Artistry Breakdown
4:40 Val & Jenna's Rumba: Ballet Advantage vs. Latin Fatigue
8:20 Body Types in Ballroom: Arm Length & Pro Inspiration
11:55 Sierra & Brandon's Shock Elimination: Was Jazz a Setup?
16:10 Tyler & Sharna: Costuming Confusion & Pro Survival Tactics
20:45 Jackson & Emma: The Missed Catch & Frame Issues
23:30 Connor & Rylee's Rumba: Breaking Down the "Ick" Factor
26:40 Daniela & Ezra: Flipping Leader and Follower Roles
28:45 Julia Stiles & Ezra: The Breakthrough Viennese Waltz
30:10 Amber's Figure Skating Habits & Footwork Problems
33:15 Guillermo & Whitney: Why Samba While 7 Months Pregnant?
37:30 Harry & Jenna: The Underrated Tango
40:50 Are the Judges Planting Doubt in America's Mind?
43:10 What to Expect for Week 5


👉 Join the Conversation: What did you think of the leaderboard shake-up? Was Sierra’s elimination fair or a production casualty? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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Photo credit: ABC / Disney General Entertainment Content. Used under fair use for commentary and review purposes.

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Welcome back to The Ballroom Dance Diaries! In this episode, Carole and Kim break down Dancing with the Stars Season 35, Week 3, where the middle-of-the-pack couples made serious moves and completely shook up the leaderboard.

From Amber and Pasha's breathtaking, syllabus-perfect Foxtrot tying them for first place with Harry and Jenna's explosive Jive, to Val and his partner sliding into triple sevens, we cover every angle of how the board flipped. We also share our honest, dancer-to-dancer reactions on Britt Stewart and Taylor Hanson's elimination, why posture and frame issues held back routines like Jackson and Emma's Paso Doble, how Ezra and Daniella navigate smooth choreography, and a simple metatarsal pad trick Kim uses to save your feet! ✨

FREE DOWNLOAD: PRE-COMPETITION CHECKLIST
Stop second-guessing your competition prep. Grab our complete step-by-step checklist to dial in your mental focus, packing list, beauty timelines, and floor warm-up routine:
👉 Download via our Stan Store: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDiaries

DANCE SMARTER WITH OUR TOOLKITS & JOURNALS
Explore our digital store for masterclasses, mental performance toolkits, and dancer mindset resources:
The Ballroom Dance Diaries Stan Store: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDiaries


WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Leaderboard Flip: How middle-of-the-pack couples surged to the top of the board in Week 3.
• Amber & Pasha's Standout Foxtrot: True syllabus footwork, continuous gliding movement, and what real judges look for.
• Harry & Jenna Holding #1: Their high-energy Jive and whether anyone can break their momentum.
• Britt Stewart & Taylor Hanson Out: Why this early Week 3 exit did not surprise us and where the connection and choreography fell short.
• Frame & Posture Reality Check: The posture and shoulder flaws that pull away the X-factor in routines like Jackson and Emma's Paso Doble.
• Ezra & Daniella in Smooth: How judging criteria, weight balance, and musicality shift when stepping away from Latin.
• Whitney & Mark's Quickstep: The clever choreography and judging math (7, 7, 8) that keep them hovering right behind the top.
• Dancer Feet Survival: The simple metatarsal pad trick to take pressure off the balls of your feet during long rehearsals and comps.

LISTEN ON THE GO
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dance-diaries/id1848494274
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04p0ABMhP0neZRTnsSy8im?si=76f2702875fd40a8
Buzzsprout: https://theballroomdancediaries.buzzsprout.com

CONNECT WITH US
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBallroomDanceDiaries
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBallroomDanceDiaries
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Support the show

Join us because in the world of The Dance Diaries, every dance step is a chance to write a new page in your dance diary!

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Welcome to The Ballroom Dance Diaries! In this episode, Carole and Kim sit down for an honest, candid chat about their first impressions of Dancing with the Stars Season 35, Weeks 1 and 2.

