Danielle with… Selena Hamilton
Summary
Selena Hamilton discusses her journey to the *Dancing with the Stars* Next Pro finale, detailing her intense two-month training in Utah and her background in commercial dance. She reflects on the pressure of the competition, including the "wow moment" controversy with Eric and the emotional impact of AJ's comments, which fueled her determination to win. Hamilton also shares insights on her viral cat commercial, her dream partner, and the physical toll of professional ballroom dancing.
Topics discussed
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Intro: Thomas's Mars rocket and Kleenex ad
Host intro: Dancing with the Stars recap
Welcome Selena Hamilton to the show
Selena's background in contemporary vs ballroom
Intensive training in Utah with pros
The challenge of teaching opposite moves
Knowing other contestants and pros
Nerves and expectations entering the competition
The 'White Box' rehearsal experience
First impression and Derek's feedback
Dealing with disappointment and Tristan's issues
Honing in on details and faking it till you make it
History of the show and TikTok fame
Dream partner: Ilya Malinin
Praise for Brit and Val Shmerkovsky
Special place in heart for Val
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Recalling the moment of injury/elimination
Selena's back stress fracture history
Physical toll: Neck strain and posture
Blisters and hidden physical pains
Speculating on Natalie's elimination
Future of the show and viral moments
The Eric 'Wow Moment' dance controversy
Val's critique and Eric's responsibility
Daniela's feedback on the dance's emptiness
Hindsight on Eric's elimination
Predicting who else could have made finals
Bond with Alan, Eric, and Adele
Packing for the show and low points
Finale prep: 3 days with Adam Rippon
Working with a figure skater partner
Challenges in choreographing the finale
Deciding on the final dance structure
AJ's behavior behind the scenes
Unaired run-ins with AJ
AJ's criticism as motivation
AJ and Riley's practice issues
Gender dynamics in the house
Adele's growth and pro visibility
Val's long-term journey
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Is the pro dream still alive?
Turning 22 and continuing to fight
Pride in working under pressure
Adele's preparation for Next Pro
Praise for Selena's emotional intelligence
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