BELLO mag #140

Bello#140

Val Chmerkovskiy ALL STAR ISSUE

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Bello PUBLISHER IMAGE NATION STUDIO L.L.C. California, USA editorial@bellomag.com ADVERTISING advertising@bellomag.com Aleksandar Tomovic (editor in chief) alek@bellomag.com Stephane Marquet (creative director) steph@bellomag.com Leslie Alejandro (executive director) leslie@bellomag.com Dio Anthony (entertainment editor) dio@bellomag.com Warren Alfie Baker (fashion director) warren@bellomag.com Nicole Walmsley (beauty editor) nicole@bellomag.com Dee Trillo (senior lifestyle and travel editor) dee@bellomag.com Michelle Ganney (associate entertainment editor) michelle@bellomag.com Fabio Fernandez (fashion news director) fabio@bellomag.com Kimmy Erin Kertes (fashion editor-at-large) kimmy@bellomag.com Hiko Mitsuzuka (entertainment editor-at-large) hiko@bellomag.com Steven Carver (international editor) steven@bellomag.com Brent Lambert (design and technology editor) brent@bellomag.com Jon Norris (european editor) jon@bellomag.com Mark Norris (european editor) mark@bellomag.com Amanda Peixoto-Elkins (creative director, latin america) amanda@bellomag.com INTERNS PAULO ACUÑA (editorial assistant) paulo@bellomag.com CELESTE PIRAINO (social media and communications assistant) celeste@bellomag.com LAYOUT NEBOJSA DOLOVACKI CONTRIBUTING WRITERS COVER STORY: DIO ANTHONY HIKO MITSUZUKA NICOLE WALMSLEY CATHARINE PRACOWNIK CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS COVER: MAARTEN DE BOER LEO DEVENEY

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EDITOR’S

note,

DECEMBER, 22, 2016

This All Star Issue has got to be one of my favorites in regards to design. Design is a form of art very close my core—in this issue we take a glimpse of someone in another art field excelling and making a name for himself, all the while breaking a sweat for the sake of some rhythm and moves. Valentin Chmerkovskiy is without a doubt a breakout star of the last couple of years. He currently holds reign of the Dancing with The Stars Universe. But it’s where he’ll go after that’ll tell if he’ll pass the test of time. With moves and a body like his—I think time is certainly on his side.

Dio Anthony

, Entertainment Editor

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CO NTEN TS 06

TB MOMENT OF THE WEEK

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ENTERTAINMENT -THE BEST OF 2016

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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MAGNOLIA

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PETER ENGEL: THE MAN BEHIND THE “BELL”

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COVER STORY

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tbMOMENT

of THE WEEK

After party after the AFTER ROMEO shoot with photographer SOSA + ART. July 2016

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BELLO’S

BEST OF 2016 HIKO MITSUZUKA (@THEFIRSTECHO) LOOKS BACK AT THE YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS IN ENTERTAINMENT.

W

e think it’s safe to say that 2016 will go down in history as one of the stormiest years of the 21st century. Who knew, back in January, that 2016 would turn out to be a year most people would like to wipe from their collective memory?

No one wanted to say goodbye to iconic musicians and beloved actors week after week. No one wanted to be inundated with headlines about mass shootings and innocent lives lost to senseless gun violence. No one really wanted Suicide Squad...or Ryan Lochte’s superb display of douchebaggery which outdid his previous displays of douchebaggery. No one wanted to say “on fleek” anymore. And no one wanted to witness one of the most di-

visive and frustrating presidential elections in American history.

But despite how difficult it is, we must look at the proverbial bright side of things.

2016 gave us the Summer of Stranger Things and PokemonGO. It gave us delicious Lemonade and gave Tatiana Maslany a well-deserved Emmy. It also gave us the glorious return of Mandy

Moore -- on a beautifully weepy NBC drama no less. But most importantly, 2016 gave us the following highlights in entertainment. These are the films, TV shows, and music that made our year as bright as possible. These were the pieces of entertainment that stood out, dared to be different, and left us all quite...shook.

Before you can say “mannequin challenge,” let’s get to it, shall we?

