DWTS - S9 Week 4

Okay, I complain about the costumes on this show plenty, but the ones they've got going for these four oddball dances are just way out there. I can also pretty assuredly say that the couples who got assigned Lambada were anything but random. As they usually do for the less-than-typical dance styles (not that it actually makes sense for anything but Lindy Hop/Jitterbug, but whatever), they've removed the "no lift" restriction, provided the move is consistent with the dance style.


Chuck & Anna T: He's a lot goofier practicing this, and his happy to get to wear jeans and do some lifts. Country Two-Step. He barely does anything, dance-wise, just a few short walks, and those aren't even on time with the music. The lifts are okay, but it's just clumsy and clunky all over. Anna's hair continues to be huge. 4.0/10.0

The judges softpedal him. Are they afraid to give him criticism?

Melissa & Mark: "Time to be fearless," she says, and is drilling steps so as not to need to think about them. Mark has a huge moustache. Charleston, and it begins in black and white, nice. Very cute routine and well danced. Complicated choreography, great expression and performance, lot of energy for about 90% of the routine. Lots of fun. 9.0/10.0

In the audience: Joey Lawrence (he and MJH are developing a TV series), Gilles Marini (he's appearing on ABC's Brothers & Sisters), and LaToya Jackson (she's...)

Natalie & Alec: Working on loosening her up and increasing the difficulty level. Bolero. Good extension and great stretch. Working well with the music, but not as comfortable with movement as last week. Not enough connection between them, lacking performance. 8.0/10.0

Aaron & Karina: After last week's critiques, he got hugs and comfort from... Michael? They want a back flip so they go to a gymnastics coach. Lambada. The flip is good. High energy and showy, but too much-- frantic and just trying too hard. Kind of overly disco-y feeling than Latin. 7.5/10.0

Mark & Lacey: He needs to lighten up and enjoy dancing, so they bring in his three kids. Country 2-Step. Bales of hay on the floor. Things look a lot more fun and confident, good expression. Slips on time a bit. Good progression and some nice tricks. 8.0/10.0

Kelly & Louis: Chicago-meets-Cabaret theme. She doesn't like the dancer "noises" they all make. She was set to play Roxie Hart, but was pulled for not being able to dance, that sucks. Charleston. Louis wearing Emcee makeup. Great energy, lots of content, great performance. Confident in more spots, cute routine. Good use of prop canes. 8.5/10.0

Speaking of Roxie Hart... Samantha played her on stage? Ugh, that must've been horrendous.

Joanna & Derek: Derek says he has "the best job in America". They're going for difficulty. Lambada. Derek tosses away his shirt, she starts behind Len. Great rhythm and musicality. Lots of difficulty in the choreography, very good tricks. Strong chemistry. Adjusting last lift where she's straddling him looks wrong. 9.5/10.0

Carrie Anne: "I hope the children were in bed for that performance." Tom: "I think some of the adults are, now." (Tom FTW!)

Donny & Kym: He's a total perfectionist and is scared of mistakes. A "typical Donny dance", Charleston. Excellent choreography. Terrific footwork and great speed, not taking it easy. Great sync and performance for them both, looks like a lot of fun. Cute. 8.5/10.0

Donny runs over to the audience and kisses his wife and kids but not Marie. In the Red Room, Louis is making weird faces (even weirder with makeup) and pretending to touch Samantha's hair.

Michael & Anna D: Bring in Tony to coach for the feeling and passion. Bolero. Much improved connection and chemistry. Very little dancing, mostly walking and posing. No content for him at all. 4.0/10.0

Louie & Chelsie: To find the cowboy within, they go to Ty Murray's ranch and do chores. Country 2-Step. Awkward first steps, then no content for him. Not really on rhythm at all, just walking around off-beat. Good work with arm connections, at least. 5.0/10.0

Mya & Dmitry: They're trying to please Len. Sometimes it seems she takes charge of the choreography, hmm. Lambada. They're all oily and wet-looking. Good rhythm and feel for the music, nice expression. A little over-excited, needs more control. 9.0/10.0

Results show. Derek's shirtlessness was a impulse decision, and he apologizes for the way the end of the Lambada looked.

Encore: Melissa & Mark's Charleston. Just as great second time.

Musical guest: Shakira. "Did It Again". Group of female Korean drummers. Odd, interesting song. Amazing boots she's got on. I have to wonder if she'd be considered much weirder and less popular if she wasn't so attractive.

Safe: Mya, Melissa. RED LIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOOM: Aaron.

Pro dance: Demonstrating next week's dances, medley of Paso Doble (choreography by Louis) and Argentine Tango (choreography by guest Tango dancers). Alec, Dmitry, Louis, Cheryl, Edyta & Karina. Awesome, as always.

Samantha delivers another super-awkward interview. Aaron gets and awkward laugh. She doesn't even talk to Mya.

Safe: Kelly, Natalie, Joanna. All the women are safe. Mark, Michael.

Video package: Kids visiting their parents at the studios.

Musical guest: Shakira. "Hips Don't Lie". Eight pseudo-belly dancers.

Video package: Stress, pressure and frustration for both celebs and pros.

Safe: Donny, Louie. Bottom two: Chuck, Aaron (he looks nauseous, Karina looks teary)

Eliminated: Chuck Liddell & Anna Trebunskaya. She calls him her "bear" and her "hippo". He says he had a lot of fun and they're both very gracious.