It's Movie Night, and the intro to the show is in letterbox format, and we see they've added a huge LCD screen that stretches across the top of the stage. ABC is not skimping this season for sure. The couples' descent down the stairs is a parade of awful dresses, with the exception being Anna Trebunskaya (as usual). They rarely seem to be able to find anything that makes the woman look less than adorable.
Niecy & Louis: "La Bamba", Jive (Jive?!) She hates having been called "boring" and doesn't think she can go through his legs. Her stamina is tested. No snap or sharpness during the dance, but on time. Dead arm. Slightly better expression than last week. 18/30
Chad & Cheryl: "I Wanna Be Like You" (from The Jungle Book), Quickstep. She's getting less jokey and flirty, so he thinks she's pissed. The dance has good speed and lightness, but needs better footwork. Weak frame, his head looking way too high. 18/30
In the Skybox, when Brooke asks about the tension in rehearsal, they're both very quick and very curt about saying nothing was wrong. Hmm.
Erin & Maks: "You Never Can Tell" (from Pulp Fiction), Jive. Maks supposedly in charge this week, but they're still arguing in a cute and funny way. Music starts slow. When it picks up, god timing and speed, lots of character. Needs strength and sharpness. 22/30
Apolo & Julianne did it way better.
In the Skybox, Brooke asks about the cute arguing and asks if there's romance in the air. Erin: "Not until Maks gets me a ring like Chad got Cheryl."
Jake & Chelsie: "Old Time Rock & Roll" (from Risky Business), Cha Cha. He needs to get out of the analytical brain. Gratuitous shirtlessness from him. Starts with semi-gratuitous pantslessness. Good connection & musicality, decent footwork. Solid. 24/30
Pamela & Damian: "9 to 5", Quickstep. She says (correctly) she's built for a Fellini or Russ Meyers movie. Also testing her stamina. Dance has good character. Nice speed, good trick over table. Strengthen frame and improve footwork all over. 20/30
Kate & Tony: "Don't You Forget About Me" (from The Breakfast Club), Foxtrot. She has no energy and is yawning, and is no help at all. Tony looks fed up and exhausted. Very slow and easy through dance, just walking without drive or purpose. 12/30
Bruno: "That dance doesn't deserve a critique, it deserves a postmortem!"
And seriously, who's never watched The Breakfast Club or seen someone do that hold-your-nose-and-swim dance move? Yeesh.
In the audience: Buzz Aldrin.
Nicole & Derek: "Oh, Pretty Woman", Tango (Tango?!). She needs to remember to have fun and relax. They go Beverly Hills shopping. Dance has great attack and awesome frame, great follow. Excellent footwork. Sharp and precise, maybe slightly rushed. 28/30
Evan & Anna: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (from Armageddon), Rumba. Traveling on Stars of Ice tour all over country. A challenge to do hip action. Excellent arms and lines, and hips improving. Great connection and better flow, better feet. 26/30
RESULTS SHOW
We're doing that everyone-on-the-stairs, call-down-two-couples thing again for some reason. They start with the top and bottom of the leaderboard.
Safe: Nicole & Derek.
RED LIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOOM: Kate & Tony (for the first time, which... I just don't know).
Review of the night: Again, Len all smiles as he basically repeats everything from last night. He just out and says he's liking the battle at the top between Nicole & Evan best. After their 29, we see Derek whooping it up so much he falls off his stool.
Encore: Jake & Chelsie's Cha-Cha. I admire his ability to put on pants that quickly while wearing Latin-heeled dance shoes. Meanwhile, she's having wardrobe issues with the top of her dress, hitching it up constantly.
Music guest: Maxwell, "Fistful of Tears". Pretty good R&B stuff, accompanied by a Theatre Arts couple, Tyne Stecklein and Teddy Forance. They're young and look like they're enjoying it and really performing (especially her).
Down the stairs come the couples tied at 18 points.
Still in "Jeopardy": Chad & Cheryl, Safe: Niecy & Louis.
Adam Corolla's "Between the Mirrorballs".
Stars of Dance: Choreographed by Marguerite Derricks, a medley of pieces from classic movie dances. First, a white-tie-and-tails tribute to Fred Astaire. Then the polyester comes out for a five-man recreation of Saturday Night Fever's iconic solo. Next, we frug with the opening dance from Austin Powers. Awesomely, the Debbie Allen reprises her Lydia Grant speech, complete with stick to introduce the finale, to the title song from the Fame remake. Great dancers, great dancing.
Music guest: Debi Nova, "Drummer Boy". Cute girl, so-so voice and catchy song. But she does get Damian, Derek, Tony and Dimitry to dance around and up on her (open shirt count: 2, Damien & Dimitry).
Video: Next week, the celebs get to design the costumes.
Next two highest scoring couples come down. Safe: Evan & Anna. SiJ: Jake & Chelsie.
Two more couples. Safe: Erin & Maks (he celebrates). SiJ: Pamela & Damian.
Pointless re-review. Safe: Jake & Chelsie, Chad & Cheryl (delayed reaction, didn't hear? \o/ took a while). RLOD: Pamela & Damian.
Safe: Pamela & Damian.
Eliminated: Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani. Kate apparently speechless and in tears. It could be genuine and sincere... but maybe not. They forgo the last dance to keep talking. Whatever, she's gone.
...Read more
Showing posts with label more. Show all posts
Showing posts with label more. Show all posts
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
DWTS - S10 Week 4
So that promise I made to myself to avoid Twitter before shows? I swear I'll do it next week. Advance buzz this time though, is that Jonathan Roberts is pissed at the judges who are "destroying" the couples with the technical scores. I wouldn't be surprised. The animation for Buzz' elimination is him turning into a rocket and blasting off. They're calling it "Passion Night" because our dances are Tango and Rumba. Brooke, sadly, has her first bad dress of the season... and as the couples come down, she's not the only one.
The judges discuss the dancers and the dances we'll be seeing, starting with their expectations for Tango, leaving it to Tom for some reason to specify that the three required figures for the dance will be the Viennese Cross, Continuous Outside Swivels and the Contra Check. Jonathan and Anna Demidova do a pro demo to the most awful music ever. They do, though, get pyro effects and a "well done" from Len.
Also, Len called out the couples last week to give them specific details he wanted them to work on. For some reason, we don't see all of these.
Erin & Maks: Len's advice-- footwork. She's having back problems and is paranoid about the footwork. Tango. Starts with her hugging Len. Footwork cleaner, good attitude. Not grounded, needs strength and more color. Frame weak. 20/30 technical, 22/30 performance.
In the Skybox, after they're scored 6's for some reason, Brooke asks Maks what he's hoping for in performance. "Twelves?" he asks, incredulous.
Evan & Anna: Len's advice-- footwork & backside. Two broken toes. Focusing on details. Tango. Neat dress for her, good intro with chair. Great strength, good sharpness. Nice leading and attack, better power, better footwork. 26/30 technical, 25/30 performance.
They've got a "Hot! Hot! Hot!" neon sign. Subtle. The judges discuss Rumba. The required figures will be the Spiral to Rope Spinning, Opening Out to Right and Left and the Sliding Doors. To demo are Dmitry Chaplin and Kym Johnson (clad in a Wonderbra, boyshort undies and an unbuttoned shirt that ABC told them she was not allowed to remove at the end of the routine as planned). Tom FTW describing the routine: "three special moves and two percent body fat".
Niecy & Louis: He wants to use dance as therapy, so they dedicate it to her late brother's memory instead of being romantic. She's doing long days. Rumba. Emotional, introspective and low-key. Not quite completing the required elements. Too quiet. 17/30 technical, 21/30 performance.
In the audience: Susan Lucci, Chuck Liddell.
Aiden & Edyta: Len's advice-- be an actor. Shy and introvert in real life. They visit a soap fan cruise. Rumba. Bad tin foil dress. Feeling and acting the dance, but choreography is pose to pose and steps are choppy. Awful hands & arms, no flow or hips. Nothing to do for him again. 18/30 technical, 20/30 performance.
Nicole & Derek: Len's advice-- balance speed and slow. They get the giggles trying to be romantic. He has a "love hand". Rumba. She borrowed a headdress from Headdress Lady in the band. Gorgeous performance, but nerves showing. Great moves, nice tricks and very good lines. 27/30 technical, 25/30 performance.
Tom's on Castle after the show on "ABC: the All Bergeron Channel".
Jake & Chelsie: He has the judges' "3 words" on a t-shirt. Promises to trust her and be assertive. Tango. Good attack and enthusiasm, but a little smiley for Tango. Some good figures. Wow, pivot down stairs! Stumbles late and never finds feet. 20/30 technical, 21/30 performance.
In the Skybox, they've dressed the set with heart-shaped pillows that spend the rest of the episode being held up in the background of shots or flying around the room.
Kate & Tony: She keeps making excuses for her dancing and complaining about her life, saying she wants to "just get through" her routines. Tango. No energy or performance here, but at least the bitchface is appropriate. At least she doesn't look to be fighting him, but is no help. 14/30 technical, 17/30 performance.
Bruno's comment: "For a moment there, I actually believed you were dancing!". Len praises Tony's work, but the lack of criticism stuns her. Tony: "She's speechless, this is great!"
Chad & Cheryl: Looking for posture and romance and softness. He gave Cheryl a massive diamond ring. Rumba. Improved posture, some hip action, good footwork. Better performance, looking out more. Better fluidity, overall solid. 24/30 technical, 22/30 performance.
Pamela & Damien: Len's advice-- make it refined and classy. Timing a challenge with slow tempo. They want sexy but also vulnerable. Rumba. Blue eyeshadow! Really good and sexy in a tender, sweeter way. Great lightness, good hips, good lines. 25/30 technical, 27/30 performance.
Hmmm. I don't think the judges scored some couples right, but I don't think they were "destroying" anyone. Sorry, Jon.
RESULTS SHOW
Brook makes up for last night's dress with a silky number that reminds me of Number Six's iconic red dress from Battlestar Galactica.
Safe: Chad (who hugs Jake before Cheryl, preventing the \o/ ) & Cheryl, Jake (who hugs Chelsie, then Chad) & Chelsie.
Len's review as always is happier than it would seem from the night before. He does mention that he wants "to see more Aiden and less Edyta". Preaching to the choir here, Len. Kate claims she was having fun.
In the audience: Mark Cuban.
Encore: Pamela & Damien's Rumba. From far away, the light-colored eye makeup makes her look better than the super-dark raccoon eyes they usually use on her.
Since next week is "Movie Night" (all the songs will be from movies), we get little mock previews for movies. First up is Tuesday the 13th, with Bruno as a glitter-masked Jason wielding the glitter ball trophy.
Musical guest: Sade (who Tom and Brooke refer to in the plural, as though the entire band is "Sade"), "Baby Father". Chelsie & Damien dance, and I like that they seem to be enjoying themselves. Sade has two backup singers, young women dressed like Urkel with giant neon hair flowers.
Safe: Evan & Anna
Video package of the pros when they were dancing as kids. Lots and lots of cute.
Dance guest: Young ballroom students from VIBE Performing Arts in Utah, including former DWTS Junior Champions Brandon & Brittany as well as dancer Tanisha Belnap, who was in Marks most recent music video, "All For Nothing". They are almost depressingly fantastic.
More "previews": Cha-Chablanca and Glambo: First Dance, the latter of which features Tony at his goofy, silly best.
Safe: Nicole & Derek, Pamela & Damien.
Macy's Stars of Dance: A fantastic fusion piece choreographed by SYTYCD prodigy Travis Wall, who also performs. It features Tiler Peck, a principal dancer from the New York City Ballet as well as SYTYCD alums Danny Tidwell, Nick Lazzarini and Jaimie Goodwin, and is set to music by a hip-hop string section called Nuttin But Stringz. Wow.
Musical guest: Sade, "Sweetest Taboo". Her (their?) own dancers.
Safe: Erin & Maks.
Preview: Dance Another Day, featuring Double-Ocho-Cinco.
Safe: Kate (NOOOOOOOOO!) & Tony, Niecy & Louis.
Eliminated: Aiden Turner & Edyta Sliwinksa. He's freaked out waiting, and all are very surprised at the announcement.
See you next week.
...Read more
The judges discuss the dancers and the dances we'll be seeing, starting with their expectations for Tango, leaving it to Tom for some reason to specify that the three required figures for the dance will be the Viennese Cross, Continuous Outside Swivels and the Contra Check. Jonathan and Anna Demidova do a pro demo to the most awful music ever. They do, though, get pyro effects and a "well done" from Len.
Also, Len called out the couples last week to give them specific details he wanted them to work on. For some reason, we don't see all of these.
Erin & Maks: Len's advice-- footwork. She's having back problems and is paranoid about the footwork. Tango. Starts with her hugging Len. Footwork cleaner, good attitude. Not grounded, needs strength and more color. Frame weak. 20/30 technical, 22/30 performance.
In the Skybox, after they're scored 6's for some reason, Brooke asks Maks what he's hoping for in performance. "Twelves?" he asks, incredulous.
Evan & Anna: Len's advice-- footwork & backside. Two broken toes. Focusing on details. Tango. Neat dress for her, good intro with chair. Great strength, good sharpness. Nice leading and attack, better power, better footwork. 26/30 technical, 25/30 performance.
They've got a "Hot! Hot! Hot!" neon sign. Subtle. The judges discuss Rumba. The required figures will be the Spiral to Rope Spinning, Opening Out to Right and Left and the Sliding Doors. To demo are Dmitry Chaplin and Kym Johnson (clad in a Wonderbra, boyshort undies and an unbuttoned shirt that ABC told them she was not allowed to remove at the end of the routine as planned). Tom FTW describing the routine: "three special moves and two percent body fat".
Niecy & Louis: He wants to use dance as therapy, so they dedicate it to her late brother's memory instead of being romantic. She's doing long days. Rumba. Emotional, introspective and low-key. Not quite completing the required elements. Too quiet. 17/30 technical, 21/30 performance.
In the audience: Susan Lucci, Chuck Liddell.
Aiden & Edyta: Len's advice-- be an actor. Shy and introvert in real life. They visit a soap fan cruise. Rumba. Bad tin foil dress. Feeling and acting the dance, but choreography is pose to pose and steps are choppy. Awful hands & arms, no flow or hips. Nothing to do for him again. 18/30 technical, 20/30 performance.
Nicole & Derek: Len's advice-- balance speed and slow. They get the giggles trying to be romantic. He has a "love hand". Rumba. She borrowed a headdress from Headdress Lady in the band. Gorgeous performance, but nerves showing. Great moves, nice tricks and very good lines. 27/30 technical, 25/30 performance.
Tom's on Castle after the show on "ABC: the All Bergeron Channel".
Jake & Chelsie: He has the judges' "3 words" on a t-shirt. Promises to trust her and be assertive. Tango. Good attack and enthusiasm, but a little smiley for Tango. Some good figures. Wow, pivot down stairs! Stumbles late and never finds feet. 20/30 technical, 21/30 performance.
In the Skybox, they've dressed the set with heart-shaped pillows that spend the rest of the episode being held up in the background of shots or flying around the room.
Kate & Tony: She keeps making excuses for her dancing and complaining about her life, saying she wants to "just get through" her routines. Tango. No energy or performance here, but at least the bitchface is appropriate. At least she doesn't look to be fighting him, but is no help. 14/30 technical, 17/30 performance.
Bruno's comment: "For a moment there, I actually believed you were dancing!". Len praises Tony's work, but the lack of criticism stuns her. Tony: "She's speechless, this is great!"
Chad & Cheryl: Looking for posture and romance and softness. He gave Cheryl a massive diamond ring. Rumba. Improved posture, some hip action, good footwork. Better performance, looking out more. Better fluidity, overall solid. 24/30 technical, 22/30 performance.
Pamela & Damien: Len's advice-- make it refined and classy. Timing a challenge with slow tempo. They want sexy but also vulnerable. Rumba. Blue eyeshadow! Really good and sexy in a tender, sweeter way. Great lightness, good hips, good lines. 25/30 technical, 27/30 performance.
Hmmm. I don't think the judges scored some couples right, but I don't think they were "destroying" anyone. Sorry, Jon.
RESULTS SHOW
Brook makes up for last night's dress with a silky number that reminds me of Number Six's iconic red dress from Battlestar Galactica.
Safe: Chad (who hugs Jake before Cheryl, preventing the \o/ ) & Cheryl, Jake (who hugs Chelsie, then Chad) & Chelsie.
Len's review as always is happier than it would seem from the night before. He does mention that he wants "to see more Aiden and less Edyta". Preaching to the choir here, Len. Kate claims she was having fun.
In the audience: Mark Cuban.
Encore: Pamela & Damien's Rumba. From far away, the light-colored eye makeup makes her look better than the super-dark raccoon eyes they usually use on her.
Since next week is "Movie Night" (all the songs will be from movies), we get little mock previews for movies. First up is Tuesday the 13th, with Bruno as a glitter-masked Jason wielding the glitter ball trophy.
Musical guest: Sade (who Tom and Brooke refer to in the plural, as though the entire band is "Sade"), "Baby Father". Chelsie & Damien dance, and I like that they seem to be enjoying themselves. Sade has two backup singers, young women dressed like Urkel with giant neon hair flowers.
Safe: Evan & Anna
Video package of the pros when they were dancing as kids. Lots and lots of cute.
Dance guest: Young ballroom students from VIBE Performing Arts in Utah, including former DWTS Junior Champions Brandon & Brittany as well as dancer Tanisha Belnap, who was in Marks most recent music video, "All For Nothing". They are almost depressingly fantastic.
More "previews": Cha-Chablanca and Glambo: First Dance, the latter of which features Tony at his goofy, silly best.
Safe: Nicole & Derek, Pamela & Damien.
Macy's Stars of Dance: A fantastic fusion piece choreographed by SYTYCD prodigy Travis Wall, who also performs. It features Tiler Peck, a principal dancer from the New York City Ballet as well as SYTYCD alums Danny Tidwell, Nick Lazzarini and Jaimie Goodwin, and is set to music by a hip-hop string section called Nuttin But Stringz. Wow.
Musical guest: Sade, "Sweetest Taboo". Her (their?) own dancers.
Safe: Erin & Maks.
Preview: Dance Another Day, featuring Double-Ocho-Cinco.
Safe: Kate (NOOOOOOOOO!) & Tony, Niecy & Louis.
Eliminated: Aiden Turner & Edyta Sliwinksa. He's freaked out waiting, and all are very surprised at the announcement.
See you next week.
...Read more
Friday, April 9, 2010
DWTS - S10 Week 3
So it's the "Storytelling" challenge tonight, and honestly that's a way better idea than most of the gimmicks they've tried before (and a dam sight less confusing than all the stuff they're doing for the upcoming season of So You Think You Can Dance). The couples come down to the floor and I see almost as much male cleavage as female.
Professional demo of the dances we'll see tonight, to the now-to-be-expected atrocious music selection this show is cursed with. Dancing are Jonathan Roberts & Anna Demidova, Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Lacey Schwimmer and Dmitry Chaplin & Snejana Petrova.
In the audience: Marlee Maitlin, Florence Henderson, George Lopez, Helio Castroneves.
