Season 29, Week 5: On Last Week’s Fiasco, and It’s ’80s Week (or Night)

Here’s what we had at the end of last week’s show. Keo and Anne (the eventual couple going home), along with Chrishell and Gleb and Peta and Vernon (both couples in the bottom rungs of the standings). I’ve watched this show for many years, and while there is occasionally a jump where a top contender ends up in the bottom two unexpectedly, it’s Never when there are this many competitors, and so many still at the bottom. Never.

So no one is going to convince me that this was the ACTUAL bottom two.

No how, no way. It doesn’t make sense mathematically. It doesn’t make sense logically. It’s just wrong.

But here’s the thing that I rest my hat on: With ANY of these three couples (Monica/Val, Chrishell/Gleb and Peta/Vernon), I believe that Keo and Anne would have been the ones selected to go home. So that proper couple did end up going home.

However, Val and Monica should not have been subjected to this madness. 

Another thing. For all the seasons of DWTS, they have referred to things as “Weeks.” For some reason, this season, they keep referring to things as “Nights.” So instead of “’80s Week,” it’s “’80s Night.” Drives me mad. Confused Carrie Ann recently too. 

They start off ‘80s Week/Night with a kinda cute “Aerobics with the Stars” thing where everyone is dressed in ‘80s workout clothes. Then, Tyra tries to explain that the above two people were actually the Bottom Two, which I still don’t (and won’t) believe. But moving on…

Sasha and Justina, jazz (“Maniac” from “Flashdance”)

What a great way to kick off the show! This number was so fun. Justina really brings it, and Sasha’s choreography is, as always, stellar. Of course, it ends with the trademark Flashdance water dump.

Derek: “What a great way to open the show, especially for ’80s Night. That was so perfect for this night. You are a maniac, and I mean that in the best possible way. You were always so much fun to watch. So much fun! This is the stage of the competition where the competition really begins. It’s such an even playing field for everybody. So keep working hard, stay focused and let the games begin.” (I would argue that Justina and Sasha are already among the front runners, IMHO.) “Because we’re going to be paying attention to all the details, so let’s bring it.” Bruno: “Sasha—you could not be flashier if you tried. This was so deliciously ’80s, I was crying all the way through, for the good reason.” Carrie Ann: “Like you, Flashdance was my jam in the ’80s, so I had high expectations. You were incredible. You totally brought the ’80s to life from top to bottom. And what’s so impressive about you two, truly, is the sync. You guys matched every line perfectly.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

 Sharna and Jesse, tango (Tears for Fears)

It wasn’t the smoothest tango in the world, but when you’re dancing to “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” how can you go wrong? Sharna’s pink hair really worked here too. I dug it.

Bruno: “You started very well. You went wrong quite a few times. You kind of lost your timing. It’s getting the balance of the two—the performance and the technique. Both of them have to be at the same level. I get what you’re trying to do performance-wise, and you’re getting there. But then, you lost your steps, you lost your time. I’m sorry.” Carrie Ann: “I agree with Bruno, but Jesse, what I do wanna say is I thought you were much more confident. When that beat kicked in, I saw you feeling the music for the first time. So we have to celebrate the victories. Jesse, you’re still slightly disconnected from Sharna, but take that confidence and that connection to the music, and reconnect to Sharna.” Derek: “Jesse, we are rooting for you. We are rooting for everybody here. We want you all to succeed. We want you to improve. We want you to have those breakthroughs. Unfortunately, we also have to be honest. You are improving each week. I didn’t think this was your best dance. But I still commend you for going out here.”

JUDGES: 19 (out of 30)

Gleb and Chrishell, cha cha (New Kids on the Block)

Let’s just say: Chrishell is WAY into New Kids on the Block. Gleb tells her they might be watching this, she says: “We can’t suck then.” LOL

(Sadly, while they both looked great, they pretty much did suck.)

Carrie Ann: “First of all, you have all the right stuff for ’80s, but kind of the wrong stuff for cha cha. I didn’t feel like you had enough content. There were so many opportunities to throw cha cha in. I don’t think you delivered in that area. I’m so frustrated, because it was so entertaining to watch, and you looked like you were having such a good time. I wish I could give you more than I can.” (This is a common Gleb mistake. He often opts for “entertaining” over content.) Derek: “For me, the best part was the side by side stuff. You were in that. For me, I still want to see you close your feet. You guys look amazing tonight.” Bruno: “Only those two can turn a cha cha cha into dirty dancing (again… Gleb…). I don’t mind it at all. But you have to be very careful the way you place your body and your feet. To get the right hip action. You really have to work on that.”

Chrishell doesn’t even care about the scores, because they give her a video from all the NKOTB boys, who root her on. She is beside herself.

