My friend Gia got tickets to the season finale of Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday night. We were thrilled when we got seated five rows behind the judges and close to the back stage entrance. Warren Sapp's kids were standing nearby for a while and the judges & hosts walked by us a number of times.
The first few times I went to DWTS they had a lot more audience participation games before and during it. Everything from dance-off's to mini-versions of shows like The Newlywed game and The Price is Right, and sing-off's. My favorites were the dance-off (my cousin and I participated) and when the warm-up guy asked for song requests and complied when I shouted out "Natural Woman." Now, there's a lot less down time and the extent of the audience interaction is the balcony sides trying to out-cheer one another so that one person in their section can get a free t-shirt.
The dance performances were amazing. The judges commented on how much more relaxed everyone that was already voted off seemed now that they weren't competing any more. I have to admit I was rooting for Warren Sapp. He's just such a charismatic guy, and the whole audience grinned from ear to ear when he was on the dance floor. But Brooke Burke was far and away the most deserving dancer based on technique, and she really was incredible to watch.
The last time we were there Gia had met a man named Burrel Lee Wilks III, who is a life coach for the professional dancer Tony. When she greeted him after the show, he walked us backstage to get her a copy of his book: Success for Life. That was pretty darn exciting. Gia, who's far from shy, high-fived Alfonso Ribeiro, most famous for his role as Carlton on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Presley, who also came with us, noticed Vanessa Hudgens of HSM fame (that's High School Musical) walking to her car. It was just a trip.
If you'd like to get tickets for next season, to go On Camera Audiences' website.
Tips for being in the audience of Dancing with the Stars:
(1) Get there at least 1-2 hours before they tell you.
(2) Wear comfortable shoes and bring dressier ones to change into.
(3) Wear light or bright colors if you want to stand out in the audience. Most people wear darker colors.
(4) When you're waiting in line, the nearest bathroom is probably the organic foods store at the corner of Beverly Blvd. and I think it's Gardner, but you have to purchase something.
(5) If you don't get in to the show or even if you do, go to the Grove for great food and shopping! I love the outdoor food booths, especially the creperie.
(6) Once you get past the initial waiting area, you'll be seated on benches for a while, so it's a good idea to bring something to read or a book of Sudoku or crossword puzzles.
(7) Snacks and bottled water are a good idea for while you're waiting in line.