FILM PICKS OF 2016 1. SING STREET John Carney’s fantastic, Irish coming-of-age-in-the-80s charmer is more than just a let’s-start-a-band story. It is the most joyful, uplifting movie of the year that poignantly celebrates the innocence and ambition of youth as well as the musical influences that speak to the creativity needed to broaden one’s horizons in the pursuit of a dream.

2. THE INVITATION Simply put, Karyn Kusama’s subtle nailbiter is the best psychological thriller in years (and a sly commentary on grief within the self-help culture of L.A.) It’s an impeccably detailed portrait of a dinner party gone wrong, infused with 7

THE INVITATION

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a slow-burn tension and dread that culminates in a jaw-dropping third act. My heart was still pounding well after I left the theater, possibly due to that chilling final shot of the film -- the best on the big screen all year.

MOONLIGHT

3. MOONLIGHT This unforgettable and poetic comingof-age saga works on a visceral, resonant level, tapping into emotions and ideas that transcend the screen. Moonlight, from writer-director Barry Jenkins, delicately observes the formative moments of a young man’s life and refuses to spoon-feed audiences clear-cut resolutions. And therein lies the haunting brilliance of this intimate portrayal of a life forever in progress.

4. OTHER PEOPLE Writer-director Chris Kelly (SNL)gets personal with his big-screen dramedy about a New York writer (Jesse Plemons) returning to his hometown to care for his cancer-stricken mother. But this isn’t just a 90-minute-long weepie.

Kelly recruits a capable cast (including a shocklingly good Molly Shannon) that manages to find the comedy in between moments of pain and heartache and celebrate the bonds between mothers and sons.

5. TICKLED David Farrier’s rollercoaster ride of a documentary features one of the most shocking plot twists of the year while respectfully exploring the underground world of competitive tickling (yep, that’s a thing). It’s also one of the most compelling mysteries of 2016.

6. THE LOBSTER Standalone absurdist cinema is a rarity in today’s franchise-obsessed world, so consider Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos’s beautifully strange and challeng-

ing film a prized gem. Outstanding performances from Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, and John C. Reilly highlight this haunting tale that brilliantly comments on the way society views unlucky-inlove singletons.

7. DON’T THINK TWICE Writer-director-star Mike Birbiglia’s love letter to improv is also a sobering coming-of-age-in-your-30s dramedy that balances the laughs with sharply observed moments of disappointment and desire.

OTHER PEOPLE

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ARRIVAL

8. 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE This excellent exercise in suspense is three things: 1. The best popcorn flick in a year filled with big-budget letdowns.

2. A sly and clever installment in J.J. Abrams’s puzzle box of a universe within a franchise-that’s-not-a-franchise.

3. The birth of a new action heroine in Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s resourceful damsel in distress.

9. ARRIVAL Consider this the anti-Independence Day, an intelligent, aliens-land-onEarth story that is an exquisite study in

human communication, thanks to Denis Villeneuve’s thoughtful, meditative direction and twisty storytelling device.

10. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA Kenneth Lonergan’s emotionally devastating film is a gorgeously produced meditation on grief, guilt, masculinity, and family while its bone-deep performances bring the story to raw life.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

hyped and romantic ode to the City of Angels is just what we needed at the end of a turbulent year. It could have gone insufferably wrong with its artsy, star-crossed Millennials-in-love plot, but it doesn’t. It’s an original (read: ORIGINAL) musical, a contemporary look at a world full of hopes and dreams that is both progressive and a nostalgic throwback at the same time.

And that opening sequence on a traffic-clogged freeway overpass is a stunning achievement in itself.

Don’t Breathe, Hush...and LA LA LAND - Damien Chazelle’s much-

TV PICKS OF 2016 We’re living in the era of Peak TV, and with over 400 scripted shows that were in existence this year (across broadcast, cable, and digital), there was simply too much good TV to keep track of. Binge at your own risk!

