Season 29, Semifinals Bring Two Dances and Two Eliminations

 

We have another lame intro thing, where the stars ask “real people” who they are voting for. Yawn.

Then, eons of time of Tyra Banks walking down the stairs. Double yawn.

And since Tyra gets to walk down, they have the judges walking down too. Sheesh. Can we start already? God, I miss the opening numbers!

We learn that the dancers will have two numbers tonight. 

First round is “Judges’ Redemption.”

Alan and Skai, cha cha

Don’t like this song or this dance.

They have Bruno as a judge mentor.

Bruno: “Your legs were so much better.” Carrie Ann: “I thought it was amazing. I’m so proud of you. This is redemption. What a great way to start the semifinals. On point. You were so crisp.” Derek: “Just your confidence. You feel so much more relaxed, but so much stronger in your movement. So sharp. Also, this is my favorite dress of the season. Such a brilliant dance.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, tango

I lovcd this tango. Of course, I also love Justina and Sasha and want them to win.

They have Derek as a judge mentor.

Derek: “Justina! First of all, that intro. The attack, the passion, the energy. Your frame is so exquisite, it’s so stunning. There was no hops. So good. Loved it.” Bruno: “That’s what I was waiting for. You don’t mess with that girl. On top of it, total change of intention that allowed you to drive through the right feeling. And it all happened. So much better.” Carrie Ann: “Mama, you’re on fire tonight. The way you danced together as one. You’re always beautiful and passionate, but tonight, there was like an new oozing sensuality that came from true confidence. All of that is perfect for this dance. Wonderful dance.”

JUDGES: 28 (Out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, salsa

I just love watching Britt. She’s so spectacular. I liked this salsa, too.

They have Carrie Ann as a judge mentor, who coaches them via Zoom.

Carrie Ann: “I felt you were much more in control. I’m so proud of you. I saw the work that I wanted to see from you.” Derek: “First of all, that was a tough routine. That was intricate, and the fact that you were able to that with such power, finesse, it was fantastic. I’m lovin’ this Redemption Dance. Everybody is getting better, they’re improving.” Bruno: “You really have the feeling now, of action and reaction and connection. And you maintained that kind of rhythmical fluidity that you need in the salsa.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, paso doble

Nelly should have been eliminated last week. I don’t think much of his dancing at all. But one can remain stoic with paso doble.

They have Bruno as a judge mentor.

Bruno: “I could see shapes. I could see lines. What I loved: you used restraint power.” Carrie Ann: “You danced that with power and presence. There was a regalness to what you were doing. You have so much control over your body. So impressive. You told the story beautifully.” Derek: “First of all, there is definitely improvement. The focus you have was so captivating.”

JUDGES: 26 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, foxtrot

Pink shoes? Really? wow. Certainly better than their Week One dance. 

They have Derek as a judge mentor.

Derek: “What I loved about that routine was that it was classic. It was pure. It was pure foxtrot. What makes a good foxtrot? Control. You were in absolute control from start to finish, throughout that entire routine. Beautiful.” Bruno: “No messing around. Boom! The frame. You never lost it. Even your bum was under control. You seem to as well have an instinct to interpret the music absolutely right, so in tune with Jenna. Brilliant.” Carrie Ann: “From that first step, the body contact was incredible. Talk about mastering the technique. You have become a true ballroom artist.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, paso doble

Great music. Sounds like Rodrigo y Gabriela. Fun dance.

They have Carrie Ann as a judge mentor, who coaches them via Zoom.

Carrie Ann: “That was amazing. From the moment you began, it was passionate, it was powerful.You were so in the zone. Every nuance. I could feel you. I’m so happy for you. This is what we want.We want everybody to feel great. This was a fantastic, and fast and furious paso doble.” Derek: “You sold me. That was awesome.” Bruno: “Seriously, it was 100% authentic paso doble.” 

