DWTS 27 Premiere Part 1 Live Blog and Performance Videos

We are back with 13 new couples and are in for a great season!

The opening number, “I Won’t Dance,” by Erin Boheme, features all 13 couples and the troupe and was choreographed by Mandy Moore. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMsz2ZENKJ8

First up: Mary Lou Retton and Sasha– Cha Cha – #TeamStickIt started off the night. Mary Lou was a little stiff but I think with more practice and as time progresses, she will improve. Her gymnastic ability will pull through.

The judges have new microphones and are congratulating her for being first.

They are telling her to work on her footwork, and don’t rush. She should work on her timing. Her elasticity will help her in this competition. CAI loved it. She thought she was “golden,” except for almost turning one move into a lift.

Scores: CAI: 6 Len: 7 Bruno: 6 Total: 19 out of 30

If they were your favorite of the night, make sure to vote for them at 1-800-868-3409. You get 13 votes tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmOYyIM784

Next up: Milo and Witney– Cha cha – There is a bit of a height difference, but they make it work. With some dance experience from Disney’s Zombie’s, he has potential and can get around the dance floor. He will probably make it far because he has the Disney vote.

Judges comments: Brilliant timing. His long legs make him a bit wobbly. The judges love his stature. He needs to stretch all the way through but the judges were impressed.

Scores: CAI: 7 Len: 6 Bruno: 7 Total: 20 out of 30

To vote for #TeamWitlo, call 1-800-868-3410

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjSKWpno0X8

Dancing third is Evanna Lynch and Keo– Foxtrot – Evanna cast a spell on the audience and judges. Her first performance was magical and she is going to be a joy to watch. The Harry Potter fandom is probably screaming happiness.

The judges thought she had great control and their partnership is great. They thought that the Foxtrot didn’t suit her but can tell she is a dancer. She has magic within her. Her hands were a problem with the judges, but they seemed to be under her spell.

Scores: CAI: 7 Len: 5 Bruno: 6 Total: 18 out of 30

Surprisingly low scores for remarkable comments from the judges. Their number is 1-800-868-3405. Join in on the conversation by using the hashtag #TeamKevanna

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrbfSg-D87M

Danelle Umstead and Artem– Foxtrot – Artem has a challenge because Danelle is totally blind. Danelle has to rely on her other senses. The Foxtrot was pretty easy for this couple because they stayed in hold for most of the dance but when they get to harder dances, it will be a bigger challenge.

The judges are giving kudos to Artem. They are telling Danelle to relax and lower her shoulders and extend more. They thought it was effective. The bond and trust between her and Artem are spectacular. CAI thought it was beautiful.

Scores: CAI: 6 Len: 6 Bruno: 6 Total: 18 out of 30

Vote for #TeamBlindFaith at 1-800-868-3403

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soZGUPb6iec

Next: Bobby Bones and Sharna– Jive – I think Bobby surprised most of us, including Sharna by her facial expressions. The kicks, in the beginning, were great. Bobby clearly thinks he did great too. He has some work to do, however.

The judges said it was demented, in a good way. He is a little rough around the edges. He attacked the dance and went full out, but got a little carried away.

Tom suggested decaf coffee next time. Haha. Sharna might get her mirrorball, after all.

Scores: CAI: 7 Len: 6 Bruno: 7 Total: 20 out of 30

To vote for #TeamBeautyAndTheGeek, call 1-800-868-3402.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNYGIfQq4wI

For fans of Fuller House, Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl are up next!- Salsa – It’s so good to see Cheryl back in the ballroom! That was hot, hot, hot. #TeamChernando received a standing ovation. That was a treat for the ladies. *In my opinion, they were the best of the night.*

Tom thought it did not look like a week one dance. Says they have great chemistry.

Judges: Told Cheryl to stay in charge. He had a lot of rhythm and energy. Bruno called them an intertwining cobra.

Erin mentions Cheryl is newly engaged and looks better than ever!

Scores: CAI: 7 Len: 7 Bruno: 8 Total: 22 out of 30

1-800-868-3408

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7QjqKvmefs

Nikki Glaser and Gleb are dancing the Salsa. – She was a little stiff and has room for improvement, but we share the same sentiments on Gleb‘s looks. ;)

Nikki danced on an injury, so she might have been holding back a bit,

Judges called it awkward. She needed more hips for salsa. It was too cool and careful and a bit jagged. Bruno said it wasn’t a total trainwreck. Work the whole body together, but keep the spirit.