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1. AMERICAN CRIME (ABC) In an age when cable and streaming platforms continue to raise the bar with bold and innovative narratives, American Crime came along and surprised in

ways that kept broadcast networks in the game. The compelling second season of this anthology series starts with a sexual assault case involving a pair of high school students, the kind that is rarely discussed or observed on television, and ends in a tragedy, the kind December 2016 - BELLO

AMERICAN CRIME

that is all too familiar in our nation’s headlines. The brilliant ensemble cast (including Emmy winner Regina King and a revelatory Connor Jessup) brings their A-game, elevating this 10-episode saga to dramatic heights.

2. BLACK MIRROR, “San Junipero” (Netflix) The most beautiful, wonderful, transcendent piece of television I’ve seen all year hails from the third season of

the outstanding series that has found new, vibrant life in the streaming universe. This particular episode, starring the fantastic Mackenzie Davis and Gugu Mbatha-Raw and brilliantly written by creator Charlie Brooker, introduces viewers to “immersive nostalgia therapy,” taking us on a trip to 1987 and inviting us to witness a romance that boldly stands the test of time. Also: you’ll never listen to Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” the same way again.

3. ATLANTA (FX) Donald Glover’s nuanced comedy filled the void left by last year’s Master of None, delivering a razor-sharp look at the hip-hop scene in the titular city, meticulously observing the minutiae of ambition, and introducing us to TV’s next great underdog, the driven Earn (Glover), who will do anything to keep his head above water.

4. THE NIGHT OF (HBO) Reminiscent of Serial’s first true-crime case, HBO’s mini mystery, led by the wonderful Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, is a crime drama that is so very now: cynical in tone and seeped in xenophobia-driven hypocrisy.

5. WESTWORLD (HBO) Genre nerds, we have a new Lost!

HBO, you’ve found your next Game of Thrones!

6. TRANSPARENT (Amazon)

BLACK MIRROR

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The third season of Jill Soloway’s drama (I refuse to call it a comedy simply because of its 30-minute running time) beautifully dug deeper into the lives of the turbulent Pfefferman family.

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ATLANTA

7. STRANGER THINGS (Netflix) This genre mash-up of all things 80s was a pitch-perfect thrill ride, simultaneously operating on three levels: John Carpenter suspense, wondrous Spielbergian sci-fi, and Stephen King-sized horror.

8. THE PEOPLE VS. OJ SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY (FX) Ryan Murphy’s behind-the-scenes chronicle of the sensational “trial of the

(20th) century” turned a true-crime gimmick into a powerful and crackling look at the players involved, adding some much-needed to dimension to figures who were once unfairly reduced to daytime court TV characters.

9. GIRLS (HBO) Lena Dunham’s millennials-in-crisis comedy demonstrated surprising growth and maturity in its fifth and penultimate season with standalone, character-focused episodes.

10. THIS IS US (NBC) Come for the warm fuzziness of agenda-free family drama. Stay for the fantastic performances and writing that deftly walks a fine line between cheesy and thoughtful.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Insecure (HBO), The Good Place (NBC), and The Crown (Netflix)

MUSIC PICKS OF 2016 Let’s take a moment to declare 2016 as “The Year Pop Divas Took Risks.”

From Beyonce’s Lemonade and Britney’s Glory to Gaga’s Joanne and Rihanna’s Anti, this was the year these femme fatales gave zero f**ks 11

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Troye Sivan

and released material that defied expectations, going against the norms of pop. These women went outside the box with their respective albums, and we’re all the better for it.

1. BLUE NEIGHBORHOOD

by Troye Sivan Released just 27 days before the start of 2016, this magnificent album deserves to be celebrated now. Hailed as a “triumphant experience” by other critics (and “One to Watch” by Rolling Stone), Sivan’s debut is just that and more. It’s an emotional, haunting, electro-R&B collection filled with devastatingly gorgeous lyrics about sexuality, religion, and family that belie the singer-songwriter’s 21 years. (See: “FOOLS,” “WILD,” and “HEAVEN.”) Certain tracks sneak up on you, delivering a gut punch and then blooming into small, beautiful revelations worth revisiting no matter your status in life. #140 issue - BELLOmag.com

2. LEMONADE

by Beyonce Bey bestowed upon the world what music history will deem the album of her career, a politically-charged collection (and series of exquisite short films) that is neither preachy nor too heavy-handed. “6 Inch” is the sexiest, late-night, femme fatale theme song of the year.