Evan & Anna: He asks her to speak in a thicker Russian accent. Quickstep. He starts without her, she's running late. Very cute routine, lots of energy. Very light with good speed. Finesse, nice lead, better posture. Needs more drive and better footwork. 25/30
Buzz & Ashly: He can't understand not thinking about steps and just feeling the movement (I get that). Waltz. He is a war hero coming home to be greeted by his daughter. He feels the music and the story. Can see her cueing and backleading him like a good teacher. 15/30
Jake & Chelsie: Trouble communicating. "Quick, quick... no." Quickstep. Huge props and smoke and costumes. He's running to keep up with the tempo. Okay frame. Stronger footwork and better leg action needed. 20/30
I think it's a little unfair for the judges to criticize the props and staging, since even Tom makes it clear it's a network tie-in to the episode of Castle that follows the show. Tom also coins the phrase "sarcopha-guy". In the... you know, I'm just gonna call it the Skybox (coined by Evan on this week's results show) because "Celebriquarium" is stupid. In the Skybox, Anna is wearing Buzz' hat making her look a bit like Marlene Dietrich.
Niecy & Louis: They will be a 1960's interracial couple, and there are tears on both sides. Waltz. She's very much moved by the theme and music, so much that she pays no attention to her steps. Stumbles, some nice shapes. No lift, not enough strength. 18/30
Very big respect to Louis, who talked about still not being able to love and marry as he might want to, and continued to mention those same themes in interview segments after dancing. Okay, so it wasn't a big secret to anyone who watches the show, but there's nothing easy about coming out, ever.
Chad & Cheryl: He's feeling humbled by not being excellent. Art imitating life as he chases her and is refused. Paso Doble. All very strong and appropriate attitude, but very simple choreography. Well attacked. Needs better posture. 20/30
Jonathan & Tony helped out at the beginning by donning sombreros and maracas. Afterward, they treat us to the Three Amigos salute.
Pamela & Damian: Paso Doble. She loves the matador, but hates the bullfight. Charo comes to teach her Flamenco technique, bringing subtitles. Shaky and with some missed connections, but lots of feeling. Over aggressive. Messy hair is just messy. 21/30
Aiden & Edyta: He has stamina challenges; his family visits. He is a painter whose dream girl comes to life. Quickstep. Well acted, good posture, OK frame. Footwork not bad, needs more drive. Very safe and by the book. 21/30
Only Edyta would have a Ballroom costume sheer enough to see her underpants. Oy.
Erin & Maks: Partnership is all about trust and surrender. They're using a blindfold she says "will either be hot or kinky and inappropriate"; "I want both," says Maks. Great chemistry, excellent presentation, good contact and hold. Nice frame and follow. Make more fluid. 25/30
In the middle of throwing to commercial, Maks blindfolds Tom, who keeps reciting the dialogue from memory. Wow, another reason Tom Bergeron is one of the best live hosts on TV.
Kate & Tony: An acting coach comes to help bring out real emotion from her. Horrible hair weave. Paso Doble. Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi", with him a photographer. No energy at all. Awkwardest arms ever. Clumpy, mincing, totally without attack. Ugh. 10/30
When the camera pans across the stars in front of the Skybox, Niecy can only muster a dismissive-looking golf clap. Awesome.
Nicole & Derek: His stress piling on her stress and so on. Quickstep. Sailors goofing around. Fantastic, bright and effervescent performance. Great expression and very animated and goofy. All performance, a couple of nice figures. 27/30
Yes, they broke hold and yes, they did a lift. But as Jonathan tweeted, why are the judges being harsh about technique when their challenge was story?
RESULTS SHOW
I have to learn to avoid Twitter. Some folks forget about the East Coast/West Coast time difference.
Safe: Aiden & Edyta, Erin & Maks.
Video: Len's review of Monday. Somehow, Len always seems much more pleasant and lighthearted about the routines in retrospect, even ones he bagged on.
Encore: Evan & Anna's Quickstep, still great.
Music Guest: Reba McEntire, "I Want a Cowboy". Can't not love Reba, right? The pro dancing by Maks, Val, Edyta & Snejana is just pretty good and, as Tom notes FTW, "the American West as danced by three Russians and a Pole." Tom actually talks to her, and she admits to Evan, Erin and Nicole being her favorites.
Speaking of Twitter, Val had some pretty lousy things to say about "having" to dance to country music with a country theme, basically dissing the number and the musical guest. So while Maks plays at being a bad boy, little brother is the real douchey deal.
Safe: Niecy & Louis.
Music/Pro Dance: An "acoustic Paso Doble". Derek starts playing Spanish guitar, is joined by Chelsie to dance while Mark gets to sit and be great on guitar. The routine is awesome and the music is great. Loved it.
Safe: Nicole & Derek.
Music Guest: Reba McEntire, "Consider Me Gone". Dmitry and Lacey come on to do a much more interesting and emotional theatrical routine. Good on them.
Video: Melissa Rycroft shows what it's like to be an audience member.
The male celeb for the Design-A-Dance will be Joey Fatone. The song will be "Rock and Roll All Night" by Kiss, and the dance will be Tango. WTF?
Safe: Evan & Anna, Chad & Cheryl (who does indeed do her \o/ thing).
Video: Cast bonding at the practice studio.
Safe: Pamela & Damien, Jake & Chelsie.
RLOD: Buzz & Ashly, Kate & Tony. Len when asked about Jake, Buzz & Kate, basically says that he thinks Kate needs to go. Over on Cafepress.com you can get t-shirts and stuff that say "FREE TONY". Can't argue the sentiment.
Eliminated: Buzz Aldrin & Ashly Costa. Not much of a shocker, but he's extremely gracious. The cast salutes him as he dances, which is nice (even if Chelsie uses her left hand).
Next week's challenge is the Double Score Showdown (they give Tom's voice echo for it). Two scores to be given: one for presentation, one for technique (which will hinge on at least one required element in each routine). I really, really like this and wish they'd do it every week. See you then.
...Read more
Professional demo of the dances we'll see tonight, to the now-to-be-expected atrocious music selection this show is cursed with. Dancing are Jonathan Roberts & Anna Demidova, Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Lacey Schwimmer and Dmitry Chaplin & Snejana Petrova.
In the audience: Marlee Maitlin, Florence Henderson, George Lopez, Helio Castroneves.
Evan & Anna: He asks her to speak in a thicker Russian accent. Quickstep. He starts without her, she's running late. Very cute routine, lots of energy. Very light with good speed. Finesse, nice lead, better posture. Needs more drive and better footwork. 25/30
Buzz & Ashly: He can't understand not thinking about steps and just feeling the movement (I get that). Waltz. He is a war hero coming home to be greeted by his daughter. He feels the music and the story. Can see her cueing and backleading him like a good teacher. 15/30
Jake & Chelsie: Trouble communicating. "Quick, quick... no." Quickstep. Huge props and smoke and costumes. He's running to keep up with the tempo. Okay frame. Stronger footwork and better leg action needed. 20/30
I think it's a little unfair for the judges to criticize the props and staging, since even Tom makes it clear it's a network tie-in to the episode of Castle that follows the show. Tom also coins the phrase "sarcopha-guy". In the... you know, I'm just gonna call it the Skybox (coined by Evan on this week's results show) because "Celebriquarium" is stupid. In the Skybox, Anna is wearing Buzz' hat making her look a bit like Marlene Dietrich.
Niecy & Louis: They will be a 1960's interracial couple, and there are tears on both sides. Waltz. She's very much moved by the theme and music, so much that she pays no attention to her steps. Stumbles, some nice shapes. No lift, not enough strength. 18/30
Very big respect to Louis, who talked about still not being able to love and marry as he might want to, and continued to mention those same themes in interview segments after dancing. Okay, so it wasn't a big secret to anyone who watches the show, but there's nothing easy about coming out, ever.
Chad & Cheryl: He's feeling humbled by not being excellent. Art imitating life as he chases her and is refused. Paso Doble. All very strong and appropriate attitude, but very simple choreography. Well attacked. Needs better posture. 20/30
Jonathan & Tony helped out at the beginning by donning sombreros and maracas. Afterward, they treat us to the Three Amigos salute.
Pamela & Damian: Paso Doble. She loves the matador, but hates the bullfight. Charo comes to teach her Flamenco technique, bringing subtitles. Shaky and with some missed connections, but lots of feeling. Over aggressive. Messy hair is just messy. 21/30
Aiden & Edyta: He has stamina challenges; his family visits. He is a painter whose dream girl comes to life. Quickstep. Well acted, good posture, OK frame. Footwork not bad, needs more drive. Very safe and by the book. 21/30
Only Edyta would have a Ballroom costume sheer enough to see her underpants. Oy.
Erin & Maks: Partnership is all about trust and surrender. They're using a blindfold she says "will either be hot or kinky and inappropriate"; "I want both," says Maks. Great chemistry, excellent presentation, good contact and hold. Nice frame and follow. Make more fluid. 25/30
In the middle of throwing to commercial, Maks blindfolds Tom, who keeps reciting the dialogue from memory. Wow, another reason Tom Bergeron is one of the best live hosts on TV.
Kate & Tony: An acting coach comes to help bring out real emotion from her. Horrible hair weave. Paso Doble. Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi", with him a photographer. No energy at all. Awkwardest arms ever. Clumpy, mincing, totally without attack. Ugh. 10/30
When the camera pans across the stars in front of the Skybox, Niecy can only muster a dismissive-looking golf clap. Awesome.
Nicole & Derek: His stress piling on her stress and so on. Quickstep. Sailors goofing around. Fantastic, bright and effervescent performance. Great expression and very animated and goofy. All performance, a couple of nice figures. 27/30
Yes, they broke hold and yes, they did a lift. But as Jonathan tweeted, why are the judges being harsh about technique when their challenge was story?
RESULTS SHOW
I have to learn to avoid Twitter. Some folks forget about the East Coast/West Coast time difference.
Safe: Aiden & Edyta, Erin & Maks.
Video: Len's review of Monday. Somehow, Len always seems much more pleasant and lighthearted about the routines in retrospect, even ones he bagged on.
Encore: Evan & Anna's Quickstep, still great.
Music Guest: Reba McEntire, "I Want a Cowboy". Can't not love Reba, right? The pro dancing by Maks, Val, Edyta & Snejana is just pretty good and, as Tom notes FTW, "the American West as danced by three Russians and a Pole." Tom actually talks to her, and she admits to Evan, Erin and Nicole being her favorites.
Speaking of Twitter, Val had some pretty lousy things to say about "having" to dance to country music with a country theme, basically dissing the number and the musical guest. So while Maks plays at being a bad boy, little brother is the real douchey deal.
Safe: Niecy & Louis.
Music/Pro Dance: An "acoustic Paso Doble". Derek starts playing Spanish guitar, is joined by Chelsie to dance while Mark gets to sit and be great on guitar. The routine is awesome and the music is great. Loved it.
Safe: Nicole & Derek.
Music Guest: Reba McEntire, "Consider Me Gone". Dmitry and Lacey come on to do a much more interesting and emotional theatrical routine. Good on them.
Video: Melissa Rycroft shows what it's like to be an audience member.
The male celeb for the Design-A-Dance will be Joey Fatone. The song will be "Rock and Roll All Night" by Kiss, and the dance will be Tango. WTF?
Safe: Evan & Anna, Chad & Cheryl (who does indeed do her \o/ thing).
Video: Cast bonding at the practice studio.
Safe: Pamela & Damien, Jake & Chelsie.
RLOD: Buzz & Ashly, Kate & Tony. Len when asked about Jake, Buzz & Kate, basically says that he thinks Kate needs to go. Over on Cafepress.com you can get t-shirts and stuff that say "FREE TONY". Can't argue the sentiment.
Eliminated: Buzz Aldrin & Ashly Costa. Not much of a shocker, but he's extremely gracious. The cast salutes him as he dances, which is nice (even if Chelsie uses her left hand).
Next week's challenge is the Double Score Showdown (they give Tom's voice echo for it). Two scores to be given: one for presentation, one for technique (which will hinge on at least one required element in each routine). I really, really like this and wish they'd do it every week. See you then.
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DWTS - S10 Week 2
"The pressure has never been so intense," says Tom. Uh-huh. Already, we see video of people stressing out. I notice for the first time that the new credits include a cast-standing-abreast-walking-slo-mo-towards-camera shot, and that the band singers are actually vocalizing the "ba-ba-ba-baaa, ba-ba-ba-baaaa" of the theme music. The hell?
Shannen & Mark: She wants simpler, but Mark is making it harder. Jive. Not bad, off time as she's on her own count. Good energy, starting to feel character. Shuffly but good speed. 18/30
Aiden & Edyta: Drama faces, tension, Edyta breaks down and he has to comfort his teacher's nerves. Not cool. Foxtrot. A little more stuff for him to do, but still no challenge. Better feel for music, better posture and frame. She elbows him in face. 18/30
Evan & Anna: He tries to get her to smile in practice, they dance for his hometown. Jive. Excellent energy and expression, good focus on partner. Nice footwork and kicks, but still no pointed toes. Big, fun and light. 24/30
Niecy & Louis: Trouble communicating until he talks in food terms. Foxtrot. Light and graceful, great musicality. More lip synching to help her "feel" character. Solid footwork, nice arms, very clean. 22/30
Jake & Chelsie: Conflict between his potential and his comfort zone. Jive. Bright and high feet and good speed throughout. Nice feel for music, loses time on the same grapevine figure that Shannen lost it on. 20/30
Not only is Chelsie dressed just like Cha Cha DiGregorio from Grease, they cribbed some of the choreography from the "Hand Jive" number.
Buzz & Ashly: He applies himself to the new challenge; his wife Lois visits. Foxtrot. "Fly Me to the Moon", of course. You can see her helping him with steps and counting. A cute, sweet little number. Crooked frame, but that's not what his numbers are about. 14/30
Okay, judges-- 4's? Really? If you ever used a consistent scale, maybe.
In the audience: Louie Vito, Jerry Rice.
Nicole & Derek: They were thinking 50's theme, but got a new song switched on them, so they're scared of Len. Jive. Intro w/ him in the Celebriquarium flirting w/ Pamela. Great choreography to un-Jive music. Super sharp footwork, excellent follow, solid side-by-side. 27/30
Len, of course complains. I'd like to see him choreograph a "traditional" Jive to that song and not have it look ridiculous.
Erin & Maks: She's getting frustrated and upset, and he stays calm. Foxtrot. Great reach and balance. Solid footwork with heel leads. Nice flexibility, good solo work. Nice flow and graceful lines. 25/30
With all the videos of celebs bagging on their pros, Len has "three" words for them which Carrie Ann & Bruno parrot: "Turn up, keep up and shut up."
Pamela & Damian: She's way more focused and into it than expected. Foxtrot. Marylin Monroe character that she is solid on. Great smoothness and feel for music. Ironically, she is not filling out the top line of her frame and needs posture work. 21/30
Tom FTW on her character: "A busload of Kennedys just pulled up."
Chad & Cheryl: Cheryl's tough and he's too flirty all the time, but gets a kiss on the cheek for being good. Foxtrot. Lost the looseness of last week. Tight up top, posture off, butt out. Needs to work on feeling. 15/30
Kate & Tony: She's questioning his teaching technique, so he quits (!) then comes back. Jive. Stiff and awkward, counting out loud and struggling to keep up. Scared to death during the whole thing. 12/30
No, we did not get to see the scene of the producers talking Tony into coming back to work with such a disrespectful student. Bruno FTW: He totally calls her a Stepford Wife.
RESULTS SHOW
And we're getting right to it. Safe: Buzz & Ashly (Whoa, last place in scores and safe. Interesting.) RED LIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOOM: Pamela & Damien.
Video package: Len reviews Monday night. No excuse for some of the harsher comments he made.
BTW, Erin & Maks are dating. Big surprise.
Encore: Nicole & Derek's Jive. This time, Derek is consoling Pamela up in the Celebriquarium.
Pro number: Ballroom "Fusion" routine choreographed by Travis Payne & Stacy Walker. Derek, Anna, Tony, Cheryl, Maks, Chelsie, Louis, Ashly, Damien & Edyta (basically, everyone but Mark).
Video: "Between the Mirrorballs" with Adam Corolla (who I thought was funny at the time, but now I don't like the guy, long story).
Safe: Aiden & Edyta, Niecy & Louis.
The female celeb for this season's Design-A-Dance will be Melissa Rycroft.
Musical guest: Beach Boys with John Stamos (who I have also recently learned is a tool), with a medley. Cheryl, Ashly and Anna come out during "California Girls" (Anna being the "northern girl" LOL), with Damian, Maks & Louis.
Video: "The Len Commandments". Thou shalt not: ...kill time; ...take the judges' names in vain; ...steal each other's dance moves; ...interrupt Len; ...do lifts. Thou shalt: ...have rhinestones; ...honor the judges with gifts and attention.
Safe: Evan & Anna, Jake & Chelsie, Nicole & Derek.
Macy Stars of Dance: Tribute to the Haiti with Haitian performers, including the World Mambo Champion who lost his young son in the earthquake. Awesome dancing.
Video: Brooke Burke's new workday.
Safe: Erin & Maks, Chad & Cheryl. Interesting to note the last three are all supposed "divas" (Pamela, Shannen & Kate). Kate & Tony, and the bitchface is strong in reaction. RLOD: Shannen & Mark.
Eliminated: Shannen Doherty & Mark Ballas. Surprised to see Mark being helped down the stairs by Tony. They reveal that Mark injured his knee and will be out for 6 weeks after surgery, so she would have been dancing with Corky Ballas if not eliminated. She is happy to have made it long enough to honor her father.
Challenge for next week: every routine must tell a story. There are definitely pros for whom this will be a strength, and some it will not.
...Read more
Shannen & Mark: She wants simpler, but Mark is making it harder. Jive. Not bad, off time as she's on her own count. Good energy, starting to feel character. Shuffly but good speed. 18/30
Aiden & Edyta: Drama faces, tension, Edyta breaks down and he has to comfort his teacher's nerves. Not cool. Foxtrot. A little more stuff for him to do, but still no challenge. Better feel for music, better posture and frame. She elbows him in face. 18/30
Evan & Anna: He tries to get her to smile in practice, they dance for his hometown. Jive. Excellent energy and expression, good focus on partner. Nice footwork and kicks, but still no pointed toes. Big, fun and light. 24/30
Niecy & Louis: Trouble communicating until he talks in food terms. Foxtrot. Light and graceful, great musicality. More lip synching to help her "feel" character. Solid footwork, nice arms, very clean. 22/30
Jake & Chelsie: Conflict between his potential and his comfort zone. Jive. Bright and high feet and good speed throughout. Nice feel for music, loses time on the same grapevine figure that Shannen lost it on. 20/30
Not only is Chelsie dressed just like Cha Cha DiGregorio from Grease, they cribbed some of the choreography from the "Hand Jive" number.
Buzz & Ashly: He applies himself to the new challenge; his wife Lois visits. Foxtrot. "Fly Me to the Moon", of course. You can see her helping him with steps and counting. A cute, sweet little number. Crooked frame, but that's not what his numbers are about. 14/30
Okay, judges-- 4's? Really? If you ever used a consistent scale, maybe.
In the audience: Louie Vito, Jerry Rice.
Nicole & Derek: They were thinking 50's theme, but got a new song switched on them, so they're scared of Len. Jive. Intro w/ him in the Celebriquarium flirting w/ Pamela. Great choreography to un-Jive music. Super sharp footwork, excellent follow, solid side-by-side. 27/30
Len, of course complains. I'd like to see him choreograph a "traditional" Jive to that song and not have it look ridiculous.
Erin & Maks: She's getting frustrated and upset, and he stays calm. Foxtrot. Great reach and balance. Solid footwork with heel leads. Nice flexibility, good solo work. Nice flow and graceful lines. 25/30
With all the videos of celebs bagging on their pros, Len has "three" words for them which Carrie Ann & Bruno parrot: "Turn up, keep up and shut up."
Pamela & Damian: She's way more focused and into it than expected. Foxtrot. Marylin Monroe character that she is solid on. Great smoothness and feel for music. Ironically, she is not filling out the top line of her frame and needs posture work. 21/30
Tom FTW on her character: "A busload of Kennedys just pulled up."
