Season 29, Week 2: First Elimination—How to Choose?

Well, we survived the introductions of the first week, and here we are, back with a lame intro package (instead of any dance number) and more Tyra. I wanna cry already. 

We are again going with the “no theme” concept, other than “First Elimiination.” Well, alrighty then.

Jenna and Nev, cha cha

A bright, snappy number to kick off the show with. 

Derek: “By the beard of Zeus, that is a lot of chest hair.” (I was just wondering how Jenna was dealing with that, too. LOL) “Solid performance. Way to open the show. Watch the shoulders.” Bruno: “A bit of manscaping would do… Showmanship, presentation, dynamism. So nimble with footwork. For Week 2! The gyrations were mind-boggling. Keep it going.” Carrie Ann: “Once again, you have impressed me. I think you are a really incredible dancer and what sets you apart, already, that I can see is the way you use your hands. The placement of your hands, I love. Well done.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Alan and Sakai, samba

Somehow these two were on the top of the leaderboard last week (tied with the far-superior Justina and Sasha, who deserved to be there).

In her package she starts out with: “As a young girl…” (She’s 18 now. #eyeroll)

Skai has a major mishap in one of the moves early on. Like the costumes, but didn’t like much else.

Bruno: “Listen. Things happen. I still believe in you. When you get it right, you are neat, clean, precise. You have plenty of talent. You’ll be back next week, I’m sure.” Carrie Ann: “I want  you to work on your arms a little bit. The ballroom scares people. Don’t let it scare you.” Derek: “First of all, a setback sets you up for a comeback. Just think about next week. Samba is about balance, it’s about rise and fall. You need that floor, you need that ground to get rhythmic.”

JUDGES: 15 (out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, tango

Johnny and Britt tango to Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face,” which Johnny previously had skated to. 

Carrie Ann: “You totally got into the dance, but I’m not sure. Your footwork is a bit odd. Your upper body is working it, but it doesn’t feel like you’ve quite found the floor yet.” Derek: “I love the Johnny drama. Let’s go. I see you. I appreciate that.” Bruno: “Gaga, ooh la la. The great lady really has inspired you. Try not to do mistakes.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, foxtrot

I gotta say, I just love this pairing. I love the energy Justina brings to her dances, and the creativity that Sasha brings. This foxtrot was just beautiful.

Derek: “Justina! Oh my goodness. You are such a natural, beautiful dancer. It just feels like it comes from you. Your arms, your movement. I love the feather step into the oversway. Gorgeous. Girl! Yeah!” Bruno: “I love watching you, my darling. You make me happy. There is such an honest quality about what you do.  You dance from the heart. You seem to embrace me, and everybody at home watching. Your lyricism and your quality of movement was excellent.” Carrie Ann: “The power of dance lies in the ability to take people to another place. Just now, when I watched you dance, I was transported to a film with a happy ending, and it’s magical. You move beautifully. You’re so connected emotionally to everything that you’re doing. Great choreography too, Sasha.”

Let me take this moment to say how Tyra (the first episode and this) seems to try to rush the judges in their comments, basically saying, “we have a quick moment for a comment.” Luckily, the judges—who’ve been here and know this show—basically ignore her, and say what they need to say.

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Val and Monica, jive

This was such a fun jive, danced to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and a great dance for the “Cheer” captain to jive to. Val, as always, does wonders with choreography, making this a really fun, snappy number to watch. Loved it.

Bruno: “Shook me up and cheer me up. I think your cheerleading quality really helped you on this, because you know how to project this kind of joy and happiness. The jive is all about the kicks and the flicks and the timing. It wasn’t quite there yet. But I love the kind of Swinging ’60s feel you put into it.” Carrie Ann: “I loved seeing you much more relaxed this week. You definitely look like you’re having a lot more fun. I’m gonna say that lift: just don’t do it. We don’t need a lift in the jive. I get that it was an ode to “Cheer,” so hopefully your “Cheer” fans will vote for that, but for me, it distracts from the jive. I don’t think you need it. She’s a great dancer. I wanna see more of the dance.” (As Tyra cuts her off…) Derek: “Fun, playful, bubbly. I have to echo Bruno’s statements: more kicks, more flicks, more bounce, more jive.”

