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Post by Firedrake on Apr 22, 2015 12:43:16 GMT -5
It looks like DWTS has fallen to new lows. As it turns out, Riker has Latin Ballroom competition experience. He competed with his sister as a partner and even competed against one of the current PROS of DWTS, Whitney!!!This totally goes against the spirit of competition of this show and puts him into a much more superior position over all the other stars. What is also troubling is that he was asked about this by Erin and said that he had no dance training or experience. By inviting him to compete on the show and by not revealing this information, DWTS has officially jumped the shark for me. I have lost all confidence in those running the show to be honest and upfront about what is going on.
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Post by apkaylinn on Apr 22, 2015 15:41:21 GMT -5
To me not being upfront with Erin is the troubling part. I've voted for a fair share of contestants knowing they had previous dance experience. Several contestants with dance experience have won. So previous dance experience is not disqualifying on DWTS. The show certainly knows that and it's hard to imagine Riker didn't know it, too.
So I don't understand why he wasn't straightforward about it when Erin asked him. Whether the show advised him not to share that info or Riker decided on his own to withhold it, it's pretty clear someone was concerned that previous experience in Latin Ballroom would be a problem with the audience.
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Post by tristanfan on Apr 22, 2015 18:57:43 GMT -5
This issue was debated up, down and sideways on another forum a good month ago. I was surprised that it just hit the ABC board now. To me, his competitive dance experience doesn't bother me at all. It isn't giving him much of an advantage that I can see and it was a long time ago. But, the lie when directly asked about his experience is giving me pause. I am also of the opinion that he was instructed to give that answer by TPTB. I kind of like the kid but that is not the way to win friends and influence people.
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Post by apkaylinn on Apr 24, 2015 11:37:34 GMT -5
I don't have a great memory, definitely not an exact one, so I visited utube for the exact wording on Erin's question to Riker on night one of DWTS. She starts out their skybox segment by revealing that Riker is related to the Houghs, walks him through precisely what that relationship is--second cousins--and also mentions that their family relationship was first discussed during the cast announcement on Good Morning America.
Then:
Erin: How much dance training? Any of that? Were you with the Houghs in the ballroom? Any of that growing up?
Riker says no, then relates a cute anecdote about one of his earliest memories being that he went to Vegas to see them compete. Said Julianne dragged him out on to the dance floor and tried to show him some moves.
That's pretty much it. He never mentions his own dance training or competitive experience. Then Erin cuts to the judges for the scores.
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Post by tristanfan on Apr 24, 2015 16:57:48 GMT -5
Thanks for checking, kaylinn. I like the kid but darn, he did bald faced lie! My chosen couple of Robert and Kym are in all liklihood going to depart week after next and I thought I would throw my votes to Riker and Allison. Now I am having second thoughts. I guess one thing is to remember this is an entertainment show with the winner always being the most popular not necessarily the best dancer. So experience vs. no experience doesn't really influence the final outcome. But I still wish he had come clean.
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