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

ROUND 2

Sasha and Justina, contemporary

\Well, I don’t normally like Contemporary, but I really liked Sasha and Justina’s. They dance to “Holding Out for a Hero” because Sasha’s her hero. It was beautiful.

Derek: “Oh my goodness. I’m just having moments tonight, because it is coming to the end of the season. And this is where all the emotions are mixed into… there are no words. Thank you so much. I just love watching you dance. It feels effortless. I know it’s been challenging. I know it’s difficult, but your gift is to  look like it comes from you, from within. Beautiful arms. I love seeing you smile and embrace that dance.” Bruno: “Such freedom of movement. Sense of relief. It was almost like when you watch a child, unleashed (!) running through a meadow. I don’t care about anything, it is me. This is who I am, this is what it is. Take it or leave it.” Carrie Ann: “Justina, you’re right, about Sasha. He’s a very special heart (as Sasha bows his head, embarrassed), and having him by your side has brought out something so incredible. This dance…we talk about ‘What is a 10?’… ‘What is perfection?’ It’s when magic happens on the dance floor. And you can’t put your finger on it, but you feel it in your heart. That did that for me tonight. It was beautiful. It was authentic. You were telling us your appreciation for Sasha, and I could feel it. It was gorgeous.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Alan and Skai, Viennese waltz

They dance to “Lonely” by Miley Cyrus. Nice choreography by Alan. 

Bruno: “The elegance. That could be a Vogue cover. What you did was so beautiful. You managed to maintain an emotional connection, all through the dance. You were telling the story like you’ve never done before, without ever losing the weightless flow that we require from Viennese waltz.” Carrie Ann: “Skai, you are an exceptional young woman. You have a grace, elegance and determination. You do not stop fighting ever, and it’s so impressive. But what I loved most about tonight is that sometimes when women are strong, we don’t show the vulnerability. But the vulnerability is the most beautiful part, because that’s what is the power behind the strength. Tonight, you expressed your vulnerability and it just took the dance to a whole other level. Tonight, this was for you.” Derek: “I’m gonna echo what they both said. It was just beautiful. Elegant. Your frame was gorgeous. You emoted, throughout the whole dance. I really felt you. I connected. Because you were connected to yourself. And when you connect to yourself, others connect to you.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, jazz

They dance to One Republic’s “I Lived.” I guess I put jazz (sometimes) right in there with contemporary. I wasn’t really wowed by this dance.

Carrie Ann: “Johnny! Britt! I loved it. That was amazing . That looked like you felt like you were on Cloud 9. Wonderful. It just had this feeling of hope. That’s what’s so beautiful about our show. The way you’ve come, the way you’ve made this journey from—you have struggled the most out of everybody. And you still just keep soaring.” Derek: “Beautiful routine. Well done, Britt. I loved the beginning, when she supported you. It was a perfect representation of your partnership. I really feel that genuine connection between the two of you. There’s a real currency in genuine love and respect for your partner. We feel it. I feel like the audience at home feels it.” Bruno: “Clean, clear, purity of line and form. It was completely you. Very dynamic, very musical. Everything I love was there.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, contemporary

Contemporary is Jenna’s ace. She really excels at it. Really stunning choreography. Incredible moves.

Derek: “I forgot to judge. I was just watching. It was just so wonderful to witness and to watch. Just the partnership, the fluidity, the creativity. Props to all the pros. So much goes into it. Jenna, I know you’re going home, stressing about the choreography. Listen: you aced it. That was phenomenal.” Bruno: “You cannot be that good. There wasn’t a nuance that wasn’t on point, and on purpose. You were talking with your body. I was listening to you. Like Derek, I was totally, totally with you. You were speaking to me.” Carrie Ann: “Listen, your partner there is no joke, and contemporary is her thing. Jenna, that choreography was amazing, it was stunning, it was so artistic. But what’s amazing is you didn’t tone it back one bit for him. And Nev, you delivered every single step. She challenged you, here, where it really matters, to get you to the finals. Challenge: accepted and won.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, jive

This is definitely my favorite of all their dances, probably largely because it’s danced to a song from the ’40s. (I think it’s called “Jump Jivin.’) Fun stuff. I did notice that he’s not wearing dance shoes, only sneakers, so maybe it’s easier for him.