Chad & Cheryl: Cheryl's tough and he's too flirty all the time, but gets a kiss on the cheek for being good. Foxtrot. Lost the looseness of last week. Tight up top, posture off, butt out. Needs to work on feeling. 15/30
Kate & Tony: She's questioning his teaching technique, so he quits (!) then comes back. Jive. Stiff and awkward, counting out loud and struggling to keep up. Scared to death during the whole thing. 12/30
No, we did not get to see the scene of the producers talking Tony into coming back to work with such a disrespectful student. Bruno FTW: He totally calls her a Stepford Wife.
RESULTS SHOW
And we're getting right to it. Safe: Buzz & Ashly (Whoa, last place in scores and safe. Interesting.) RED LIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOOM: Pamela & Damien.
Video package: Len reviews Monday night. No excuse for some of the harsher comments he made.
BTW, Erin & Maks are dating. Big surprise.
Encore: Nicole & Derek's Jive. This time, Derek is consoling Pamela up in the Celebriquarium.
Pro number: Ballroom "Fusion" routine choreographed by Travis Payne & Stacy Walker. Derek, Anna, Tony, Cheryl, Maks, Chelsie, Louis, Ashly, Damien & Edyta (basically, everyone but Mark).
Video: "Between the Mirrorballs" with Adam Corolla (who I thought was funny at the time, but now I don't like the guy, long story).
Safe: Aiden & Edyta, Niecy & Louis.
The female celeb for this season's Design-A-Dance will be Melissa Rycroft.
Musical guest: Beach Boys with John Stamos (who I have also recently learned is a tool), with a medley. Cheryl, Ashly and Anna come out during "California Girls" (Anna being the "northern girl" LOL), with Damian, Maks & Louis.
Video: "The Len Commandments". Thou shalt not: ...kill time; ...take the judges' names in vain; ...steal each other's dance moves; ...interrupt Len; ...do lifts. Thou shalt: ...have rhinestones; ...honor the judges with gifts and attention.
Safe: Evan & Anna, Jake & Chelsie, Nicole & Derek.
Macy Stars of Dance: Tribute to the Haiti with Haitian performers, including the World Mambo Champion who lost his young son in the earthquake. Awesome dancing.
Video: Brooke Burke's new workday.
Safe: Erin & Maks, Chad & Cheryl. Interesting to note the last three are all supposed "divas" (Pamela, Shannen & Kate). Kate & Tony, and the bitchface is strong in reaction. RLOD: Shannen & Mark.
Eliminated: Shannen Doherty & Mark Ballas. Surprised to see Mark being helped down the stairs by Tony. They reveal that Mark injured his knee and will be out for 6 weeks after surgery, so she would have been dancing with Corky Ballas if not eliminated. She is happy to have made it long enough to honor her father.
Challenge for next week: every routine must tell a story. There are definitely pros for whom this will be a strength, and some it will not.
...Read more
DWTS - S10 Week 1
Another cycle of DWTS, let's see what "Season" 10 has in store for us.
Tom tells us that there have been 27 professionals and 104 celebrity partners on the show (name 'em all!) so far. The new graphics and opening titles are all shiny and nifty, with the couples now greenscreened into a cityscape near big glowy names instead of the old 70's kaleidoscope effect. It even extends to a projection on the dance floor.
Of course, the most important new thing to see? Our new co-host, Brooke Burke! Yay! Somehow, Samantha Harris decided that her gigs other places should take priority and I couldn't be happier because I don't watch any of those shows.
Here come the couples, some looking quite elegant and graceful. Edyta is wearing a trenchcoat as if anyone will be surprised when she takes it off (spoiler alert!). Instead of the old Red Room, the studio now features a glass-walled room complete with an extra little balcony so that these people will always be on display. They've dubbed it the "Celebriquarium" and I don't like it already.
Time to dance.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke: He asks to be drilled and worked hard, which works for her. Cha Cha. Solid-ish footwork, light. Good focus and musicality. Some stiffness and hesitation, half decent arms. 18/30
New scoring graphics, even. Now the judges are in a little box, their paddles are repeated in boxes beside them and the total score is tallied beneath for the truly lazy.
Shannen Doherty & Mark Ballas: She's doing it for her dad but is terrified of performing; he calls self "Prince of Ballroom". Viennese Waltz. Tough choreography, but clean. Solid foundation, decent footwork, needs more emotion. 18/30
In the audience: Helio, Jonathan (who has an awful seat), Tim Allen, Marlee and Joanna.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: She, perfectionist, wanted the tough teacher; he: "they always ask for me, they always regret it". Fun couple. Cha Cha. Good footwork, great timing, excellent attitude & flexibility. Needs leg strength. 21/30
Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower: He says The Bachelor is not a competition (not for him, yeah) and wants to be good right away; she gives good advice on that. Viennese Waltz. Nice movement, knows steps, on time. Improve posture & upper body. 19/30
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel: She likes her "jiggly parts" and doesn't want to lose weight. Cha Cha. Good expression, but a lip syncher. Fast, clean feet. Needs more snap and energy. Nice ending. 17/30
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya: He's been called too technical in skating and has trouble turning in a new direction. Viennese Waltz. Excellent posture and extension and hands. Point toes and connect more to partner. Very polished. 23/30
We get a quick hello from some astronauts on the International Space Station. Awesome.
Buzz Aldrin & Ashly Costa: He's 80, a risk-taker and thought "this is a cute babe" on meeting her. Concern over memorizing steps. Cha Cha. Shaky and hesitant, needs to count but still off time. Fun and cute and he's enjoying it. 12/30
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough: A lot of dorkiness between them; a new challenge for her. Viennese Waltz. Nicely soft and elegant. Great extension and balance, nice frame. Okay footwork, nice feeling for music. 24/30
Aiden Turner & Edyta Sliwinksa: He's goofier than you'd guess; she keeps flirting. Cha Cha. Oh surprise, she takes off jacket. Yawn. Has his timing, knows steps, lacks some flex and musicality. Lousy choreography with nothing for him to do as usual. 16/30
Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani: We don't see the first meeting. Interesting. He mentions her bitchface, she calls it insecurity. Viennese Waltz. Awkward and stiff, needs to drive and attack steps. Nervous expression, but she keeps up. 14/30
Pamela Anderson & Damien Whitewood: Both new with lots to prove. Her hair is out of control at all times. Cha Cha. Much stronger than expected, clean feet. Good connection and expression. Shaky overall. Enjoying it. 17/30
No elimination this week for some reason or other.
...Read more
Tom tells us that there have been 27 professionals and 104 celebrity partners on the show (name 'em all!) so far. The new graphics and opening titles are all shiny and nifty, with the couples now greenscreened into a cityscape near big glowy names instead of the old 70's kaleidoscope effect. It even extends to a projection on the dance floor.
Of course, the most important new thing to see? Our new co-host, Brooke Burke! Yay! Somehow, Samantha Harris decided that her gigs other places should take priority and I couldn't be happier because I don't watch any of those shows.
Here come the couples, some looking quite elegant and graceful. Edyta is wearing a trenchcoat as if anyone will be surprised when she takes it off (spoiler alert!). Instead of the old Red Room, the studio now features a glass-walled room complete with an extra little balcony so that these people will always be on display. They've dubbed it the "Celebriquarium" and I don't like it already.
Time to dance.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke: He asks to be drilled and worked hard, which works for her. Cha Cha. Solid-ish footwork, light. Good focus and musicality. Some stiffness and hesitation, half decent arms. 18/30
New scoring graphics, even. Now the judges are in a little box, their paddles are repeated in boxes beside them and the total score is tallied beneath for the truly lazy.
Shannen Doherty & Mark Ballas: She's doing it for her dad but is terrified of performing; he calls self "Prince of Ballroom". Viennese Waltz. Tough choreography, but clean. Solid foundation, decent footwork, needs more emotion. 18/30
In the audience: Helio, Jonathan (who has an awful seat), Tim Allen, Marlee and Joanna.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: She, perfectionist, wanted the tough teacher; he: "they always ask for me, they always regret it". Fun couple. Cha Cha. Good footwork, great timing, excellent attitude & flexibility. Needs leg strength. 21/30
Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower: He says The Bachelor is not a competition (not for him, yeah) and wants to be good right away; she gives good advice on that. Viennese Waltz. Nice movement, knows steps, on time. Improve posture & upper body. 19/30
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel: She likes her "jiggly parts" and doesn't want to lose weight. Cha Cha. Good expression, but a lip syncher. Fast, clean feet. Needs more snap and energy. Nice ending. 17/30
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya: He's been called too technical in skating and has trouble turning in a new direction. Viennese Waltz. Excellent posture and extension and hands. Point toes and connect more to partner. Very polished. 23/30
We get a quick hello from some astronauts on the International Space Station. Awesome.
Buzz Aldrin & Ashly Costa: He's 80, a risk-taker and thought "this is a cute babe" on meeting her. Concern over memorizing steps. Cha Cha. Shaky and hesitant, needs to count but still off time. Fun and cute and he's enjoying it. 12/30
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough: A lot of dorkiness between them; a new challenge for her. Viennese Waltz. Nicely soft and elegant. Great extension and balance, nice frame. Okay footwork, nice feeling for music. 24/30
Aiden Turner & Edyta Sliwinksa: He's goofier than you'd guess; she keeps flirting. Cha Cha. Oh surprise, she takes off jacket. Yawn. Has his timing, knows steps, lacks some flex and musicality. Lousy choreography with nothing for him to do as usual. 16/30
Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani: We don't see the first meeting. Interesting. He mentions her bitchface, she calls it insecurity. Viennese Waltz. Awkward and stiff, needs to drive and attack steps. Nervous expression, but she keeps up. 14/30
Pamela Anderson & Damien Whitewood: Both new with lots to prove. Her hair is out of control at all times. Cha Cha. Much stronger than expected, clean feet. Good connection and expression. Shaky overall. Enjoying it. 17/30
No elimination this week for some reason or other.
...Read more
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
DWTS - S9 Week 9
It's week nine, the semifinals, which means it's time for the video of the DWTS "mirror ball" trophy surrounded by smoke and lights. Our lineup tonight includes three female celebrities and one male, which I believe might just be unprecedented. They've got three "full" (meaning, I suppose, not part of group numbers) routines to dance tonight: one Ballroom dance, one Latin and the "Knockout" dance they prepared weeks ago during the dance-offs. In addition, each couple's Latin routine must include a solo by the celebrity, not my favorite gimmick at all.
Donny & Kym: Despite having done an awesome Argentine Tango, they bring in Gilles ("I'm on Brothers & Sisters, also on ABC") Marini to help with the romance and passion: "make people uncomfortable", he advises. The music is awful, way better suited to Foxtrot than Tango. Kym's foot catches and tears the hem of her skirt, which throws them both off. Donny loses his performance focus even though his footwork is clean. He feels really bad about it, and you can't help but feel bad for him. 7.5/10.0
Donny's so distraught, he lays down on the floor. Tom's reaction? "Somebody call the paramedics, we have another Osmond down! Another Osmond down!" Donny blames seeing Marie in the audience for losing his focus. Marie, standing next to Tom Bergeron, protests.
Joanna & Derek: The rehearsals are getting rough, Derek is pushing hard and getting frustrated. Brooke Burke visits to joke around and make fun of Derek. Viennese Waltz. The opening is simple and pretty and so is the entire routine. Very understated and classic, not a lot of flash, but that's the right call. Nice lines, and a good start to body stretch, but still lacking grounding. Carrie Ann, of course, has to criticize her and makes some pointless comment about her arms and not her feet, which have been iffy all season. 9.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: With a family dog dying, the "new" more motivated Kelly is pushing through and practicing instead of falling apart, and is not intimidated by the Rumba, which for some reason they're doing instead of their Ballroom. She's feeling the music, really thoughtful and soft in performance. The solo isn't so great. Decent technique, some hips, a bit shaky on some of her lines. She does, though, do the last one where she's braced on one foot against Louis and he's holding on to the other and nothing else pretty well. 7.5/10.0
Apparently, Kelly's feet were in such pain she had a shot to numb them, which must somehow explain the flip-flop of their dances.
Mya & Dmitry: She brings in a white board to remind them of the practice rules, the last of which is ironically that Dmitry is in charge. Sure. Waltz. Excellent technique, and not overdone or trying too hard. Very graceful. Their dance hold is off, I think she's a bit misaligned. Still a lack of chemistry and connection between them beyond the technique. They also do a lift at the end, but Carrie Ann Inconistent doesn't catch it. 9.0/10.0
In the audience: Helio Castroneves. During the next section, the intro video will be a little history of each celebrity.
Donny & Kym: Man, his kids totally look like him. Samba to his own "One Bad Apple", cute. Lots of great energy, some good hips going and lots of feeling. He's really in the music, a great change in his performance. His solo has some nice steps and content, and he really looks like he's having fun. He'll never be as hard and sharp as some others, but he'll always be very smooth. 8.5/10.0
Joanna & Derek: Single mom + two girls left Communist Poland. Mom, it seems, passed on very good genes to both her daughters. Cha Cha. She starts with the solo, slinking on the stage with some great swivel and hip action. The full fringe pants, I'm betting, are Derek's idea, highlighting her best technique and camouflaging her weaknesses. Very sharp movement, great connection and lead & follow. 9.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: Her unusual upbringing and history make her adventurous and resilient. Quickstep. Random song, super fast for Quickstep. Great technique, especially the Charleston footwork in the corner which might be the best of the season. Slightly off during a jump. Bright and fun performance, nice choreography, points for keeping up the speed. 9.5/10.0
Mya & Dmitry: She was taught tap by her mom out of a library book. Salsa, although their song "La Isla Bonita" is a Samba and the arrangement even more so. Lots of great rhythm, very fast music. Good hip action and Latin motion, nice follow. They do a variation on the neck-drop-to-foot trick that works very well. Her solo is strong, but it's easy in this dance and something like Cha Cha. 9.5/10.0
Len's comment is "Tutti Fruitti, what a booty". No, seriously.
Video package: the prep of the Knockout dances. Interesting to note that it's been a couple of weeks since any of them have practiced these routines, and none of them were called upon to use them for a dance-off. Apparently, celebrities being asked to do three routines in one night is also unprecedented.
Donny & Kym: Jitterbug. Good call. We finally get to see those gaudy spangly green costumes in action. It's Donny's signature high energy and solid technique. Some good tricks, lots of fun. 9.5/10.0
Joanna & Derek: Salsa. Excellent energy, very sharp movement, lots of great swivels. Good connection, some callback to their neck drop. Lots of Derek mugging. 9.5/10.0
Kelly & Louis: Cha Cha. Adorable look with the pink/black costumes. Great musicality. Very sharp, excellent arms and hands. Solid performance. 8.0/10.0
Mya & Dmitry: Cha Cha. Good technique. Clearly from a while ago, as the choreography isn't as tight and interesting as what he's doing lately. Some tricks, good footwork, still not quite together. 8.5/10.0
Results show. They've ramped up the drama music. Tom calls it the most "entertainment-packed" show ever, and considering the lineup, he's not far wrong.
Encore: Mya & Dmitry's Salsa. Some parts of it actually work better tonight than last night. The Wife and some friends share our less-than-totally-impressed view of this couple. One common comment was that when speaking, Mya's words seem to come off a little disingenuous, a little fake. I notice on Twitter (a great way to follow the action and find out things closer to the stars' and celebs' real feelings) that no matter how much everyone gushes about everyone else, the one exception is that nobody seems to be especially close or affectionate with Mya.
We find out that the reason Kelly's solo last night looked off was that she'd forgotten her choreography and was improvising it. Wow.
They bring up the four couples to the stage and fake them out. Instead, we get a video package of each contestant sizing up their competition.
We're treated to a performance of the song "Be Italian", as staged in the upcoming movie musical Nine. The movie's number is re-created and adapted for the studio, with a dancer filling in for the really-surprisingly-good-at-the-song Fergie, who plays the Whore in the movie (no seriously, that's the character). The number is good and well-staged. I'm really looking forward to the movie.
Musical guest: Alicia Keys, "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart". She has her own two couples for dancers, and they're quite good. She's wearing thigh-high blue suede high-heel boots that seem to have no zippers.
Video: The celebs lip sync to Queen's "Under Pressure". The sync quality varies greatly, but Joanna, Kelly and especially Donny seem to get into the overdramatics with gusto. There are dresses torn, mirror balls smashed and high heel dance shoes set on fire. Very funny, mostly for Donny.
They bring the two higher-scoring couples to the stage, and inform Mya & Dmitry that they've made it to the finals. No surprise, but a little disappointment here. We find her the most technically talented, but least interesting to watch dance.
Musical guest: Leona Lewis, "Happy". Four couples to dance in a floor full of smoke, and using huge black sheets as props. Um, okay.
The lower-scoring couples come to the stage. Donny is moved to the finals and is very relieved.
Musical guest: the Bee Gees, "You Should Be Dancing". It's their 50th Anniversary, wow. They can still hit the falsetto, but the song just doesn't sound right with just the two of them. Tony, Cheryl, Chelsie and Artem (making one of his occasional appearances) dance some Hustle, and then Tony dances with his partner from last season, Melissa Rycroft who gets to dance barefoot, probably because she couldn't get used to the heels again fast enough. I note that Tony has no trouble lifting her over his head either, so he must only have trouble with Cheryl. The audience is on its feet clapping along. We see Sharon grooving, but Ozzy looks especially confused by the disco music.
Video package: We actually spend some time with the professionals, watching backstage footage of them creating the pro routines. It's interesting to watch the interplay of the egos and creative forces. They get worked up, but we don't see any fighting, and clearly they know how to work together to make great results.
And it's time to announce the third couple in the finals, and it's Kelly & Louis.
Eliminated: Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough. He's totally ready for it. She sounds really sincere in her thanks. Probably the worst part of it all is that Derek was promising a freestyle that would blow their futuristic Paso "out of the water", and I believe it. Instead of a last dance, surprisingly, they're asked to encore their Viennese Waltz from last night. It's still a great routine, and she dances it well.
Finals next week. See you there.
...Read more
Donny & Kym: Despite having done an awesome Argentine Tango, they bring in Gilles ("I'm on Brothers & Sisters, also on ABC") Marini to help with the romance and passion: "make people uncomfortable", he advises. The music is awful, way better suited to Foxtrot than Tango. Kym's foot catches and tears the hem of her skirt, which throws them both off. Donny loses his performance focus even though his footwork is clean. He feels really bad about it, and you can't help but feel bad for him. 7.5/10.0
Donny's so distraught, he lays down on the floor. Tom's reaction? "Somebody call the paramedics, we have another Osmond down! Another Osmond down!" Donny blames seeing Marie in the audience for losing his focus. Marie, standing next to Tom Bergeron, protests.
Joanna & Derek: The rehearsals are getting rough, Derek is pushing hard and getting frustrated. Brooke Burke visits to joke around and make fun of Derek. Viennese Waltz. The opening is simple and pretty and so is the entire routine. Very understated and classic, not a lot of flash, but that's the right call. Nice lines, and a good start to body stretch, but still lacking grounding. Carrie Ann, of course, has to criticize her and makes some pointless comment about her arms and not her feet, which have been iffy all season. 9.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: With a family dog dying, the "new" more motivated Kelly is pushing through and practicing instead of falling apart, and is not intimidated by the Rumba, which for some reason they're doing instead of their Ballroom. She's feeling the music, really thoughtful and soft in performance. The solo isn't so great. Decent technique, some hips, a bit shaky on some of her lines. She does, though, do the last one where she's braced on one foot against Louis and he's holding on to the other and nothing else pretty well. 7.5/10.0
Apparently, Kelly's feet were in such pain she had a shot to numb them, which must somehow explain the flip-flop of their dances.