“Daddy Lessons” is the country ditty we never knew we needed. “Sorry” is the zero-fucks anthem to end all zero-fucks anthems. “Formation” is a layered argument on feminism and just

about every other social issue that was on the table in 2016. And “Freedom” is the best rally cry that powerfully encapsulates the current American zeitgeist.

Bow down, indeed.

3. MATTER

by St. Lucia Rarely does an album transport listeners to another era with such sparkling precision. The electro-pop group, headed by vocalist Jean Philip-Grobler, soars with their effervescent sophomore effort. Standout tracks like “Danc-

Beyonce

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8. JOANNE

by Lady Gaga For those looking for another collection of dance floor jams, you got something entirely different -- and that’s a very good thing. Gaga defies expectations once again by delivering an electric cornucopia of 70s glam rock and dive bar anthems.

9. “DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT”

by Hudson Thames & The Cast of Sing Street Inspired by Hall & Oates’ “Maneater,” this take-charge anthem was the synthlaced centerpiece of John Carney’s uplifting love letter to the suburbs of Dublin.

10. “WORK FROM HOME”

by Fifth Harmony

ing on Glass,” “Physical,” “Help Me Run Away,” “The Winds of Change” powerfully convey the exciting possibilities and carefree sensibilities of the 1980s while propelling us into a future that needs all the hope it can get.

4. “SAX”

by Fleur East

gone cold” is also the British group’s most intoxicating.

7. “U-TURN”

by Tegan and Sara Everyone’s favorite twin sister act returned to glorious form on their electric, bubbly Love You to Death. (Also worthy: “Boyfriend.”)

The girl group hit pop gold with their minimalist, euphemism-filled banger that sizzled all of our summers, becoming the perfect jam used by millions to lure their lovers back to bed.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Anti (Rihanna) “Into You” (Ariana Grande), Generationwhy (Zhu), “One Dance” (Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla), “Closer” (The Chainsmokers), “FAB.” (JoJo), “Hard to Forget Ya” (Britney Spears).

The attitude! Those sassy vocals! That Miami Sound Machine-esque chorus!

The best rump-shaker of the year that sadly never made it to Top 40 radio.

Give it a listen (and watch the colorful video), and just try to resist those horns and beats.

5. TWO VINES

by Empire of the Sun The otherworldly harmonies of this Australian duo (think: Fleetwood Mac with a mellow EDM twist) are in full effect on their luscious third LP.

6. “SOMEBODY ELSE”

by The 1975 With melancholic hints of Depeche Mode, this hypnotic track about a “love 13

Hudson Thames & The Cast of Sing Street

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

BY NICOLE WALMSLEY

The Holidays bring joy and cheer and plenty of reasons to shop, whether you’re checking loved ones off your list or treating yourself to something special. The perfect red lipstick, a luxurious facial oil, or a silk pillowcase is sure to be a hit. The beautiful seasonal and limited edition beauty finds make giving (and receiving) even more fun!

AMIKA #TheHauteOne Hair Trio www.loveamika.com

JENNIFER BEHR Primrose Bobby Pin www.jenniferbehr.com

MALINANDGOETZ Citrus and Floral Gift Box www.malinandgoetz.com

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TENOVERTEN Top Ten Brights Gift Box www.tenoverten.com

ARDELL Demi Wispies Black Lashes www.target.com

TATCHA Kyoto Red Lipstick www.sephora.com

VOTARY Super Seed Facial Oil www.anthropologie.com

VOTARY Soothing Silk Pillowcase http://www.votary.co.uk

TARTE Tarteist PRO Glow Highlight & Contour Palette www.sephora.com NARS Unfiltered I Cheek Palette www.sephora.com

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La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20 www.nordstrom.com

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MA SUIT DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN TURTLENECK LUCKY BRAND EARRINGS TOPSHOP SHOES TOPSHOP

