David Dvir and Eli Mizrahi, longtime judges on Israel’s "Dancing with the Stars," spoke to mako ahead of the new season, which is now in its fifth run and airs with a new episode on Saturday after the news on Keshet 12. The interview also marked the first season with a male-majority panel, something they said reflects how much male dancing has changed over the years.
The newest addition to the judging table is former dancer Haim Perstein. Dvir said he was open to the change, saying that if someone has expertise and a dancer’s background, like Perstein, he should be able to judge. Mizrahi called the move “a pleasure and an experience,” adding that Perstein “worked hard” and deserves the role. When asked if they had advised him before he joined, Dvir said he did not need advice because “he knows exactly what to say,” while Mizrahi said they told him to enjoy the process and use his experience to help the contestants improve.
The two judges also named contestants who had impressed them over the years. Mizrahi mentioned singer Li Biran and actress Adi Havshush, saying the most memorable participants are those who make it to the quarterfinals or finals. Dvir said several contestants had surprised him, especially because he does not know their media personas, and singled out Daniella Greenberg as someone who has impressed him so far and, in his view, could go all the way. When asked which contestants they would most like to dance with, Dvir chose Shiri Maimon, while Mizrahi said he would happily dance with any of the women in the cast, including Maimon and Greenberg.
Both judges addressed the harshness of their criticism. Dvir said he understands that contestants are hurt and in pain, but argued that competition leaves “no mercy,” and that in his profession he has performed after surgeries and injuries. Mizrahi said they must give constructive advice because they have been through the same world for many years. Dvir admitted he often thinks about his comments on the way home from filming, saying, “I’m not sorry, but maybe I should have been more subtle,” though he added that this is who he is and people should accept him that way.
The interview also touched on Dvir’s new tattoos. Mizrahi praised them as beautiful, and Dvir explained that he got them because he is no longer at an age where the body grows and develops, and because his arms had ugly skin growths removed after sun damage. He covered them with a SpongeBob design, which his grandson loves. His wife was unhappy, Dvir said, and feared the tattoo ink would enter his bloodstream and harm him. Mizrahi also spoke about posting videos with his daughter Bar, describing their shared videos as quality time and saying the bond has become special because she is a natural performer.