JUDGES: 16 (out of 30)

Cheryl and AJ, foxtrot

Cheryl and AJ foxtrot to the classic “Ain’t That A Kick in the Head.” Wonderful choreography, really fun dance to watch. AJ dedicates this dance to his wife, “my superhero.”

This move, to the line: “She’s picked out a king-size bed.”

Great stuff.

Carrie Ann: “I loved it. Way to go. Last week, I thought maybe you were a bit nervous. This week, the nerves are gone, you were smooth as silk out there.” Derek: “AJ. Man, you’re such a showman. So much joy coming off you. Fantastic.” Bruno: “Foxtrotting all the way down to Vegas. The Rat Pack would be proud. You got such pizzazz. You’re selling it. I love the energy. But you have to be careful to control it. Foxtrot is gliding. It cannot be choppy.”

JUDGES: 19 (out of 30)

Keo and Anne Heche, foxtrot

Ugh. Just awkward and uncomfortable. Not smooth at all. 

Derek: “Anne, I love the relationship between you two. I feel it. In ballroom dances, you want to have a lot of the energy come from the feet. And you want the upper half to just go along for the ride. Sometimes in that routine, I felt like there was a lot of energy up here (he motions to his shoulders), hanging on, and the legs were along for the ride. I really enjoyed it.” Bruno: “I have to praise you for the content. There was so much foxtrot in there, from the beginning to the end. No messing around.” Carrie Ann: “What I’m loving the most is the trust that I see in your eyes of Keo. You’re giving him 100% and it’s a beautiful thing to witness. I can see the growth from last week to this week. You’re a little tense. Trust the process.” 

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30) *overscored*

Daniella and Nelly, cha cha

Nelly doesn’t seem to have taken the advice about true ballroom shoes, but he seems to have modified ones he can work with. 

That was a fun dance, great choreography.

Bruno: “Your timing is particularly good tonight. You do have a fantastic musicality. It’s natural, it comes to you. But you have to articulate a little bit more through the foot. It looks good, but you’re losing the Cuban motion.” Carrie Ann: “Nelly, I can tell you’re a hard worker because of the way you did that routine, I can tell you practiced a lot. Watch on your turns. You’re the easiest to watch. You’ve got a groove. It’s fun to watch.” Derek: “Timing is impeccable. Right in the pocket. So great to watch. I appreciate the content. Attention to detail, like she said. Good job.” 

JUDGES:  18 (out of 30)

Gleb and Chrishell, rumba

If I had to bet who’d pick the rumba to do first, it would be Gleb, every day of the week. And here it is: Week 2. #Sigh Unfortunate, because the rumba is the woman’s dance, and Chrishell is clearly not up to it. Plus, she has a major fall within.

Carrie Ann: “Chrishell. What a difference. You’re like a whole different dancer. You’re dancing from your heart. You’re trusting Gleb. There’s a deep connection.” Derek: “You’re dancing with so much more confidence. So much more passion.” Bruno: “Now I’m seeing the bombshell emerging. I’m impressed. You had sometimes such beautiful lines, shapes. Now you have to learn how to link it. I know you’ve got it. Show it to me, baby.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Throughout, Tyra has been mentioning that Kaitlyn hurt her ankle and might not dance tonight. Now Artem is by Tyra’s side. Uh oh. Whew. They WILL be performing.

Emma and Charles Oakley, cha cha

Emma sure gives it the old college try in what is a really losing proposition. Oakley just doesn’t seem to have any natural rhythm. Mirrored jacket notwithstanding.

Derek: “Your timing was better. The jacket is fire. The footwork needs a lot of work still (HA!). An improvement from last week.” Bruno: “Thank you for the chili. You’ve got it, you see? A little bit more work on the feet.” Carrie Ann: “Watch your focus. I know it’s hard without seeing eyes (as she gestures around an empty ballroom). But you’ve got to pretend that people are there, and you’re performing to each one of us. That’s what I wanna see with you.”

