"Dancing on national television while pregnant was something I was scared to do, but I wanted to try - for myself and for every woman who’s ever questioned what she’s capable of. I’m so proud of myself for trusting my body and learning to give myself grace along the way. This season I found a strength in myself I didn’t know I had. & being surrounded by a community that celebrates and supports women has made it even more meaningful. Thank you for making me feel so loved through it all. There is something so powerful about women cheering each other on, and I’ve felt that every week. We can do anything"

Welcome to the club Witney

Every week, there is something new to discuss surrounding the show, but this drama is so much worse. CAI was harsh, but Val has blown it out of proportion, and Jenna too for that matter. No other pro acts like this. With CAI now seeing his comments, could anything happen? Val is a favorite, so it will probably not even be a slap on the wrist. This did feel like it could be his last season, even before this. Do we think Jenna D could end up getting a new pro (would love Brandon), or do we think her votes will suffer? This not a good look for the show. Violence and threats can never be tolerated.

ETA: I've only watched since Kaitlyn Bristowe was on, but has anything of this magnitude ever happened before on the show?

Like we need to get production to see this, or something. Harold deserves his flowers. He was the the musical director for the first 17 seasons (before Ray Chew came on in S18) and passed away this year. It would have been lovely for DWTS to do a package or something with the cast members who were a part of the show during his time paying tribute to him. Based on the press release, it doesn't seem like there will be anything. 😞

Even when he passed, the most the DWTS page did was post a 24-hour story.

Fun fact of the day: Ciara use to be a ICU nurse and she working during the COVID-19 pandemic. As someone who in nursing school; I definitely would have love to see this dance 😭🩷

I avoid looking at upcoming dances, but saw her dedication is to Ireland. I just wanted to explain some significance to her dance next week and what it means to me.

Mods, this is going to be a frequently talked about subject within the next week. I’m aware of the politics rule, but this is different.

Maura’s a raging republican. This has completely different context in Ireland. Republicans there are fighting for a united country without English controlling the north. It has nothing to do with the US definition. If you’ve ever seen Derry Girls, she hates the orange order.

The british occupation significantly changed the Irish population. The potato famine was actually a strategic starvation. It’s changed the DNA of following generations. Maura’s been ridiculed on Tiktok for being scored high for her skinny frame. That’s a common trait among Irish people because of being starved.

That generational trauma has also resulted in addiction and illnesses. Irish people are like 75% of hemochromatosis deaths. This happens when you have too much iron. During starvation, this genetic mutation helped people survive. Now it’s killing predecessors generations later. Also, Irish people significantly struggle with alcoholism and addictions.

The Irish language is nearly dead because of the British occupation. They’re a very patriotic country trying to regain their culture and independence.

Joe Buck’s comment about being proud to be Irish. Yes! Irish Americans are Irish. Fleeing Ireland was the only option for many. I can’t stand judgement towards not being fully from Ireland. Embracing your heritage is important, especially in the US which is a melting pot. Half the pros left USSR countries.

Anyways, up the ra & tiocfaidh ár lá

I've noticed two things lately that I wanted to get other people's thoughts on.

1. The Carrie Ann backlash

I've noticed that all the judges can say or agree on the same thing, yet Carrie Ann seems to be the one who gets the most backlash for it. People constantly complain about the judges not having enough time to give critiques, or sometimes not giving any critiques at all and only saying positive things. But when Carrie Ann actually gives criticism, why is she the one getting attacked, especially when the other judges agree with her?

It seems like people are going after her more than ever, and honestly, I'm glad she continues to stand her ground. I hope she continues being a judge for as long as the show is on the air.

2. Do the pros feel untouchable because of fan support?

Do you think some of the pros feel like they can do no wrong because they know the fans online will automatically defend them and attack the judges instead? I wonder if that kind of support makes them feel justified in their actions, even when they might have something to take accountability for. Does knowing the fans will have their backs encourage them to lean into the online backlash rather than reflect on the situation?

ETA: I didn’t hate the movie AT ALL, I just don’t have an overwhelming love for it!

The music for Sinners is very unique and gothic and I think if it had been any other year “I Lied To You” would have won (NOTHING was beating “Golden”). With that being said, I think a dance to one of the songs for Horror Night would be awesome! The cover of “Rocky Road To Dublin” is also amazing and gives Disney Villain vibes in the best way but it might be a bit overkill since Mark and Maura are doing their Ireland dedication next week.

Is anyone else surprised they don’t mention Tatyana being on Abbott Elementary?? I know she’s a minor character but it’s much more recent than Fresh Prince of Bel-Air so they could just mention both. Especially since it’s an ABC show, like how they’re saying Harry is from Greys Anatomy rather than Glee (which he’s potentially more well-known for)