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AGNOLIA

BY LEO DEVENEY

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JUMPSUIT RACHEL ZOE COLLECTION EARRINGS STYLISTS OWN SHOES LUCKY BRAND

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PANTS DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN BRA NOE GARMENTS TIGHTS AMERICAN APPAREL SHOES JEFFREY CAMPBELL EARRING LITTER SCARF VINTAGE

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PANTS, TOP, SCARF ERIN FEATHERSTON EARRINGS STYLIST OWN SHOES TOPSHOP

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TOP SAUL CHOKER JULIA CLANCEY PANTS VINTAGE SHOES LUCKY BRAND

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JUMPSUIT RITA VINIERIS SHOES SCHUTZ EARRINGS TOPSHOP

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SUIT DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN TURTLENECK LUCKY BRAND EARRINGS TOPSHOP SHOES TOPSHOP

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JUMPSUIT RACHEL ZOE COLLECTION EARRINGS STYLISTS OWN SHOES LUCKY BRAND

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PANTS DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN BRA NOE GARMENTS TIGHTS AMERICAN APPAREL SHOES JEFFREY CAMPBELL EARRING LITTER SCARF VINTAGE

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PANTS, TOP, SCARF ERIN FEATHERSTON EARRINGS STYLIST OWN SHOES TOPSHOP

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TOP SAUL CHOKER JULIA CLANCEY PANTS VINTAGE SHOES LUCKY BRAND

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JUMPSUIT RITA VINIERIS SHOES SCHUTZ EARRINGS TOPSHOP

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SUIT DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN TURTLENECK LUCKY BRAND EARRINGS TOPSHOP SHOES TOPSHOP

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PANTS, TOP, SCARF ERIN FEATHERSTON EARRINGS STYLIST OWN SHOES TOPSHOP

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JUMPSUIT RACHEL ZOE COLLECTION EARRINGS STYLISTS OWN SHOES LUCKY BRAND

PHOTOGRAPHER: LEO DEVENEY WWW.LEODEVENEY.COM @LEODEVENEY MODEL: MADISON TABEEK NEXT MODELS LA @MADISONTABEEK STYLIST: CHAINE LEYENDECKER WWW.CLEYENDECKER.COM @CHAINELEY MAKEUP ARTIST: BRIDGET O’DONNELL WWW.BRIDGETODONNELLMUA.COM @BRIDGETODONNELLMUA HAIR STYLIST: HEATHER RAE CHESZEK WWW.HEATHER-RAE.COM @HRAE_HRAE 31

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PETER ENGEL: The Man Behind The ‘Bell’

BY CATHARINE PRACOWNIK

F

or every kid who grew up in the 80s and 90s, hearing the opening ring and guitar riffs of the theme song to NBC’s Saved by the Bell will always bring on a wave of nostalgia. Airing in 85 countries, the sitcom was one of the most popular and unique shows of its time, the highlight of most kids’ Saturday mornings.

23 years later, self-proclaimed storyteller and SBTB executive producer Peter Engel has written a book detailing the immense highs and lows before reaching that dream. On an early Tuesday morning, I caught up with the man who brought Bell to my screen all those years ago while living in a small English town obsessed with everything American (Peter helped me experience California through the show, and without knowing it, inspired my move to L.A. many years later.)

BELLO: How does it feel to know your dreams have come true?

PE: I’m greatly blessed with no regrets.

All my dreams have come true, and they’re still coming true. I’m the most blessed guy I know.

BELLO: You talk about self-doubt and the reality of making it in television being a long shot. If you could go back in time and tell yourself something during those moments of self-doubt, what would you say?

PE: I was too naive. I’m glad I didn’t know what I know now. I probably would have given up, way back then.

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sion. What would you say to someone whose parents want them to pursue a different career path to what they want?

a sudden the crowd was 10,000 kids, and they had to come in jeeps to get us out. I knew we had a hit, and I had the best time of my life. Television is meant to be fun.

PE: If you can make a living doing something that you love, you’re gonna have a good life. Follow it, have a passion for it, don’t let anyone steal your dreams. Just go for it.

BELLO: How would you explain the energy of the audience at Bell compared to other shows?