Mya & Dmitry: She brings in a white board to remind them of the practice rules, the last of which is ironically that Dmitry is in charge. Sure. Waltz. Excellent technique, and not overdone or trying too hard. Very graceful. Their dance hold is off, I think she's a bit misaligned. Still a lack of chemistry and connection between them beyond the technique. They also do a lift at the end, but Carrie Ann Inconistent doesn't catch it. 9.0/10.0
In the audience: Helio Castroneves. During the next section, the intro video will be a little history of each celebrity.
Donny & Kym: Man, his kids totally look like him. Samba to his own "One Bad Apple", cute. Lots of great energy, some good hips going and lots of feeling. He's really in the music, a great change in his performance. His solo has some nice steps and content, and he really looks like he's having fun. He'll never be as hard and sharp as some others, but he'll always be very smooth. 8.5/10.0
Joanna & Derek: Single mom + two girls left Communist Poland. Mom, it seems, passed on very good genes to both her daughters. Cha Cha. She starts with the solo, slinking on the stage with some great swivel and hip action. The full fringe pants, I'm betting, are Derek's idea, highlighting her best technique and camouflaging her weaknesses. Very sharp movement, great connection and lead & follow. 9.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: Her unusual upbringing and history make her adventurous and resilient. Quickstep. Random song, super fast for Quickstep. Great technique, especially the Charleston footwork in the corner which might be the best of the season. Slightly off during a jump. Bright and fun performance, nice choreography, points for keeping up the speed. 9.5/10.0
Mya & Dmitry: She was taught tap by her mom out of a library book. Salsa, although their song "La Isla Bonita" is a Samba and the arrangement even more so. Lots of great rhythm, very fast music. Good hip action and Latin motion, nice follow. They do a variation on the neck-drop-to-foot trick that works very well. Her solo is strong, but it's easy in this dance and something like Cha Cha. 9.5/10.0
Len's comment is "Tutti Fruitti, what a booty". No, seriously.
Video package: the prep of the Knockout dances. Interesting to note that it's been a couple of weeks since any of them have practiced these routines, and none of them were called upon to use them for a dance-off. Apparently, celebrities being asked to do three routines in one night is also unprecedented.
Donny & Kym: Jitterbug. Good call. We finally get to see those gaudy spangly green costumes in action. It's Donny's signature high energy and solid technique. Some good tricks, lots of fun. 9.5/10.0
Joanna & Derek: Salsa. Excellent energy, very sharp movement, lots of great swivels. Good connection, some callback to their neck drop. Lots of Derek mugging. 9.5/10.0
Kelly & Louis: Cha Cha. Adorable look with the pink/black costumes. Great musicality. Very sharp, excellent arms and hands. Solid performance. 8.0/10.0
Mya & Dmitry: Cha Cha. Good technique. Clearly from a while ago, as the choreography isn't as tight and interesting as what he's doing lately. Some tricks, good footwork, still not quite together. 8.5/10.0
Results show. They've ramped up the drama music. Tom calls it the most "entertainment-packed" show ever, and considering the lineup, he's not far wrong.
Encore: Mya & Dmitry's Salsa. Some parts of it actually work better tonight than last night. The Wife and some friends share our less-than-totally-impressed view of this couple. One common comment was that when speaking, Mya's words seem to come off a little disingenuous, a little fake. I notice on Twitter (a great way to follow the action and find out things closer to the stars' and celebs' real feelings) that no matter how much everyone gushes about everyone else, the one exception is that nobody seems to be especially close or affectionate with Mya.
We find out that the reason Kelly's solo last night looked off was that she'd forgotten her choreography and was improvising it. Wow.
They bring up the four couples to the stage and fake them out. Instead, we get a video package of each contestant sizing up their competition.
We're treated to a performance of the song "Be Italian", as staged in the upcoming movie musical Nine. The movie's number is re-created and adapted for the studio, with a dancer filling in for the really-surprisingly-good-at-the-song Fergie, who plays the Whore in the movie (no seriously, that's the character). The number is good and well-staged. I'm really looking forward to the movie.
Musical guest: Alicia Keys, "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart". She has her own two couples for dancers, and they're quite good. She's wearing thigh-high blue suede high-heel boots that seem to have no zippers.
Video: The celebs lip sync to Queen's "Under Pressure". The sync quality varies greatly, but Joanna, Kelly and especially Donny seem to get into the overdramatics with gusto. There are dresses torn, mirror balls smashed and high heel dance shoes set on fire. Very funny, mostly for Donny.
They bring the two higher-scoring couples to the stage, and inform Mya & Dmitry that they've made it to the finals. No surprise, but a little disappointment here. We find her the most technically talented, but least interesting to watch dance.
Musical guest: Leona Lewis, "Happy". Four couples to dance in a floor full of smoke, and using huge black sheets as props. Um, okay.
The lower-scoring couples come to the stage. Donny is moved to the finals and is very relieved.
Musical guest: the Bee Gees, "You Should Be Dancing". It's their 50th Anniversary, wow. They can still hit the falsetto, but the song just doesn't sound right with just the two of them. Tony, Cheryl, Chelsie and Artem (making one of his occasional appearances) dance some Hustle, and then Tony dances with his partner from last season, Melissa Rycroft who gets to dance barefoot, probably because she couldn't get used to the heels again fast enough. I note that Tony has no trouble lifting her over his head either, so he must only have trouble with Cheryl. The audience is on its feet clapping along. We see Sharon grooving, but Ozzy looks especially confused by the disco music.
Video package: We actually spend some time with the professionals, watching backstage footage of them creating the pro routines. It's interesting to watch the interplay of the egos and creative forces. They get worked up, but we don't see any fighting, and clearly they know how to work together to make great results.
And it's time to announce the third couple in the finals, and it's Kelly & Louis.
Eliminated: Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough. He's totally ready for it. She sounds really sincere in her thanks. Probably the worst part of it all is that Derek was promising a freestyle that would blow their futuristic Paso "out of the water", and I believe it. Instead of a last dance, surprisingly, they're asked to encore their Viennese Waltz from last night. It's still a great routine, and she dances it well.
Finals next week. See you there.
...Read more
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
DWTS - S9 Week 8
Two dances tonight for each couple-- that is, two full original routines. First, is the Ballroom (aka Smooth or Standard) round, and then the Latin which for some reason they've decided to theme tonight by assigning each couple not just a dance but a particular decade. I am not a fan of the gimmicks this show usually comes up with to mix things up, and I'm not feeling much better about this one. The dancers head down the stairs. Kelly always looks adorable (and never in my life did I expect to ever consider Kelly Osbourne "adorable"), Aaron has another inexplicably huge collar and Joanna's done up all old Hollywood glam.
Video package: the judges size up the competitors for the Ballroom round.
Mya & Dmitry: "If you put in something just to please the judges, you lose the 'wow factor'," she strategizes continuing to prove that she's in charge, not the pro. She does push herself on the technique, though, and for no reason they go horseback riding. Quickstep. Good footwork, great posture. Her right arm in hold is soft, but Dmitry doesn't let it break. Solid expression, simple and focused on the dance. 8.5/10.0
Let me get rude for a minute. Mya, frak you and your "wow factor". People who vote on this show will vote for who they like pretty much regardless of how well they dance. If you're going to win, you need to court both sides of the fence, and pushing for more style and less substance is a bad strategy, especially when you're a better dancer than you keep showing. When Len breaks out his 10 paddle, Dmitry gives her a really amusing miniature 10 paddle on a ring.
Aaron & Karina: He thinks it's important to be happy and enjoy the experience. Karina is getting sick, but is determined to not let him dance with a different pro. Smart. Foxtrot. Good movement and travel, decent footwork. Trying to get both technique and performance, lacking a little smoothness. His frame rides too far forward to be in balance. I really don't like her dancing in pants for this. 7.5/10.0
They give them a song with the lyrics "lucky I'm in love with my best friend". A little in-joke there, show?
Joanna & Derek: Working on the super-fast dance with a still frame. He has them watching tapes of Mya to watch for an edge, concentrating on competing. Quickstep. Great frame and posture. Footwork decent, but lacking grounding and strength. Loses a bit of sync in places, a little too far apart in closed hold. Good fast travel. Great choreography ranging the floor. 8.5/10.0
In the audience: Sabrina Bryan, Marie Osmond and, of course, the Jacksons.
Kelly & Louis: She hasn't had a Ballroom since week one, yikes. She gets really distracted by anything, and Louis puts a "do not disturb or Louis will kill you" sign on the door and locks up her phone. Foxtrot. Very together, good confidence and performance. Good movement, very graceful. Fun and cute routine, overall. Love her head position. 8.0/10.0
When they go back, the Red Room is completely empty, which is really kind of eerie.
Donny & Kym: He's feeling bummed out, so he starts over mentally for a fresh start. Struggle to remember steps. Viennese Waltz. Fantastic expression and character. Great movement and travel, very light and graceful and easy. Good frame and posture. Choreography lets it slow and stop for a moment, which I like a lot. 9.0/10.0
Len calls it "arty-farty". Donny points out that he went from "airy-fairy" (per Bruno) to "arty-farty". Tom tells them to "hoppy-skippy" back to the Red Room. We get a "DanceCenter" ad parody.
Time for a pro routine to eat some time. A Latin medley with Tony, Mark, Jaymz Tuaileva (OMG I can't believe I had to type it that way... also, he was on SYTYCD and in High School Musical 2), Snejana Petrova, Lilit Avaqvan, and Sandra Udis. (You have no idea how long it took me to find those names, yikes.) It's a great Latin medley, mostly Paso Doble and Samba.
Video package: the judges size up the competitors for the Latin "Dancing through the Decades" round.
Mya & Dmitry: 70's Samba. Adding the disco moves, having understandable trouble with Samba rolls. He's getting choreography block. He has a great wig and pornstache. Very good choreography with lots of solid content. They didn't do the rolls. Not enough connection between them, mostly because she rarely looks at him. Hip movement but no bounce. Solid overall. 9.5/10.0
Aaron & Karina: 90's Samba. They think to incorporate his old boy-band-ish moves, but not too much she thinks. He's overboard with the energy again, just can't seem to control himself and ease up. Good content for Samba and a few good 90's moves he hits too wild/hard. Pretty good movement and technique. 8.5/10.0
Apparently, Aaron is sick and felt so queasy at one point he nearly barfed. Tom calls that "our oversharing moment for tonight".
Joanna & Derek: Futuristic Paso Doble. There'll be lots of side-by-side work. Hardest choreography and most unusual, unique routine he's ever done. Their costumes light up and their hair and makeup is great. The routine is genius, incorporating both solid Paso content and lots of good theme elements, like straightening traditionally curved arm and leg lines. Solid technique. Awesome show. 10.0/10.0
Clearly, Carrie Anne is determined to never give Joanna as good a mark as the other judges.
Kelly & Louis: 60's Jive. She loves the era, so she gets to contribute steps. Working on the stamina for the dance. Cute looks with their wigs and the ragdoll prop that Bruno misses catching when Louis throws it. Much more confident on the floor, nice expression. Technique-wise, not as great with soft feet, low knees and no ticking. Not an explosive-energy kind of dancer. 8.5/10.0
Donny & Kym: 80's Paso Doble. "No room for a soft edge" in Paso, he says correctly. Pics of his old mullet look. Me, I loved "Soldier of Love", and I don't care who knows it. Adam Ant look for him, awesome costumes and makeup. Paso expression and character is solid throughout, but I think they got a little swamped in all the costuming. The wind machine and uplighting moment, though, was priceless. 9.0/10.0
Okay, the pros really went all-out in making the decade themes a part of the routines and got very creative with the interpretations. It made what could have been very staid and typical late-season Latin dances just a little out of the box. This was one of the best ideas they've had in a long time.
Results show. Tom jokes about the volume of the studio audience and how hard it is to hear themselves and one another. It's bad on this side of the camera, too.
Encore: Joanna & Derek's Futuristic Paso. Slight adjustments in hair and makeup, less extreme. The routine is still as brilliant as it was last night. Only Derek, I think, has the creative chops to have done something this good with that theme. Someone like Dmitry, I think, would have been lost. In Len's introduction, he mentions that they're not picking the one perfect-score routine, maybe somewhat acknowledging that if not for Carrie Anne being an idiot, this routine would have gotten a 30, too.
Safe: Joanna & Derek. Their costumes are still lit when their spotlight goes off, which is awesome and so is Dmitry missing a high five to Derek.
In the audience: Hugh Hefner and his 3 skeezy new girlfriends, Jane Seymour. Mya's score is almost perfect, the rest of the four are separated by just 2 points.
Musical Guest: Michael Bublé, "Just Haven't Met You Yet". Love his voice, amused by his frat boy looks. Jonathan, Maks, Anna & Cheryl dance a great and unusually lighthearted and fun routine with lots of awesome partner switching.
Safe: Mya & Dmitry.
Yay! DanceCenter! Kenny Mayne (minus his usual makeup, but also minus pants), Jerry Rice and Len size up the competitors, noting Joanna's braying laugh, Aaron's crying and Donny's age. "Special Backstage Correspondent" Stacy Kiebler goes through hair and makeup to be on camera for two seconds with Donny & Bruno acting couple-y.
Macy Stars of Dance: Design-A-Dance. And the surprise pro dancing with Sabrina Bryan is... Mark Ballas, of course! In their not-as-awful-as-it-sounds tiger stripe costumes, they dance Paso Doble to "Eye of the Tiger". She is fierce and awesome, strong sharp and intense. The choreography is top notch and even involves some climbing over one another and ends with his face in her cleavage. They're both so intense, I wonder if they're working out some issues here. It continues to be a crying shame that America let her be eliminated in her fifth week.
Music: Michael Bublé, "Feeling Good". Love this song, love the video, too. Dancing some great Ballroom are Urs Geisenhaier and Agnes Kazmierczak.
Tom calls elimination "like walking a carpeted plank".
Safe: Donny & Kym.
Music: Susan Boyle, "I Dreamed A Dream". Tony & Chelsie do a very good lyrical theatre arts routine as usual. I note he can lift her over his head just fine, but has trouble with Cheryl. I wonder if she's heavier or if she doesn't help enough. I can't think of Susan Boyle without thinking of what Sharon Osbourne said she looks like. Her singing is fine.
DanceCenter. Kelly is the "Princess of Darkness", is confused and curses a lot. Kenny mistakes Mya for the pro and Len criticizes her not dancing.
When Tom teases the elimination on the other side of the commercial, Louis very clearly uses the F-word on stage.
Safe: Kelly & Louis. She's jumping up and down.
Eliminated: Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff. He was ready for it, and is appreciative for all the "learning" and "growing up" he's done. Len makes a speech about how proud he is of Aaron, which he does a lot-- enough that Maks on his blog wonders if Len wants to adopt the kid.
See you next week at the Semifinals.
...Read more
Video package: the judges size up the competitors for the Ballroom round.
Mya & Dmitry: "If you put in something just to please the judges, you lose the 'wow factor'," she strategizes continuing to prove that she's in charge, not the pro. She does push herself on the technique, though, and for no reason they go horseback riding. Quickstep. Good footwork, great posture. Her right arm in hold is soft, but Dmitry doesn't let it break. Solid expression, simple and focused on the dance. 8.5/10.0
Let me get rude for a minute. Mya, frak you and your "wow factor". People who vote on this show will vote for who they like pretty much regardless of how well they dance. If you're going to win, you need to court both sides of the fence, and pushing for more style and less substance is a bad strategy, especially when you're a better dancer than you keep showing. When Len breaks out his 10 paddle, Dmitry gives her a really amusing miniature 10 paddle on a ring.
Aaron & Karina: He thinks it's important to be happy and enjoy the experience. Karina is getting sick, but is determined to not let him dance with a different pro. Smart. Foxtrot. Good movement and travel, decent footwork. Trying to get both technique and performance, lacking a little smoothness. His frame rides too far forward to be in balance. I really don't like her dancing in pants for this. 7.5/10.0
They give them a song with the lyrics "lucky I'm in love with my best friend". A little in-joke there, show?
Joanna & Derek: Working on the super-fast dance with a still frame. He has them watching tapes of Mya to watch for an edge, concentrating on competing. Quickstep. Great frame and posture. Footwork decent, but lacking grounding and strength. Loses a bit of sync in places, a little too far apart in closed hold. Good fast travel. Great choreography ranging the floor. 8.5/10.0
In the audience: Sabrina Bryan, Marie Osmond and, of course, the Jacksons.
Kelly & Louis: She hasn't had a Ballroom since week one, yikes. She gets really distracted by anything, and Louis puts a "do not disturb or Louis will kill you" sign on the door and locks up her phone. Foxtrot. Very together, good confidence and performance. Good movement, very graceful. Fun and cute routine, overall. Love her head position. 8.0/10.0
When they go back, the Red Room is completely empty, which is really kind of eerie.
Donny & Kym: He's feeling bummed out, so he starts over mentally for a fresh start. Struggle to remember steps. Viennese Waltz. Fantastic expression and character. Great movement and travel, very light and graceful and easy. Good frame and posture. Choreography lets it slow and stop for a moment, which I like a lot. 9.0/10.0
Len calls it "arty-farty". Donny points out that he went from "airy-fairy" (per Bruno) to "arty-farty". Tom tells them to "hoppy-skippy" back to the Red Room. We get a "DanceCenter" ad parody.
Time for a pro routine to eat some time. A Latin medley with Tony, Mark, Jaymz Tuaileva (OMG I can't believe I had to type it that way... also, he was on SYTYCD and in High School Musical 2), Snejana Petrova, Lilit Avaqvan, and Sandra Udis. (You have no idea how long it took me to find those names, yikes.) It's a great Latin medley, mostly Paso Doble and Samba.
Video package: the judges size up the competitors for the Latin "Dancing through the Decades" round.
Mya & Dmitry: 70's Samba. Adding the disco moves, having understandable trouble with Samba rolls. He's getting choreography block. He has a great wig and pornstache. Very good choreography with lots of solid content. They didn't do the rolls. Not enough connection between them, mostly because she rarely looks at him. Hip movement but no bounce. Solid overall. 9.5/10.0
Aaron & Karina: 90's Samba. They think to incorporate his old boy-band-ish moves, but not too much she thinks. He's overboard with the energy again, just can't seem to control himself and ease up. Good content for Samba and a few good 90's moves he hits too wild/hard. Pretty good movement and technique. 8.5/10.0
Apparently, Aaron is sick and felt so queasy at one point he nearly barfed. Tom calls that "our oversharing moment for tonight".
Joanna & Derek: Futuristic Paso Doble. There'll be lots of side-by-side work. Hardest choreography and most unusual, unique routine he's ever done. Their costumes light up and their hair and makeup is great. The routine is genius, incorporating both solid Paso content and lots of good theme elements, like straightening traditionally curved arm and leg lines. Solid technique. Awesome show. 10.0/10.0
Clearly, Carrie Anne is determined to never give Joanna as good a mark as the other judges.
Kelly & Louis: 60's Jive. She loves the era, so she gets to contribute steps. Working on the stamina for the dance. Cute looks with their wigs and the ragdoll prop that Bruno misses catching when Louis throws it. Much more confident on the floor, nice expression. Technique-wise, not as great with soft feet, low knees and no ticking. Not an explosive-energy kind of dancer. 8.5/10.0
Donny & Kym: 80's Paso Doble. "No room for a soft edge" in Paso, he says correctly. Pics of his old mullet look. Me, I loved "Soldier of Love", and I don't care who knows it. Adam Ant look for him, awesome costumes and makeup. Paso expression and character is solid throughout, but I think they got a little swamped in all the costuming. The wind machine and uplighting moment, though, was priceless. 9.0/10.0
Okay, the pros really went all-out in making the decade themes a part of the routines and got very creative with the interpretations. It made what could have been very staid and typical late-season Latin dances just a little out of the box. This was one of the best ideas they've had in a long time.