JUDGES: 19 (out of 30)

Brandon and Jeannie, jazz (“Like a Virgin,” Madonna)

Too many lifts, not enough dancing for my taste. But it’s a great ’80s song, so that was fun.

Derek: “Y’all look absolutely adorable. Jeannie, there is a confidence about you when you dance that just brings an energy and an ease to watching your performance. It was just so much fun. You’re so committed. It was a simple, but clean, routine.” Bruno: “Squeaky clean tribute to the Material Girl. It was like Madonna has gone PG, all done in the best possible taste.” Carrie Ann: “You are incredible. That was an amazing performance. You, to me, are the most exciting performer. There’s something about you that lights up. You never know what you’re gonna do, but sometimes, that makes you go a step overboard and you fall out of balance. But you are the most exciting performer, and that performance showed that. I love watching you.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Val and Monica, tango (“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell)

First of all, GREAT ’80s song. Also great costumes and hair. But most of all, I LOVED the choreography and all the little touches that Val puts into a dance. A tango IN HOLD! Traveling across the floor! What a concept! #Refreshing Just wonderful. I loved this dance. 

Bruno: “Focused, like a laser-guided missile. I’m gonna do this. I’m gonna get it right all the way through. You were so on it. Some of the shapes were fantastic. Some of the lines were brilliant. Even his mullet didn’t distract you. Great job.” Carrie Ann: “We saved you last week, and you do not disappoint. This was an incredible performance. You brought out the guns, you brought out the legs. You’re a very dynamic performer. We didn’t see that up until now. I’m so proud of you.” Derek: “I think the best thing to happen to you is being in the Bottom Two, cause it gave you an extra drive, and extra hunger in that dance. It was so good. In those moments, you have a choice: to either sink or swim. And this week, you swam, honey. It was so good. Those legs! Also, that was the first tango I’ve seen on the show that moved across the floor. Thank you.”

JUDGES: 26 (out of 30, their first 9s)

Cheryl and AJ, waltz (“Open Arms” by Journey)

Those costumes! That hair! Cheryl’s dress looked like spun bronze, so beautiful and flowing. And those cuff things! LOL AJ’s suit too, so ’80s. Just perfection. And we have another dance that is actually a waltz, with dancing in hold and traveling across the floor. Wonderful. At the end, they crown each other King and Queen of Homecoming. So perfect. Loved this dance too.

Carrie Ann: “Wow. Such an elegance. And the way you were leading Cheryl through that dance was beautiful. This is the perfect place that you should be at this week. Great job.” Derek: “I love this style on you. There’s a weird misconception that slower dances are easier, when in actual fact, they can be really hard. It’s like riding a bike slow, it’s hard to balance, right? But you had great control with your feet, which creates this smoothness across the floor. We don’t wanna see you try. It should just feel effortless. That was great.” Bruno: “It had a wonderful sweeping drive. Great motion.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Alan and Skai, jazz (“The Power of Love” from “Back to the Future”)

Well, the costumes and hair can’t ALL be winners. #Cringe Let’s just say that I hated everything about this dance, and leave it at that. Ugh.

Derek: “That was so fun. When you’re side by side, you light up. Your energy comes forward. I feel you. Sometimes when you get into hold, I feel your energy go back a little bit. That was so fun.” Bruno: “You survived the lifts. I was screaming. When you do those lifts, you have to be very careful of the dismount.” Carrie Ann: “You have moments of greatness, but because you’re so petite, you need to expand your movements to fill up the music.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Peta and Vernon, tango (Bon Jovi)

Yes, there was traveling and a lot in hold, but it really felt like Peta was doing all the work. It felt awkward to me.

Bruno: “It started so well. But you went wrong. Your footwork started to be a little bit flat.” Carrie Ann: “I still like the quality of movement that you’re showing us. There is an understanding of how you’re moving and the catalyst of the movement that I really enjoy. When you’re out of hold, I want you to do those bigger.” Derek: “Huge shoutout to hair and makeup. You guys look incredible. Unbelievable. What’s so interesting about you, Vernon, is that you thrive in the softer dances. I feel like I wanna see a little more attack from you.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, tango (“I Think We’re Alone Now”)

There wasn’t a lot of tango in this, and at the end they did this bizarre thing that I guess was supposed to be an ’80s dance move? Ugh.

Not my favorite.

Carrie Ann: “I did not see that coming at the end. What was that? This was the fourth tango we’ve seen tonight, and in frame, you are far superior to anybody else’s frame. You guys together, beautifully dancing. That ending though…” Derek: “I loved the choreography at the top, using the props. I appreciate that so much. Last week, when I said I wanted to see a different side of you, I wasn’t expecting a B-girl coming out, with that freeze at the end. But that was a beautiful tango. The musicality, the accents you hit in there, the sharpness. It was fantastic.” Bruno: “Those accents, and the staccato. That made me happy.” 

