Adele Zaikman is headed to “Dancing with the Stars.”
Winning the spinoff series, “The Next Pro,” Zaikman had to choreograph and perform two numbers with Nev Schulman, a past “DWTS” contestant. AJ Pritchard, who came in second, was given former champion Charli D’Amelio. Selena Hamilton, who came in third, displayed her skills with Adam Rippon, a past champion.
While Zaikman was a beautiful dancer (judges called her the “next generation” of Latin dancers), she didn’t have Pritchard’s teaching skills or experience. She told a tearful story about wearing a back brace 20 hours a day when she was a child.
“Dance has been my therapy,” she said. That touching drop over drinks added to her victory and helped explain why some of her earlier performances were adequate at best.
Adele Zaikman is announced as the winner of “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro,” Aug. 31.
Pritchard, who led throughout the season, said he was devastated by the loss. But, if “DWTS” is as chaotic as insiders say it is, he’ll be on the big show before long.
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Hamilton, who was constantly identified as a “commercial” dancer, was thrilled to make the final three. She did fine with Rippon, but “Next Pro” seemed determined to promote a Latin ballroom dancer, not a newbie.
That’s why Pritchard’s defeat seemed odd. He had the discipline “DWTS” seeks and produces dances that get attention. Zaikman did, too, but she had a way of featuring herself over her partner. How that will play on the big stage is anyone’s guess.
The show — a first — is a worthy summer replacement series. It helps even the professionals’ playing field and gives them exposure before the season begins.
More importantly, “Next Pro” introduced judge Shirley Ballas to an American audience. Like former head judge Len Goodman, she was a stickler for technique and wasn’t afraid to call out those who didn’t produce. She could easily find a seat at the judges’ table if one of the originals decides to leave.
If there’s a second season of “Next Pro,” producers should choose two winners — one male, one female. Then the attention won’t be so intense when the show begins.
Pritchard still deserves to be on the big stage. But time will tell. Devastation doesn’t last forever.