JUDGES: 15 (out of 30)

They’ve been doing this thing, randomly, in the first two episodes. Len Goodman (taped from England) comes in to explain how a dance should be performed. Then they show two troupe dancers dancing it properly. Now, to my mind, IF you’re going to do such a thing, you do it with every dance shown and you do it BEFORE anyone does those dances. Not randomly, after everyone has done one already.

Here, they explain foxtrot (which we’ve already had lots of in both Week 1 and Week 2). #Sigh

Sharia and Jesse, foxtrot

 Jesse and Sharna are dancing a foxtrot to “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. I truly love Sharna’s choreography. It’s a great song to dance to. Her dress, though, seems like someone spilled something on the bottom of it. Or is it just me?

Bruno: “Oh Mr. Dreamy does it again. I know what you’re doing. I’m here for you, call me. Whatever you want you shall have.” (I swear sometimes Bruno’s comments verge on sexual harassment…) You’ve gotta watch your bum, your posture and your footwork. You can sell it. You’ve got it. Work on the technique a little bit more.” Carrie Ann: “I disagree. I thought that it was smooth. I thought there was an elegance to it.” Derek: “Good job.”

(They cut Derek’s comment off, but they let Tyra ramble aimlessly about stupid stuff. Grrrrr.)

JUDGES: 20 (out of 30)

Brandon and Jeannie, cha cha

Great costumes. Fun dance. 

Carrie Ann: “What an improvement this week. You’re wild. We still need to tame you in a little bit.” Derek: “I like your energy. I like your charisma. It was good, but you gotta work on the legs.” Bruno: “Cheeky, sexy, sparkling personality. I love you’re starting to play with your partner.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)  

Pasha and Carole, Viennese waltz

Although they are going a little crazy with the tiger theme in the Costume department, I think Carole Baskin is living her best life right now. Look at that!

And look at this set!!!! C’mon! Did I mention they are dancing to “What’s New, Pussycat”? LOL

The magic Pasha did choreographing this is beyond words. I loved this dance so very much. And there was a good bit in hold, so Len would be proud. That was just a joy to watch.

Derek: “First of all, that was a big improvement from last week. This dance suits you. It’s graceful, it’s smooth. I was impressed.Also, it’s a 10 for the set. That was insane.” Bruno: “Apart from the fact that we’ve blown the budget, there is not a rose left in California, and she’s got more gold than the Federal Reserve. Not just that was shining, your performance was shining tonight, darling. There is hope. It’s not perfect.” Carrie Ann: “I really liked it. I thought it suited you perfectly. Yes, it was simple, but remember Dancing with the Stars is also a platform for people to get to know you and for you to grow and evolve and show people a different side of you. And this is how you do it. On the dance floor, bringing these beautiful dances. I loved when you were in hold.”

JUDGES: 16 (out of 30)

Peta and Vernon, paso doble

I really liked Peta’s choreography in this paso doble. Plus, the whole referee-athlete thing worked too.

Bruno: “Beware—there’s a new bull on the block, and he’s not messing around. I loved the power, the determination, the strength. Paso doble: shaping. I can’t wait for you to do it again with more practice.” Derek: “I think that you went with more the stoic approach, and I want a little bit more intensity in the performance. I enjoyed it all round, but think about those things in the future.” Carrie Ann: “I love that you corrected yourself in the middle of it. You were a little ahead of the music. You found the music. That feeling that you had, I wanna see more of that. Bigger, bigger.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, foxtrot

After all the consternation about her ankle, it’s fitting that they are dancing to “I Hope You Dance,” by LeAnn Womack. It was a beautiful foxtrot. Very lyrical.

Carrie Ann: “That was a beautiful performance, very elegant. The lines were gorgeous. More please.” Derek: “I love to see you reclaiming the dancer from within. It was beautiful. It was graceful. It was effortless.” Bruno: “The quality of movement. The way you filled the space. It was like a ballerina. A classical ballet quality, which I absolutely adore.”

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30, our first 8)

So, who goes home, and how are they doing it?

They combined the scores from last week and this (including people’s voting from both weeks). They are only doing Bottom Two.