We are talking about everything that caught our eye: who looks like an early frontrunner, the mental and physical pressure pros navigate with brand-new partners, the harsh reality of early eliminations, and what really goes on behind the scenes on the ballroom floor! ✨

FREE DOWNLOAD: PRE-COMPETITION CHECKLIST
Stop second-guessing your competition prep. Grab our complete step-by-step checklist to dial in your mental focus, packing list, beauty timelines, and floor warm-up routine:
👉 Download via our Stan Store: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDi...

DANCE SMARTER WITH OUR TOOLKITS & JOURNALS
Explore our digital store for masterclasses, mental performance toolkits, and dancer mindset resources:
The Ballroom Dance Diaries Stan Store: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDi...

WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

• First Impressions & Early Frontrunners: Who captured our attention right out of the gate in Weeks 1 & 2?
• What the Pros Really Go Through: Managing nerves, ego, choreography physics, and building a partnership from scratch in days.
• Early Heartbreak & Eliminations: Our honest reactions to the first couples voted off and why connection makes or breaks a run.
• Costumes & Floor Impact: The good, the questionable fabrics, and how stage presentation changes the vibe of a dance.
• The Mirrorball Recipe: What actually takes a couple to the finals—is it pure talent, likability, or social media hype?

LISTEN ON THE GO
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04p0ABM...
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JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Who stood out to you most in Weeks 1 and 2? Do you agree with our early frontrunners, and did the right couples go home? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

Subscribe to The Ballroom Dance Diaries for weekly DWTS chats, dancer mindset tips, and unfiltered conversations about life on the dance floor!

#DWTS #DancingWithTheStars #TheBallroomDanceDiaries #BallroomDancing #DanceSport #DWTSSeason35 #ProAmDance #BallroomDancers

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Join us because in the world of The Dance Diaries, every dance step is a chance to write a new page in your dance diary!

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The Shirley Standard: What It Actually Takes to Be a DWTS Pro 🪩✨

What does it REALLY take to be a pro on Dancing with the Stars? Is world-class technique enough, or does television demand an entirely different skill set? 

In this episode of The Ballroom Dance Diaries, Carole and Kim break down the high-stakes world of DWTS Season 35, the intense competition on The Next Pro, and why head judge Shirley Ballas sets the gold standard for ballroom excellence.  

From mastering camera blocking to managing a celebrity’s inner critic, we pull back the curtain on what separates a great competitor from an unforgettable pro.

 ⏱️TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Remote Catch-Up & Welcome to Season 35
2:00 - Why We Love DWTS & Celebrating the Pros
3:45 - The Shirley Ballas Standard: Strictly vs. The Next Pro
6:20 - More Than Steps: The Psychology of Partnering Amateurs
8:15 - The Rotating Pro Judges & Ballroom Chemistry
9:55 - The Adele & Connor Debate: Showcasing vs. Self-Spotlight
11:30 - Final Thoughts: What It Truly Takes to Win

 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Did Adele focus too much on her own dancing, or did Connor get a fair shot? What do you think of Shirley Ballas’s tough-love judging? Let us know your thoughts    

✨ CONNECT WITH THE BALLROOM DANCE DIARIES:
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/theballroomdancediaries
 🎙️Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-ballroom-dance-diaries
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/theballroomdancediaries

✨ FREE RESOURCES & DIGITAL DANCE JOURNAL
📥 FREE 2-Week Pre-Competition Checklist:
👉 Download for free: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDiaries

If you loved this ballroom breakdown, make sure to hit LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔, and SHARE this episode with your dance family!  

#DWTS #DancingWithTheStars #ShirleyBallas #TheNextPro #DWTSSeason35 #BallroomDance #TheBallroomDanceDiaries #DancePodcast

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Join us because in the world of The Dance Diaries, every dance step is a chance to write a new page in your dance diary!