JUDGES: 27 (out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, samba (DeBarge)

Daniella, with her hair and fringe, tries to triple her samba bounce to cover that Nelly is barely bouncing at all. Love her choreography, but man, he is just so stiff.

Derek: “That was your best dance ever. It was a legit samba. There was a freedom to you tonight, man. It was so enjoyable to watch, you were in the pocket of the music.” Bruno: “You were so much lighter on your feet. It was effortless, it was carefree. All of your footwork was so nimble and precise, and yet, you managed to keep the freedom in the body. You were doing a proper samba.” Carrie Ann: “Dance has the power to make us happy. To me, that is the most important thing. I want to feel good when I watch someone dance. That made me so happy. You! Having this ease. I don’t know what’s going on tonight, but it’s yummy.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, contemporary (“Total Eclipse of the Heart”)

Kinda bizarre, I gotta say, to do contemporary on ’80s Night. Although it does allow both Britt and Johnny to showcase their best strengths.

Bruno: “What you’re doing now, which is the sign of an artist, you really give dance a meaning. We always know that you have great extension, elevation, you feel the space. But not just with the moves, with the emotion.” Carrie Ann: “Johnny, turn around and take a bow. Consider that contemporary crushed. Britt, that choreography was amazing. This is your first season as a pro. Amazing choreography. Johnny, the way you delivered that. Oh my god!” Derek: “Johnny, I think with you there’s always been this sort of high expectation. Tonight, I was watching. Dude, that was perfect. The movement, the quality of movement. Beautiful.”

JUDGES: 29 (out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, quickstep (A-Ha)

The hair! The costumes! Awesome.

Great song to end ’80s Night with. Very fun.

Carrie Ann: “First I wanna say: ’80s Night—all of you guys, all of the dancers, our production crew, hair and makeup, wardrobe. It’s the best, it’s amazing. Nev, you are one of the most consistent dancers, but tonight I thought that your frame was a little pushing away, so it felt awkward for me watching you. Just a few times, you were a little ahead. It didn’t feel like you were solid on your feet.” Derek: “I absolutely loved it. It was great. Your face at the beginning, destroyed me. Great way to end the night.” Bruno: “I think you have taken to the quickstep like a duck to water. You managed to maintain the timing. Very efficient.” 

JUDGES: 26 (out of 30)

I’m almost scared to see who are in the Bottom Two this week.

Now, the Bottom Two should be somewhere in the bottom of this leaderboard…

Vernon and Peta and Jesse and Sharna are the Bottom Two. That tracks.

Going home?

MICHE’s Favoritres of ’80s Week

1. Val and Monica, tango

2. Sasha and Justina, jazz

3. Cheryl and AJ, waltz

4.Jenna and Nev, quickstep

5. Sharna and Jesse, tango

6. Artem and Kaitlyn, tango

7. Britt and Johnny, contemporary

8. Brandon and Jeannie, jazz

9. Peta and Vernon, tango

Please Go Away!

1. Skai

2. Chrishell

3. Nelly

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Season 29, Week 4: We Have No Theme, but We Have Great Dances, and Tyra Messes Up Real Bad

 Yes. I know it’s the pandemic, but jeez, has all creativity gone away too? Let’s just say that Dancing with the Stars is hurting from not having a splashy opening DANCE NUMBER. They have devised LAME opening segments instead. This one perhaps being one of the worst. A pseudo PSA from “Celebrities Who Don’t Like Criticism” bitching about the judges’ comments. Ugh. Stupid. Hated it.

Then we get ten minutes of Tyra walking through a door with a fancy dress on. #Eyeroll #WhoCares

As is common in this season, there is also no stated theme. The episode guides just call it “Top 13.” I refuse. Pick a damn theme, people.

Daniella and Nelly, paso doble

I really adore Daniella, and she is working so hard to make Nelly competitive. But he’s really not a dancer. Still, this paso doble was very watchable. If hair throwing were being judged, she’d have a Mirror Ball already.

Derek: “Nelly, you brought that poppin’ paso—way to start the show. I would’ve liked a little more shape. But I really liked that.” Bruno: “OK, you’ve got the power. Now you have to refine the artistry, especially in the shaping.” Carrie Ann: “Nelly! That is what I was looking for. We asked for a breakout last week. This is the breakout. There was not one misstep. The musicality, everything. I agree with Derek: a little bit more shaping. But wow, what an improvement.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Gleb and Chrishell, foxtrot

As you can see from the pic, it’s kind of a more grabby foxtrot than I’m used to. Not as much, you know, dancing involved. Really hated this one.