Scores: CAI: 6 Len: 5 Bruno: 6 Total: 17 out of 30

If you believe in #TeamGlikki, call 1-800-868-3412.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W93D9CaAed4

Alexis Ren and Alan– Jive – Alan says he is pretty active on social media with 213k followers, but Alexis tells him she has 12 million and he turns red. Alexis is doing DWTS  in her mom’s honor who passed away a few years ago.

She made her mom proud tonight and proved to be a contender. We missed the last few seconds of the dance because there was a camera problem. Probably the best female contestant of the night.

Judges: They commend Alan. They are very impressed but she is too much into Alan needs to dance out more. Len loves the toe-heel swivels.

Scores: CAI: 7 Len: 7 Bruno: 7 Total: 21 out of 30

#TeamRenTen’s number is 1-800-868-3401

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diGyzHAyhzo

Next is John Schneider and Emma- Foxtrot – He jokes that he would never do anything in public that he wasn’t good at, but here he goes!

John was a bit stiff, but he seems like he is going to be a joy to watch.

Judges: He knows his way around the dance floor. He has that southern charm. He just needs to watch his chin. Len thinks it was a bit rough and lacked finesse and movement. His posture was good. There were a lot of ups and down, but thought it was interesting throughout.

Scores: CAI: 7 Len: 5 Bruno: 6 Total: 18 out of 30

1-800-868-3407 is #TeamSuperDuke’s number

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cgsTG12wQ8

Dancing next: Tinashe and Brandon– Jive – Brandon‘s debut as a pro proved to be a smash hit!  #TeamFiresAndFlames heated up the dance floor. Tinashe has the potential to go far.

The judges said she was flexed on occasion but her performance was top notch. They applaud Brandon. Her personality showed. The only negative comments they had was they would like to see her shine a bit more.

Scores: CAI: 8 Len: 7 Bruno: 8 Total: 23 out of 30

1-800-868-3413 is their number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRPAoo1nBjg

Next up: Nancy McKeon and Val– Quickstep – Nancy‘s head was kind of all over the place but she looked like she was having fun. She has room for improvement.

Judges: Bruno was exhausted from all of the different faces she made. Her frame was a bit wobbly. CAI calls her a true storyteller. Use more body contact. Len says it was a solid performance.

Tom says everyone seems to be having a good time.

Scores: CAI: 6 Len: 6 Bruno: 6 Total: 18 out 30

Call 1-800-868-3411 to vote for #Team McVal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkfSg4cbFl0

Dancing next: Joe “Grocery Store Joe: Amabile and Jenna– Quickstep – The reigning champion is fangirling over the Bachelorette star.

His long limbs tend to hold him back a bit, but his fanbase is strong. Hopefully, we won’t be checked out first. He has a strong fanbase behind him, but he has A LOT to work on dancing wise.

Judges comments: Not quite a dancer yet, but he has a lot of charm. CAI says he can push a shopping cart well. He has a great personality. Len says he went wrong and he’s disappointed. Bruno says he will get it next week.

Scores: CAI: 5 Len: 4 Bruno: 5 Total: 14 out of 30

1-800-868-3406 is #TeamCheckUsOut voting number

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5NTU7Lz8HM

Last but not least: DeMarcus Ware and Lindsay– Cha cha – The touchdown was right in the beginning when he leaped over Lindsay. DeMarcus has room for improvement

The judges think he is not a bad dancer and has a great personality. Surprisingly, he was light as a feather. CAI said “Yum.” The judges loved it.

Scores: CAI: 8 Len: 7 Bruno: 8 Total: 23 out of 30

Call 1-800-868-3404 to vote #TeamWaresOurMirrorBall It might be just right around the corner!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMyyM3hTovg

That was a great season premiere. Everyone is bringing their A-Game.

Tinashe and Brandon and DeMarcus and Lindsay are tied for first with 23 points. In last place is Grocery Store Joe and Jenna with 14 points.

Night two will feature an elimination and the DWTS Jr cast announcement.(Sunday oct 7 at 8) there will be performances by the Juniors cast tomorrow night.

Who will be the first couple to go home this season?

Make sure to vote for your favorite by going to abc.com/dwts, by phone, or on Facebook. You get 13 votes through each method.

Thanks for chatting. See you all again tomorrow for another toe-tapping night!