Tonight was the finale of the 5th season of Dancing With the Stars.

I love that show.

I saw less than a handful of episodes the first season. I saw a bit more of whatever season Drew Lachey won. Not much of the season with Mario Lopez. But I really really became a fan last season after taking my mother to a taping. I knew that she LOVED the show, so when I got tickets, of course I took her. I started watching every week after that and when I got tickets again, I took another friend.

As for this season, I missed the first few weeks, but tried to watch as much as possible.

Mel B. of the Spice Girls and Sabrina Bryan of the Cheetah Girls were *clearly* exceptional dancers. But the thing is, to me, a show like Dancing With the Stars is about taking people with no dancing experience and turning them into dancers - so even though Mel and Sabrina (and Drew and Joey from previous seasons) have a different kind of dancing experience - they still have dance experience!!!

I think Helio Castroneves win was well deserved. The show is about fan support, but it's also about the most improved. I really do think that was Helio. Mel was pretty strong from week to week.
Here is Helio kicking butt:

Look how pumped he is afterward - so awesome!
(I got to meet Julianne's family at the last taping I was at - very nice people!!)

Speaking of Mel - absolutely hot! stunning, hot, beautiful, powerful. And her partner, Maksim...well, he just like God placed down on the dancefloor for us to enjoy. The two of them paired up is like...well, it's not only fantastic dancing, but incredible chemistry that makes for some of the hottest television I've ever seen. Here's a taste:

and another hot one.

When the dancers are good, they are really really good and it is just AMAZING to watch how it all goes down - the way they move, the energy, the tight choreography. I've always enjoyed watching dance, regardless of the type (for the most part) - so this show is so much fun for me.

And Maksim says he won't be back next season...that makes my heart hurt. Maybe they will put DWTS on DVD???

---