Dancing With the Stars - Week 10

Tonight we had a chance to look back at each couple’s “breakout” dances and see each of the celebrities’ hometowns.

Once I got over the fact that it would be a half-hour before we got to the new dances, I sort of liked the “breakout dance” segments. They showed each couple’s “breakout” (read: best) ballroom and latin dances. It was interesting to rewatch the dances with the couples’ commentary.

Visiting the celebrities’ hometowns taught us that Gilles used to emulate Michael Jackson, Ty has been riding bulls (calves) since he was 2 ½ years old, Shawn was a fearless child, and Melissa was on the drill team. I’m sure there were some other tidbits, but that’s about the extent that I got from it.

I think I tune out a little when there isn’t someone dancing.

Two dances again tonight: ballroom and Latin. And they were good ones!

Round 1: Ballroom

* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Quick Step: 28

Carrie Ann and Bruno need to check their judging priorities. While personality certainly plays a part, this is a dance competition. Melissa is not an actress. Don’t dock her a point because you didn’t feel some intangible “connection” to the dance. They were dancing a quick step, to a showtune. The smiling, light-hearted attitude was entirely appropriate. This quick step deserved three 10s.

* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Waltz: 30

Maybe I’m not a big waltz fan. It was a lovely, soft dance. I personally didn’t feel a connection to that dance. Gilles is an actor and the emotional component was touching, however, I’ve been less impressed with Cheryl’s choreography lately. I feel like I’m watching some of her more memorable moves too often lately. Like the end of this dance where she throws her arms across Gilles’ shoulders and he keeps walking, dragging her behind.

* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Argentine Tango: 30

Nothing like an Argentine tango to put me in a good mood, and this was a perfect one. The lifts, the ganchos, the attitude. Just perfect. I loved their costumes (Mark’s eyeliner was awesome) and the music. And those lifts! (again) Bruno was right, Shawn may have been channeling the Cell Block Tango (and, yes, that’s a good thing!).

* Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Viennese Waltz: 25

I love watching Ty and Chelsie waltz! (Despite not being a big waltz fan.) Ty’s dancing skills clearly fall short of the other semi-finalists, but he has come so far! It’s tempting to throw out the dancing focus when Ty and Chelsie are on the floor and want to judge him on his effort and determination. Len’s defensiveness was adorable. He seems genuinely impressed with Ty’s effort to become a dancer, even if it doesn’t come naturally.

Round 2: Latin

* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Cha Cha Cha: 27

I want that skirt! Watching that material swish and the silver spangles catch the light makes me want to get back into belly dancing! Tony has really been wowing me with his choreography this season and they rocked this cha cha.

* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Salsa: 30

This one was a perfect 30 for me, too! Man, he can shake it! That was a hot salsa and Cheryl’s choreography was great, back to her best. I can’t wait to see their freestyle. I just hope fans don’t assume Gilles and Cheryl are a lock and throw their votes to others.

* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Jive: 26

The jive does seem a better fit for Shawn’s natural personality (and Mark’s!), but I didn’t love this as much as their Argentine tango. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it felt just a little careless, or sloppy, or something along those lines.

* Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Samba: 23

We all know the Latin dances are not Ty’s strong suit, but he has improved so much! Think back to his week one cha cha. Back then, I thought he’d be lucky to make it to week two! And I adored his puckish smile during that gratuitous butt shake!

Leaderboard:
60 -- Gilles and Cheryl (30 + 30)
56 -- Shawn and Mark (30 + 26)
55 -- Melissa and Tony (28 + 27)
48 -- Ty and Chelsie (25 + 23)

I loved having another week of Ty and Chelsie, but I really want to see the other three couples in the finals. I think it’s time for Ty to mosey back to the ranch.