Another Dancing With the Stars season is upon us and there are a few changes to the pro roster — some pros have opted to do other projects, while other pros were not paired with a celebrity this season. When your favorite dance star isn’t on your TV screen every week, it’s important to show your support for them outside of the show.
Here are a few reasons why and how you can help your favorite pro whether they are on or off DWTS — or any other dance show.
1. Social Media Engagement: These numbers are important to casting directors, producers and directors. A pro with a strong fanbase is more likely to get outside opportunities because people will retweet, comment and share the latest clip, interview or article about them.
Notice I didn’t say “like.” Liking a post is passive and doesn’t help anyone. If you love something they did, be active about it! This type of engagement is being measured and shared daily behind the scenes. When I send links of our Dance Dish interviews back to the publicists, they are now asking for our social media coverage — the studios and publicity firms are making notes on which stars drive the most views and yes, that does include social media shares.
2. At The Register: This is a more expensive option, but it is an effective one. I know many Derek and Julianne Hough and Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy fans have been fantastic about supporting their tours and it was heartwarming to see so many viewers going to see Mark Ballas at Jersey Boys on Broadway. Now it’s time to think about how you can support other pros if they make smaller appearances.
Whether it is buying a ticket to a charity event they are appearing at or attending a local workshop where they might be teaching, this is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for their work. We know Kym Johnson Herjavec and Louis Van Amstel have a class for you to attend!
3. Speaking Up: If your favorite pro wasn’t matched with a celebrity this season, shout it out on social media, write a letter to the network or start a petition. The more producers know that you miss Allison Holker, Jenna Johnson or Cheryl Burke, the better the chances you will see them in Season 25 if they are available for the show.
4. Watch: A lot is happening in dance right now. After an impressive awards show season where choreographer Mandy Moore was able to hire over a hundred dancers for La La Land and the subsequent Golden Globes, Grammys and Oscars appearances, the momentum is moving forward.
You might see some crossover with DWTS to So You Think You Can Dance, so make sure to tune into FOX each week. We know Derek has World of Dance coming up, so let NBC know you want another season of the show. Even the skating specials feature some familiar DWTS favorites, so set the DVR and appreciate that dance is everywhere. The more you support, the more we will see it across all mediums in the entertainment industry.
How are you supporting your favorite dancer?
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