'Dancing with the Stars': Let's Talk About Laurie Hernandez

Laurie Hernandez & Val Chermkovskiy. Photo credit: ABC/Eric McCandless.

I have to admit, I was a bit worried about Laurie Hernandez for the last few weeks. She’s a dynamo of a performer and she shot straight to the top the first few weeks of Season 23 on Dancing with the Stars, but I felt like she stalled on her way to the top.

More: Let's Celebrate The Good Things About Season 28 on 'Dancing With the Stars'

Contestants like James Hinchcliffe and Calvin Johnson started improving while Laurie stayed at the same level — a very impressive level, but one where I wasn’t seeing any progress. It was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on because her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, is a stickler when it comes to technique. 

Laurie has probably the hardest schedule out of any contestant because she’s 16, she has home-schooling hours, DWTS rehearsals and travel and performances tied to the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions. I’m impressed that she’s kept up her spirits and her health during this hectic time. 

More:3 Theatre Tours That Are a Must-See for Dance Fans

I think Val finally saw that he needed to keep up with the strides that #TeamStopandGo and #TeamLindsatron have made because they were no longer nipping at their heels, they had caught up. I saw a lot of negative Twitter chatter about his crying during their video package, but I know Val does care about the experience Laurie is having on the show. 

When Laurie took her spot on the dance floor, she knew exactly where she needed to be — every line was hit, every toe was pointed. It looks like Val had the opportunity to work with her in rehearsals on those minute details, details that are important at this stage of the game.

More: It's Your 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 28 Pro Roll Call!

Two weeks ago, I discussed Laurie’s breakthrough. The judges didn’t think it was her best week, but I considered it a success because she opened herself up emotionally. That aspect of her performance continued in the subsequent weeks, but now I’m happy to see the finer points of her dancing become sharper and more refined. 

There are only six contestants left with James and Calvin making strong statements for the finale, so I’m thrilled to see Laurie in the mix and making a serious run for that Mirror Ball Trophy. I think it’s going to be a fight to the finish between Laurie and James.

---

This site is independently produced and created. Thank you for your support as we bring you the most up-to-date dance news and insight. Here are ways to help keep dance journalism coming your way:

For weekly dance insight that goes beyond the surface, join our Patreon page for weekly dance news, twice-a-week podcasts and dance-industry analysis: Patreon.

Need a gift idea for a dance lover? Check out my Amazon page for gift ideas.

If you make a purchase using the link included, we may earn a small commission.

Looking to join a dance community? Dance Dish with KB is on Facebook! Don't forget to answer the two questions for admission to the private group.