Bruno: “Excuse me? Almost too hot to trot. I liked the role reversal. Started very well, but there was a stumble.” Carrie Ann: “Chrishell, I’m really proud of you. You’re really aware of your face. But what I’m liking is the way it’s extending out: the tips of your hands, the points of your feet. There’s so much potential, and you’re growing every week.” Derek: “You feel so much more comfortable. So much more confident. For me, this was your best dance.”

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30) #overscored

Val and Monica, samba

Monica still doesn’t seem totally comfortable as competitor rather than coach, and she chastised Val in the package for not having enough empathy. But we have gold sparkly fringe, we have “Party in the USA” and we have Val’s exquisite choreography. What’s not to like?

Carrie Ann: (stands and applauds) “Mad respect to you for doing that, because it brought you guys closer together. You were formidable partners, and it made the dancing so much better. Val, I have so much respect for you. The dancing is improved greatly . You looked like you were having fun, you were also totally in control.” Derek: “This was a proper samba. There was so much content. So fantastic. As coaches, we are forever students. We are always learning. You can see that in this performance. You’re always improving. Your best dance.” Bruno: “What really impressed me was how much this was a pure samba. You actually put all the required samba steps together. Good for you.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Keo and Anne, paso doble

I don’t know what this was. Some kind of anthem disguised as a paso doble. OK. As a dance, it didn’t really hold up for me, certainly not as a paso. Too many of the actresses in this show just strike dramatic poses rather than just dancing. #NotaFan

Derek: “When you rise above the storm, you will always find sunshine. In this case, a beautiful rainbow. You felt so much more sturdy, so much more on your feet. So much more in control. It makes me so happy to see progress each week, from all of the couples.” Bruno: “The multicolored warrior! Out and proud. It was the most focused performance up to date.” Carrie Ann: “I just love you. Watching you is inspiring me on so many levels. You’re a bright light. But also, you are so powerful. You fought for every single step in that paso. You don’t give up, we don’t give up rooting for you. You still have stuff to learn, but I’m rooting for you, and I think everyone else is. Keep at it.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, rumba

Beautiful dance, beautiful rumba. Great costumes, great choreography. Loved this one.

Bruno: “I feel so good, so lovey-dovey. Like a romantic dream, set to music. But you’re so in tune tonight, you two.” Carrie Ann: “The rumba is the woman’s dance, and it’s all about giving good frame, and you gave excellent frame. But you added a lot of poetry to it, which is such an amazing thing. You are standing out to me already as somebody we should keep our eye on. Your lines are beautiful. It’s all… Jenna, you guys are like a vision tonight.” Derek: “That was a beautiful rumba. The in-between movements that you have, the texture that you have are beautiful when we watch you dance. I loved it.” 

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, salsa

 Justina dedicates this dance to her grandmother, who passed in 2006, who emigrated from Puerto Rico.

I love seeing those two dance together. That was so fun.

Carrie Ann: “You got us all up on our feet. That’s the first time this whole season. Usually everybody’s coming into Dancing with the Stars and trying something new and it’s foreign to them. Tonight, instead of you being in the ballroom, I felt like I came over to your house.” Derek: “Justina! Oh my gosh. You have so much charisma. So much fun. Last week, it lacked a little bit of energy, but you brought it all this week. It comes from within you. That’s what’s so much fun to watch you dance, cause it’s just so authentic. I love it. Keep that up.” Bruno: “Justina, La Reina Latina. She was on fire. Those hips don’t lie. Good for you.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, Viennese waltz

Two of my favorite people in the social media world are Kaitlyn Bristowe and her partner Jason Tartick. So when her package is full of them and their story, it’s only a good thing. #Swoon She dedicates this dance to him.

Kaitlyn, back in regular shoes, after two weeks of ankle injuries, tackles this Viennese waltz with Artem.

Great, wonderful Viennese waltz. Loved it.

Derek: “That was so beautifully danced. Just every week, you get better and better. It’s just so elegant, so effortless. It’s stunning. I’m really looking forward to a different type of dance that’s gonna bring out a different side to you.” Bruno: “You have such a flexibility in your back and in your arm, and you’re able to link all the movement with such grace. I can’t wait to see you do something different. If you’re as good in Latin as you are in ballroom… oh my!” Carrie Ann: “We all love love. Love is so special, and it’s like the mysterious ingredient that makes everything so magical. Tonight, you brought that. You are an excellent dancer, and you have been from Day One, I think. Tonight there was something very very special. I loved the lyricism. I could hear Len Goodman saying, “Why aren’t they in traditional hold?” but for me it worked and it worked beautifully.”

