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Author Topic:   Buzz Aldrin on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars"
Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-02-2010 09:53 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
ABC release (March 1, 2010)
ABC Announces Cast of New Dancing with the Stars

An all new lineup of stars -- including a legendary astronaut, a Bachelor, an Olympic gold medalist, a Bengal, an ESPN Reporter, a pop singer, a "90210" alum, an actor, a comedienne and a reality television star who is the mother of eight -- will strut their stuff on the dance floor in the highly anticipated two-hour season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars," Monday, March 22 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

All eleven couples will dance for the first time on live national television on Monday, March 22 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), with couples either performing the Viennese Waltz or Cha Cha. In week two, all of the couples will return to dance their second routines in a two-hour show, Monday, March 29 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). The couple with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes for both performances will be sent home on Tuesday, March 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) in the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show."

The eleven celebrities heading to the dance floor this season, as announced tonight on the finale of the "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love," are:


Buzz Aldrin. Credit: ABC.com

Buzz Aldrin - Astronaut, scientist/inventor, bestselling author, advocate for man's future in space, Buzz Aldrin is considered one of the greatest heroes of space exploration. On July 20, 1969, he and Neil Armstrong made their historic Apollo 11 moonwalk, becoming the first two humans to set foot on another world. An estimated 600 million people -- the world's largest television audience in history -- witnessed this unprecedented, heroic endeavor. Upon his return from the Apollo 11 mission, Aldrin was decorated with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest American peacetime award. Born in 1930, Aldrin was educated at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He then joined the Air Force, where he flew 66 combat missions in Korea and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Dr. Aldrin received his Doctorate of Science in Astronautics at MIT before being selected by NASA in 1963. He devised docking and rendezvous techniques for spacecraft in Earth and lunar orbit which became critical to the success of the Gemini and Apollo programs. He has received three U.S. patents for his schematics of a modular space station, founded Starcraft Boosters, Inc., a rocket design company, and the ShareSpace Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to advancing space education. An accomplished writer whose work has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, Aldrin has most recently written an autobiography entitled Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon. Named after Aldrin are Asteroid "6470 Aldrin," "Aldrin Crater" on the moon, Buzz Lightyear from "Toy Story," and the MTV Music Video Award "The Moonman" was originally called "The Buzzy" and is shaped in his image.

[Omitted: biographies for Pamela Anderson, Erin Andrews, Shannon Doherty, Kate Gosselin, Evan Lysacek, Niecy Nash, Chad Ochocinco, Jake Pavelka, Nicole Scherzinger, and Aiden Turner]

"Dancing with the Stars" returns with new surprises and all the elements viewers have come to know and love. "Macy's Stars of Dance," which features some of the most renowned dancers and choreographers of our time, will be back with performances on "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show." One of the "Macy's Stars of Dance" performances will be the hugely popular "Design-a-Dance," where fans have the chance to select their favorite celebrity dancers, dance styles and wardrobe at abc.com. Three weeks of the competition will feature the return of the "Dance Off," where contestants will perform a dance style of their choosing to fight for their spot in the competition, followed by three consecutive single eliminations.

Below are key dates for Season 10 (dates and times subject to change):

  • "Dancing with the Stars," two-hour season premiere performance show, Monday, March 22 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET).
  • "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show," one-hour season premiere, Tuesday, March 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET).
  • "Dancing with the Stars," one-hour final performance show, Monday, May 24 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET).
  • "Dancing with the Stars" season finale, two-hours, Tuesday, May 25 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET)
Each week this season, the celebrity and professional dance pairs will perform live choreographed Latin, traditional and contemporary ballroom dance routines to popular live music played by a 17-piece orchestra, led by musical director Harold Wheeler. Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 30 minutes after the "Dancing with the Stars" performance shows. AT&T customers may also text message their votes by texting the word "VOTE" and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply). Viewers may also vote online at abc.com starting from the opening of each episode on the East Coast and until 12:00 Noon, ET the following day.

Hosted by Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos"), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/ choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba, who all return for their tenth season together.

"Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade is co-executive producer. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Editor's note: For reference, this release was inserted to appear before the below comments that began on Feb. 24, five days before Buzz Aldrin was confirmed as a contestant on the show.

kr4mula
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posted 02-24-2010 03:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kr4mula   Click Here to Email kr4mula     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I heard a rumor a few days ago that Buzz Aldrin is supposed to be a contestant on the next season of "Dancing With The Stars." A quick google search shows that the rumor abounds. Does anyone know anything about this? Given how alert everyone is, I'm shocked this thread hasn't popped up yet.

328KF
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posted 02-24-2010 04:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 328KF   Click Here to Email 328KF     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Please tell me they won't have him do the "moonwalk." The rap song was bad enough...