Who are:

Carole and Pasha, and Emma and Charles.

The judges save one of the couples, saving Carole and Pasha.

MICHE’s Favorites of Week 2

1. Sasha and Justina, foxtrot

2. Val and Monica, jive

3. Cheryl and AJ, foxtrot

4. Britt and Johnny, tango

5. Daniella and Nelly, cha cha

6. Pasha and Carole, Viennese waltz

7. Artem and Kaitlyn, foxtrot

8. Sharna and Jesse, foxtrot

9. Jenna and Nev, cha cha

10. Brandon and Jeannie, cha cha

11. Peta and Vernon, paso doble

My Eyes My Eyes!

1. Charles and Emma

2. Keo and Anne

3. Skai and Alan

4. Chrishell and Gleb

*****************************************************************

Season 29, Week 1: The Whole World Has Changed

 
Season 28 ended on November 25, 2019. In a perfect world, there would have been a Dancing with the Stars tour, followed by a new spring season. But, as we all know, in March 2020, COVID-19 hit.

Luckily, our beloved #DWTS soldiered on with Season 29 starting September 14, 2020. But many things changed, many of which I still sob into my pillow about today. Namely (for reasons I STILL don’t understand), they got rid of Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews (*sob*) and replaced our beloved hosts with Tyra Banks, for God’s sake. I still think that decision was very wrong, and awkwardly implemented (back when they also booted our dear Chris Harrison from The Bachelor/Bachelorette for no apparent reason, without so much as a How-de-do). Networks. #SMH As a longtime fan of both shows, believe me when I tell you that Tyra Banks does NOT equal Tom and Erin, and Jesse Palmer does NOT in any way equal Chris Harrison. BOTH of the former sets of hosts were doing FINE jobs. I could go on about this for days. I am seriously gutted by these lame decisions.

But let’s move on, shall we? What else has changed with COVID? There is no more Skybox or backstage area where Erin chatted with people. :-(  There is (because of COVID) also no audience. :-0 Now, I don’t know if you remember, but in Season 28, the audience was RAUCOUS. And now, the dancers are dancing to silence. Very disconcerting for an audience member. It must be very disconcerting to the dancers too.

The beloved opening number on this first show consisted of Tyra getting out of a car, and the rest of the pros, dancing individually. (As you can see by Val Chmerkovskiy, above.)

I’m going to be getting on my “I HATE TYRA” soapbox as long as she’s up there, so get used to it. She’s just terrible. But the worst offense that she added to the show, mind you, this is a show ABOUT DANCE. All that matters are the dancers and the dances. Tom and Erin were there to facilitate that, and move it all along, with a joke here or there. Tyra does none of that, and she’s added some nonsense about gowns she’s wearing with each show. I hate this unnecessary focus on her, and what does #DWTS have to do with dresses? Nothing. UGH.

Also, because COVID trapped him in England, our esteemed judge Len Goodman is not here. In his place, we have Derek Hough. OK. That’s not a bad change (although I do miss Len). It’s not easy to notice from this angle, but there is actually six feet between each judge.

Each “star” is introduced individually, without their partners. 

Finally the show actually starts. 

The first pair is introduced. Just seeing them together makes me smile (I love them both so much):

CHERYL BURKE AND AJ MCLEAN (Backstreet Boys), jive

AJ jumps over the four stairs, and falls down. Other than that, his kicks and flicks in this jive are completely on point and wonderful. They are #TeamPrettyMessedUp  LOL

Loved that dance.

Not that anyone cares, but Tyra has changed out of her voluminous dress.