JUDGES: 25 (out of 30, the first 9 of the season)

Britt and Johnny, jive

How can a person not love a jive, danced to “Crocodile Rock”? I mean… C’mon!

Loved loved loved that so much.

Bruno: “Johnny is on full throttle. Now I see you, Johnny. You turned the lights on at full beam. You were performing, you were exploding out there. It’s like seeing the real you. It was fantastic. You’re always light on your feet, but you were sharp as well.” Carrie Ann: “What is going on? You guys had Disney Week last week, and everyone’s having breakthroughs tonight. That was incredible. You were glowing, every move. The resistance, the partnership, everything about it was fantastic.” Derek: “Johnny, to echo what they were both saying, it feels like when you’re off the floor, we see you, and when you hit the floor, sometimes it closes off a little bit. Tonight, you opened up, you let us in. And it was just so refreshing to watch that from you.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Brandon and Jeannie, tango

Jeannie’s mom is betting against her winning #DWTS, so Jeannie uses that as motivation. They are dancing a tango to the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” so it’s a fun dance to watch.

Carrie Ann: “I would not bet against you, with all that fire, with all that passion. It was so good, until the end there was that misstep. Jeannie Mai, that is the direction that we need from you. I would’ve thought you’d be more of a Latin dancer, but you’re actually better in the ballroom.” Derek: “Your focus, your attitude in that dance was spot on. It was so good. Great job.” Bruno: “I love the way you can change and switch your personality. It worked extremely well. I love the range you have. Keep going.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Peta and Vernon, rumba

First of all, Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is a great song. Peta’s choreography definitely played well with the partnership.

Derek: “Man, I love this show so much. Seeing you dance a rumba brings me so much joy. Man, that was beautiful.” Bruno: “Vernon, you’re better and better every week. You have natural charm and charisma. Everything you do seems to be effortless. And you got those hips rotating.” Carrie Ann: “I don’t think we were looking at the arm motions. What’s so spectacular about you is the way you understand momentum. That sweep you did with Peta was like magic. There’s moments in some dances that take your breath away. The way you understand how the momentum works, that’s what’s special about you. And the hip action. There’s a poetry to you that’s really spectacular.”

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30)

Sharna and Jesse, cha cha

I love Sharna to death, and love her choreography always. The sets and costumes are great. But I’m just not feeling Jesse all season long. Dunno what it is, but he lacks the fire that so many of the other contestants really have.

Bruno: “Jesse! You drive me crazy. You’ve got the looks, you’ve got the vibe. You’ve got the girl. You almost had the timing. But you forgot the hips. There is so much that you could do. If you just pushed a little bit harder, it would be so much better. I don’t feel you’re quite there yet.” Carrie Ann: “Your musicality is improved. Definitely, I saw you on the beat. I want more from you. I wanna see what we see in the packages. There’s this easiness to you in the packages. When you’re not dancing, you’re like a different person. I wanna see more of that in the dance.” Derek: “Much better this week. It’s all about progress. It’s all about improving. So you did that.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Alan and Skai, foxtrot

Skai dedicates this song to her colleague Cameron Boyce, who died. 

It is a beautiful foxtrot. 

Carrie Ann: “I was blown away by that,” she says with tears in her eyes. Derek: “This was my absolute favorite dance of the night. So beautiful. It was exquisite. It had so much breadth in there. Your neckline is stunning. You’re a gorgeous ballroom dancer. I’m really proud of you.” Carrie Ann: “For me, dance is always about emotion. I”m sure that Cameron is watching you right now, and he’s so proud of you. What you did, you were like an angel, dancing the most beautiful dance. I’m beyond words. It was just sheer perfection.” Bruno: “One thing is for sure: you are back in top form. That was stunning. It was the embodiment of grace and elegance. But what you had that I’ve rarely seen in someone so young is the poise. The poise was regal. Keep doing jobs like this.”

JUDGES: 28 (out of 30, first 10 of the season)

Cheryl and AJ, cha cha

During the pandemic, many things had to go away to put on a show: audiences, props, friends backstage, troupe dancers. But AJ and Cheryl came up with a novel idea to add flair to their dance: the Backstreet Boys, virtually. Appropriately to their song “Larger than Life,” as they appear larger than life behind him at the beginning of the dance (and throughout).

Very fun. Especially for Backstreet Boys fans.

Derek: “Larger than Life? Literally, like 80 foot back here. You are living legends. It’s always a pleasure to watch you, and to see that was fantastic. You’re just so likeable, and I enjoy watching you. Need to work on the footwork a little. Way to end the show.” Bruno: “Crowd-pleasing, barn-storming performance. You got all the reinforcement going, very good. Still need to work on the cha cha cha, but the performance? A winner.” Carrie Ann: “What a great way to end tonight. It has been so much fun. You’re such a natural entertainer, you just know how to bring it. Thank you, it was like going to a concert. We love it.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

The night’s final leaderboard. Now, something is about to happen that never happened when Tom Bergeron was host. I’m just saying.