Results show. Tom jokes about the volume of the studio audience and how hard it is to hear themselves and one another. It's bad on this side of the camera, too.
Encore: Joanna & Derek's Futuristic Paso. Slight adjustments in hair and makeup, less extreme. The routine is still as brilliant as it was last night. Only Derek, I think, has the creative chops to have done something this good with that theme. Someone like Dmitry, I think, would have been lost. In Len's introduction, he mentions that they're not picking the one perfect-score routine, maybe somewhat acknowledging that if not for Carrie Anne being an idiot, this routine would have gotten a 30, too.
Safe: Joanna & Derek. Their costumes are still lit when their spotlight goes off, which is awesome and so is Dmitry missing a high five to Derek.
In the audience: Hugh Hefner and his 3 skeezy new girlfriends, Jane Seymour. Mya's score is almost perfect, the rest of the four are separated by just 2 points.
Musical Guest: Michael Bublé, "Just Haven't Met You Yet". Love his voice, amused by his frat boy looks. Jonathan, Maks, Anna & Cheryl dance a great and unusually lighthearted and fun routine with lots of awesome partner switching.
Safe: Mya & Dmitry.
Yay! DanceCenter! Kenny Mayne (minus his usual makeup, but also minus pants), Jerry Rice and Len size up the competitors, noting Joanna's braying laugh, Aaron's crying and Donny's age. "Special Backstage Correspondent" Stacy Kiebler goes through hair and makeup to be on camera for two seconds with Donny & Bruno acting couple-y.
Macy Stars of Dance: Design-A-Dance. And the surprise pro dancing with Sabrina Bryan is... Mark Ballas, of course! In their not-as-awful-as-it-sounds tiger stripe costumes, they dance Paso Doble to "Eye of the Tiger". She is fierce and awesome, strong sharp and intense. The choreography is top notch and even involves some climbing over one another and ends with his face in her cleavage. They're both so intense, I wonder if they're working out some issues here. It continues to be a crying shame that America let her be eliminated in her fifth week.
Music: Michael Bublé, "Feeling Good". Love this song, love the video, too. Dancing some great Ballroom are Urs Geisenhaier and Agnes Kazmierczak.
Tom calls elimination "like walking a carpeted plank".
Safe: Donny & Kym.
Music: Susan Boyle, "I Dreamed A Dream". Tony & Chelsie do a very good lyrical theatre arts routine as usual. I note he can lift her over his head just fine, but has trouble with Cheryl. I wonder if she's heavier or if she doesn't help enough. I can't think of Susan Boyle without thinking of what Sharon Osbourne said she looks like. Her singing is fine.
DanceCenter. Kelly is the "Princess of Darkness", is confused and curses a lot. Kenny mistakes Mya for the pro and Len criticizes her not dancing.
When Tom teases the elimination on the other side of the commercial, Louis very clearly uses the F-word on stage.
Safe: Kelly & Louis. She's jumping up and down.
Eliminated: Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff. He was ready for it, and is appreciative for all the "learning" and "growing up" he's done. Len makes a speech about how proud he is of Aaron, which he does a lot-- enough that Maks on his blog wonders if Len wants to adopt the kid.
See you next week at the Semifinals.
...Read more
Thursday, October 29, 2009
DWTS - S9 Week 6
Don't know who decided to pair Waltz and Jitterbug on the same episode, but it definitely makes for an odd combination of costumes in the lineup. Gotta say that they put together some pretty cute-looking ones for Jitterbug, including a one that features not only our old friends Kym's Boobs but Kym's Abs as well. One odd costuming choice is definitely the massive high collar on Aaron's shirt.
Hugely looking forward to the "Group Marathon" event at the end of the episode. Our good buddy Maks explains why it's an important addition to the show, since it's the closest DWTS has ever gotten to an actual (or, as Len would say, "proper") ballroom competition format.
Mya & Dmitry: Their nickname: Team D-Mya. She's enjoying dancing more. This is the most physically demanding dance they've done. Jitterbug. A long, but cute intro. Great bounce and energy to it, nice expression. A couple of good lifts, but just not explosive enough. 8.5/10.0
Melissa & Mark Time to step up and be serious. The slow speed proving a challenge. In comes Mark's mom Shirley Ballas to coach: "Puppies up," says Shirley to Melissa, echoing Anna T last week. Waltz. Starts hesitant and unsure, posture good for about 3/4, good frame. Not enough swing in legs or sway in body, balance off. 7.0/10.0
Looking at Mark's short hair on the floor and long near-fro in the video, I wonder out loud if Shirley told her son to cut it. Tom: "Later on, I'll be telling you how you can bid on Mark's hair from last week." Great minds.
Mark & Lacey: To make him stand out, she's giving him all the tricks. They go to a Swing club dance for inspiration. Jitterbug. Nice intro and loads of solo work for him. Massive energy, huge tricks, he's really throwing himself into it. Bouncy and happy, a couple of missed connections. 9.0/10.0
Aaron & Karina: He brings flowers and wears a suit to prove his serious commitment to work hard. Waltz. Awesome frame and posture. Very controlled and nicely musical. Good footwork and excellent driving leg action on long steps. Should have realized he's built like a Smooth dancer, it suits him well. 9.0/10.0
There are Jacksons once again in the audience, along with some Osmonds. Len is enjoying showing his "9" paddle to the crowd to get some applause.
Michael & Anna D: On his sports talk radio show, he thanks his fans. They're working to finish strong. Waltz. Nice posture, good frame, very solid footwork. Some good expression and definitely a good feel for the music. The content not especially difficult, but well executed. 7.5/10.0
In the audience: Julianne Hough. Len, it seems, is in a particularly good mood.
Kelly & Louis: She fears failing and is worried she's not good enough. He makes her swing from a trapeze to feel just jumping in, and suddenly there's much more Osbournes-style bleeped cursing. Jitterbug. Manages some good bounce and energy on injured foot. Cute, but flat and contained. She's having fun. 7.0/10.0
Video package: double elimination tomorrow night and knockout dances. For the dance-off, the couples are picking their own dances and music for 30 second routines. Only the judges will decide who's eliminated in the dance-off.
Louie & Chelsie: Feeling the pressure of three dances, really beating up on himself physically. She uses his snowboard videos to teach him. Jitterbug. Lots of energy and good tricks, but clumpy feet and no control and off time. He drops her coming out of tricks twice. A nice try. 6.5/10.0
Tom: "Women fall for Maks all the time-- he told me so himself."
Joanna & Derek: Total change with the slow time and feeling of the dance. Time for Derek's frustration to start showing. Waltz. Gorgeous flow and sway, excellent smoothness and lightness. Great footwork and posture, solid frame and very nice follow. Terrific layback spin, really impressive. 9.0/10.0
Donny & Kym: Starting with a clean slate. They're doing some crazy pretzel moves, and he's finding the lifts and tricks taxing. They do a dance class for challenged kids. Jitterbug. Packed full of tricks and choreography. Awesome fun and energy, great expression. A little frantic on timing, maybe. 9.0/10.0
Okay, time for the Group Marathon event, our dance being Mambo. A video package outlines the different skills that this will test: technique (they will still have to dance properly and well), endurance (the music will play until there's a winner, up to four minutes) and floorcraft (the ability to avoid problems with other couples on the floor as well as get the judges' attention). Each couple has different ideas for strategy and have different challenges. All couples will take the floor, dancing until the judges indicate their elimination (with a stagehand doing the actual tap on the shoulder). The order of elimination determines their score. The couples walk out, all of them color coded to one another except Aaron & Karina for some reason. There are also helpful spotlights to give them their starting spaces.
Their elimination order: Michael & Anna D (2 points)... Louie & Chelsie (3)... Melissa & Mark (4)... Kelly & Louis (5)... Mark & Lacey (6)... Donny & Kym (7)... Aaron & Karina (8)... Mya & Dmitry (9)
Joanna & Derek win, taking 10 points. He puts her in a neck drop and bounces her about ten time before bringing her up. I would have been very upset if Mya took it, as she and Dmitry fell off correct Mambo rhythm.
Results show. The scores feature their fifth different leader in five weeks. Clips now feature the RED VIDEO OVERLAY FILTER OF DOOOOOOOOOOM. They're not wasting time with this episode, as there'll be three musical performances.
Musical guest: Taylor Swift, "Jump Then Fall". I gotta notice her band is a little emo'y looking, oddly. On the floor are Theater Arts couple DJ Guthrie and Kersten Todey (Guthrie, who also choreographed, is Lacey's boyfriend).
Several couples are wearing the most brightly-colored costumes ever to be seen on DWTS.
Safe: Joanna & Derek, Mark & Lacey.
In the audience: From Eastwick, 2 of the 3 witches and Sara Rue. Rebecca Romijin decides to display all eight feet of her legs. I'm noticing they're getting very creative with the light patterns on the floor this season.
Video: the competitors' fear of the double elimination. Tom: "They pulled out all the scary music for that."
Safe: Donny & Kym, Aaron & Karina.
Musical guest: Tiempo Libre, "Tu Conga Bach". Seven guys from Cuba whose story is apparently being adapted into a musical. Two couples doing some very good showy Salsa.
Video: The celebrities are designing the costumes for their partners next week.
Safe: Mya & Dmitry, Kelly & Louis. The bottom three in the RED LIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOM: Louie & Chelsie, Michael & Anna D, Melissa & Mark.
Musical guest: Taylor Swift, "Love Story". Is it just me or are her vocals a bit lower-pitched than the recording? Three couples dance, Jonathan & Anna T, Tony & Cheryl, Maks & Edyta. They're wearing sort-of period costumes with the girls in awesome flowy skirts and Ren Faire-ish bodices, guys in more Edwardian ruffled shirts and vests. Anna T looks gorgeous in emerald, and Edyta looks way better than usual, probably because she had no say in the costume. Jonathan choreographed.
Video: Three athletic champions describe competition. Nadia Comaneci, Greg Louganis and Bill Walton.
Eliminated (Lowest Score): Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas. She was very nervous, they get a standing ovation. Her family was going to visit next week, so now she's coming home.
Dance-Off. They start with both couples in a big RED SPOTLIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOOM on the floor. Michael & Anna D choose Samba. Lots of hips, but just not correct, loose and fun. Louie & Chelsie (or rather, Louie) picks Jive (because it's fun). Off time and he loses his steps at the halfway point.
Bruno elects to save Louie, Len picks Michael and Carrie Anne does, too.
Eliminated (Dance Off): Louie Vito & Chelise Hightower. He does a twisting flip off the stage and is very happy and gracious. I wonder if they were having too much fun for him to progress. Or it could be the fact that they're dating.
See you next week.
...Read more
Hugely looking forward to the "Group Marathon" event at the end of the episode. Our good buddy Maks explains why it's an important addition to the show, since it's the closest DWTS has ever gotten to an actual (or, as Len would say, "proper") ballroom competition format.
Mya & Dmitry: Their nickname: Team D-Mya. She's enjoying dancing more. This is the most physically demanding dance they've done. Jitterbug. A long, but cute intro. Great bounce and energy to it, nice expression. A couple of good lifts, but just not explosive enough. 8.5/10.0
Melissa & Mark Time to step up and be serious. The slow speed proving a challenge. In comes Mark's mom Shirley Ballas to coach: "Puppies up," says Shirley to Melissa, echoing Anna T last week. Waltz. Starts hesitant and unsure, posture good for about 3/4, good frame. Not enough swing in legs or sway in body, balance off. 7.0/10.0
Looking at Mark's short hair on the floor and long near-fro in the video, I wonder out loud if Shirley told her son to cut it. Tom: "Later on, I'll be telling you how you can bid on Mark's hair from last week." Great minds.
Mark & Lacey: To make him stand out, she's giving him all the tricks. They go to a Swing club dance for inspiration. Jitterbug. Nice intro and loads of solo work for him. Massive energy, huge tricks, he's really throwing himself into it. Bouncy and happy, a couple of missed connections. 9.0/10.0
Aaron & Karina: He brings flowers and wears a suit to prove his serious commitment to work hard. Waltz. Awesome frame and posture. Very controlled and nicely musical. Good footwork and excellent driving leg action on long steps. Should have realized he's built like a Smooth dancer, it suits him well. 9.0/10.0
There are Jacksons once again in the audience, along with some Osmonds. Len is enjoying showing his "9" paddle to the crowd to get some applause.
Michael & Anna D: On his sports talk radio show, he thanks his fans. They're working to finish strong. Waltz. Nice posture, good frame, very solid footwork. Some good expression and definitely a good feel for the music. The content not especially difficult, but well executed. 7.5/10.0
In the audience: Julianne Hough. Len, it seems, is in a particularly good mood.
Kelly & Louis: She fears failing and is worried she's not good enough. He makes her swing from a trapeze to feel just jumping in, and suddenly there's much more Osbournes-style bleeped cursing. Jitterbug. Manages some good bounce and energy on injured foot. Cute, but flat and contained. She's having fun. 7.0/10.0
Video package: double elimination tomorrow night and knockout dances. For the dance-off, the couples are picking their own dances and music for 30 second routines. Only the judges will decide who's eliminated in the dance-off.
Louie & Chelsie: Feeling the pressure of three dances, really beating up on himself physically. She uses his snowboard videos to teach him. Jitterbug. Lots of energy and good tricks, but clumpy feet and no control and off time. He drops her coming out of tricks twice. A nice try. 6.5/10.0
Tom: "Women fall for Maks all the time-- he told me so himself."
Joanna & Derek: Total change with the slow time and feeling of the dance. Time for Derek's frustration to start showing. Waltz. Gorgeous flow and sway, excellent smoothness and lightness. Great footwork and posture, solid frame and very nice follow. Terrific layback spin, really impressive. 9.0/10.0
Donny & Kym: Starting with a clean slate. They're doing some crazy pretzel moves, and he's finding the lifts and tricks taxing. They do a dance class for challenged kids. Jitterbug. Packed full of tricks and choreography. Awesome fun and energy, great expression. A little frantic on timing, maybe. 9.0/10.0
Okay, time for the Group Marathon event, our dance being Mambo. A video package outlines the different skills that this will test: technique (they will still have to dance properly and well), endurance (the music will play until there's a winner, up to four minutes) and floorcraft (the ability to avoid problems with other couples on the floor as well as get the judges' attention). Each couple has different ideas for strategy and have different challenges. All couples will take the floor, dancing until the judges indicate their elimination (with a stagehand doing the actual tap on the shoulder). The order of elimination determines their score. The couples walk out, all of them color coded to one another except Aaron & Karina for some reason. There are also helpful spotlights to give them their starting spaces.
Their elimination order: Michael & Anna D (2 points)... Louie & Chelsie (3)... Melissa & Mark (4)... Kelly & Louis (5)... Mark & Lacey (6)... Donny & Kym (7)... Aaron & Karina (8)... Mya & Dmitry (9)
Joanna & Derek win, taking 10 points. He puts her in a neck drop and bounces her about ten time before bringing her up. I would have been very upset if Mya took it, as she and Dmitry fell off correct Mambo rhythm.
Results show. The scores feature their fifth different leader in five weeks. Clips now feature the RED VIDEO OVERLAY FILTER OF DOOOOOOOOOOM. They're not wasting time with this episode, as there'll be three musical performances.
Musical guest: Taylor Swift, "Jump Then Fall". I gotta notice her band is a little emo'y looking, oddly. On the floor are Theater Arts couple DJ Guthrie and Kersten Todey (Guthrie, who also choreographed, is Lacey's boyfriend).
Several couples are wearing the most brightly-colored costumes ever to be seen on DWTS.
Safe: Joanna & Derek, Mark & Lacey.
In the audience: From Eastwick, 2 of the 3 witches and Sara Rue. Rebecca Romijin decides to display all eight feet of her legs. I'm noticing they're getting very creative with the light patterns on the floor this season.
Video: the competitors' fear of the double elimination. Tom: "They pulled out all the scary music for that."
Safe: Donny & Kym, Aaron & Karina.
Musical guest: Tiempo Libre, "Tu Conga Bach". Seven guys from Cuba whose story is apparently being adapted into a musical. Two couples doing some very good showy Salsa.
Video: The celebrities are designing the costumes for their partners next week.
Safe: Mya & Dmitry, Kelly & Louis. The bottom three in the RED LIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOM: Louie & Chelsie, Michael & Anna D, Melissa & Mark.
Musical guest: Taylor Swift, "Love Story". Is it just me or are her vocals a bit lower-pitched than the recording? Three couples dance, Jonathan & Anna T, Tony & Cheryl, Maks & Edyta. They're wearing sort-of period costumes with the girls in awesome flowy skirts and Ren Faire-ish bodices, guys in more Edwardian ruffled shirts and vests. Anna T looks gorgeous in emerald, and Edyta looks way better than usual, probably because she had no say in the costume. Jonathan choreographed.
Video: Three athletic champions describe competition. Nadia Comaneci, Greg Louganis and Bill Walton.
Eliminated (Lowest Score): Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas. She was very nervous, they get a standing ovation. Her family was going to visit next week, so now she's coming home.
Dance-Off. They start with both couples in a big RED SPOTLIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOOM on the floor. Michael & Anna D choose Samba. Lots of hips, but just not correct, loose and fun. Louie & Chelsie (or rather, Louie) picks Jive (because it's fun). Off time and he loses his steps at the halfway point.
Bruno elects to save Louie, Len picks Michael and Carrie Anne does, too.
Eliminated (Dance Off): Louie Vito & Chelise Hightower. He does a twisting flip off the stage and is very happy and gracious. I wonder if they were having too much fun for him to progress. Or it could be the fact that they're dating.
See you next week.
...Read more
Friday, October 23, 2009
DWTS - S9 Week 5
The show has experienced all manner of debilitating injuries to its participants but it has never faced the flu, Tom intones with his usual tongue-in-cheek drama. Samantha's poodle hair is back, and it brought friends with Lacey, Kelly and Louis all getting odd 'dos this week. Once again, I can barely hear Tom which I think has mostly to do with all the audience screaming.
Natalie & Alec: Power and aggression are up her alley. She has an overly technical approach and needs to feel. Paso Doble. Very clean and exact throughout, but not enough physical connection between them. She's dancing way too tight. Horrible music. 7.5/10.0
Aaron & Karina: "Turn me on," says Karina, "and that's hard 'cause I'm a cold, hard bitch." Glad she said it. Bring in Parissa & Sandor, an Argentine Tango couple. Excellent, intricate choreography. Great character and expression. Legs not quite flexed enough for a solid base, so feet a bit wobbly. Well done. 8.5/10.0
In the audience: LaToya Jackson (again, but this time they announce her), Nathan Fillion & Stana Katic from Castle. Maks is noticeably absent from the Red Room during Karina's interview.
Michael & Anna D: This should be his dance, with the aggression. She tells him to drive his hips up and forward like he's holding a coin between his butt cheeks. He pretends to. Paso Doble. Good poise standing and in closed position, but off in pivot. Strong, but not explosive and striking. His best so far. 7.5/10.0
Anna D looks really good with the dark hair. Just thought I'd mention. Also worth mentioning is that now Maks is in the Red Room and Karina is not.
