Calling on Taylor Swift Lovers, this post is going to be anything but a Blank Space tonight, and you know All Too Well why. Dancing With The Stars has gotten a Reputation for theming nights around iconic artists who never go out of Style, and tonight’s is one the ballroom is surely Enchanted to meet.
If you haven’t guessed already, it’s Taylor Swift Night on DWTS! After sadly saying goodbye to Barry and Peta last week, the six remaining couples will dance to hit songs by the popstar and later compete in the Dance Relay. The Eras Tour choreographer Mandy Moore – who is no stranger to the DWTS ballroom – serves as a guest judge.
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DWTS 32 Spoilers: Taylor Swift Night Dance Styles, Song Choices
The episode kicks off with the pros doing a group number to”Love Story” and reminding me how perfect dating a fellow dancer would be. The heart-shaped disco ball is also a cute touch.
Taylor chimes in via video message with well wishes for the contestants.
Alyson and Sasha – Cha Cha – “You Belong With Me”
This is pretty slow for a Cha Cha honestly. Alyson is definitely having a tough time keeping up. She’s got great posture though. And love the class Cha Cha/Charleston costume. The entire dance was classic Cha Cha choreo, it just didn’t look like a good fit for Alyson. Her joy when she’s dancing is infectious though.
Derek compliments her charisma and says she’s improved a lot since Week 1, but critiques her timing and some of the steps. Mandy says she was fearless on the dance floor and says she’s gone so far in the competition. Bruno says she was inspired by Taylor and it was like a romcom, but she also raced through it and lost her timing. Carrie Ann says she loves watching her confidence and encourages Sasha to give her more choreo going forward.
Carrie Ann- 7, Derek- 7, Mandy- 8, Bruno- 7 = 29/40
Ariana and Pasha – Rumba – “Cruel Summer”
Gorgeous outfits. Ariana isn’t finishing her moves though, and her legs seem weak. I don’t know what she’s going with her arms but they look so awkward. This choreo isn’t complimentary for her either, which I think is hurting her.
Mandy says she commanded the stage and matched the melodic quality of the song. Bruno says her body was singing and says it was classic and beautiful. Carrie Ann says she showcased technique and it was lyrical. Derek says she embodies the character of every dance and it was a proper Rumba.
This feels like another one of those moments where I wonder if the judges are watching the same show as me.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Mandy- 9, Bruno- 10 = 37/40
Jason and Daniella – Argentine Tango – “Don’t Blame Me”
What era is this song from? Not gonna lie, I’ve never heard it before. Jason really nails every dance he does, but his legs don’t appear as strong as they should for this dance. Looked a little messy at one point, but he still hardly ever looks bad on the dance floor.
Derek gives him a standing O before Bruno says he’s back and compliments his promenade. Carrie Ann says he’s got an easy-going quality to him but tonight he was the heart of the fire. Derek says this dance had everything. Mandy says she only has two words: grounded and epic.
Scores after the break!
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Mandy- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40
Harry and Rylee – Rumba – “August”
This feels a little upbeat for a Rumba. As usual, Harry is just standing or walking or doing anything but dancing, but it doesn’t matter since he’s going to go through in the end. Wow, he actually spun at the end. Except he didn’t even end the dance, he just stood there.
Carrie Ann says there was more content than he’s ever done and he’s still got work to do. Derek says he’s got a blank space face sometimes (thank you for putting it to words, Derek), but he was comfortable and had confidence. Mandy says he did it well and it was easy on the eyes. Bruno says it was a strong attempt and calls them out for kissing and he had strong frame.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 7, Mandy- 8, Bruno- 7 = 30/40
Charity and Artem – Argentine Tango – “Look What You Mad Me Do”
Great song and great outfits for an Argentine Tango. Charity’s got those strong legs!! The one odd thing about Charity is how stuff she sometimes looks, like she’s just a stick that’s dancing.
Derek says it was clean and precise and agrees with me about her legs. Mandy says it ticked all the boxes, but she wants more unpredictability. Bruno says she bit him though, and has pinpoint accuracy. Carrie Ann says her lines are unmatched but she thinks she has an ounce more in her.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Mandy- 9, Bruno- 10 = 38/40
Xochitl and Val – Quickstep – “Paper Rings”
Never heard this song either but I already love it. And Xochitl’s outfit is so cute. I love when Quicksteps start out with solo bits. This dance is so much fun. I worry Xochitl is getting just a teeny bit ahead of herself, but perfect choreo, this is a routine I would love to learn and perform. And ending with the “We love you Taylor” note was super cute.
Mandy says they were poetry in motion and then gives Xochitl a friendship bracelet. Bruno says it had a sense of celebration and ease of movement. Carrie Ann says she’s the most animated and enthusiastic performer they’ve ever had, but says she lost her focus a few times. Derek says she brings every dance to life, but critiques her lack of body contact.
Scores after the break!
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Mandy- 10, Bruno- 10 = 38/40
Now, we break from competition for the touring pros to perform a number to “Style.”
Now it’s time for the Dance Relay! Each winning couple will receive three bonus points.
Xochitl and Val vs Ariana and Pasha – Viennese Waltz – “Lover”
Arianna and Pasha start it off by gliding across the floor, but there’s still something awkward about her arms. Xochitl and Val join with gorgeous rotation and some solo steps. It also looks like they had more content than Ariana and Pasha. There’s a clear winner here.
Carrie Ann says it was two different interpretations of the same song, Xochitl was elegant with technique on point and Arianna really showed the hold. Derek says he loved Ariana and Pasha’s interpretation, but Xochitl and Val were sensational. Mandy says it’s a true, even matchup. Bruno says the standards are getting higher and they challenge each other.
The winner is Xochitl and Val.
Alyson and Sasha vs Harry and Rylee – Jive – “Shake It Off”
Harry and Rylee kick it off and dancing wise, it’s a no, but joy wise, I’m impressed. Honestly, he gets points just for attemping those kicks and flicks. When Alyson and Sasha get onto the dance floor, I love her, but… she’s a joy to watch. Alyson’s was a mess and Harry’s was bad, take your pick.
Bruno says Harry was in time and imitates Alyson’s shaking. Carrie Ann says they’re both a joy and Alyson was fearless, but Harry had great side by side. Derek says Alyson shook it for her life and he noticed Harry and Rylee throw in a Week 1 move. Mandy says she loved when Alyson took the floor.
The winner is Alyson and Sasha.
Jason and Daniella vs Charity and Artem – Cha Cha – “Lavender Haze”
Not sure what Jason was doing with his arms at first but his legs are on point. He’s one who really finishes his moves. Because she’s so stiff, Charity doesn’t have enough hip action. Both dances felt like they went much quicker than the previous rounds.
Derek says it was a close dance-off, Charity is clean and compliments Jason’s technique. Mandy says Charity ticked boxes again and Jason had some extra sauce. Bruno says “Cha Cha, Charity, Look at me,” then compliments every ounce of Jason. Carrie Ann says this was the most competitive relay, Charity is so clean and tight, and Jason brought some swagger back.
The winner is Jason and Daniella.
The bottom three are Alyson and Sasha, Harry and Rylee and Charity and Artem.
The couple going home is Harry and Rylee.
FINALLY. That was actually unexpected with how much they’ve favored those two. See you next week for the semi-finals!