Who goes home? Who is in the bottom two? Well…

We get down to these three couples left on stage.

Now, what I believe actually happened is that the bottom two SHOULD BE Anne and Keo and Chrishell and Gleb. But, for some reason, Tyra has a meltdown and says that Val and Monica should come back, because they are in the bottom two. See leaderboard above. I believe to this day that they were never in the bottom two properly. The math just doesn’t work out.

Don’t know exactly what happened here, but it was a major fiasco, the likes of which we’ve never seen.

So the judges now have to decide who’s going home, based on either Anne/Keo or Val/Monica. Well, duh.

Bizarre. Truly bizarre.

Miche’s Favorites of Week 4

1. Val and Monica, samba

2. Britt and Johnny, jive

3. Sasha and Justina, salsa

4. Cheryl and AJ, cha cha

5. Kaitlyn and Artem, Viennese waltz

6. Jenna and Nev, rumba

7. Sharna and Jesse, cha cha

8. Brandon and Jeannie, tango

9. Daniella and Nelly, paso doble

10. Peta and Vernon, rumba

Please Go Away

1. Anne Heche

2. Chrishell

3. Skai

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Season 29, Week 3: Disney Night Brings a Mix of Sublime and Sucky

Oh boy do they try to make something happen in this empty, audience-less ballroom. For the opening, they recreate (sorta) the famous Disneyland “Main Street Electrical Parade” with lights flashing, people waving glow sticks and a big caterpillar coursing the dance floor. And of course, the standard piped in audience applause that has been standard for this season. 

In the opening credits for the first time, they show each couple (together!) in their costumes and characters for the upcoming dances. Very nice. Although it did seem that there’s more than one Mary Poppins this week.

Alan and Skai, jive (“The Princess and the Frog”)

After last week’s catastrophic, messy fall, it’s hard to get back up again. She just looks so awkward in this dance. Lame kicks and flicks. Ugh.

Derek: “Last week, we had a bit of a heels over head moment, and I have to be honest with you, I’m not really head over heels with this performance tonight. In jive, you wanna have your nose over your toes. It was a little bit far away. Which made it look a little stiff sometimes. You have a lot of potential. It wasn’t my favorite.” Bruno: “That was a very difficult dance. It was tidy, crispy. You went for it with focus. When you do that, as a performer, you become tight. Very difficult to do.” Carrie Ann: “I know last week probably shook you up. At the top of the dance, you looked a little nervous. You weren’t really focused. Kinda like dancing to no one. I realize it’s harder without an audience to make eye contact with, but find something, so we feel like you’re performing for one person. That would’ve changed the whole beginning.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Val and Monica, Viennese waltz (“The Little Mermaid”)

Val always has such stunning choreography. Plus, not everyone knows how to properly do a Viennese waltz. So, this was lyrical and beautiful to watch. Really enjoyed it.

Bruno: “You soared through it with such confidence and connection. It’s so good to see that. You were fluid, you were flowing. So much better.” Carrie Ann: “You were like a different person on the dance floor tonight. Did it feel different to you? (She says yes.) I could tell. When you have fun, we have fun watching you. Your body relaxes, all of the beautiful things happen when you relax.” Derek: “Actually beautiful. Watch the feet a little bit. This was so so much better than last week.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, Charleston (“Mary Poppins”)

 While Val’s ace in the hole is the Viennese waltz, no one does a Charleston better than Sasha Farber. Largely because you can do more of the acrobatic tricks that Sasha likes to do in a Charleston. 

Loved this dance so much. Sasha and Justina are sincerely one of my favorite couples this time around. So much fun to watch. Love them.

Carrie Ann: “I loved it! What’s so incredible about you two specifically is the way you match each other. You guys are perfectly in sync. It’s very sharp and clean. I think it could’ve used a tiny bit more energy, but very nice.” Derek: “When I heard you were going to dance the Charleston, that was like: Man, she’s gonna crush this routine. Because it just matches your personality so much. However, when you think of Charleston, you think of the swivels. You think of the footwork. And I didn’t feel like I got that. Just steps, unfortunately. It could’ve been more energy, a little sharper for this performance.” Bruno: “You’re so sweetly delicious. You’re almost addictive. And you can sell anything. What this was like was a wonderful Vaudevillian musical performance. Lovely slapstick. But he’s right. Charleston is about the scissors action.”