Mya & Dmitry: The choreography is difficult, and she nails him in the crotch twice. They do the visit to Habitat For Humanity. Argentine Tango. Spectacular job with technique and leg action. Great job acting on the intro, awesome centering on turns. A little short on fire and chemistry. 9.0/10.0
Mark & Lacey: Trying to break out of the middle pack, finding his action movie star aggression. He gets a small "solo". Paso Doble. Very strong, very sharp and well-poised, although posture sometimes stretched a little too far back. Great shapes and solid leading. 8.5/10.0
Donny & Kym: "This is the most passionate dance of all, do you understand?" asks Kym. "I have five kids, what do you think?" Donny deadpans. Argentine Tango. Fantastic technique, great footwork and leg action-- perfectly soft and flexed. Intense character, great feel for dance and music, so subtle and nuanced. 10.0/10.0
Louie & Chelsie: Bouncing back from the bottom two, putting all his focus. His pretend house in the interview has a snowboard on the wall, of course. Argentine Tango. Very focused, he nails the steps of difficult choreography. Good connection. Weight too far over his feet, especially in solo walks. Big improvement. 7.5/10.0
Melissa & Mark: He stayed home one day with flu, bringing in Anna T, who says to "keep the girls (her boobs) up and perky". Argentine Tango. Difficult, super-fast choreography. Some very nice snap and speed, but a few falters because of the speed. A little light on chemistry. At the end, her fishnet stocking gets caught on his jacket button. 8.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: She can't believe her character is a cape, and can't stop giggling. Paso Doble. They're dancing to Ozzy's "Crazy Train", so they're done up sort of like Ozzy & Sharon, and a big skull is projected on the floor. Very solid footwork and leg action, good shapes and speed. Intense in spots, mostly well performed, but loses focus in spots. 8.0/10.0
In the audience: Ozzy, of course. In the Red Room, Maks is holding a Derek mask over his face.
Joanna & Maks: Derek looks very sick in rehearsals (jokingly blames it on taking his shirt off last week) and has to stay home for days, so Maks subs. Maks: "it was refreshing how quickly she picked it up". Argentine Tango. Streetlamp on the stage, awesome theatrical opening. Great choreography, fantastic footwork. Good leg action. Needs more softness in her body. She steps backwards wrong, stumbles, but recovers. 8.5/10.0
Apparently, Kelly sprained her ankle during her performance, so will be dancing barefoot for the...
Group Dance: Hustle to "Do the Hustle", naturally, plus a big sign saying so on stage. Corky Ballas is the choreographer. They totally dressed up a club to rehearse. Donny is loving it, flashing back to the 70's. Out come the crash mats for the solo bits. They've all got hysterical period costumes on, the girls have their hair done and the guys have awesomely bad wigs, especially Alec; although Mark in his wig looks like my father in old pictures. To do the solos, it's like the Soul Train line, awesome. Melissa cracks up after their solo. Best were Mark, Donny, Mya and Michael's lift.
Results show. This will be choppy, since we fast forwarded through almost all of it.
Encore: Donny & Kym's Argentine Tango. A great demonstration of how to be strong without being hard.
Video package: Throughout the show, they look back at the total of 17 routines that have been danced on the show to Michael Jackson songs. They start with Monique Coleman's, and wow did I forget how good she was.
Musical guest: Norah Jones. Two couples dancing for her, one of the guys looks like a young version of Benjamin Linus (AKA Benry Gale) from LOST.
Video package: What a show day is like.
Musical guest: Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me". Jonathan and Anna T Waltz and are beautiful and adorable dancing together. It turns out this was their wedding song, awwww. Even as Tom is talking, they're still swaying and being cute in the background.
And finally, the much-touted tribute to Michael Jackson. There's a video on the influence Jackson had on the pro dancers and all dancers in general. The performance is introduced by LaToya. They've got the second stage set up on the other end of the floor. There are a few different sections, danced to various songs: Mark, Karina & Derek dance "The Girl Is Mine"; choreography for "The Man In The Mirror" section was by Maks; the "Thriller" section, which closes out the routine looks like Louis' work. When all 16 pros are on the floor doing the iconic "Thriller" choreography, it becomes apparent who has the jazz/hip hop dance chops (the ones in front) and who aren't that comfortable with it (the ones in back). Overall, a pretty good dance show if not mind-blowing.
Eliminated: Natalie Coughlin & Alec Mazo. Bruno and Carrie Anne are visibly very upset over the loss. The judges begin a standing ovation for her. She's clearly taking it hard.
Next week we start two weeks of double eliminations, plus the dance-offs begin.
...Read more
Natalie & Alec: Power and aggression are up her alley. She has an overly technical approach and needs to feel. Paso Doble. Very clean and exact throughout, but not enough physical connection between them. She's dancing way too tight. Horrible music. 7.5/10.0
Aaron & Karina: "Turn me on," says Karina, "and that's hard 'cause I'm a cold, hard bitch." Glad she said it. Bring in Parissa & Sandor, an Argentine Tango couple. Excellent, intricate choreography. Great character and expression. Legs not quite flexed enough for a solid base, so feet a bit wobbly. Well done. 8.5/10.0
In the audience: LaToya Jackson (again, but this time they announce her), Nathan Fillion & Stana Katic from Castle. Maks is noticeably absent from the Red Room during Karina's interview.
Michael & Anna D: This should be his dance, with the aggression. She tells him to drive his hips up and forward like he's holding a coin between his butt cheeks. He pretends to. Paso Doble. Good poise standing and in closed position, but off in pivot. Strong, but not explosive and striking. His best so far. 7.5/10.0
Anna D looks really good with the dark hair. Just thought I'd mention. Also worth mentioning is that now Maks is in the Red Room and Karina is not.
Mya & Dmitry: The choreography is difficult, and she nails him in the crotch twice. They do the visit to Habitat For Humanity. Argentine Tango. Spectacular job with technique and leg action. Great job acting on the intro, awesome centering on turns. A little short on fire and chemistry. 9.0/10.0
Mark & Lacey: Trying to break out of the middle pack, finding his action movie star aggression. He gets a small "solo". Paso Doble. Very strong, very sharp and well-poised, although posture sometimes stretched a little too far back. Great shapes and solid leading. 8.5/10.0
Donny & Kym: "This is the most passionate dance of all, do you understand?" asks Kym. "I have five kids, what do you think?" Donny deadpans. Argentine Tango. Fantastic technique, great footwork and leg action-- perfectly soft and flexed. Intense character, great feel for dance and music, so subtle and nuanced. 10.0/10.0
Louie & Chelsie: Bouncing back from the bottom two, putting all his focus. His pretend house in the interview has a snowboard on the wall, of course. Argentine Tango. Very focused, he nails the steps of difficult choreography. Good connection. Weight too far over his feet, especially in solo walks. Big improvement. 7.5/10.0
Melissa & Mark: He stayed home one day with flu, bringing in Anna T, who says to "keep the girls (her boobs) up and perky". Argentine Tango. Difficult, super-fast choreography. Some very nice snap and speed, but a few falters because of the speed. A little light on chemistry. At the end, her fishnet stocking gets caught on his jacket button. 8.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: She can't believe her character is a cape, and can't stop giggling. Paso Doble. They're dancing to Ozzy's "Crazy Train", so they're done up sort of like Ozzy & Sharon, and a big skull is projected on the floor. Very solid footwork and leg action, good shapes and speed. Intense in spots, mostly well performed, but loses focus in spots. 8.0/10.0
In the audience: Ozzy, of course. In the Red Room, Maks is holding a Derek mask over his face.
Joanna & Maks: Derek looks very sick in rehearsals (jokingly blames it on taking his shirt off last week) and has to stay home for days, so Maks subs. Maks: "it was refreshing how quickly she picked it up". Argentine Tango. Streetlamp on the stage, awesome theatrical opening. Great choreography, fantastic footwork. Good leg action. Needs more softness in her body. She steps backwards wrong, stumbles, but recovers. 8.5/10.0
Apparently, Kelly sprained her ankle during her performance, so will be dancing barefoot for the...
Group Dance: Hustle to "Do the Hustle", naturally, plus a big sign saying so on stage. Corky Ballas is the choreographer. They totally dressed up a club to rehearse. Donny is loving it, flashing back to the 70's. Out come the crash mats for the solo bits. They've all got hysterical period costumes on, the girls have their hair done and the guys have awesomely bad wigs, especially Alec; although Mark in his wig looks like my father in old pictures. To do the solos, it's like the Soul Train line, awesome. Melissa cracks up after their solo. Best were Mark, Donny, Mya and Michael's lift.
Results show. This will be choppy, since we fast forwarded through almost all of it.
Encore: Donny & Kym's Argentine Tango. A great demonstration of how to be strong without being hard.
Video package: Throughout the show, they look back at the total of 17 routines that have been danced on the show to Michael Jackson songs. They start with Monique Coleman's, and wow did I forget how good she was.
Musical guest: Norah Jones. Two couples dancing for her, one of the guys looks like a young version of Benjamin Linus (AKA Benry Gale) from LOST.
Video package: What a show day is like.
Musical guest: Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me". Jonathan and Anna T Waltz and are beautiful and adorable dancing together. It turns out this was their wedding song, awwww. Even as Tom is talking, they're still swaying and being cute in the background.
And finally, the much-touted tribute to Michael Jackson. There's a video on the influence Jackson had on the pro dancers and all dancers in general. The performance is introduced by LaToya. They've got the second stage set up on the other end of the floor. There are a few different sections, danced to various songs: Mark, Karina & Derek dance "The Girl Is Mine"; choreography for "The Man In The Mirror" section was by Maks; the "Thriller" section, which closes out the routine looks like Louis' work. When all 16 pros are on the floor doing the iconic "Thriller" choreography, it becomes apparent who has the jazz/hip hop dance chops (the ones in front) and who aren't that comfortable with it (the ones in back). Overall, a pretty good dance show if not mind-blowing.
Eliminated: Natalie Coughlin & Alec Mazo. Bruno and Carrie Anne are visibly very upset over the loss. The judges begin a standing ovation for her. She's clearly taking it hard.
Next week we start two weeks of double eliminations, plus the dance-offs begin.
...Read more
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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.
...Read more
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.
...Read more
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
DWTS - S9 Week 3
As usual, they refer to this as "Latin Night" and "the sexiest night of the season" because it features both Samba and Rumba. The costumes are surprisingly low on skin this season around and are either great or ridiculous. Apparently, Lacey's is her favorite ever for no reason I can discern.
Mark & Lacey: Trouble keeping him slowed down and calm and smooth. Rumba. Good hips in place, but loses the flexibility and smoothness in motion. Good stretch and lines. Lack of chemistry and feeling for music. Needs grounding. 7.0/10.0
In the audience: Lance Bass, Sabrina Bryan, Paula Abdul (!)
Joanna & Derek: She says she has no problem with the sexy and the "shaky shaky". They're trying the difficult-for-anybody Shadow Samba Roll. Samba. Some nice start to bounce and leg action. She over-reaches on step back. Awful wig. Keeps shape in Shadow Roll, great rhythm. 8.5/10.0
Mya & Dmitri: They make the dance all about the relationship. She dresses up the practice space to get into romantic character. Rumba. Excellent stretch and very fluid, good extension. Needs a little more footwork and figure content to show skill. Awesome chemistry, great dress. 9.0/10.0
Headdress Lady is going explode out of a pink Flinstones-print dress.
Melissa & Mark: "I'm a mom," she says, "I haven't been out partying in a while." It's tough teacher time. Samba. Very good leg action and strength. Great footwork. Thinking too much again, losing the animation except in side-by-side. More upper body rhythm. Mark's fluffy hair? 7.5/10.0
Louie & Chelsie: He's actually heard of Rumba and looks way better with his hair slicked back. They're editing them into the designated showmance. So little dancing for him, no content at all. Good partner and support for all her tricks. Cameraman likes her shiny rear end. 5.5/10.0
Debi & Maks: She's motivated by last week and promises to be quiet. They bring in Mel B, who also came back from being Bottom 2. Samba. Cute start, lots of textbook figures, very clean but not especially exciting. Flubs a bit at the end, you can see the worry on her face. The audience is clapping too fast. 6.0/10.0
Donny & Kym: Looking to tap his serious, emotional side-- "like singing a love song" she coaches. Rumba. Good job, especially in solo, but not strong enough. Nice hips, good footwork. Takes it easy and doesn't try too hard, but not a whole lot of fire. Okay. 8.0/10.0
Bruno calls his arms "airy fairy" and sensing a pot/kettle situation, Donny runs up to the table and pretends to make out with him. Everyone's stunned and cracking up, especially Donny who thinks "they might not let me back in Utah now!"
Tom talks to Paula. She has prepared for this show like she does for Idol, and begins the usual near-hysterical drug-fueled rambling, referring to Len as "Mr. Bad-man" and also comparing him to Simon Cowell among other wanderings.
Michael & Anna D: She's pushing hard, and there's some communication cross. They set a goal checklist which works for him. Samba. Light and quick enough on his feet, but it's a lot of walking. Fun and relaxed, but a lot of "groove shoulder" and no middle motion at all. 5.5/10.0
Natalie & Alec: Trying to be sexy, she blushes and giggles. They bring in Edyta to "help". Rumba. Smoke and wind machine intro like a Copperfield trick. Great stretch and movement throughout. Excellent legs and feet. Good hips and solo work. Solid and expressive. 9.0/10.0
Chuck & Anna T: She's goofy and calls it a flamboyant party dance. He gets a pedicure with his daughter, aww. Samba. He has the standard ruffle-sleeves that tear off. So stiff in the middle and awkward with the movement. Entertaining, though, and fun. He's really trying to do the technique and perform. 5.0/10.0
In the Red Room, Donny & Aaron are dancing. Apparently, the camera did not catch this exchange-- Samantha to Donny: "Only a 7 from Bruno? You should have given him tongue!" One of her rare funnies.
Tom & Cheryl: Working hard, but his feet are getting worse. Stress fractures on both sides. Doctors, producers & Cheryl all advising to quit, but "What's pain when you can party?" he says. Samba. Republican/Democrat costumes. He's totally counting out loud. No bounce, not on those feet. Tries, stays clean, nearly drops her at end. 5.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: Her confidence shaken, she's looking for focus and determination. Samba. Louis has an ugly shirt, and he knows it. Fantastic footwork, great figures and speed. When she's on, the technique is awesome. Having fun, lots of personality. Smooth. 7.5/10.0
Results show. Between Paula's comments and Len's scores, they call the previous night "mayhem". In their interviews, the celebrities are taking the comments and criticisms hard and emotionally.
Encore: Chuck & Anna T's Samba! Nice to see them recognizing a low-score, high-commitment dance. He's way more relaxed, loose and on time. Way improved over last night.
Musical guest: Queen Latifah, "Fast Car". She's really there, with people instead of pre-taped. Unexpected straight pop song. Maks & Cheryl dance a great routine.
In the audience: Napoleon & Tabitha Duomo from SYTYCD, Christian Slater.
Three lowest scoring men: Tom (Safe), Michael (Jeopardy), Chuck (Safe)
Video package: First impressions and reactions.
Tom DeLay withdraws from the competition because of his injuries. He was scheduled to do Country Two-Step, which he's disappointed about, but is invited to come back for the finale if he's better.
Three highest scoring women: Mya (Safe), Natalie (Safe), Joanna (Safe)
Four highest scoring men: Donny (Safe), Louie (Safe), Aaron (Jeopardy), Mark (Safe)
And the celebrity picked for the Design a Dance? Sabrina Bryan! Good pick, considering she was so ROBBED.
Stars of Dance: Jabawockeez, dancing to a great remix of "Singin' In the Rain". Their usual masterful choreography is on prime display, working in wires and props and even a couple of "mystery dancers" who turn out to be Mark and Lacey.
Musical guest: Queen Latifah, "Ease On Down the Road". Her own dancers perform.
Video package: Predicting a winner with an ESPN Fantasy Sports Analys, Steve Wozniak and a toddler. That third was supposed to be a chimpanzee, but animal activists complained.
Three lowest scoring women: Debi (Jeopardy), Kelly (Safe), Melissa (Safe)
Safe: Aaron (Tom: "You cried for nothing!"), Michael
Eliminated: Debi Mazar & Maks Chmerkovskiy. She trips on the way down the stairs. She's sort of ready and settles (sort of) the pronunciation of her name.
Four new dances next week: Bolero, Charleston, Country Two-Step and Lambada. Oy.
...Read more
Mark & Lacey: Trouble keeping him slowed down and calm and smooth. Rumba. Good hips in place, but loses the flexibility and smoothness in motion. Good stretch and lines. Lack of chemistry and feeling for music. Needs grounding. 7.0/10.0
In the audience: Lance Bass, Sabrina Bryan, Paula Abdul (!)
Joanna & Derek: She says she has no problem with the sexy and the "shaky shaky". They're trying the difficult-for-anybody Shadow Samba Roll. Samba. Some nice start to bounce and leg action. She over-reaches on step back. Awful wig. Keeps shape in Shadow Roll, great rhythm. 8.5/10.0
Mya & Dmitri: They make the dance all about the relationship. She dresses up the practice space to get into romantic character. Rumba. Excellent stretch and very fluid, good extension. Needs a little more footwork and figure content to show skill. Awesome chemistry, great dress. 9.0/10.0
Headdress Lady is going explode out of a pink Flinstones-print dress.
Melissa & Mark: "I'm a mom," she says, "I haven't been out partying in a while." It's tough teacher time. Samba. Very good leg action and strength. Great footwork. Thinking too much again, losing the animation except in side-by-side. More upper body rhythm. Mark's fluffy hair? 7.5/10.0
Louie & Chelsie: He's actually heard of Rumba and looks way better with his hair slicked back. They're editing them into the designated showmance. So little dancing for him, no content at all. Good partner and support for all her tricks. Cameraman likes her shiny rear end. 5.5/10.0
Debi & Maks: She's motivated by last week and promises to be quiet. They bring in Mel B, who also came back from being Bottom 2. Samba. Cute start, lots of textbook figures, very clean but not especially exciting. Flubs a bit at the end, you can see the worry on her face. The audience is clapping too fast. 6.0/10.0
Donny & Kym: Looking to tap his serious, emotional side-- "like singing a love song" she coaches. Rumba. Good job, especially in solo, but not strong enough. Nice hips, good footwork. Takes it easy and doesn't try too hard, but not a whole lot of fire. Okay. 8.0/10.0
Bruno calls his arms "airy fairy" and sensing a pot/kettle situation, Donny runs up to the table and pretends to make out with him. Everyone's stunned and cracking up, especially Donny who thinks "they might not let me back in Utah now!"
Tom talks to Paula. She has prepared for this show like she does for Idol, and begins the usual near-hysterical drug-fueled rambling, referring to Len as "Mr. Bad-man" and also comparing him to Simon Cowell among other wanderings.
Michael & Anna D: She's pushing hard, and there's some communication cross. They set a goal checklist which works for him. Samba. Light and quick enough on his feet, but it's a lot of walking. Fun and relaxed, but a lot of "groove shoulder" and no middle motion at all. 5.5/10.0
Natalie & Alec: Trying to be sexy, she blushes and giggles. They bring in Edyta to "help". Rumba. Smoke and wind machine intro like a Copperfield trick. Great stretch and movement throughout. Excellent legs and feet. Good hips and solo work. Solid and expressive. 9.0/10.0
Chuck & Anna T: She's goofy and calls it a flamboyant party dance. He gets a pedicure with his daughter, aww. Samba. He has the standard ruffle-sleeves that tear off. So stiff in the middle and awkward with the movement. Entertaining, though, and fun. He's really trying to do the technique and perform. 5.0/10.0
In the Red Room, Donny & Aaron are dancing. Apparently, the camera did not catch this exchange-- Samantha to Donny: "Only a 7 from Bruno? You should have given him tongue!" One of her rare funnies.