Daniella is just amazing. I love her so much.

All of the judges are on their feet, clapping. 

Bruno: “I can’t believe it. Nelly, you nailed it.” Carrie Ann: “Daniella! Amazing job. But Nelly! What happened? This was incredible. This was the breakthrough. This was the right time to have the breakthrough. This is when you want your moment to skyrocket. I’ve never seen you boogie. You had like a fire under your foot. Nelly: Amazing job. Thank you.” Derek: “Dude, you nailed that routine.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, contemporary

My tolerance for Contemporary is growing thin. This was ok. Not as stellar as Jenna’s.

Carrie Ann; “First of all, tonight’s semifinals, I’ve never seen dancing at this level. So congratulations to all of you. Kaitlyn, I’ve been waiting for you to do a contemporary. This is the dance I knew you’d be incredible at. And you danced from your heart. Your lines were beautiful. Artem, I loved the tenderness between you two. You guys have come together as a very beautiful team.” Derek: “When people ask me about Dancing with the Stars, I always say my favorite part about the show is telling stories. And having the honor and privilege to tell someone else’s story through dance and movement, and have those moments that are so special that you’ll never forget. You’ll always have this now. For your friend, and for yourself. Thank you for that.” Bruno: “Oh my darling. Powerful. Beautiful. Fantastic dance. Really on a fantastic night. I want to take a moment. You see this, but this show wouldn’t happen without all the people backstage that really work so hard to bring this show to the American audience. They do a fantastic job. Safely. Thanks to them as well, as all of you. Fantastic night.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

So, who’s going home on this Double Elimination night?

(We are ignoring all the times Tyra messed up tonight. I will remind though: Tom Bergeron NEVER messed up a line.)

MICHE’s Favorite Dances of The Semifinals: Judges’ Redemption

1. Sasha and Justina, tango

2. Artem and Kaitlyn, paso doble

3. Jenna and Nev, foxtrot

4. Britt and Johnny, salsa

MICHE’s Favorite Dances of The Semifinals: Regular

1. Jenna and Nev, contemporary

2. Artem and Kaitlyn, contemporary

3. Sasha and Justina, contemporary

4. Britt and Johnny, jazz

5. Daniella and Nelly, jive

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Season 29, Week 9: Icons Night and a Dance Off

 

We have this lame commercial sort of thing to explain (badly) what an Icon is. Yawn.

Boy, do I miss opening numbers. Sigh.

Sasha and Justina, rumba

ICON: Madonna

Boy, does Justina love Madonna. So do we, so great.

Beautiful rumba. Just loved it.

Derek (dressed as David Bowie): “Beautiful rumba. Beautiful turns. Great quality in the movement.” Bruno (dressed as George Michael): “We saw the gentle side of Madonna tonight. Nothing shocking, nothing controversial. Everything as it should be. You did everything exactly. The content was there. You’ve got to push it a bit further.” Carrie Ann (dressed as a general rock star): “You look amazing tonight. Very sexy, very in your strength and power. I can tell you’re feeling good. You’re such a dynamic performer. Never let that go.”

JUDGES: 24 (Out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, jazz

ICON: Tupac

Boy oh boy. I can’t even describe how much I hated everything about this. Except that Daniella worked really hard to make it a DWTS number. But still. Ugh.Nelly redid the song “California Love” for them to dance to. But ugh.

