Dade Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 NAME: Laila Ali PROFESSION: Undefeated World Boxing Champion PARTNER: Maksim Chmerkovskiy BACKGROUND: Ali, an undefeated world champion female boxer and youngest daughter of sports legend Muhammad Ali, takes her footwork to the ballroom dance floor on Dancing with the Stars. Outside the ring, Ali has graced countless international magazine covers such as Glamour and Italian Vogue, and authored the inspiring autobiography Reach! NAME: Maksim Chmerkovskiy ACHIEVEMENTS: * 2005 Yankee Classic Professional Latin Champion * 2004 Manhattan Dancesport Professional Latin Champion * 2003 Ohio Star Ball Latin Champion * Ranked 2nd in the US CELEBRITY PARTNER: Laila Ali STATS: Style: Latin Nationality: Russian Based in: New Jersey Status: Recently split from his professional partner, looking for a new one. BACKGROUND: Maksim partnered actress Tia Carrere in Season 2. They finished the show in 6th place. During Season 3, Max partnered singer Willa Ford into 7th place. Born and raised in Russia, Max moved to the United States fifteen years ago. He has been dancing since the age of four when his parents decided he needed a hobby, and admits that he absolutely hated it from day one; like any little boy he wanted to play football and run around with his friends, so wearing funny costumes and partnering girls was the last thing he wanted to do. Things changed when he was ten years old and had a crush on his dance partner. She was taken away from him and given to a better dancer, a boy who took it more seriously, and from that day something changed in Max. ABC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Califcyclone Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 1st Dance Opinion: Laili is really beautiful. And I don't mean that in a "Antonella Barba is beautiful but can't sing" kinda way. Cause it appears that Laili can dance too. In retrospect, I can see how being a good fighter and having dancing potential can go together. I look forward to seeing how she progresses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I liked her dancing. I think she is one of the best so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katydidit Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I agree. I stepped into the show at this point. Not knowing background, I thought she might be the instructor. I'm interested to see what all these weeks of dancing will do for her already well-toned body. Note to self: Would love to see Laila and Emmitt go round the floor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivy Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Note to self: Would love to see Laila and Emmitt go round the floor! Yeah, that would probably be good. But I'd still rather see Emmit and IVY take a turn-- anywhere, any time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Laila exudes HOTNESS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Califcyclone Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 2nd Dance Opinion: Week number 2 and I think this couple were number 1. Hot, Hot, Hot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeCiMom Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 Raunchy (And, I mean that in a good way!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katydidit Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 Yup, I may have found my favorite, but am not going on record just yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowpoke Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 I wouldn't hesitate to bet $2.00 that she'll be one of the final THREE. (great voice too) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 She did the best performance of the night. I just love her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeCiMom Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 There's something so beautiful and mesmerizing about her. Didn't think tonights dance was her best but, she's still better than most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 She was off her game tonight. I still think she is hot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Califcyclone Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 3rd Dance Opinion: I agree with Marty (on both points). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jersey721 Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 Uh oh. . . a bad attitude and a snide remark just knocked her off my favorites list. She had a hard time not being judges darling last night. And her remark to Samantha . . . "they wouldn't have liked it no matter how well I did" . . . turned me right off. She's off my speed dial, for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeCiMom Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 jersy, I understand what you were feeling about her comment (my instant reaction too) but, then I almost immediately decided that it was directed at her partner. It's my understanding that the "pro's" choregraph their routines and the judges commented on how they "broke apart" during their dance and that's why they couldn't give her higher marks. I think we're seeing some partner issues developing more than her diss'ing the judges. jmo, though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 I think I am going to keep an eye on her attitude. I won't root for a bad tude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivy Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 I think Maks is in trouble! As the judges said -- he knows better. And I think Laila is not happy about being criticized on something she entrusted to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jersey721 Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 jersy, I understand what you were feeling about her comment (my instant reaction too) but, then I almost immediately decided that it was directed at her partner. It's my understanding that the "pro's" choregraph their routines and the judges commented on how they "broke apart" during their dance and that's why they couldn't give her higher marks. I think we're seeing some partner issues developing more than her diss'ing the judges. jmo, though How could she have been directing that comment to her partner? She said "they wouldn't have like it no matter how well I did" right after the judges criticized the routine. She can't take criticism. I still believe that remark was aimed directly at the judges. She'll need to win back my favor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowpoke Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 In the Pre-dance clips I recall that Appolo and Laila mentioned their preparation time was cut into because of previous obligations.... (sorry if I missed any of the other dancers mentioning the same dilemma) I'm sure their dance routines were effected because of that. B U T ....... the judges don't want to hear that stuff (plus other dancers have had the same problem) lol.... sorry, just rambling......... and rambling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeCiMom Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Does she sparkle on the floor or what?!? Another team I really enjoy watching dance. But, I'm getting tired of Laila's attitude. Can't stand it when the "celeb" thinks they know more than the professional dancer. Get over yourself Laila, do what Maksim tells you to do and you could win this thing!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 I agree CeCi - The attitude buts a little damper on her excellent performances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeCiMom Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 Go Laila, Go Laila, Go Go, Go Laila!!! Another 2 knockout performances by "the great" Laila!!! (oh and Maksim too... ha) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted May 1, 2007 Share Posted May 1, 2007 I thought she was good but I though some of her dancing was a little "spastic" looking and not deserving a 30. I will have to go back and watch again. I think she is beautiful and certainly one of the top 3 in the competition. I just don't understand the judges sometimes. Sometimes they like the extra moves and other times they don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jersey721 Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 Very touching having her father in the audience tonight. But how in the world can you objectively judge her performance with the great Mohammad Ali in the room? And will the voters be swayed by that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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