Derek: “AJ, first of all, great start to the show. Shot right out of a cannon. For me, I want a little bit more pump action, a little bit more jive action, bounce. I really like that you feel comfortable out there. I like it. Great partnership.” (Agreed.) Bruno: “Powerful, strong. We expect that from you, you’re a performer. No questions. Now, you have to polish a little bit the kicks and the flicks. It looks the same. There is a difference between a kick and a flick. Listen to her. You have all the talent to go a long way.” Carrie Ann: “That is exactly the way we needed to start off this season. There’s no one in here, so you have to be all the energy. That being said, I think you could dance a little more out. I know that learning the transition to ballroom and Latin is hard, and you start to go smaller, cause you worry about the technique—it needs to be bigger than ever, especially this season.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Gleb and Chrishell Stause (“Selling Sunset”), tango

This one was a bit awkward for me. Nice costumes, and Gleb’s trying, but Chrishell doesn’t seem like a natural to this. #TeamSellingIt

Bruno: “I know you can sell. And you manage to get the tango into escrow, but we’re a long way before we are closing, my darling. You gave us all the selling points, but you went wrong, you lost your footing, your posture went all wobbly. I wish you could do it again. Lots of mistakes.” (There were some boos. I have no idea where they were coming from.) Carrie Ann: “The little audience is yelling at us already. I feel like you have so much potential. I saw when you hit the line, you hit it beautifully, but you just got knocked off your feet early on. You just didn’t get your feet back under you. You have lots of potential, and I’m excited to see what you’re gonna bring next week.” Derek: “I wanna give you something that you’re gonna work on throughout this season. You are a little pigeon-toed. So everything you do is a little inward. That affects everything. Start from the bottom, keep those turned out. It’ll strengthen your core, your frame.”

JUDGES: 13 (out of 30)

PETA AND VERNON DAVIS, foxtrot

That was a beautiful foxtrot, though the lights are kinda glaring. Peta’s choreography is stunning. #TeamDavisIsDancing

Carrie Ann: “That was really impressive. You have quite a stage presence. You’re able to mix a tenderness and an elegance, yet with a masculine control. I felt like Peta was under your control. Now, you have a little to learn. We don’t allow lifts, so when you did that drag around, try to keep Peta’s foot on the ground. I am gonna dock a point.” (Tyra, who apparently doesn’t really watch the show, didn’t know about the “no lifts” thing.) Derek: “Vernon, you were so smooth. It was like gliding across the floor. I was so honestly surprised. It was beautiful. Your frame was good. Think of the whole picture.” Bruno: “You got it to the sizzling point. God knows what’s gonna happen with the rumba. I’ll need an ice bucket. The chemistry was sizzling. Very light, very stylish. You attempted to do rise and fall. Congratulations for that.”

JUDGES: 17 (out of 30)

Oh wow. I’m sorry all. I forgot Anne Heche was in this season. :-( 

Keo and Anne Heche, cha cha

To my eyes, that was a hot mess. #TeamAK

Derek: “Anne, you make me smile. As soon as you started, I was: ‘I like this.’ For future, think about finishing every single move before you move to the next. Otherwise, it can look a little jerky sometimes.” Bruno: “My love, you’re such a sparkling crackler, aren’t you? So full of zest. Put more hip action into it.” Carrie Ann: “I love your strength. It was so precise. What I was so impressed with was the tension between you two. What an excellent partnership. You were never thrown off. You are a star of this ballroom.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

BRANDON and JEANNIE MAI, (“Holy Moley” and “The Real”) salsa 

Great music really goes a long way on the first night (“Tell It To My Heart”). A very serviceable salsa.

#TeamDreamofJeannie

Every team has had things dropping down on the floor. (They have green streamers.) Also, although there is no audience, there is massive applause happening. #SMH 

Bruno: “So energizing, so radiant. Look at you, a little ray of sunshine. You really got the spirit of the dance. You lost balance for a tiny fraction.” Carrie Ann: “You lit this room up. If this is where you’re starting, you’re on a fantastic path.” Derek: “Holy moley. Doing that lift, Week 1? Good start.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Sharna and Jesse Metcalfe (“Desperate Housewives”), quickstep

“Part-Time Lover” is also a good song for this quickstep. Wonderful to see Sharna on the ballroom floor again, with her pink-tinged hair. Love her. They are a good partnership. Fun dance. They get a spray of confetti at the end.