Bruno: “Jazz Nelly style makes me smile. You were cool, confident, in your element.” Carrie Ann: “Great job. That’s part of what made this so fun. It looked like you were entertaining us. We’re not trying to make you professional dancers. We want you to come to your own personal journey. I like watching your journey, more and more each week. You open up an d make us smile and laugh. Really good fun.” Derek: “I really loved all the elements of that. You had some  salsa in there, you had some Charleston footwork in there. There were so many things going on. So much fun. I’d like to echo what she said: the joy. It was like celebratory. That’s what tonight is: we’re celebrating our icons, and to see you celebrating yours was a joy to watch.”

JUDGES: 24 (Out of 30)

Cheryl and AJ, Viennese waltz

ICON: Freddie Mercury

Viennese waltz to “Somebody to Love”? How great is that? Pretty great. Lots of Viennese waltz content. Just beautiful. I loved this so much.

Carrie Ann: “That was a tough one. You’re broadening your space. Good comeback.” Derek: “When you were in frame, it was beautiful.” Bruno: “So Freddie. Make sure to soften it.”

JUDGES: 23 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, Argentine tango

ICON: Britney Spears

People who do sets and lights and costumes on this show are just phenomenal.

Pretty amazing Argentine tango. Nicely done.

Derek: “Sparkles. (He then gets up and claps for her.) Whoa! Let’s go. The way I judge is like technique, content, creativity, execution and impact. And for me, it always felt like you’ve lacked a bit of the impact. Until tonight. That was so beautiful. Exquisite lines, beautiful transitions. The choreography well done Artem. Yeah, You did that.” Bruno: “Now we are in business. I mean, come on. The luscious shapes. Those lines, stretched to infinity. Some of the images were like precious paintings. Your focus and your intensity was better than we’ve ever seen it. Star performance.” Carrie Ann: “I know it’s been a rough couple weeks, but I just have to say (and she also gets up and claps). Incredible. Look, we push you because we want you to reach your ultimate. And tonight, every line was amazing. Every lift, Artem, when she landed, her foot was perfect. Everything about it was amazing. Your lines, elegant, passionate, everything that we’ve been wanting from you was in this routine. Beautiful job.”

 JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, quickstep

ICON: Amy Winehouse

Nice quickstep. Good coverage of the dances floor. Good content.

Bruno: “Forget about perceptions. You did it the way you want it, and you did it very well. The actual quickstep was excellent. You didn’t skimp on anything. Light of touch, precise, Beautiful. Well done.” Carrie Ann: “First of all, we’ve never seen a quickstep like that. In 29 seasons, it’s hard to do something that we’ve never seen before. You pulled it off beautifully. You’re such a great performer. What I love is that you believe in what you’re doing. Every single creative choice you deliver with such a passion and a power and precision. It was just amazing.Light on your feet. Used the whole floor like it was an ice skating rink. Beautifully flowing. Amazing.” Derek: “Johnny, you’re a perfect representation of being enough. Being an athlete, being a competitor, we often rely on winning. We think that winning equals love. When the truth is, just you being you and who you are equals love. No matter what. You’ll always be enough. With the technique, the footwork. I loved the basic over in the corner. So clean.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Alan and Skai, paso doble

ICON: Janet Jackson

The lyrics of the song don’t match the dance. I’m just so over Skai. Ugh.

Carrie Ann: “First of all yes, thank you for sharing your story. But I’m more proud of you for giving us this fierce paso doble. You channeled a new fierceness. Amazing.”  Derek: “For someone so young, you are strong, powerful and confident. And starting on your own like that, that was bold and brave.” Bruno: “Respect my darling. It is one of the most grown up dances we have. You lived up to it. Intense. Purpose. Strength. Beauty., Power. You did a fantastic job.”

JIUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, jive

ICON: Elton John

That jive to “Saturday Night’s Alright (for Fighing)” was amazing. So much fun. So much content. Loved it so very much.