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What is the very first thing you say to yourself right before your heat is called?

Whether you are dancing in an intimate ballroom at a local one-day comp or stepping onto the floor at a major multi-day championship, that holding area on deck is pure sensory overload.

In this episode of The Ballroom Dance Diaries, Carole and Kim pull back the curtain on what it really feels like to stand on deck. We break down the stark contrast between small, medium, and large competitions—and address the exact moments fear hijacks your physical body:

• The "On-Deck Spiral": Why looking at other competitors instantly tightens your neck and collapses your frame • The Comparison Trap: How watching the couples in the heat before yours tricks your brain into feeling unready • Small vs. Large Comps: How floor size, heat density, and room energy change the pressure on your nervous system • Real-Time Floor Resets: The grounding formula to stop the spiral, reset your poise, and protect your private coaching investment under pressure

🎟️ LIVE INTERACTIVE MASTERCLASS (Saturday, Sept 19, 2026 @9am EDT): "Thoughts Become Things Masterclass" Master your pre-round self-talk and command the floor. 

👉 Register here: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDiaries 

(Includes 90-minute interactive live session, full replay access, and the free Thought Replacement Guide)

✨ FREE RESOURCES & DIGITAL DANCE JOURNAL 

📥 FREE 2-Week Pre-Competition Checklist: 👉 Download for free: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDiaries/p/get-my-2week-precomp-checklist-now

📚 MY BALLROOM DANCE DIARY (Guided Training & Mindset Log): 👉 Get your copy: https://stan.store/TheBallroomDanceDiaries/p/my-ballroom-dance-diary-

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Stepping onto a competitive ballroom floor for the first time can feel overwhelming.

In this episode of The Dance Diaries, we sit down with Stephanie Byrne, a new competitive ballroom dancer who shares her honest journey through fear, anxiety, and self-doubt and why she chose to compete anyway.

Stephanie opens up about:

💜 The mental spiral before her first competition

💜 The pressure of performing as an adult beginner

💜How fear almost kept her off the floor

Why community and mindset changed everything.  This conversation isn’t about perfect routines. 

It’s about courage.

If you’ve ever felt “not ready,” questioned whether you belong, or battled anxiety before stepping into something new then 
this episode will speak directly to you.

Because bravery doesn’t mean you’re fearlesst it means you show up anyway.

Support the show

Join us because in the world of The Dance Diaries, every dance step is a chance to write a new page in your dance diary!

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Empire Open Dance Festival Results

🎯 Download your free Pro-Am Ballroom Packing & Prep Checklist
 ➡️  https://the-dance-diaries-2.kit.com/655ce963bd 
to be 100% ready to shine on the dance floor!

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#BallroomDancing #DanceChampion #DanceLife #ProAmDance #DanceInspiration #ballroommindset #mindset #ballroomcompetition

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This Habit Helps Your Achieve Your Ballroom Dance Goals

Carole discusses her pre-comp habits and how she sets her mind to something, visualizes it, and therefore, it definitely happens. And she feels like this time at the competition, she already knew her outcome.
#ballroomdance #proamdance #visualization #mindset 

🎯 Download your free Pro-Am Ballroom Packing & Prep Checklist
 ➡️  https://the-dance-diaries-2.kit.com/655ce963bd 
to be 100% ready to shine on the dance floor!

*********
Website
https://thedancediaries.buzzsprout.com

💃 Petrosyan Designs
➡️ m.facebook.com/petrosyandesigns
📞 (323) 975-9512

Get your discount code below 
👉🏻👉🏻 https://aidadance.us/discount/DanceDi...

Bobby Tan
 https://www.danzworldusa.com/collections/frontpage

📧 [email protected]
➡️ www.aidadance.us
➡️   / aidadanceshoes  
➡️   / aidadanceusa  

Support the show

Join us because in the world of The Dance Diaries, every dance step is a chance to write a new page in your dance diary!