Why Gleb Savchenko Prefers Ariana Madix Over Scheana Shay on 'DWTS'
'DWTS' pro Gleb Savchenko shares his reasons for choosing Ariana Madix over her 'VPR' costar Scheana Shay as a contestant on the show
Gleb Savchenko Glad Scheana Shay Did Not Join Dancing With The Stars DWTS Would Not Have Same Chance as Ariana Madix
Gleb Savchenko, Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay. Getty Images; ABC; Getty Images
Scheana Shay won't have the support of professional dancer Gleb Savchenko in her dream of joining Dancing With the Stars. Savchenko shared his thoughts on Shay's desire to be on the show before her Vanderpump Rules costar Ariana Madix was offered a spot on season 32.
Savchenko, 40, shared with the U.S. Sun on Tuesday, April 2 that he is happy Scheana did not participate in the show. He believes that Ariana had a better opportunity to shine.
He remembered watching Scheana's dance moves before her wedding to Mike Shay in 2014. Savchenko even choreographed their first dance.
He remembered that it was a bit challenging at the time. He emphasized that he has no negative feelings towards her. He expressed his admiration for Scheana, saying she is wonderful and he really enjoys her company.
Savchenko mentioned that Scheana, who is now 38 years old, seemed to have limited dance background back then. He also suggested that she may have enhanced her skills over the past decade and become much more proficient now.
Gleb Savchenko Glad Scheana Shay Did Not Join Dancing With The Stars DWTS Would Not Have Same Chance as Ariana Madix 2
Ariana Madix Disney/Eric McCandless
Savchenko also shared some tips for those interested in being on the show.
"If you dream of being on Dancing With the Stars and you believe you have enough fame to be a part of the show, it's important to start taking dance classes," Savchenko advised. "Some people may think it's just about hanging out in the dance studio for a few hours, dancing with a charming guy with a Russian accent and a smile."
Scheana felt emotional when Madix, 38, was chosen over her by Bravo fans.
During a March episode, Scheana shared with Lisa Vanderpump that she had started taking dance classes this year in preparation for the opportunity. She expressed feeling a mix of emotions, happy for Madix but also disappointed for herself.
Scheana had a heart-to-heart with Lala Kent, expressing her feelings. She mentioned how happy she was for Lala's success, even though she had wanted the opportunity for herself. Scheana promised to support Lala every Monday for Dancing With the Stars. She acknowledged Lala's deserving of all the good things happening to her and expressed her relief that Lala did not spiral into a negative path. However, Scheana also shared that she was still hurting.
She went on to talk about her own struggles, feeling like she never gets a moment to focus on herself. Scheana mentioned the pain of losing a close friend and how it's been difficult for her. She expressed frustration that she doesn't feel allowed to express her emotions because everything seems to revolve around Ariana. Scheana admitted that she is tired of feeling this way.
Madix highlighted that her participation in DWTS opened doors for her fellow cast members. She shared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen that she could relate to feeling happy for a friend's success while also wishing for the opportunity herself. Madix expressed her belief that if one person from their show could make it on DWTS, it could potentially benefit others from the same show as well.
Scheana recently explained the point she was trying to make on screen. She mentioned on her podcast "Scheananigans" that she meant it as a joke, not as shade. Sometimes when she tries to be self-deprecating, she feels like it doesn't come across well to others.
Editor's P/S:
Scheana Shay's dream of joining Dancing With the Stars has been dashed, at least for now. Professional dancer Gleb Savchenko, who choreographed her first dance with ex-husband Mike Shay, believes that Madix was a better choice for the show due to her stronger dance background. Savchenko suggests that Scheana's dance skills may have improved over the past decade, but he emphasizes the importance of formal dance training for aspiring contestants.
Despite her disappointment, Scheana has expressed support for Madix's participation in DWTS. She acknowledges Madix's deserving of the opportunity and believes that her success could pave the way for other cast members to join the show in the future. Scheana's comments highlight the complex emotions that can arise when witnessing a friend's success while also longing for a similar opportunity for oneself.