JUDGES: 19 (out of 30)

Cheryl and AJ, quickstep (“Aladdin”)

Don’t really like this song (“Prince Ali”), but Cheryl’s stellar choreography goes a long way toward making this a fun dance. Plus, the costumes are rocking.

Derek: “I can always rely on you to put a smile on my face. You are always committed to every performance. So much fun. Actually, your frame was pretty good.” Bruno: “I loved it. I was cracking up. But you actually kept that quickstep going very very well. You’re improving and you’re refining every week. That’s what you do to win this competition.” Carrie Ann: “I liked you put your own spin on it. Now you’re starting to feel comfortable. You had the foxtrot last week. You did the quickstep, you were more comfortable in hold this week. I liked your own style. You kinda made it funky, a little bit in the middle.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Keo and Anne Heche, quickstep (“Hercules”)

Keo is certainly my least favorite dancer on this show, and Anne Heche isn’t one of my favorite actresses, by any means. So I’m not thrilled about this couple at all. They are dancing to “Zero to Hero” from “Hercules.”

Bruno comments by saying some nonsense about Hercules and Hippolyta. Carrie Anne: “I loved the start. And then, you lost stuff… You need to recalibrate the partnership. You really lost control. I’m so bummed, cause you started out so strong. Keo, watch those lifts. I know it’s an intro, but I’m gonna be strict.” Derek: “I have a suggestion. In rehearsal, I would love for you to be able to dance the entire routine by yourself. So that way, you’re on your own feet. Even when you’re in hold. Dance it by yourself.”

JUDGES: 15 (out of 30)

Brandon and Jeannie, Viennese waltz (“Up”)

To their credit, Brandon and Jeannie do dance quite a bit of this Viennese waltz in hold. And the Viennese waltz is always beautiful, so is the story of “Up”—so they have a lot going for them in this dance. 

So many balloons, though. Len would not be pleased.

Carrie Ann: “Jeannie? What’s going on? You’re great as a little old lady! You’re like adorable. You’re smooth, you found your pace. As a partnership, the balance is incredible.” Derek: “The first 10 minutes of “Up” is the most heart-wrenching I’ve ever seen. But this was beautiful. You breathed through the movement. Your frame was fantastic. Honestly, your best performance.” Bruno: “You really have captured the essence of the film. It was pure storytelling. That’s what a performance art is all about.” 

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30)

Jeannie, in her excitement, stole Bruno’s “8” paddle. Tyra got it back for him.

Daniella and Nelly, foxtrot (“Soul”)

At this point, “Soul” hadn’t been released to the general public yet, so Nelly and Daniella go to a special screening (aka just for them). They dance to the song “Follow Your Dreams,” and Nelly talks about how he followed his.

Lovcd their costumes.

Derek: “I thought it was more than alright. I thought it was great. This is your first ballroom dance. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But you came in here, you got that frame moving, it was smooth. BTW, I’m starting to like these shoes.” Bruno: “Charming. And you behaved like a real gentleman with your lady. For the first time this season, we saw a proper, slow foxtrot, which is so hard to do, so difficult.” Carrie Ann: “There’s a naturalness to you that is really enjoyable to watch. The next step I wanna see from you is a breakout. It’s all a little safe, but now you know you’re good in the ballroom.”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Pasha and Carole, samba (“The Lion King”)

Poor Pasha. They’ve got him dancing to every cat/tiger/lion song around, dressed up in the hokiest costumes. But what a trooper! They actually do/attempt samba rolls!

Bruno: “I am stunned. I have never ever seen a samba like this one. If you were dancing with the Brooklyn Bridge, you could get more bounce. You just walked through it. Samba needs life, bounce and energy.” Carrie Ann: “You look beautiful. What I noticed about your dancing is that you danced that dance with a lot of love. I could feel it. You’re very tender. You have of the most beautiful hands when you dance. However, the samba is much more than those things. And it was lacking most of the other things. I really want to salute you for the love that you put into that dance.” Derek: “Thank you for loving big cats and taking care of them. Also, a 10 for costume and makeup. The dancing—there wasn’t a lot of bounce, there wasn’t a lot of rhythm, which is what samba is.”

JUDGES: 12 (out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, rumba (“Moana”)

This song has been danced to on many a Disney Night, but I don’t think ever as a rumba. For me, it was a bit fast for a rumba. But it was nice. She is clearly dancing barefoot because of her injury from last week.

Carrie Ann: “OK, so for me, so far, best dance of the night by miles. That was so good. The way you brought together the elements of Hawaiian, dancing barefoot, as we would do for the hula. It had the essence of the rumba. You just brought it all together. You told the story. I was elated watching it.” Derek: “You are a beautiful dancer. Such fluidity in your movements. So lyrical. I kinda disagree a little bit though. It’s a rumba.” Bruno: “You really reminded me of the shape of water. Breaking waves, a wonderful swell, continuous movement. Total flow. It was wonderful.”