Tom & Cheryl: Working hard, but his feet are getting worse. Stress fractures on both sides. Doctors, producers & Cheryl all advising to quit, but "What's pain when you can party?" he says. Samba. Republican/Democrat costumes. He's totally counting out loud. No bounce, not on those feet. Tries, stays clean, nearly drops her at end. 5.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: Her confidence shaken, she's looking for focus and determination. Samba. Louis has an ugly shirt, and he knows it. Fantastic footwork, great figures and speed. When she's on, the technique is awesome. Having fun, lots of personality. Smooth. 7.5/10.0
Results show. Between Paula's comments and Len's scores, they call the previous night "mayhem". In their interviews, the celebrities are taking the comments and criticisms hard and emotionally.
Encore: Chuck & Anna T's Samba! Nice to see them recognizing a low-score, high-commitment dance. He's way more relaxed, loose and on time. Way improved over last night.
Musical guest: Queen Latifah, "Fast Car". She's really there, with people instead of pre-taped. Unexpected straight pop song. Maks & Cheryl dance a great routine.
In the audience: Napoleon & Tabitha Duomo from SYTYCD, Christian Slater.
Three lowest scoring men: Tom (Safe), Michael (Jeopardy), Chuck (Safe)
Video package: First impressions and reactions.
Tom DeLay withdraws from the competition because of his injuries. He was scheduled to do Country Two-Step, which he's disappointed about, but is invited to come back for the finale if he's better.
Three highest scoring women: Mya (Safe), Natalie (Safe), Joanna (Safe)
Four highest scoring men: Donny (Safe), Louie (Safe), Aaron (Jeopardy), Mark (Safe)
And the celebrity picked for the Design a Dance? Sabrina Bryan! Good pick, considering she was so ROBBED.
Stars of Dance: Jabawockeez, dancing to a great remix of "Singin' In the Rain". Their usual masterful choreography is on prime display, working in wires and props and even a couple of "mystery dancers" who turn out to be Mark and Lacey.
Musical guest: Queen Latifah, "Ease On Down the Road". Her own dancers perform.
Video package: Predicting a winner with an ESPN Fantasy Sports Analys, Steve Wozniak and a toddler. That third was supposed to be a chimpanzee, but animal activists complained.
Three lowest scoring women: Debi (Jeopardy), Kelly (Safe), Melissa (Safe)
Safe: Aaron (Tom: "You cried for nothing!"), Michael
Eliminated: Debi Mazar & Maks Chmerkovskiy. She trips on the way down the stairs. She's sort of ready and settles (sort of) the pronunciation of her name.
Four new dances next week: Bolero, Charleston, Country Two-Step and Lambada. Oy.
...Read more
DWTS - S9 Week 2
Since I am oh so behind with these reviews, I'll try to cut down the length as best I can. Prepare yourselves for the sentence fragments.
Not getting the costumes and outfits tonight, even Samantha's and am amused that Kelly Osbourne's is the most understated. With Len out, we get director Baz Luhrmann as our guest judge. He looks odd with such short hair. "I don't want to see the work," he says, "I want to see the joy of the performance."
Joanna & Derek: Working on looking controlled and composed, typical model stamina problems. Jive. Black leather outfits. Great energy, good body motion but feet flat and knees low. Not as much connect and chemistry as before. 6.5/10.0
Natalie & Alec: Like a swimmer, she's not breathing while dancing so there's no way to be relaxed. Quickstep. Excellent footwork, great speed and travel. Overthinking and not breathing enough, but a few spots relaxed. Stays mostly closed, needs more connection. 7.5/10.0
Chuck & Anna T: No problem with the aggression. They try to work in fighting moves. Tango. Plenty of aggression, footwork clompy. Very muscled-through, shoulders crowding forward into hold. Mostly on time. Grappling move looked better in practice. 6.0/10.0
Melissa & Mark: Need to relax and enjoy the dancing. She nails him in the groin at some point. Jive. Great upper body and arms, but just not lifting feet and knees enough to get the speed going. Mark is the king of goofy jackets and hair, it seems. 6.5/10.0
Michael & Anna D: Time to challenge him. Working long rehearsals. Quickstep. Lots of content, all of it textbook basic figures, but clean. Looks slow because he doesn't drive forward on the slow counts. Needs to balance the energy more. 7.5/10.0
Judges getting a lot of boos. Tom: "I feel like I'm at a healthcare town meeting".
Debi & Maks: She hits the point of hurt feelings with his tough teaching, even getting in a smack. Tango to Moulin Rouge version of "Roxanne". Great job performing the drama and conflict. Very Argentine flavor, needs to move more from center. Links are solid. 7.0/10.0
Louie & Chelsie: Trying to apply their youthful energy and step up to challenge. Including big twist/flip. Jive. Great footwork, high knees, flicking legs. A little ahead of music. Not so great swivels. Pretty good technique overall, nice tricks. 8.0/10.0
Lots of green in the costumes tonight, and Headdress Lady is out of control.
Aaron & Karina: Pushing himself hard, he hits a wall with progression. Quickstep to the theme from The Muppet Show with Animal in the balcony and Gonzo on horn, making him Kermit and her Piggy. Fantastic footwork and drive, great leg action, nice pivots. Big expression, lots of fun. Good hold. 9.0/10.0
We continue to flog Moulin Rouge references (Bruno's "spectacular, spectacular") and find out the Professional Competition will be back this season.
Kelly & Louis: Pressuring herself to match last week, but still having fun. Tango. Extremely difficult, intricate choreography, fast footwork. Solid on a lot of it, errors hard to see on TV thanks to the speed and her skirt. She takes the critiques hard. 7.0/10.0
Kathy & Tony: Time to "throw caution to the wind". Quickstep. A little too light and dainty, needs to dig in and put pressure on the floor. Looking for more energy and punch to her dancing, more attack. Mismatched costumes are actually for The King and I music. 6.0/10.0
Mark & Lacey: His brain is overwhelmed with information, trying to learn a fast dance quickly. Quickstep. Good intro. Lots of big and energetic performance, explosive but not enough controlled. Loses footing early but recovers for clean footwork and legs. Fun overall. 8.0/10.0
The judges continue scoring low this season.
Mya & Dmitri: She's determined not to see a 5. Might get in trouble falling into tap technique. Jive. Fantastic performance, so much expression. Looks fun and easy. Nice swivels and center action. Dmitri gets geeky, too. Excellent dance overall. 9.5/10.0
Tom & Cheryl: Head snap a problem. He has stress fractures in one foot, but is committed. Tango. Very clean and kept on the right level. Very textbook, but executed. Lacking drive and attack. Almost drops her at the very end. 6.5/10.0
Donny & Kym: Challenged by speed of music and his stamina at 51 years old. Jive. Great energy throughout, never lets up. Fast and high feet, nice and springy. Good flicking, nice connection, lots of expression. Cute choreography. 8.5/10.0
Results show. Tight field, with 11 couples separated by only 3 points. Reports are that Macy Gray did not interviews because she was so upset about being cut. Samantha has poodle hair and a gigantic necklace that looks like a prop from a Riddick movie. Dmitri falls off his stool in the interviews. The Wife notices that the longer-standing pros are not getting as high-potential partners as the newer crop of pros. True?
Encore: Mya & Dmitri's Jive. My only quibble is that I now notice she doesn't spot.
In the audience, randomly: Mickey Rourke!
Results are coming in by rank groupings. Of the three top scorers: Donny (Safe), Mya (Safe), Aaron (Safe).
Musical guest: Joss Stone, "Colour Me Free". Excellent Theatre Arts couple Jeremy Hudson & Mallauri Esquibel.
Video package: The new DWTS training center, a multi-studio warehouse where everyone practices now. One room has a mockup of the full stage. A high school feel with drop-ins, pranks and lots of socializing.
Another group up. Mark (Safe), Natalie (Safe), Debi ("still in jeopardy").
Musical guest: Selena Gomez & the Scene, "Falling Down". Still working on her stage performance. Derek & Karina dance a hot Cha Cha to Louis' choreography. I'm distracted by her bootie shoe covers and his fringey hair.
Tom on big hair: "Don't Samantha and Kym look like sexy Chia Pets tonight?"
Score 20 group: Joanna (Safe), Michael (Safe).
Score 19 group: Chuck (Safe), Melissa (Safe), Kelly (Safe), Loue (Jeopardy)
Video: Breaking the stars' bad habits.
Stars of Dance: Choreographed by Stomp the Yard's Chuck Maldonado and Jimmy R.O. Smith, also featuring the Spirit of Troy Marching Band from USC, marching in from outside the studio. A total of 52 performers, the most ever.
Musical guest: Joss Stone, "Son of a Preacher Man". Gorgeous purple dress, awesome singing. Louis, Cheryl, Dmitri and Anna T do a pseudo-Samba. I am stunned by the 2-couple Samba Roll! Mickey Rourke is unimpressed. Or asleep.
Score 18 group: Tom (Safe), Kathy (Jeopardy). Louie safed.
RED LIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOOM: Debi, Kathy. Their partners high five. Safe: Debi.
Eliminated: Kathy Ireland & Tony Dovolani. Tony's ready for it. Kathy keeps on the same face she wears all the time while mispronouncing her partner's last name.
...Read more
Not getting the costumes and outfits tonight, even Samantha's and am amused that Kelly Osbourne's is the most understated. With Len out, we get director Baz Luhrmann as our guest judge. He looks odd with such short hair. "I don't want to see the work," he says, "I want to see the joy of the performance."
Joanna & Derek: Working on looking controlled and composed, typical model stamina problems. Jive. Black leather outfits. Great energy, good body motion but feet flat and knees low. Not as much connect and chemistry as before. 6.5/10.0
Natalie & Alec: Like a swimmer, she's not breathing while dancing so there's no way to be relaxed. Quickstep. Excellent footwork, great speed and travel. Overthinking and not breathing enough, but a few spots relaxed. Stays mostly closed, needs more connection. 7.5/10.0
Chuck & Anna T: No problem with the aggression. They try to work in fighting moves. Tango. Plenty of aggression, footwork clompy. Very muscled-through, shoulders crowding forward into hold. Mostly on time. Grappling move looked better in practice. 6.0/10.0
Melissa & Mark: Need to relax and enjoy the dancing. She nails him in the groin at some point. Jive. Great upper body and arms, but just not lifting feet and knees enough to get the speed going. Mark is the king of goofy jackets and hair, it seems. 6.5/10.0
Michael & Anna D: Time to challenge him. Working long rehearsals. Quickstep. Lots of content, all of it textbook basic figures, but clean. Looks slow because he doesn't drive forward on the slow counts. Needs to balance the energy more. 7.5/10.0
Judges getting a lot of boos. Tom: "I feel like I'm at a healthcare town meeting".
Debi & Maks: She hits the point of hurt feelings with his tough teaching, even getting in a smack. Tango to Moulin Rouge version of "Roxanne". Great job performing the drama and conflict. Very Argentine flavor, needs to move more from center. Links are solid. 7.0/10.0
Louie & Chelsie: Trying to apply their youthful energy and step up to challenge. Including big twist/flip. Jive. Great footwork, high knees, flicking legs. A little ahead of music. Not so great swivels. Pretty good technique overall, nice tricks. 8.0/10.0
Lots of green in the costumes tonight, and Headdress Lady is out of control.
Aaron & Karina: Pushing himself hard, he hits a wall with progression. Quickstep to the theme from The Muppet Show with Animal in the balcony and Gonzo on horn, making him Kermit and her Piggy. Fantastic footwork and drive, great leg action, nice pivots. Big expression, lots of fun. Good hold. 9.0/10.0
We continue to flog Moulin Rouge references (Bruno's "spectacular, spectacular") and find out the Professional Competition will be back this season.
Kelly & Louis: Pressuring herself to match last week, but still having fun. Tango. Extremely difficult, intricate choreography, fast footwork. Solid on a lot of it, errors hard to see on TV thanks to the speed and her skirt. She takes the critiques hard. 7.0/10.0
Kathy & Tony: Time to "throw caution to the wind". Quickstep. A little too light and dainty, needs to dig in and put pressure on the floor. Looking for more energy and punch to her dancing, more attack. Mismatched costumes are actually for The King and I music. 6.0/10.0
Mark & Lacey: His brain is overwhelmed with information, trying to learn a fast dance quickly. Quickstep. Good intro. Lots of big and energetic performance, explosive but not enough controlled. Loses footing early but recovers for clean footwork and legs. Fun overall. 8.0/10.0
The judges continue scoring low this season.
Mya & Dmitri: She's determined not to see a 5. Might get in trouble falling into tap technique. Jive. Fantastic performance, so much expression. Looks fun and easy. Nice swivels and center action. Dmitri gets geeky, too. Excellent dance overall. 9.5/10.0
Tom & Cheryl: Head snap a problem. He has stress fractures in one foot, but is committed. Tango. Very clean and kept on the right level. Very textbook, but executed. Lacking drive and attack. Almost drops her at the very end. 6.5/10.0
Donny & Kym: Challenged by speed of music and his stamina at 51 years old. Jive. Great energy throughout, never lets up. Fast and high feet, nice and springy. Good flicking, nice connection, lots of expression. Cute choreography. 8.5/10.0
Results show. Tight field, with 11 couples separated by only 3 points. Reports are that Macy Gray did not interviews because she was so upset about being cut. Samantha has poodle hair and a gigantic necklace that looks like a prop from a Riddick movie. Dmitri falls off his stool in the interviews. The Wife notices that the longer-standing pros are not getting as high-potential partners as the newer crop of pros. True?
Encore: Mya & Dmitri's Jive. My only quibble is that I now notice she doesn't spot.
In the audience, randomly: Mickey Rourke!
Results are coming in by rank groupings. Of the three top scorers: Donny (Safe), Mya (Safe), Aaron (Safe).
Musical guest: Joss Stone, "Colour Me Free". Excellent Theatre Arts couple Jeremy Hudson & Mallauri Esquibel.
Video package: The new DWTS training center, a multi-studio warehouse where everyone practices now. One room has a mockup of the full stage. A high school feel with drop-ins, pranks and lots of socializing.
Another group up. Mark (Safe), Natalie (Safe), Debi ("still in jeopardy").
Musical guest: Selena Gomez & the Scene, "Falling Down". Still working on her stage performance. Derek & Karina dance a hot Cha Cha to Louis' choreography. I'm distracted by her bootie shoe covers and his fringey hair.
Tom on big hair: "Don't Samantha and Kym look like sexy Chia Pets tonight?"
Score 20 group: Joanna (Safe), Michael (Safe).
Score 19 group: Chuck (Safe), Melissa (Safe), Kelly (Safe), Loue (Jeopardy)
Video: Breaking the stars' bad habits.
Stars of Dance: Choreographed by Stomp the Yard's Chuck Maldonado and Jimmy R.O. Smith, also featuring the Spirit of Troy Marching Band from USC, marching in from outside the studio. A total of 52 performers, the most ever.
Musical guest: Joss Stone, "Son of a Preacher Man". Gorgeous purple dress, awesome singing. Louis, Cheryl, Dmitri and Anna T do a pseudo-Samba. I am stunned by the 2-couple Samba Roll! Mickey Rourke is unimpressed. Or asleep.
Score 18 group: Tom (Safe), Kathy (Jeopardy). Louie safed.
RED LIGHT OF DOOOOOOOOOOM: Debi, Kathy. Their partners high five. Safe: Debi.
Eliminated: Kathy Ireland & Tony Dovolani. Tony's ready for it. Kathy keeps on the same face she wears all the time while mispronouncing her partner's last name.
...Read more
Friday, September 25, 2009
DWTS - S9 Week 1
Okay, grab yourselves a caffeinated beverage and a comfy chair, folks, this one's gonna be long.
Because DWTS is a show that cannot stopthrowing in new gimmicks innovating, those little 3-second pose-for-the-camera-and-smile intros that the pros and celebs all usually have? Well, this season, they feature a bullet time shot at the end of the person leaping, spinning, kicking, whatever. It is so 1999. Unfortunately, the one old thing they keep around every season is Samantha Harris.
So, it's Monday night and the male celebrities are first to dance, so we're treated to what's probably my favorite part of any episode, professional dancing. The male pros come down on a big window-washer elevator, mugging like mad for the camera (sorry guys, you're all PWND by Maks at mugging). They're dancing to "The Boys Are Back In Town" and... it's the pros. They're awesome: sharp, strong, fast, and in complete sync. This is what they do and they do it well, especially as it's Louis' choreography. We get to see their individual personalities, too.
Aaron & Karina: He can't concentrate because Karina is pretty. That was cute with 17 year-old Cody, not so much with this guy. Cha Cha for them. Fantastic footwork, strong and sharp leg action. Needs more center flexibility and power, but great start. Karina looks like she mugged Lady Gaga for that outfit. 8.0/10.0
In the audience: some of the Backstreet Boys, naturally. Also, Gilles Marini, Shawn Johnson and George Hamilton. Marie Osmond and Jermaine Jackson (?)
Chuck & Anna T: They meet in his gym. He's a grumbly perfectionist who can't remember to smile, like most athletes. Foxtrot for them He's thinking really hard, putting a lot of effort into it, but can't relax. Surprisingly light on his feet, and he does manage a smirk here and there. She's adorable as ever. 6.0/10.0
Mark & Lacey: Lots of goofing around. They're trying to use his martial arts skills and apply them. Cha Cha to the obvious "Kung Fu Fighting". Lots of strength and some very nice hip action going on. Needs stronger footwork. The choreography was too simple and didn't give him enough to do. Solid start. 8.0/10.0
Edyta's bullet time still is a total beaver shot. Classy.
Ashley & Edyta: The idea that dancing with a former partner's son is "keeping it in the family" is kinda weird. He was in an accident that affects his mobility on one side. They have Foxtrot. He's not exactly spry, but definitely light and it's clean. Lacks power and doesn't show enough personality. 7.0/10.0
Donny & Kym: Marie has dared him to better her 3rd place finish. He's embarrassed being in a close hold because of boobs. Foxtrot, too. Wonderful theatrics and expression. Nice spring in his feet and movement across the floor. Lots of fun to watch and really good solid movement. 8.0/10.0
Louie & Chelsie: He's never seen an episode, but is trying hard. She makes him do pushups for mistakes. Another Foxtrot. It starts out very simple and kind of clunky, but picks up and smoothes out. Some coordination there, solid feet, nice posture, even. A good start. 6.5/10.0
Michael & Anna D: He was inspired by Jerry Rice as a kid, so they pin up a pic of Jerry in his afro wig. He talks to the mirror. Cha Cha now. He gets his hips moving well standing in place, it's okay when walking (of which there's lots) then gets all mincing in the actual steps. Good personality shows through. 5.0/10.0
Carrie Ann actually addresses Anna regarding the choreography, something that happens way too rarely on this show. Speaking of the judges, they are being really hard and specific in their critiques and are scoring 1-2 points lower than normal. I like it generally, but the US version of this show has always up-scored, so it's a little shocking.
Tom & Cheryl: They're looking to get him shaking and moving his hips. Cha Cha, too. Surprisingly spry in his feet and quick in movement. Good footwork, nice expression, even pretty springy. The theatrical stuff doesn't sit well on him, though, but he does try gamely. 5.0/10.0
Tom Delay on being judged: "I've faced lots bigger critics than them, I'm okay." Don't make me like you, dude.