BELLO: While working on JFK’s campaign, he told you to have faith. Do you ever reflect on that surreal moment?

PE: The audience was in a frenzy. We used to have St. Joseph Hospital on speed dial because girls were always fainting. I of course would rev them up, “Are you ready to meet the guys and the girls?” and I’d get them crazier than they were to begin with, and I loved it. I loved every minute of Bell. Friday night, stage 9 at NBC was like one big gigantic party.

PE: A lot of people have asked me that.

“You gotta have faith kid.” That was the most significant piece of advice that anyone ever gave me.

BELLO: Amongst the amazing highs and success achieved, you’ve been through just as many dark lows. How do you feel these periods of your life affected you since?

PE: I had my heart broken many times, before and after that, and I think if you don’t have your heart broken, you’re really not in it, and if you never have your heart broken, you’ll never enjoy the victory. There’s nothing like knowing the difference. You’ve gotta have your heart broken, if you don’t have your heart broken you’re really not in it.

BELLO: When you were “born again,” you described yourself as feeling brand new. How did it help you move forward and let go of the anger you had been holding?

PE: I became a new person, and the anger that I had, the rage I had against people and things and failures...I just became a forgiving person and let it all go.

BELLO: You made some courageous moves to get where you are today.

What made you lay on the floor of the [network] president’s office to get more episodes of Bell?

PE: I knew this was my last chance for a hit. So I lied down in the president’s office. Everyone said, “Was that your plan B?” I said, “No, I didn’t have a plan B.” I thought he was going to totally agree with me that we wanted more episodes; if I hadn’t done that, we’d have been off the air in seven weeks.

BELLO: When did you first realize how successful Bell was becoming?

PE: We were only on air six or seven weeks. We didn’t have merchandise, all we had was Mark [-Paul Gosselaar] and Tiffani [Theissen] signing autographs and taking pictures. All of

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BELLO: What’s your favorite memory of working on Bell?

PE: I thought when we went to the beach for six weeks it was like a family going on vacation. That was my favorite moment, driving down to the beach to go to work.

BELLO: At the end of Saved by the Bell, you said “Bell had been my first success. It was the answer to my dream.

And, now, it was over.” How does that feeling of realization hit you?

PE: It only hit me for a night. It was a very momentary thing of “Gosh this is over.” What I did do was go, “I gotta get all these people jobs.” There will never be anything like Bell for me. We made history ‘cause there’d never been a show like that.

BELLO: Your book is very honest and extremely uplifting. Is that how you wanted your readers to feel at the end?

PE: Yes. Never, ever, ever give up.

Never let anyone steal your dreams.

And remember, someday today will be a long time ago. Don’t miss one moment of it.

I WAS SAVED BY THE BELL is now available wherever books are sold.

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“MR. MVP,”

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COVER STORY

DANCING WITH THE STAR. 30-year-old Ukranian Born Val Chmerkovskiy has been Dancing with the stars for over 10 seasons on ABCs demanding competitive series. With two wins behind him, and his popularity and demand on the show growing by the dance number, the New York raised actor makes two things clear—30 has never (ever) looked better, and his show’s best kept secret— he’s the star.

BY DIO ANTHONY PHOTO MAARTEN DE BOER

T

he first time you appeared on the series was in 2006 in Season 2. Did

you ever think you’d be here now, 10 years later?

I never in a million years thought a show like this would exist. And then when it did, I never in a million years thought that it would last for 20 seasons. It’s very crazy! I feel grateful to be given an opportunity to see my talents fulfill themselves. To be given a platform as huge as that on average 35

dancing for 15, 20 million people, every week six months out of the year…

But mostly i’m grateful for the opportunity that this has given me to make my life better because of it, to make the lives of my family and friends better.

I don’t take this platform for granted and try to do with it as much as I possibly can.

You were the winner of season 20 and now just recently season 23. Looking back what has been the most memorable season for you?

