The couples dance 2 routines tonight. The second routine features Latin dances, with the contestants featured performing a 15 second solo. Julianne will be back tomorrow to dance, and she’ll be back next week to dance with Cody if he survives this week. I’m not sure he will..but I’ll say more when I post a longer summation in this space.
Len got to play heavy with Brooke tonight. Someone’s got to do it. I mean, they want her to win, but they can’t keep gushing over her and giving her perfect scores! So it was Len’s job tonight to nit-pick her Tango. So while Carrie Ann and Bruno gave her 10’s, Len played meanie and gave her an 8. They all criticized her Mambo, but gave her 9’s anyway. As always, she had the highest score this week, a 55. If she doesn’t take this whole thing, I’ll eat my hat.
Favorite solo of the night was Maurice’s Paso. The entire routine was dramatic, but his solo cape work was strong and impressive. Maurice dances a pretty mean quickstep too. He and Cody tie for the lowest scores tonight – 48, and I have to say it would be a real shame if Maurice was eliminated this week. I think he danced rings around Cody, who always looks awkward and ungainly on the dance floor. Cody’s solo tonight was silly. I thought his Foxtrot wasn’t all that either. I think it’s time for him to go, personally.
Lance and Lacey are my favorite couple right now. Sure, Brooke is a very good dancer, but I don’t think she and Derek have the flair, nor the chemistry that Lance and Lacey have. I absolutely LOVED their foxtrot tonight. It was charming, elegant and loads of fun. I have to say, however, I was a little disappointed in Lance’s solo. It was too much like a bland routine he would have done with his old band, ‘N sync. I was expecting a little more pizazz from Lance.
Warren danced better this week than last, and I have to say I loved his solo Jive, but I don’t think he danced better than Lance or Maurice. I think we know who the judges want in the finals. I think they’ve resigned themselves to Lance being there, but they are totally gunning for Warren and Brooke to join him–with Brooke taking it all, of course.
The big question tonight is, who goes home tomorrow? Cody or Maurice? This is a tough one. Maurice danced better, but I think Cody has a fanbase from Hannah Montana. Hm…
Videos and live blog after the jump…
Cody and Edyta – The Foxtrot – Cody feels the heat. He knows he needs to nail the dances to keep competitive. Len was pleasantly surprised–top notch he says. Bruno says he’s a cool dude–his most grown up performance. Carrie Ann liked it to, but will take off a point–Edyta lifted her foot off the ground. I still think Cody is all kinds of awkward up there. Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 8, Bruno – 8 – 24 – 1-800-868-3401
Brooke and Derek – The Tango – Derek says he’s going to start treating Brooke like a professional, ’cause she’s just that good! And that WAS good, if a little cold. “Stunning, ” says Bruno. “Beyond phenomenal, ” says Carrie Ann. Len gets technical with the duo, “It was riddled with mistakes, ” he says. No perfect score tonight! – Carrie Ann – 10 – Len – 8, Bruno – 10 – 28 – 1-800-868-3405.
Maurice and Cheryl – The Quickstep – Cheryl goes over the last week’s team dance with Maurice. He’ll be dancing the Paso in the Latin round later. Now, it’s time for the Quickstep. Wow. Nice footwork, Maurice! Carrie Ann loved it and complimented him on his posture. Len says great footwork, great posture. Bruno compliments him on not deflating in the middle of the routine. 1-800-868-3404Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 8, Bruno – 8 – 24
Lance and Lacey – The Foxtrot – Lance wants to work on his technical skills this week. And, no more showing off! Lance and Lacey are going by the book. That Foxtrot was charming! Loved it. Len says, “You cleaned up the act! Great elements there.” Bruno says they retained their quirkiness, despite remaining classic. Carrie Ann says, “You truly are a bright light.” – Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 8, Bruno – 9 – 26 – 1-800-868-3407
Warren and Kym – The Tango – Warren struggles with his solo Jive, so they move on to practice the Tango. And he does much better this week. Bruno calls it a “mean tango” Carrie Ann thought it was fantastic. Len echos Carrie Ann’s “Fantastic.” Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 9, Bruno – 9 – 28 – 1-800-868-3413
The Latin Round featuring contestant solos
Cody and Edyta – Mambo – OMG Cody’s thrusts and gyrations during his 15 second solo are kind of…ridiculous and all kinds of wrong. The partner dancing was kind of awkward too. Carrie Ann says A for effort and energy, but disjointed. Len says, “I thought you did two good dances.” Bruno calls it spasmodic, but appreciates his effort. Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 8, Bruno 8 – 24. Julianne IS coming back for the results show tomorrow, and will be dancing with Cody next week next week. If Cody returns, that is.
Brooke and Derek – The Mambo – That was really good. Brooke sure knows how to swing those hips. Len says, “Very ambitious performance.” He quibbles with a few technical issues, but likes it overall. Bruno says, “You really are incredible.” Carrie Ann says her posture was a little awkward at times, but still fantastic. Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 9, Bruno – 9 – 27
Maurice and Cheryl – Paso Doble – Wow, I think this Paso is a show stopper. Really dramatic. Maurice’s solo was impressive. Bruno calls it strong, imposing and powerful. “I love the focus and intensity” says Carrie Ann. Len loved the cape work. Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 8, Bruno 8 – 24.
Lance and Lacey – The Samba – Hmm. This is decent, but nothing special. I expected more pizazz from Lance’s solo. Carrie Ann says he did a good job, but thought some stuff he did with his eyes was distracting. Len wanted more of a samba flavor in the solo. Len says he has pigeon-toed footwork. Bruno disagrees, he compliments Lance on a difficult Samba. Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 7 Bruno – 9 – 24
Warren and Kym – The Jive – Great Jive from Warren and Kym. Loved Warren’s funky solo! He looks like he’s having a ball. Very infectious. Len says he’s a joyful thing to watch…other than his feet. Bruno says he releases a contageous sense of fun, even if his feet were a little flat. Carrie Ann compliments Kym on her choreography. Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 8, Bruno – 9 –26
Score totals
- Cody and Edyta – 48
- Brooke and Derek – 55
- Maurice and Cheryl – 48
- Lance and Lacey – 50
- Warren and Kym – 54