And now for the big gimmick, the "Relay Dance". I actually kind of like this one, because it's a chance to compare the couples almost side-by-side. The four couples who performed solo Ballroom dances will compete in a Latin relay, and vice versa for the other four. The format is kind of a round-robin dance to a two minute song, with each of the four couples performing for a 30 second segment. The judges then rank the four, and the couples are given scores relative to that ranking (4th = 4 points, 3rd = 6 points, 2nd = 8 points, 1st = 10 points), to be added to their individual scores. Got all that?
Latin Relay: Salsa. Ashley has no hips and no speed; Chuck might have the start of hips; Donny is spectacular on all counts; Louie shows some groove, but not much else.
My order: 1) Donny 2) Chuck 3) Louie 4) Ashley (the judges agree)
Ballroom Relay: Viennese Waltz. Aaron's is rushed and frantic, but strong and fast; Mark's moves are kind of clipped and checked, but more in control; Tom is slow, but clean; Michael has no closed hold but some stretch.
My order: 1) Aaron 2) Mark 3) Tom 4) Michael (the judges agree)
Time for the female celebs to take the floor. We start out with the female pros getting their own group number to "She's A Lady", with the costume theme being black and sparkly. Lacey drew the short straw, I guess, and the barely-nothing costume, but I like Anna T's backless number way better. A lot of mugging/blowing kisses to the camera. Lacey (who choreographed!) & Chelsie go barefoot to do some leaps.
Samantha looks good with the bob hair, Macy Gray looks bored. Or stoned.
Debi & Maks: "Dancing is not a democracy," says Maks. Unsurprisingly, she's constantly running off at the mouth. Salsa for them. She's totally relying on him for everything, but she's at least keeping speed. Doesn't quite nail her turn and her energy slips a little late. Too much thinking, not enough strength. 6.5/10.0
Melissa & Mark: She's feeling awkward in motion and needs posture and balance work. Viennese Waltz is theirs. Small with not much travel, but the moves are controlled and balanced. Good composure, but she needs to relax and drive forward when it's her turn. Some nice expressiveness. 7.5/10.0
Mya & Dmitri: She's a tap dancer. "I'm not afraid to show my skills... or my chest," says Dmitri. We remember. Viennese Waltz, too. Great speed and very good lightness, lots of musicality. Very graceful. Needs power and heel leads and extension on kicks. More content next time, too. 8.5/10.0
A typical DWTS judging blowup, with Len insisting it wasn't a "proper" VW (which it was much more theatrical than figure-based, yes) and Bruno flabbergasted by this, though Bruno has now learned to turn around and get the audience on his side. This cracks up Karina, and Tom Bergeron deftly handles it.
Kathy & Tony: She was once asked to leave an aerobics class for being uncoordinated. Ouch. Salsa for them. They're keeping it careful and easy to keep her from losing speed, balance or control. No center movement at all. It's clean, but there's no energy or fire to it at all. 6.0/10.0
Natalie & Alec: She has a concentration face that is not at all attractive, so Alec wants her to smile when she's thinking. Salsa for them, too. Excellent footwork and leg action. She's definitely thinking hard, but it pays off. Good hips and center action. They drew slow Mambo-speed music, so that helps. 8.0/10.0
Samantha: "Natalie, you're used to having your face in the water. How weird is it to be wearing makeup?" Okay, seriously? Seriously?
Hmmm. Early set reports indicated that Ashley Hamilton was the worst dancer (considering his difficulty moving, if that wasn't common knowledge, okay), that Chuck Lidell was surprisingly light on his feet (check), that Mark Dacascos was fun to watch (check) and that Macy Gray really didn't want to be on the show. Let's see...
Macy & Jonathan: There's nothing enthusiastic about her interview, where she says she did the show because her mother likes it. Jonathan calls her "eccentric". Viennese Waltz. Lots of walking, and even that's not good. Awful arms. Either she really feels the music or is stoned. She moves okay. 5.0/10.0
I barely catch it, but she refers to the performance as having "busted her cherry", ballroom dance-wise. Classy.
In the audience: LaToya Jackson (?), Shawn J, Marie Osmond.
Joanna & Derek: She took dance lessons as a kid and says she's a hard worker. "I'm rough, I'm tough, I'm Derek Hough." Salsa for them. Some speed, very good connection and great chemistry. Nice expressiveness, excellent swivels. Tight, confident, needs a little more control. Very fun to watch. 9.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: She never got to be a little girl growing up, so she wants to go tomboy to princess. Viennese Waltz. Solid work, if a little hesitant. Footwork strong, very light and graceful. She needs to relax more, but she lights up when she does. Very pretty and looks like she's having fun. 7.5/10.0
Ozzy & Sharon are in the audience. Sharon is weeping, Ozzy is... moved, I think. Kelly is crying, and I think Louis might be, too.
Ballroom Relay: Foxtrot. Natalie's is a little muscle-y but solid; Kathy's is a little too tentative; Joanna's is light and expressive; Debi shows good, strong following.
My order: 1) Joanna 2) Natalie 3) Debi 4) Kathy (the judges agree)
Latin Relay: Cha Cha. Macy seems more awake; Melissa shows nice swivels, but soft; Mya has excellent legs, tight; Kelly's is strong, fun and fast.
My order: 1) Mya 2) Melissa 3) Kelly 4) Macy (the judges say Mya/Kelly/Melissa/Macy, agreeing, incidentally with Sabrina Bryan's tweeted rankings)
Results show.
In the audience: Kelsey Grammer, Courteney Cox (who both have new shows on ABC). Shawn Johnson & Corky Ballas.
Encore performance: Kelly & Louis' Viennese Waltz. Beautiful and relaxed.
Male celebrities go first. Safe: Louie & Chelsie, Aaron & Karina.
Video package: "The Losers Club", funny interviews with Kenny Mayne, Jeffrey Ross and Penn Jillette. "Whoever gets eliminated tonight, we're saving your spot."
Safe: Mark & Lacey, Chuck & Anna T, Donny & Kym. Tom & Cheryl, Michael & Anna D.
Eliminated: Ashley Hamilton & Edyta Sliwinksa. He's very gracious and appreciative. Edyta is so ready, she has her speech prepared. She has never been eliminated in the first week, even with her worst partners, in nine seasons.
They premiere the video for Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA", but I think nothing could be so horrifyingly entertaining as the stripper pole performance of it.
Lady celebs. Safe: Natalie & Alec, Mya & Dmitri.
Video package: the guys get a locker room pep talk/shouting-at by Adam Corolla. Lots of good sports, playing along and laughing at themselves. Lots of fun.
Stars of Dance: the cast of Broadway's The Lion King, performing "The Circle of Life". Not a lot of dancing, per se, but a grand spectacle. This show is absolutely breathtaking in performance, and I'm in awe of the work the performers put into their animal movements.
Safe: Melissa & Mark, Joanna & Derek, Debi & Tony.
The show puts on a tribute to the late Patrick Swayze. First up are Dmitri & Chelsie dancing a theatre arts piece to "She's Like the Wind". Next Jonathan & Anna T do a great Viennese Waltz number to "Unchained Melody", ending it with a heck of a makeout session in the center of the floor. And of course, Tony & Cheryl reprise their adaptation of the final dance from Dirty Dancing to "(I've Had) The Time of My Life". Tony leaps from the stage to dance back up to it with the other performers (you know the part I mean), adding Anna D and Louis to fill out the triangle. Cheryl runs to him and the overhead lift is shot so you can't tell he barely gets her up, let alone get his arms straight. Overall, it's very nice, but a lot less emotional than expected.
They ask Len about their tough scoring. "Some people blossom early, some don't," he explains, and at the last word, the camera focuses right on Macy.
Safe: Kelly & Louis, Debi & Tony (he thought it was them)
Eliminated: Macy Gray & Jonathan Roberts (he's so ready for it, too). "It was cool. I learned a little," was her entire appraisal of the experience. Jonathan is his usual classy teacher self, praising her highly. This poor guy seriously needs to be assigned a contender instead of getting stuck with clear losers (because let's face it, Marie Osmond coming in third was a fluke-- on performance night, Sabrina's comment was "That was painful. Poor Jonathan."). He's had it way worse than, say, Edyta who has had people with more potential that she's wasted by being an awful teacher. Up on stage, Debi says, "I feel sorry for her." Don't know who she means.
See you next week.
...Read more
Because DWTS is a show that cannot stop
So, it's Monday night and the male celebrities are first to dance, so we're treated to what's probably my favorite part of any episode, professional dancing. The male pros come down on a big window-washer elevator, mugging like mad for the camera (sorry guys, you're all PWND by Maks at mugging). They're dancing to "The Boys Are Back In Town" and... it's the pros. They're awesome: sharp, strong, fast, and in complete sync. This is what they do and they do it well, especially as it's Louis' choreography. We get to see their individual personalities, too.
Aaron & Karina: He can't concentrate because Karina is pretty. That was cute with 17 year-old Cody, not so much with this guy. Cha Cha for them. Fantastic footwork, strong and sharp leg action. Needs more center flexibility and power, but great start. Karina looks like she mugged Lady Gaga for that outfit. 8.0/10.0
In the audience: some of the Backstreet Boys, naturally. Also, Gilles Marini, Shawn Johnson and George Hamilton. Marie Osmond and Jermaine Jackson (?)
Chuck & Anna T: They meet in his gym. He's a grumbly perfectionist who can't remember to smile, like most athletes. Foxtrot for them He's thinking really hard, putting a lot of effort into it, but can't relax. Surprisingly light on his feet, and he does manage a smirk here and there. She's adorable as ever. 6.0/10.0
Mark & Lacey: Lots of goofing around. They're trying to use his martial arts skills and apply them. Cha Cha to the obvious "Kung Fu Fighting". Lots of strength and some very nice hip action going on. Needs stronger footwork. The choreography was too simple and didn't give him enough to do. Solid start. 8.0/10.0
Edyta's bullet time still is a total beaver shot. Classy.
Ashley & Edyta: The idea that dancing with a former partner's son is "keeping it in the family" is kinda weird. He was in an accident that affects his mobility on one side. They have Foxtrot. He's not exactly spry, but definitely light and it's clean. Lacks power and doesn't show enough personality. 7.0/10.0
Donny & Kym: Marie has dared him to better her 3rd place finish. He's embarrassed being in a close hold because of boobs. Foxtrot, too. Wonderful theatrics and expression. Nice spring in his feet and movement across the floor. Lots of fun to watch and really good solid movement. 8.0/10.0
Louie & Chelsie: He's never seen an episode, but is trying hard. She makes him do pushups for mistakes. Another Foxtrot. It starts out very simple and kind of clunky, but picks up and smoothes out. Some coordination there, solid feet, nice posture, even. A good start. 6.5/10.0
Michael & Anna D: He was inspired by Jerry Rice as a kid, so they pin up a pic of Jerry in his afro wig. He talks to the mirror. Cha Cha now. He gets his hips moving well standing in place, it's okay when walking (of which there's lots) then gets all mincing in the actual steps. Good personality shows through. 5.0/10.0
Carrie Ann actually addresses Anna regarding the choreography, something that happens way too rarely on this show. Speaking of the judges, they are being really hard and specific in their critiques and are scoring 1-2 points lower than normal. I like it generally, but the US version of this show has always up-scored, so it's a little shocking.
Tom & Cheryl: They're looking to get him shaking and moving his hips. Cha Cha, too. Surprisingly spry in his feet and quick in movement. Good footwork, nice expression, even pretty springy. The theatrical stuff doesn't sit well on him, though, but he does try gamely. 5.0/10.0
Tom Delay on being judged: "I've faced lots bigger critics than them, I'm okay." Don't make me like you, dude.
And now for the big gimmick, the "Relay Dance". I actually kind of like this one, because it's a chance to compare the couples almost side-by-side. The four couples who performed solo Ballroom dances will compete in a Latin relay, and vice versa for the other four. The format is kind of a round-robin dance to a two minute song, with each of the four couples performing for a 30 second segment. The judges then rank the four, and the couples are given scores relative to that ranking (4th = 4 points, 3rd = 6 points, 2nd = 8 points, 1st = 10 points), to be added to their individual scores. Got all that?
Latin Relay: Salsa. Ashley has no hips and no speed; Chuck might have the start of hips; Donny is spectacular on all counts; Louie shows some groove, but not much else.
My order: 1) Donny 2) Chuck 3) Louie 4) Ashley (the judges agree)
Ballroom Relay: Viennese Waltz. Aaron's is rushed and frantic, but strong and fast; Mark's moves are kind of clipped and checked, but more in control; Tom is slow, but clean; Michael has no closed hold but some stretch.
My order: 1) Aaron 2) Mark 3) Tom 4) Michael (the judges agree)
Time for the female celebs to take the floor. We start out with the female pros getting their own group number to "She's A Lady", with the costume theme being black and sparkly. Lacey drew the short straw, I guess, and the barely-nothing costume, but I like Anna T's backless number way better. A lot of mugging/blowing kisses to the camera. Lacey (who choreographed!) & Chelsie go barefoot to do some leaps.
Samantha looks good with the bob hair, Macy Gray looks bored. Or stoned.
Debi & Maks: "Dancing is not a democracy," says Maks. Unsurprisingly, she's constantly running off at the mouth. Salsa for them. She's totally relying on him for everything, but she's at least keeping speed. Doesn't quite nail her turn and her energy slips a little late. Too much thinking, not enough strength. 6.5/10.0
Melissa & Mark: She's feeling awkward in motion and needs posture and balance work. Viennese Waltz is theirs. Small with not much travel, but the moves are controlled and balanced. Good composure, but she needs to relax and drive forward when it's her turn. Some nice expressiveness. 7.5/10.0
Mya & Dmitri: She's a tap dancer. "I'm not afraid to show my skills... or my chest," says Dmitri. We remember. Viennese Waltz, too. Great speed and very good lightness, lots of musicality. Very graceful. Needs power and heel leads and extension on kicks. More content next time, too. 8.5/10.0
A typical DWTS judging blowup, with Len insisting it wasn't a "proper" VW (which it was much more theatrical than figure-based, yes) and Bruno flabbergasted by this, though Bruno has now learned to turn around and get the audience on his side. This cracks up Karina, and Tom Bergeron deftly handles it.
Kathy & Tony: She was once asked to leave an aerobics class for being uncoordinated. Ouch. Salsa for them. They're keeping it careful and easy to keep her from losing speed, balance or control. No center movement at all. It's clean, but there's no energy or fire to it at all. 6.0/10.0
Natalie & Alec: She has a concentration face that is not at all attractive, so Alec wants her to smile when she's thinking. Salsa for them, too. Excellent footwork and leg action. She's definitely thinking hard, but it pays off. Good hips and center action. They drew slow Mambo-speed music, so that helps. 8.0/10.0
Samantha: "Natalie, you're used to having your face in the water. How weird is it to be wearing makeup?" Okay, seriously? Seriously?
Hmmm. Early set reports indicated that Ashley Hamilton was the worst dancer (considering his difficulty moving, if that wasn't common knowledge, okay), that Chuck Lidell was surprisingly light on his feet (check), that Mark Dacascos was fun to watch (check) and that Macy Gray really didn't want to be on the show. Let's see...
Macy & Jonathan: There's nothing enthusiastic about her interview, where she says she did the show because her mother likes it. Jonathan calls her "eccentric". Viennese Waltz. Lots of walking, and even that's not good. Awful arms. Either she really feels the music or is stoned. She moves okay. 5.0/10.0
I barely catch it, but she refers to the performance as having "busted her cherry", ballroom dance-wise. Classy.
In the audience: LaToya Jackson (?), Shawn J, Marie Osmond.
Joanna & Derek: She took dance lessons as a kid and says she's a hard worker. "I'm rough, I'm tough, I'm Derek Hough." Salsa for them. Some speed, very good connection and great chemistry. Nice expressiveness, excellent swivels. Tight, confident, needs a little more control. Very fun to watch. 9.0/10.0
Kelly & Louis: She never got to be a little girl growing up, so she wants to go tomboy to princess. Viennese Waltz. Solid work, if a little hesitant. Footwork strong, very light and graceful. She needs to relax more, but she lights up when she does. Very pretty and looks like she's having fun. 7.5/10.0
Ozzy & Sharon are in the audience. Sharon is weeping, Ozzy is... moved, I think. Kelly is crying, and I think Louis might be, too.
Ballroom Relay: Foxtrot. Natalie's is a little muscle-y but solid; Kathy's is a little too tentative; Joanna's is light and expressive; Debi shows good, strong following.
My order: 1) Joanna 2) Natalie 3) Debi 4) Kathy (the judges agree)
Latin Relay: Cha Cha. Macy seems more awake; Melissa shows nice swivels, but soft; Mya has excellent legs, tight; Kelly's is strong, fun and fast.
My order: 1) Mya 2) Melissa 3) Kelly 4) Macy (the judges say Mya/Kelly/Melissa/Macy, agreeing, incidentally with Sabrina Bryan's tweeted rankings)
Results show.
In the audience: Kelsey Grammer, Courteney Cox (who both have new shows on ABC). Shawn Johnson & Corky Ballas.
Encore performance: Kelly & Louis' Viennese Waltz. Beautiful and relaxed.
Male celebrities go first. Safe: Louie & Chelsie, Aaron & Karina.
Video package: "The Losers Club", funny interviews with Kenny Mayne, Jeffrey Ross and Penn Jillette. "Whoever gets eliminated tonight, we're saving your spot."
Safe: Mark & Lacey, Chuck & Anna T, Donny & Kym. Tom & Cheryl, Michael & Anna D.
Eliminated: Ashley Hamilton & Edyta Sliwinksa. He's very gracious and appreciative. Edyta is so ready, she has her speech prepared. She has never been eliminated in the first week, even with her worst partners, in nine seasons.
They premiere the video for Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA", but I think nothing could be so horrifyingly entertaining as the stripper pole performance of it.
Lady celebs. Safe: Natalie & Alec, Mya & Dmitri.
Video package: the guys get a locker room pep talk/shouting-at by Adam Corolla. Lots of good sports, playing along and laughing at themselves. Lots of fun.
Stars of Dance: the cast of Broadway's The Lion King, performing "The Circle of Life". Not a lot of dancing, per se, but a grand spectacle. This show is absolutely breathtaking in performance, and I'm in awe of the work the performers put into their animal movements.
Safe: Melissa & Mark, Joanna & Derek, Debi & Tony.
The show puts on a tribute to the late Patrick Swayze. First up are Dmitri & Chelsie dancing a theatre arts piece to "She's Like the Wind". Next Jonathan & Anna T do a great Viennese Waltz number to "Unchained Melody", ending it with a heck of a makeout session in the center of the floor. And of course, Tony & Cheryl reprise their adaptation of the final dance from Dirty Dancing to "(I've Had) The Time of My Life". Tony leaps from the stage to dance back up to it with the other performers (you know the part I mean), adding Anna D and Louis to fill out the triangle. Cheryl runs to him and the overhead lift is shot so you can't tell he barely gets her up, let alone get his arms straight. Overall, it's very nice, but a lot less emotional than expected.
They ask Len about their tough scoring. "Some people blossom early, some don't," he explains, and at the last word, the camera focuses right on Macy.
Safe: Kelly & Louis, Debi & Tony (he thought it was them)
Eliminated: Macy Gray & Jonathan Roberts (he's so ready for it, too). "It was cool. I learned a little," was her entire appraisal of the experience. Jonathan is his usual classy teacher self, praising her highly. This poor guy seriously needs to be assigned a contender instead of getting stuck with clear losers (because let's face it, Marie Osmond coming in third was a fluke-- on performance night, Sabrina's comment was "That was painful. Poor Jonathan."). He's had it way worse than, say, Edyta who has had people with more potential that she's wasted by being an awful teacher. Up on stage, Debi says, "I feel sorry for her." Don't know who she means.
See you next week.
...Read more
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