I’d say my season with ZenDecember 2016 - BELLO

MR. MVP

-daya even though we didn’t win might be my most memorable. I got to work wth this young, strong talent. This young woman, that even back then I saw a leader, an alpha if you will—someone that was passionate. I was very driven to at the very least inspire her to be a better performer but also a better person, in whatever way I could do at the time. this past season I was paired with Laurie Hernandez, who is sixteen years old, and yet again— I’m in one of the most memorable seasons yet again, because I get to work with a young mind.

A young lady that has potential to inspire and influence an entire generation of young girls. So, for me, I look at it as the biggest gift throughout this whole whole opportunity. DWTS has helped me inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

Being the Laurie is an olympic gymnast. Did you pick up any pointers that could be used towards dancing from her?

I wish! I’m familiar with her range and try to capitalize on that as much as I can. She obviously has flexibility and range, and to my luck she also has rhythm…which in my experience athletes don’t always have. So, in my opinion that’s already a combination for success. In terms of what I picked up from her? [laughs], very little. I could do a cartwheel which is already above average, but I’m nowhere near an olympic gymnast at all.

Would you say your process changes with everyone you’re paired with, or does it typically stay the same?

I’m a lot more conscious of the story of my choreography with someone like Laurie who’s 16.

Versus someone who’s a little older, or a mature woman I guess, if you will. I might indulge in sexier moves or in a different narrative between us, because ultimately that’s what Ballroom dancing is. Organically something that happens #140 issue - BELLOmag.com

between two people, that chemistry and touching, it’s what makes latin dancing what it is. However, that’s not the only thing—so with Laurie I tried focusing on other elements of ballroom dancing that make it still exciting and full of chemistry but without that sexual element in it.

So, this is bit of a different question. What song currently out now can you not refrain yourself from dancing to whenever it comes on?

To be honest—I love all genres, But I grew up in Brooklyn, New York—so i’m a hip-hop head, an old school one. Right now, A$ap Ferg’s new song gets me—New Level. I can’t contain myself, dude—that beat drops really heavily.

Now that you’ve been on the show as a regular for a couple seasons. What helps you stay fresh and new?

I try and stay current. I try and get back to New York as much as I can, because of the inspiration that’s in the city. I feel like variety, diversity, culture, history, passion—these all things that I find really, really inspiring. They are also all the things that comprises New York City. A pot of cultures, a melting pot of attitudes and egos. I find that so inspiring. The fact that there are so many people within the city with different views. It motivates my curiosity, I think that’s what keeps me going and inspired—the ability to learn something new everyday.

Like many celebrities, you’ve also expressed some words on November’s unprecedented Election Results. Can I ask you, how’re you generally feeling?

It doesn’t matter what my political views are but, I just want people to understand that it doesn’t matter who your president is. You are the President of the United States of whoever you are. The bottom line is it starts with local legislature and that’s yourself. You treat others how you’d like to 36

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be treated. Then it starts with your family, then your community—then it starts for the accountability for your city, for your town, for your state and then ultimately the country.

But I feel like so many issues are being pointed at one person, issues that not one person created. It really doesn’t matter who I voted for, or wether you agree or not.

The duty of this country is to listen to each-other. That’s the ability that this country has, the ability to improve, to be better. For us to speak out again, be able to critique.A

lot of the freedom that we enjoy in this country is very unique to us.

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“I’m a product of an immigrant family and no matter how people feel about living in this country I would always feel a huge amount of gratitude for what the country has given me. For the rest of my life I’ll be grateful for being able to grow up in New York City. “

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u t r o p p o e h t r o f “I’m grateful o t e m n e v i g s a h s i nity that th f o e s u a c e b r e t t e b make my life m a f y m f o s e v i l it, to make the .” r e t t e b s d n e i r f d n a y il - Valentin, 2016

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That doesn’t mean we should accept injustice. It doesn’t mean that we shoulda accept lack of this or that and so on. Rather ask yourself, what can I do now? I’m a product of an immigrant family and no matter how people feel about living in this country I would always feel a huge amount of gratitude for what the country has given me. For the rest of my life I’ll be grateful for being able to grow up in New York City.

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I know that it’s not the elect that many of us expected or supported but a big portion of our country did, and that’s something to think about. My advice is, go out there, and stand your ground—not just on Twitter!

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