15 replies to this topic

[Dade]

Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff

Ralph Macchio
'The Karate Kid"

PRO DANCER PARTNER: Karina Smirnoff

He's a successful actor, writer, director and producer. And we'll always love Ralph Macchio for being The Karate Kid. He chopped and kicked his way to stardom in that classic crowd-pleasing flick and as well as its successors, The Karate Kid, Part II and The Karate Kid, Part III.
Ralph's extensive list of film credits includes Francis Ford Coppola's The Outsiders and the hit comedy My Cousin Vinny. Among his multiple TV credits are: a two-season arc on ABC's Ugly Betty, a comedic guest lead on the series Psych, as well as a guest lead on the ABC drama The Whole Truth. Ralph was also a guest star on the hit series Entourage as well as the comedy Head Case.

Ralph also recently appeared in a funnyordie.com viral video sensation, Wax On, #### Off, which has received raves from critics and viewers alike. Ralph made his Broadway debut starring opposite Robert De Niro in the sold-out Joseph Papp production of Cuba and His Teddy Bear at the Longacre Theatre.

Ralph has come a long way since the "All-Valley Under-18 Karate Tournament" and we can't wait to see how far he goes on Dancing With The Stars!


Photo Credit: Stephanie Pistel

.......................

Karina Smirnoff

CELEBRITY PARTNER: Ralph Macchio

BACKGROUND:
Karina was born in the Ukraine before she made her way to the U.S. with her family at the age of 12. And speaking of her family, we're giving a great big shout out to Karina's folks for getting her started with ballet lessons when she was five. Think they had any idea what they started?!

At the age of nine, Karina was introduced to ballroom dancing and fell in love with it. After high school, she graduated from Fordham University but put her academic studies on hold to pursue her ballroom dancing career in the United Kingdom.

We first fell in love with Karina during Season 3 when she swung into a second place finish with partner Mario Lopez. Not bad for a DWTS rookie. The next season she finished fifth with Billy Ray Cyrus. The two would team up again after their last dance when Karina guest starred on Hannah Montana.

Karina and her former partner Slavik Kryklyvyy shared tremendous success winning the U.S. Championships and many other world titles and were ranked second in the world in the Latin division.

Back for her eighth season, we just can't to see Karina burn the floor on the DWTS stage!

ACHIEVEMENTS:
• Five-time U.S. National Champion
• World Trophy Champion
• Asian Open Champion
PRIOR CELEBRITY PARTNERS:
• Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino
• Aaron Carter
• Mario Lopez
• Billy Ray Cyrus
• Floyd Mayweather Jr.
• Rocco DiSpirito
• Mario
• Steve Wozniak

ABC

[pinkie]

Wish I liked Karina better

[SugarB]

Yeah, I can't stand Karina either.  Ralph danced really well, but I didn't think he danced that much better than Hines, who only got 7's.

[pinkie]

Yah I agree there, but he is the most well known male "star" so I guess they have to pad his scores for a while

I still love him though, even if he does still look 12

[jersey721]

He seems like he could be a fan favorite, but Karina is so disliked that she could be his downfall.  I love the guy but am sorry he's paired with her.

[gizzmotor]

I thought he did a great job last night.

[Slimcruz]

She has a beautiful body.  Natural.  Very athletic.  Lean.  Thin hair, tho.  I think that she is always one of the better dancers in a dramatic sorta way.  Maybe people don't like her so much because she is somewhat icy; reserved.  I like her.  Him; I dunno so much.

[Slimcruz]

I think that the judges were way too hard on him.  They were my faves of the night.  He's maybe the best non pro.

[SugarB]

I thought he danced great again this week.  His daughter is just stunning.

[sisu power]

I still can't believe how youthful he looks.  He is such a likeable guy and I hope he can make those changes to his presentation (hands, feet...) so that he can boost his scores.

[Slimcruz]

Ralph Macchio is the real Dorian Gray.

He seems to be a nice guy.  Nervous, though.  Can't keep those hands still, dancing or no.  I like him.  She is fab and imo the best dancer there.  Incredible moves.

[Slimcruz]

Second best, him.

[njdukie]

I     Ralph!!  Seems like such a nice guy, and I like it when the nice guy who does a great job wins!

[Dade]

Ralph did some fast thinking to pull Karina up into that turn and smooth over a bad situation.

[gizzmotor]

I was not impressed with Ralph last night.  He seemed so rigid, and appeared he was not enjoying it as much as other performances....Hope he stays!

[Happy Camper]

I thought Ralph did his best dancing AFTER the fall.  He seemed more relaxed and confident.