Steve Procter
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posted 02-24-2010 04:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Steve Procter   Click Here to Email Steve Procter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sorry, no good gag material here. I've racked my brains to come up with any astronaut/dancing humour but have failed miserably...

PS: How about 'Waltz Cunningham'? (sorry)

MCroft04
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posted 02-24-2010 07:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MCroft04   Click Here to Email MCroft04     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Actually I believe he would do better on Survivor.

Max Q
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posted 02-24-2010 08:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Max Q   Click Here to Email Max Q     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Procter:
How about 'Waltz Cunningham'? (sorry)
Groan, I love it...

Delta7
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posted 02-24-2010 09:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Delta7   Click Here to Email Delta7     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Carl Waltz?

Buzz might have a problem keeping his balance due to his center of gravity being off-set by his PLSS. And his partner will have to hope he doesn't step on her toes with those lunar EVA boots.

ColinBurgess
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posted 02-25-2010 12:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just so long as he doesn't do that nervous male thing he did when he first stepped onto the lunar surface.

Jay Chladek
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posted 02-25-2010 04:25 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What, boldly "going" where no man has "gone" before?

gliderpilotuk
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posted 02-25-2010 07:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for gliderpilotuk   Click Here to Email gliderpilotuk     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"Magnificent Desperation"?

Steve Procter
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posted 02-25-2010 08:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Steve Procter   Click Here to Email Steve Procter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
So it will be Neil 'First Step' Armstrong and Buzz 'Quick Step' Aldrin...

garymilgrom
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posted 02-25-2010 09:08 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for garymilgrom   Click Here to Email garymilgrom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This could be a strong tie-in to his Nike shoes.

SVaughan
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posted 02-25-2010 09:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SVaughan     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
You're all close. He's actually going to appear on "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here" with a group of celebrities sent to the ISS. During one episode entitled "Dancing in the Stars", Buzz will perform a soft-shoe shuffle on the exterior of the station during a challenge to win extra rations of Tang.

gliderpilotuk
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posted 02-25-2010 12:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gliderpilotuk   Click Here to Email gliderpilotuk     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Procter:
So it will be Neil 'First Step' Armstrong and Buzz 'Quick Step' Aldrin...
Steve - knew you'd recover your form.

Wehaveliftoff
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posted 02-25-2010 01:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Wehaveliftoff     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Worst Idea. Wouldn't even last as long as The Woz. Too old.

music_space
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posted 02-26-2010 10:25 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for music_space   Click Here to Email music_space     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Buzz didn't get to perform the dance he lobbied for on Apollo 11 when he raised the issue of who would initiate the EVA. From "Deke!", page 234, making a case for Armstrong to egress first:
"Otherwise, you'd have two guys in bulky pressure suits doing some kind of goddamn dance inside the lunar module"

MCroft04
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posted 03-01-2010 09:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MCroft04   Click Here to Email MCroft04     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My wife just informed me that it was announced that Buzz is one of the new 11 contestants who will dance!

DCCollector
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posted 03-01-2010 09:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DCCollector   Click Here to Email DCCollector     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hmmm, your wife?

MCroft04
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posted 03-01-2010 09:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MCroft04   Click Here to Email MCroft04     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yea, I'm watching a documentary on Dolly Madison and the wife is watching the latest on reality TV. I worry that Buzz will embarrass himself, but being the hero he is, I suspect that he will do well. Perhaps the new headlines will read "Magnificent Dancification!

Max Q
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posted 03-01-2010 10:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Max Q   Click Here to Email Max Q     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I don't think Buzz is easily embarrassed.

Fra Mauro
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posted 03-01-2010 11:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fra Mauro   Click Here to Email Fra Mauro     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Can't believe it! I thought the original post was just a gag! Well, why not? It can't be worse the the "Rocket Experience" and it will generate a little astronaut publicity. My fiancee and I have started taking dance lessons and let me tell you, even at the beginner's level, it isn't easy!

Jay Chladek
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posted 03-02-2010 04:26 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
To quote an often used line from Star Wars: "I have a bad feeling about this."

I hope Buzz does well, but this is going to be very interesting to say the least.

gliderpilotuk
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posted 03-02-2010 09:29 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for gliderpilotuk   Click Here to Email gliderpilotuk     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well who'da guessed it...the reason is financial:
At 80 years old, Col. Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin is one of the oldest celebrities ever to sign up for ABC's Dancing With Stars. Talking about his decision to take part in the dance show, the former moon walker told Zap2It that his reasons were mostly financial.

"Living on Air Force retirement and Social Security, I'm forced to go out and sing for my supper quite a bit," he said. "Most of the astronauts are in the business of marketing memorabilia and autographs. It's not like a football player being paid millions and millions, and it's a shame that somebody who has gone to the moon has to do that.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-02-2010 09:37 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
ABC's own forum has the requisite "moonwalk" jokes and a few discouraging remarks about Aldrin's age (as compared to the other dancers), but it also captures what the show's audience thinks of Aldrin and its rather positive.
"Unexpected, but very cool pick."


