Dancing With the Stars: Round 8

We only have strong contestants remaining, so I expect to see high-level dancing this week. Each celebrity must perform one ballroom number and one Latin dance.  Before the competition begins each judge critiques every couple, reiterating the criticism I’ve heard for each of them throughout the season.

ROUND 1

Mya & Dmitry: Mya is not one of Len’s favorites, so it will be interesting to see if she can finally make a breakthrough with him.  She and Dmitry perform a spirited Quickstep.  I’ve already said that I don’t think there’s any dance Mya can’t do, and the Quickstep is no exception.  Her footwork and carriage were very good.  When it’s time for the judges’ commentary Tom Bergeron cuts to the chase and begins with Len.  I fully expect him to be sour, as usual.  Imagine my surprise when he proclaimed that he couldn’t find anything to criticize! After seven weeks of great dancing he finally gave her props.  Bruno said it was quality, and then began making inappropriate innuendo as usual.  Carrie Ann thought it was fantastic.  Carrie Ann: 9 Len:  10 (*gasp*) Bruno: 10

Aaron & Karina:  Aaron has had a few close calls on elimination episodes, but he’s still hanging in there.  I think he’s a very good dancer and it’s a shame more viewers don’t agree.  He and Karina draw the Foxtrot for their ballroom number.  It is both graceful and elegant, at least to me.  Bruno said he can see all the work Aaron put into the routine but he thought it was a little tense.  Carrie Ann also appreciated his effort but said that it lost its fluidity.  Len said he was proud of Aaron’s progression.  Carrie Ann: 7 Len: 8 Bruno: 8

Joanna & Derek:  I think Joanna is second only to Mya; she’s awesome.  She must have come to this realization also, because during rehearsal she and Derek meticulously study Mya’s past routines on tape.  I don’t know if they’re looking for a chink in her armor or pointers.  They draw the Quickstep, just as Mya and Dmitry did.  Joanna is very light on her feet and I enjoyed the performance.  Carrie Ann noticed a few bad moments, but there was a lot of content, which she liked.  Len said it was not up to quarter final standards.  Bruno said it looked like she was running away from the scene of a crime and it wasn’t one of her best performances.  Carrie Ann:  8 Len: 7 Bruno: 8

Kelly & Louis:  During rehearsal he has to lock away all of her distractions so she can focus on their ballroom dance, the Foxtrot.  I’m not a fan of Kelly’s; I think she’s very mediocre.  Her Foxtrot is just ok, in my opinion.  Len said her posture was good and he loved it, except for her footwork.  Bruno said she was light and ethereal.  Carrie Ann critiqued her movement and range of motion, but noted her crowd appeal.  Carrie Ann: 8 Len: 8 Bruno: 9

Donny & Kym:  He had a rough go last time, but he should do better this week.  They dance the Viennese Waltz and I think it is lovely.  They have a good rapport and always manage to embody the character of the dance.  They receive a standing ovation from the crowd.  Bruno said it was romantic, like a Lifetime movie.  Carrie Ann said it was mesmerizing.  Len said his posture was improved but he thought it was artsy fartsy.  Carrie Ann:  9  Len: 8  Bruno: 9

ROUND 2

In this round our couples will also be incorporating the style of a particular decade/era, into their Latin routine. How random.

Mya & Dmitry:  These two will be performing a ’70s Samba.  Mya’s pretty jazzed about infusing some disco elements into the Samba.  She tries to channel Cher and Diana Ross.  Dmitry actually had a “choreography block” during rehearsal, and it took him longer than usual to come up with a routine.  Their Samba was nothing short of excellent.  It was hot and they captured the seventies vibe perfectly.  Carrie Ann said it was incredible and beyond belief.  Len said she was on fire and produced two dances of the highest standard with no gimmicks.  Bruno said she was unbelievable and that she does a mean Samba.  Then he launched into an awful Diana Ross impression.  Mya receives a perfect score, the first one of the season.

Aaron & Karina:  They also will be dancing a Samba, this one inspired by the ’90s, which is good since it’s the only decade Aaron can actually recall.  During rehearsal he tries to incorporate some cheesy boy band moves.  He is so hyper, he seems either really fun or really annoying.  Their routine was fun and I thought he did a good job. Len said that Mya was a tough act to follow but Aaron really sold it and worked his socks off.  Bruno said he thought it was going to be a disaster, but it was a success.  Carrie Ann enjoyed it.  Carrie Ann: 9 Len: 9 Bruno: 9

Joanna & Derek:  These two will be dancing a futuristic Paso Doble, which is challenging considering that Derek will have to improvise the entire dance.  He has nothing to draw upon; he is tasked with relying completely on his creativity.  I thought it was one of the best dances I’ve ever seen on the show.  Derek’s choreography was great.  It was innovative and unique and reflected great imagination. The judges all raved, barely able to contain their excitement.  Bruno said Derek was a genius, and Len agreed.  Carrie Ann said it was outstanding execution of the theme.  She said it was wonderful.  Carrie Ann: 9 Len: 10 Bruno: 10

Kelly & Louis:  They will be dancing a ’60s themed Jive, which confuses me because I thought all of the second round dances were Latin. Oh well. They perform to the song “Rag Doll” by Tina Turner, and Kelly starts the dance holding a doll, which was wack.  Len thought she’s getting stronger and stronger.  Bruno also enjoyed it. Carrie Ann said it was one of her best performances but thought there were a few missteps and that the doll was an odd choice.  Carrie Ann: 8 Len: 9 Bruno: 9  Am I blind???? Kelly’s appeal is completely lost on me.

Donny & Kym:  Donny will be dancing an ’80s-influenced Paso Doble.  He’s pretty excited about winding up with the ’80s and wears a Prince-esque Nutcracker looking jacket. Apparently it’s called a Bolero jacket.  He looks hilarious, and the costume is so ridiculous that it actually detracts from the performance.  Imagine someone doing a Waltz dressed as a clown.  It just wouldn’t look right, even if the actual dancing was good.  The judges are cracking up.  Len said it was the craziest, most bizarre dance but he enjoyed it.  Bruno babbled incoherently but seemed to like it.  Carrie Ann said he went over the edge a little bit.  I think she liked it but thought it got a little too weird.  Carrie Ann: 8 Len: 8 Bruno: 8

Results

Only 4 couples will remain after eliminations, as the end approaches.  The judges choose Derek and Joanna’s awesome futuristic Paso Doble for an encore, even though Mya and Dmitry got the highest score.  Derek’s routine was so creative they want to see it again, and I don’t blame them.  There isn’t much suspense involved in eliminations this week.  Aaron has been in jeopardy repeatedly, so it’s no surprise when he gets sent home.  I maintain that Kelly should have been eliminated.  In an unprecedented move, Len asked permission to address Aaron if he were the one eliminated.  He told him that he was proud of his growth and that Aaron should be an inspiration for other young people and an example that they can accomplish anything. He said if Aaron were his son he’d be proud.  How sweet! Please let Kelly go home next week.

Season 9, Week 8: Episodes 16&17 (originally aired November 9&10, 2009)

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Competition Mondays at 8/7C, ABC

Elimination Tuesdays at 9/8C, ABC

Photographs courtesy of ABC, Adam Larkey