Five couples, two dances each. It’s time to step up the competition with two rounds of dances, one ballroom and one Latin.
I love this point in the competition. Most of the stars are stronger in either the ballroom or Latin dances and having one of each in the same night balances out the scores.
We’re one week from the semi-finals and quickly narrowing in on the four dancers that have been stand-outs since week one.
Round 1: Ballroom
* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Quick Step: 27
Great start with a slightly disappointing score. Thanks to Carrie Ann, we are all well aware that illegal lifts lose a point, but you can lose a point for breaking hold during a quick step?!? I had no idea. The dance was perfect in my eyes. I loved the dance, the dress, the music. Who knew the DWTS singers could do a fun genie voice?
* Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Argentine Tango: 25
Power, strength, passion. I’m with Len, I loved Ty and Chelsie’s Argentine tango. Ty has so much strength, not just physical strength, but strength of character. I felt that this dance let him show the restrained passion that is behind that boyish grin. There was perhaps some nuance and fluidity lacking, but it felt like it wasn't entirely needed.
* Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough
Waltz: 25
“You tried to be a lady, but you’re more comfortable being a tramp.” Oh, Bruno. But he meant it in a nice way. This waltz was better than I expected. It sort of feels like Lil' Kim thinks she is more sassy than graceful and it keeps her from being as graceful as she could be.
* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Foxtrot: 29
I admit, I had high expectations for this foxtrot. Fortunately, Gilles and Cheryl did not disappoint. It had an outstanding entertainment value and, of course, the phenomenal music added to the magic. His technique may not be perfect, but Gilles is wonderful to watch.
* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Viennese Waltz: 27
Simply beautiful. Melissa’s much ballyhooed balletic quality fit the Viennese waltz (though I’m tired of hearing about it). I’m not sure what was up with Tony’s hair. Or down? It was rather short or matted? This waltz was a lovely dance that showed no visible signs of dancing through an injury.
Round 2: Latin
* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Paso Doble: 29
Despite her sweet smile, I think we all knew Shawn could bring the intensity when it was needed. She is an Olympic gold medalist after all and that has to take some serious determination. I’ve been just a little lukewarm on Shawn so far, but I really enjoyed this paso.
* Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Rumba: 21
Ty has come so far and I loved watching this rhumba -- maybe not for the reasons I usually would love a rhumba, but it was sweet to watch. I loved his hip action; so unnatural, yet so endearing. And I loved his dance over to Jewel almost as much as I loved his saucy comment about it after the scoring!
* Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough
Salsa: 27
I’m with the judges on this one. It was great to watch and- Man! Can that girl shake it! But it did lose some control to the excitement. Another thing it did was make me think Lil' Kim and Derek could be really fun to watch in the finals.
* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Rumba: 27
I try to avoid the gossipy dance-partners-hooking-up speculation, but Cheryl could not control that Cheshire cat grin! It was there in the Foxtrot and back in full force in the Rhumba. I don’t think there’s anything sordid behind it. It’s just a “Wow my partner’s hot!” vibe. I do think it’s making her choreography a bit too over the top.
* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Samba: 30
This was my favorite dance of the night. Maybe of the season. It was a perfect dance, deserving the perfect score. Tony’s choreography was flawless. Melissa really has the technique, the musicality, the style. She’s just the whole package and I’m so glad her injury hasn’t kept her out of the competition.
Leaderboard:
57 -- Melissa and Tony (27 + 30)
56 -- Gilles and Cheryl (29 + 27)
56 -- Shawn and Mark (27 + 29)
52 -- Lil’ Kim and Derek (25 + 27)
46 -- Ty and Chelsie (25 + 21)
I do realize that Ty and Chelsie will probably be going home this week. And I will admit that, for dancing ability, it is only fair. But I hate the idea of Ty leaving after he’s come so far.
Whatever happens, tomorrow night (finally) brings us Dance Center! So it’s all good.
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