Emma Slater – Dancing With The Stars

Q) What do you do you do to prepare for this season of “Dancing With The Stars?”

A) I like to prepare for each season of “Dancing With The Stars” by going regularly to my favorite Pilates Bar Classes at Xtend Barre in West Hollywood. It’s a Barre method form of exercise and it’s perfect for dancers, as I find it really stretches my muscles out and I feel so much stronger after just a week. I love any kind of yoga or Barre class, but this one is my favorite!

Q) What were your first impressions when you learned you would be dancing with Michael Waltrip this season?

A) My honest first impressions to learning that my partner this season would be Michael Waltrip was definitely one of excitement. Michael is known for having a huge personality and energy. His presence is loved by many admirers, especially NASCAR race fans where Michael is legendary. I knew he would have me rolling on the floor laughing (and he has, we have footage)! I feel like I have a solid connection with country boys, too. So, without even meeting him, I knew we’d get along really well.

Q) What has it been like working with Michael Waltrip?

A) Working with Michael has been an experience I’ll treasure. I already know I’ll be friends with him for a lifetime. Besides the obvious humor and friendship we share, I’ve never had the pleasure of working with an athlete as my partner on “Dancing With The Stars” before. And there’s quite a difference. Michael likes to push himself and strive for perfection as a person. So, we practice the maximum amount every single day, never turn up late and very rarely take breaks. He’s got amazing stamina. We also travel everywhere together, as Michael has many NASCAR commitments during the week. I feel like we know each other inside out and have a very caring relationship. I love walking down the corridor of the TV studios and being told by people how hilarious and adorable my dance partner is! It makes me so proud.

Q) What is your biggest challenge as a choreographer for routines?

A) By far my biggest challenge as a choreographer on the show is finding the balance. There are stacks and stacks of steps you can use for any dance, but you have to find the right balance between the authenticity/technique of the dance style and bringing that to life in a dynamic, TV friendly way. Each is hugely important. Then, you take into consideration the capability of your dance partner and making them feel completely comfortable whilst still challenging them to strive for more difficult moves. It’s a hard task I promise you!

Q) What do you think of Julianne Hough being added as a new judge?

A) I, personally, appreciate the addition of Julianne Hough being a judge on “Dancing With The Stars.” She’s refreshing to the panel in that she’s really the only judge who has been on the other side (standing in the pros shoes). I respect her comments and find them to be honest, constructive and reasonable. She can identify with exactly what each celebrity is going through on the show, as she’s seen it all before. Plus, she’s always been lovely to my partners who listen to everything the judges say and I respect that!

Q) It’s only been a week, but who do you feel is your biggest competition?

A) I think the biggest competition this season would have to be Alfonso Ribeiro. He’s an outstanding dancer already, extremely natural. It’s hard to imagine the finale of this season without him in it. I also think Janel Parrish is a strong contender for this season. She’s sassy and has a good partner in Val [Chmerkovskiy].

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive when the episodes air?

A) During the season, social media is a huge part of the whole casts lives to constantly post about the show, our rehearsals and to keep updating the lovely people who support us with fun little bits and bobs. So many people are connected to the show on social media. It’s a massive platform. To be constantly connected to the fans like that gives me great pleasure. I adore reading all the fantastic comments and lovely messages of support people send us. It’s overwhelming for me really. Michael, too! We like to post during the show backstage so people can get a look at what its really like back there!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I would have to say to everyone who has supported myself and my partner Michael Waltrip this season, thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are massively grateful to be where we are and we have you to thank for that. It’s a wonderful feeling reading all your kind words. We will continue to put in hard work and strive to make people proud at home. It’s funny, this show consumes your life. It’s the most rewarding and liberating journey I’ve ever had the pleasure of being involved in. We become too close to our partners and even our competitors! I’m blessed to be sharing this season with someone who is now like family to me. I have so much admiration and respect for Michael. He’s the best kind of person there is. So, thank you to everyone for making him enjoy this experience so much and for showing him how awesome dancing is! We feel your love!