#TeamAllIn

Carrie Ann: Carrie Ann welcomes Sharna back as well. Carrie Ann also tries to ignore Tyra not really knowing what’s going on, and plunges ahead. “Jesse, that was one of the most passionate quicksteps I’ve ever seen. I do think we need to tame the beast a little bit. You’re a little wild, but the intensity is right. We need a little bi more posture, and a little bit more form.” (I’m ignoring Tyra’s nonsense here.) Derek: “Jesse, that was great. You’re a leading man in the ballroom and the dance floor.” Bruno: “This dance, very tricky to do Week 1. You did well.” 

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30) 

Alan and “Disney Channel star” Skai Jackson, tango

Skai Jackson is no Zendaya. I don’t really like when they have 18-year-old competitors. But the costumes were great (and the sets). Hated the music. 

#TeamReachForTheSkai

Derek: “First of all, that split? Let’s go. Flexibility! Your posture is beautiful. I’d have liked to have seen more bend in the legs.” Bruno: “Skai, for you, the sky is the limit. For a young girl like you, giving such a mature performance, on Week 1. The shapes were fantastic.” Carrie Ann: “What you did so well is you coped with the height difference. If you can adapt your hold right now, you’re on such a great side. That was a beautiful and exciting performance.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30) *overscored*

Then, we get to see a preview (reminder) of the (trainwreck) Clare season of “The Bachelorette.” #UGH

Followed by a commercial for “Jeopardy” that still had Alex Trebek in it. *sobs*

Artem and (“Bachelorette”) Kaitlyn Bristowe, cha cha

Unlike Hannah Brown, whom I loathe, Kaitlyn Bristowe can do no wrong. Love her.

#TeamWillYouAcceptThisDance

Kaitlyn says she’s “in it to win it.” When all else fails, add a lot of fringe to the costume in Week 1. Seriously, it was a fun dance. Both Artem and Kaitlyn look so glad to be there.

Bruno: “Artem! Nice to see you back where you belong. What a cha cha cha. You’ve really got her going on the toe on Week 1? C’mon! It was so good.” Carrie Ann: “A great first dance. The energy’s so great, the arms are wonderful.” Derek: “Great first dance. Beautiful cha cha. You have a lot of potential. The arms are beautiful, but just placed, not hit. The dancing, in general, was a little safe. Looking forward, more bite, more attack.”

JUDGES: 20 ( out of 30)

Jenna and Nev (“Catfish”) Shulman, foxtrot

Jenna just looks stunning. The song is fantastic. (“The Way You Look Tonight”) 

#TeamBeNeevers

Carrie Ann: “The world needs a little bit more of Nev. You guys, that was incredible. So uplifting, so refined, you took us back into that era. It just transported us.” Derek: “My man, you are a great dancer. It was so pleasant to watch. It was wonderful.” Bruno: “I loved the way you went down the classic Hollywood style. You acted it beautiful.”

JUDGES: 20 (out of 30)

For inexplicable reasons, Len pops in from across the pond to say everyone’s doing great (even though it’s a live show and he can’t possibly see it…)

Britt and Johnny Weir, cha cha

This is the wondrous Britt’s first season as a pro! (Long overdue…) Wonderful seeing these two together. I loved it. 

#TeamBrijo

Derek graciously welcomes Britt “as a new pro. Johnny, great job. Great first dance. Stay consistently Johnny. Sometimes I could see you thinking when it gets to the technical stuff. Stay confident.” Bruno: “Johnny, great opening. You have a wonderful lyrical quality. You feel the music through the body. In the cha cha cha, you need to be a bit sharper. You have to get the hips right.” Carrie Ann: “You shoulda been on this show years ago. This is the perfect place for Johnny Weir. Johnny Weir, Dancing With the Stars is heaven. Stay connected. You guys are partners. Stay connected the whole way through.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Sasha and Justina Machado, cha cha

I mean! Starting out a cha cha to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” c’mon! The only thing as good as the music choice is that Justina is paired with Sasha!!!!! This is going to be a great season.She is definitely shaking her groove thing here. Wow! Loved this so very much. Great costumes too.

#TeamLOCOmotion

Bruno: “Respect? You got it, baby. Fully charged and ready to dazzle. The confidence, the musicality, the rhythm. Tu es una chica marvallosa.” Carrie Ann: “Muy caliente! You are on fire. Thank you for dancing like that. You just got me out of our seats, and I’m sure you got everybody at home dancing with you.” Derek: “Justina, you are oozing charisma. You filled this room with so much energy, so much power. Great dance.”

