"DANCING WITH THE STARS" FINALE NIGHT--OMG!

IT REALLY IS A FAMILY. When you are on that show you are put into a microcosm of society. There really isn't an outside world. People in hair and make-up told me that this season's cast was the most unified, loving cast they'd seen EVER.

Viewers watch the show and have no idea that the celebrity who got all tens was wrapped in blankets two hours before just trying to rest for even 15 minutes. They don't see the pros who have to ice their knees during the breaks. They don't get to see the private moments like when Corbin Bleu and Jack Osbourne hugged each other on finals night by their trailers. They don't see the prayers among the stars and pros. they don't see how the women help each other out in the make-up and hair trailers. They don't see the phone call that came to Karina Smirnoff two minutes after the show was over and the pandemonium that ensues that told her there was a family heath emergency and she needed to get to the hospital. That literally happened right as the show went off the air. P.S. All is well with her family. Crisis averted. They don't get to see the true depth of Valentin Chmerkovskiy. He is a philosophical intellectual and I loved all our conversations.

I do believe that the warmth totally comes through the TV sets, but I really want everyone to know that the experience of doing "Dancing" is like surrounding yourself with love 24 hours a day. I've never felt anything like it, and I am so grateful that Valerie Harper invited me to go on the journey.

I could write forever about it, so let's just go to all the pictures..........

 

 

This is the definitive photo of us that goes on the piano forever

Tony Dovolani and Leah Remini were reporters for EXTRA

Brant and Valerie

A candid of Derek right after

Seriously...I got to dance with Tony at a party. What a thrill!

This is a bad shot, but it's Chaz Bono and his date at the after-party at Sofitel. He looked great!

Dress rehearsal

Jack Osbourne's balloons

Each cast member got a gift from the show

More insane fun

The "girls"

Valerie with Nicole Polizzi's father, Tony. I loved him. He invited us for homemade pasta

After party