"You made an awesome choice. It's time some American heroes are brought back into the light."


"Cannot wait to see Buzz Aldrin... and if a single judge says a single cruel word about that American Hero I will never watch this show again."


"This is great! This man and his accomplishments outshine all the others. He adds some class and dignity to the show. Good choice, ABC!"


"We know he can fly, can't wait to see him dance."

Leon Ford
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posted 03-02-2010 10:43 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Leon Ford   Click Here to Email Leon Ford     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As a friend of mine said today, Buzz has finally jumped the shark.

Chris Orwoll
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posted 03-02-2010 12:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chris Orwoll     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Don't normally watch the show, but am now going to HAVE to watch that first episode. At least I don't think he'll have any problems doing the TANGo! Sorry, had to go there...

FFrench
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posted 03-02-2010 12:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FFrench     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As they say in the Air Force: Foxtrot Tango Romeo Victor - Bravo.

Delta7
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posted 03-02-2010 12:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Delta7   Click Here to Email Delta7     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Leon Ford:
Buzz has finally jumped the shark.
I think that happened with the Buzz Aldrin action figure.

Jay Chladek
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posted 03-02-2010 02:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Actually, I think I know what the first song Buzz will dance to should be. How about "Marvelous Night for a Moondance" by Van Morrison?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-02-2010 02:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jay Chladek:
Actually, I think I know what the first song Buzz will dance to should be.
USA Today's Quick Question today is devoted to that very subject:
Which astronomy-themed song would you like to see Buzz Aldrin use on 'Dancing With the Stars?'

ColinBurgess
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posted 03-02-2010 02:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"He Ain't Heavy; He's My Buzza"

kosmo
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posted 03-02-2010 03:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for kosmo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm sorry, but for some reason, I think this is quite sad!

gliderpilotuk
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posted 03-02-2010 03:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gliderpilotuk   Click Here to Email gliderpilotuk     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jay Chladek:
How about "Marvelous Night for a Moondance" by Van Morrison?
I was thinking "Money's too tight to mention" by Simply Red.

jamato99
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posted 03-02-2010 03:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jamato99   Click Here to Email jamato99     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"For The Love of Money" by the Ojays.

NASAgoob
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posted 03-02-2010 04:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for NASAgoob   Click Here to Email NASAgoob     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think it's sad too, but all of these somewhat supportive comments may change my mind. I just think "reality television" is not the place for a living historical icon.

Max Q
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posted 03-02-2010 04:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Max Q   Click Here to Email Max Q     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"Cannot wait to see Buzz Aldrin... and if a single judge says a single cruel word about that American Hero I will never watch this show again."
I think if anyone says anything cruel ol' Buzz will thump 'em.

chet
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posted 03-02-2010 04:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for chet   Click Here to Email chet     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think it's a great thing to see any 80-year old (and especially THIS one) show a younger audience that being 80 doesn't mean you have to spend the rest of your life in a rocker on the porch.

Whereas most of televisionland is magnificent desolation (magnificent, in my opinion, only because of HD picture quality), I'll be looking forward to seeing Buzz's giant leaps for octogenariankind!

OK, I'll stop now.

P.S. I think "Fly Me To The Moon" would be a great number, tempo-wise, to see Buzz glide to - glad to see it's the #1 vote-getter so far.

divemaster
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posted 03-02-2010 09:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for divemaster   Click Here to Email divemaster     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I asked Walt Cunningham if he'd consider being on the next show. He said that he'll have to wait to see how Buzz does, first.

Actually I had a very typical Walt response, none of which I can repeat in public.

Now - the big question is - would Wally have done it to give him a great audience for his wonderful sense of humor? Gotta admit, Wally was a lot funnier than Buzz will ever be.

Here's the weird part - all I could think of was the 1968 version of "The Producers" when Franz Liepken says that "Hitler was a wonderful dancer". Funny where your mind goes.

On edit: I think Buzz's dresser should be that rather flamboyant skater from the USA Olympic team. I'd like to see Buzz in sequins - with a tassel.

Not that there's anything wrong with being flamboyant. Remember I spent over 25 years in the show dog world.

spaceheaded
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posted 03-03-2010 06:53 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for spaceheaded     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Another Apollo? Oh, no! [Apolo Ohno won DWTS in '07]

jimsz
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posted 03-03-2010 09:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for jimsz   Click Here to Email jimsz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think it is sad an 80 year old American icon would appear on a show like this and use money as the excuse. I'd venture to guess between autographs, selling memorabilia, licensing, books, social security and military pension, Mr. Aldrin enjoys a far higher income than most working people let alone those retired.


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