JUDGES: 21 ( out of 30)

Emma and Charles Oakley, salsa

A bit of a height difference between these two. Great costumes and sets though. Danced to that “Shorty, It’s Your Birthday” song.

#TeamOakieDokie

Carrie Ann: “The good news is this isn’t your last dance. But the bad news is that I need you to listen to the music a little bit more. You were ahead of the music the whole time. Fill the space.” Derek: “Massive respect for you, my man. I felt joy, the enjoyment of what I saw and that goes a long way. You need to work on the technique.” Bruno: “You got into the spirit of it, your own way. Laid-back, cool, just a teaser. Put a lot more extra chili in it.”

JUDGES: 12 (out of 30)

Val and Monica (“Cheer”) Aldama, foxtrot

Val Chmerkovskiy can make anything look magical. This dance was beautiful. The costumes are gorgeous, the sets are stunning.

#TeamValdama

Derek: “Monica, beautiful, graceful. So pleasant to watch. A breath of fresh air. Beautiful frame.” Bruno: “Wonderfully elegant, stylish. It looked exactly as a foxtrot should. Foxtrot, very difficult. First time, well-done.” Carrie Ann: “It’s a tough dance, but…it’s a hard transition to go from the mat to the wood. But you went for it. I could tell it felt good for you.”

JUDGES: 19 (out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, salsa

Nelly and Daniella, who loves his music. Boy, this is gonna be fun. They start out their first number on a motorcycle. And dance salsa to one of Nelly’s songs.

#TeamDaNelly

Daniella, wife of Pasha, is a new pro (sorta) this season. She was here last season, but without a partner.

Bruno: “Daniella! You’ve got your first partner, and thank you for taking it in such a wonderful ride. The connection between you two, the interplay was so much fun. Nicely rhythymical, very grounded.” Carrie Ann: “Where did the backflip come from? I did not expect that or see that coming. Way to get us all going.Your groove is right. No one else has that here tonight. But you gotta open up. This kinda dancing is all about opening up and exposing your heart.” Derek: “Nelly, sneakers? It’s appropriate for this dance, but ballroom shoes are there to help you articulate your feet.”

JUDGES: 16 (out of 30)

Pasha and Carole (“Tiger King”) Baskin, paso doble

Dancing a paso doble to “Eye of the Tiger,” (Of course) these two are quite a spectacle. Pasha gets bonus points for balls today. There aren’t even words to describe this, but put it in the category of worst Dancing with the Stars dancers ever.

#TeamAreYouKittenMe

Carrie Ann: “Here I am, standing in front of the ultimate crazy cat lady. I love you, and I love the connection you guys have when you dance. Carole Baskin just danced the paso doble to “Eye of the Tiger,” everyone! Carole, what I love most is that you did not hold back. You went full out. This is very new for you. That was fantastic. I really enjoyed it.” Derek: “Carole Baskin. You danced that paso! You smashed it. Let’s go. I see you. I commend you for being out here, dancing. You’re here, you’re doing it.” Bruno: “I call it as I see it. For me, you didn’t quite kill the paso doble. It was kind of sedated. It had the resemblance of it, but I want to hear you roar. It didn’t pop the way it should. But I’m sure you’re back next week.”

JUDGES: 11 (out of 30)

No one goes home this week.

MICHE’s Favorites of Week 1

1. Sasha and Justina, cha cha

2. Val and Monica, foxtrot

3. Cheryl and AJ, jive

4. Sharna and Jesse, quickstep

5. Artem and Kaitlyn, cha cha

6. Daniella and Nelly, salsa

7.  Jenna and Nev, foxtrot

8. Britt and Johnny, cha cha

9. Brandon and Jeannie, salsa

10. Peta and Vernon, foxtrot

11. Emma and Charles, salsa

12. Alan and Skai, tango

 NEEDS TO GO HOME

1. Carole Baskin

2. Anne Heche

3. Chrishell

4. Charles Oakley

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