Behind the scenes of “Dancing with the Stars”

TMZ intimates that not all is as it seems on “Dancing with the Stars” (pretty much like any semi-live show). While the show makes it appear as if the professional partners create all the moves for the celebrity contestants, sources say it’s just not the case. Much of the rehearsal video is staged according to the story. Certainly some of the rehersal video has shown ‘special guests’ who come in to inspire or help teach the celebs. It’s just a question of how much of this goes on behind the scenes.

TMZ sources say many of the routines are arranged by outside choreographers, especially when it comes to the “younger, less experienced” professional dancers, like Cheryl Burke, Kym Johnson, Derek Hough, and his sister, Julianne.

One source says, “Cheryl Burke is the worst” when it comes to arranging her own material. She relies heavily on outside help.

An ABC source says it’s not against the rules for the dancers to use outside help.

Cheryl Burke allegedly often teams with a professional choreographer, Wendy Johnson, who reportedly worked on the dance that won Drew Lachey the trophy.

Cheryl Burke’s rep says any insinuation that she gets outside help is a “blatant lie,” adding that Wendy Johnson is a good friend of Cheryl’s, and she’s known her since she was 11 or 12-years-old. Also, the rep says, Cheryl “spends Tuesday night choreographing her routines in her apartment.”

To me it’s not a big deal. While DWTS has elements of reality it’s still an entertainment show at heart. The idea is to give all the celebs a fair chance, so you don’t want anyone to have a choreographic advantage.