Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars is down to just seven dancers. Real Housewives of Atlanta peach Phaedra Parks was partnered with three-time Mirrorball champ Val Chmerkovskiy. While Phaedra displayed confidence in most of her routines, she didn’t always have the technique down. During “Disney Night,” she and Val were sent home. Unlike some contestants this season (cough – Anna Delvey), Phaedra took something away from her DWTS experience.
Phaedra Parks learned about “trust” on DWTS
Although Phaedra was sad to leave the ballroom, she has some potential gigs already in the works. “Well, you know, I’ve got a few offers on the table that I’m trying to evaluate, but I really like the gaming,” Phaedra admitted.
Of course, Phaedra’s goal was to be the first housewife to win The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. While that dream didn’t come true, she did learn some things that she is taking away from her DWTS stint.
“I learned that I could really trust someone because couple dancing is a lot about trusting your partner and not always being in control. And he was a very gentle partner,” Phaedra told US Weekly. “And he really helped me a lot of times just get out of my head and, you know, get on the dance floor.”
Phaedra Parks inspired her DWTS partner, Val Chmerkovskiy
Meanwhile, Val picked up some life skills from his partner. “She taught me to always overlook the contract, make sure everything’s right, redline it a couple of times. Phaedra taught me how to honestly not box yourself in,” Val explained. “You know, I’m also in a position where I mastered a craft, and I’m still curious and still want more. She’s a testament that you can have more.”
Well, Phaedra is constantly booked and busy. She is a mom of two, has a reality TV career, and is a mortician and an attorney. I’m exhausted just typing all that. However, Phaedra’s list of achievements wasn’t lost on Val. “You can have whatever you put your mind to,” he stated. “And, you know, that’s really inspiring to me to see [that work ethic] so up close.”
Plus, Val shouted out Phaedra’s hard work in the ballroom. “I think people assume that she just wakes up and believes in herself so dramatically. No, she wakes up and puts in work, and that work gives her confidence and self-belief,” Val said.
Dancing with the Stars continues on Tuesday nights at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
TELL US – ARE YOU SAD THAT PHAEDRA AND VAL WERE ELIMINATED? WHICH COMPETITION SHOW WILL PHAEDRA DO NEXT?
