Happy Halloween! Dancing With The Stars is back tonight with a spooky night full of monster-themed dances!
Not only will tonight see the return of the Dance Marathon – dubbed tonight as the Dance Monster-thon – but the judges’ panel will be joined by guest judge Niecy Nash!
After last week’s emotional episode, we ended the night by saying goodbye to Mira and Gleb.
Vote live during the show at dwtsvote.abc.com or text FIRST NAME to 21523.
DWTS 32 Spoilers: Monster Night Dance Styles, Song Choices
Jason and Daniella – Contemporary – “Zombie”
Some may remember that Daniella’s Halloween Night Contemporary in Season 30 with Iman Shumpert was a defining moment for the couple, who ultimately won the season, and this dance felt an awful lot like that moment two seasons ago. Daniella is an exceptional choreographer and Jason wowed e with his ability to perform a dance that is much tougher than it looks.
Derek says he loved the “monster yoga” intro but the side-by-side dropped a bit of energy. Niecy says the minute Jason’s zombie came to life, she believed it. Bruno calls it haunting but he nearly missed the lift. Carrie Ann says it was amazing but he wasn’t as grounded tonight.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Niecy- 9, Bruno- 9 = 36/40
Alyson and Sasha – Paso Doble – “Supermassive Black Hole”
Alyson lacks so much rhythm but is such a joy to watch. I love that they gave her the vampire theme. This choreo didn’t feel like a traditional Paso, but that breakdown in the middle was cool.
Niecy says she could have had a little more grace coming down the steps, but compliments the energy she brought to it. Bruno says it was a Paso with a bite, but says there was a little incident he’s overlooking. Carrie Ann compliments their side-by-side dancing. Derek says he always asks for more power and attack, and today she showed it despite a few mistakes.
Carrie Ann- 7, Derek- 7, Niecy- 7, Bruno- 8 = 29/40
Xochitl and Val – Contemporary – “Game of Survival”
I love the concept of Xochitl being dead and Val bringing her back to life. Definitely haunting. There was definitely a wobble during one of the turns, but Xochitl proves every week what a great dancer she is.
It appears something happened to Xochitl’s leg or ankle, so Val carries her down the stairs to the judges panel.
Bruno says she’s back from the dance and ready to rule the dance floor, and says she commands the screen and the stage. Carrie Ann says she told the story powerfully. Derek says she sends shivers down his spine every time she performs. Niecy says she’s captivating and the performance was gorgeous, and in this moment, she’s the perfect example of “the show must go on.”
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Niecy- 10, Bruno- 9 = 37/40
Harry and Rylee – Argentine Tango – “Blinding Lights”
The alien theme seemed to take over this dance, in my opinion. Their costumes were so distracting, it was hard to pay attention to the routine. Good choreo, but to be blunt, Harry’s exceeded his time.
Carrie Ann says he needs to command the dance floor and he needs to give it a full body dance experience. Derek tells him to focus on all the fans voting for him week after week, and tells him to over-exaggerate the movements. Niecy says not everybody is going to like him, but she likes him, and he moved around the floor beautifully. Bruno says he’s applied himself and his musicality is better and his steps were on time, so forget what people say.
Carrie Ann- 7, Derek- 7, Niecy- 7, Bruno- 7 = 28/40
Barry and Peta – Viennese Waltz – “It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World”
Loved the Little Red Riding Hood theme, but the song was an interesting choice. It almost seemed like it was hard for Barry to keep up at times, but he’s still a great dancer to watch.
Derek says the character took over and the dance suffered (agreed). Niecy says she loved the passion of the dance and his footwork was gorgeous. Bruno says he stayed on time but lost his shoulders at times. Carrie Ann says it was incredible and he used up all the space.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 7, Niecy- 8, Bruno- 8 = 31/40
Ariana and Pasha – Argentine Tango – “Bad Guy”
Ariana’s got great legs for this dance, but not enough drive behind them. I’m glad Pasha’s able to show us more of his choreography skills this season. Not gonna lie, I was expecting the actual song, not an instrumental, but somehow the instrumental made the dance feel more spooky.
Niecy calls it amazing and says everything she did was beautiful. Bruno calls it terrific, thrilling and hot. Carrie Ann says she has what it takes to win it. Derek calls it slinky and seductive and thanks Pasha for the content, but tells Ariana the execution was flawless.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Niecy- 9, Bruno- 10 = 37/40
Lele and Brandon – Paso Doble – “Bloody Mary”
Ok Lele killed this Paso. I loved the Wednesday theme, but why so many spiders? I didn’t watch the show so maybe I’m missing something. But this is the kind of Paso I love, full of content with a more pop feel as opposed to your traditional Paso.
Bruno says now she’s in business because she’s gained control. Carrie Ann says she has a major spark, but she’s not finishing her moves and says there’s a sloppiness going on (completely disagree). Derek says she always performs at a 10, but it lacked refinement. Niecy says she needed work in the arms but the footwork was beautiful.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Niecy- 8, Bruno- 9 = 33/40
Mauricio and Emma – Argentine Tango – “Somebody’s Watching Me”
If Carrie Ann can so easily call Lele sloppy, then she should say the same thing about Mauricio. Just not a very memorable dance, with poor execution.
Carrie Ann says he’s come so far from Week 1 and she’d like to see more posture and strength in his core. Derek says his lines are stronger and he’s confident in his upper body, but he needs to work on his legs. Niecy says he manhandled Emma (k lol). Bruno says he’s gained power but the style wasn’t correct.
Scores after the break!
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Niecy- 7, Bruno- 8 = 31/40
Charity and Artem – Jive – “Skeleton Sam”
Jive + Skeletons = perfect dance! Great choreo, but Charity definitely lacked stamina like Artem mentioned in the package. Jive also has a hop to it that Charity lacked. The ending was super creative.
Derek compliments the concept and the content, but it lacked attack. Niecy says she wanted more power in the dance. Bruno says it was deliciously, spooky fun. Carrie Ann says it was beautifully executed, but says her legs aren’t always sharp.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Niecy- 8, Bruno- 9 = 35/40
Now it’s time for the Dance Monster-thon! Bare with me as I try and update throughout it!
Dancing a Hustle to “Staying Alive,” all the couples hit the floor.
Xochitl and Val have great costumes along with their choreo. Charity and Artem look very slow in comparison, and Alyson and Sasha don’t look as if they’re at the same level.
Barry and Peta are first to go, which I disagree with.
Harry and Rylee are out next.
Jason is great but is starting to seem tired.
Mauricio and Emma are out.
Alyson and Sasha are finally out next while Ariana and Pasha finish a lift.
Lele and Brandon aren’t perfect.
Charity and Artem are surprisingly out.
Now the dance switches to Charleston for the remaining couples to “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” Such a tough dance when it comes to keeping up your energy!!
Even Xochitl looks like she’s tiring out.
Jason has a natural ability for dance, but Jason and Daniella are out next.
Lele and Brandon are just about killing this dance.
Lele and Brandon are out next.
Ariana and Pasha were better at the Hustle.
Ariana and Pasha were last to leave.
Xochitl and Val win the Dance Monster-thon and receive 6 bonus points added to their score!
The bottom couples are… Alyson and Sasha, Harry and Rylee and Mauricio and Emma.
The couple going home is… Mauricio and Emma.
Finally. I thought he would’ve been the first one eliminated. See you next Tuesday for Music Video Night with guest judge Paula Abdul!