JUDGES: 23 (out of 30)

Can I just remark about how sullen and boring Tyra’s comments are? Ugh.

Peta and Vernon, quickstep (“Beauty and the Beast”)

Here’s another song that they do every Disney Night (it seems)… “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast.” Vernon is not exactly happy that he’s the Candlestick, instead of being the Beast.

Derek: “Real men play candlesticks. You’re radiating so much joy when you dance. I just love watching you dance. I really enjoyed it.” Bruno: “You had such light and easy action. You exude confidence. You were connecting with her, you were connecting with us. And much lighter on your feet.” Carrie Ann: “What is amazing is that you guys have found your balance in the partnership. You slowed down your energy to meet Peta perfectly. What you created out there was one of my favorite dances of the night. I loved it. It was happiness.”

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, Argentine tango (“Pirates of the Caribbean”)

This is another oldie but goodie that is always trotted out during Disney Week/Night. Sometimes it’s a paso doble. Here, it’s an Argentine tango. Jenna has them both playing pirates, which gives it a jaunty spin.

Bruno: “What’ve we got here? The Pirates of Argentina! You managed to maintain the slightly camp, inebriated mannerism, yet you maintained the Argentine tango all the way through. The footwork, the ganchos, everything was there. I loved it.” Carrie Ann: “I really loved the way you were able to balance out from character back in. I also appreciated that your lifts were appropriate, and you didn’t hide behind doing lifts, because a lot of people do that once they get to the Argentine tango.” Derek: “Now we’re cooking with some hot sauce, baby! That was so good. Really, really really strong. I loved the embrace. I loved the ganchos, all the footwork. And of course, the character: you nailed it, brother.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, rumba (“Mulan”)

 Britt is just fantastic, but there wasn’t much body contact for a rumba. Still, I really liked it a lot.

Carrie Ann: “I believe in you so much that tonight watching you dance like that felt so good, because I saw you make the transition from being an ice skater to a ballroom Latin dancer. You’re using your feet, you’re using the floor. It was epic.” Derek: “That was beautiful. Your arms, your lines. You arrived on a straight leg.” Bruno: “Johnny, as always, your shapes, your extensions are exquisite. What I really really loved, I was really impressed, is that you started to project emotion. I could read that you were actually playing a character. Keep on that way.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Sharna and Jesse, jive (“Newsies”)

Way fun dance. Great kicks and flicks, IMHO.

Derek: “First of all,  I love me some “Newsies.”  I feel like you didn’t feel as comfortable with this routine, timing-wise. There was definitely a moment when you got ahead of the music. For me, I didn’t really feel this one as much from you.” Bruno: “I felt it big time. I did. You actually played the role brilliantly. I thought your footwork was very very light. Very nimble. But you were moving much much better than you every have.” Carrie Ann: “I agree with Bruno. I think you told the story beautifully. But I also agree with Derek. Your musicality was less than favorable. You have got to tap into the music, deep in your soul. You were like surface floating over the music. And that doesn’t allow us to connect with you, and what you’re doing.”

JUDGES: 20 (out of 30)

Gleb and Chrishell, waltz (“Cinderella”)

The costumes are stunning. Luckily, they hide her feet a lot. They are waltzing to “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from “Cinderella.”

Bruno: “The belle of the ball. Gorgeous. You really look like the ultimate Disney princess. I could feel the romance unfolding.” Carrie Ann: “Princess Carrie Ann approves of Princess Chrishell. You were together. Together, you guys are stunning. Work on your shoulders.” Derek: “You guys are absolutely stunning. A beautiful dance.”

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30)

So who’s going home on Disney Night?

The bottom of the leader board is Carole and Pasha, with Anne and Keo above them.

So who’s the bottom two? The very same.

Going home?

Darn! All those cat songs they’ll never get to! :-(

MICHE’s Favorites of Disney Week

1. Jenna and Nev, Argentine tango

2. Sasha and Justina, Charleston

3. Val and Monica, Viennese waltz

4.Sharna and Jesse, jive

5. Britt and Johnny, rumba

6. Artem and Kaitlyn, rumba

7. Cheryl and AJ, quickstep

8. Daniella and Nelly, foxtrot

9. Brandon and Jeannie, Viennese waltz 

10. Pasha and Carole, samba

11. Gleb and Chrishell, waltz

12. Peta and Vernon, quickstep

Go Home Already!

1. Anne Heche and Keo, quickstep

2. Skai and Alan, jive (every cutaway to Skai during the show, she looked so very bored…)

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