Derek: “Nev, listen. The thing I love about this show so much is exactly what you were talking about in the package. Introducing you, and reclaiming a part of your passion. I’ve seen you grow throughout this experience. It’s been such a pleasure. It’s been amazing to see you dance and performing and.smikle in my face every single time. That had so much content in it. So much charisma.” Bruno: “I loved the structure, the theatricality of it, and the characterizations were delicious. You are entertaining. You bring characters to life.” Carrie Ann: “You’re just a pleasure to watch. It’s fun to watch somebody who’s having fun. And your eyes are sparkling. I like that you’re at the level now where you can sort of stylize your routine a little bit.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Nev and Jenna have won immunity from tonight’s dance off.

I really hate these stupid dance off things. 

Getting two extra points:

Sasha and Justina

Alan and Skai

Cheryl and AJ

They really overdosed on confetti this season. My goodness.

Who are the Bottom Two?

Britt and Johnny

Cheryl and AJ

Who goes home?

MICHE’s favorite dances of Week 9

1.Jenna and Nev, jive

2. Cheryl and AJ, Viennese waltz

3. Britt and Johnny, quickstep

4. Sasha and Justina, rumba

5.Artem and Kaitlyn, Argentina tango 

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Season 29, Week 6: No theme again and some major messups, but hey, Derek’s dancing! With Hayley!

 

For the record, I am ignoring commenting about all the Tyra Banks’ costume changes and lame (even painful) asides to contestants. She just bugs the crap out of me, and the less said, the better. And the lame scripted intros that they are attempting to do just mostly make me cringe. Ugh.

But let’s get onto the show, shall we?

Britt and Johnny, salsa 

Well, I don’t know about this song choice. Not sure about this salsa either. Seemed there were a few missteps and not enough bounce. I do really like Britt’s choreography, though. She is clearly trying so hard.

Derek: “First off, let’s talk about that costume. Holy moly! Listen: Miss Jennifer Lopez would be very proud. I love me some fringe. Coming off a week of getting two 10s, it’s really difficult. The expectation is high, there’s a little pressure on you. Overall, great way to start off the show.” Bruno: “Salsa has to have a much more grounded hip action. You tended to dance it all very lifted, so it changed. The style is not quite right. You have to use the floor and your hips a bit more in the salsa.” Carrie Ann: “The truth is, you win some, you lose some. This wasn’t your best dance for me. You had a slow start. Once you were side by side, I feel like then you found it, and it felt really good. I enjoyed watching it. Up until then, I felt you were very light on your feet, and not really confident. I wanna feel more earth in a dance like a salsa. I felt too little earth.” 

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, jazz

They are dancing to a Marky Mark song, and Nev schools Jenna on the fact that “Marky Mark” is the same person as Mark Wahlberg. 

Personally, I didn’t like the song (“Good Vibrations”) or the dance. That opening pose though! :-0

Bruno: “It was deliciously bonkers. At times, I felt like I was in a rave in the ’90s. Then, I felt like I was loooking at “Fame,” you know, when they audition for Debbie Allen. I don’t know what it was, but it worked.” Carrie Ann: “I thought it was amazing. You threw in every single jazz step possible. Everything about that made me so happy, even though it was sort of a war of two worlds, with the music and the style, but it worked. You did it. Great job.” Derek: “Talk about Jazz 101. You were so clean. You guys were so together the entire time. I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling, in a good way.” 

JUDGES: 26 (out of 30)

Val and Monica, rumba

Just a beautiful rumba. Val’s choreography is just stunning. Really nice execution by Monica too.

Carrie Ann: “Wow! Wow, wow. There’s nothing more exciting than to watch someone come into their own. I know you’re amazing in the cheer world, but now you’re amazing in the ballroom world. Latin dance! That was so refined, so sensual, so in your power, and you are radiant. It was a beautiful rumba.” Derek: “Absolutely. There is a softness about you tonight. You can tell you’re really enjoying this. And when you’re enjoying it, we enjoy it. Also, your balance is so impressive. I loved your story, but I loved your rumba even more.” Bruno: “That was a classic rumba. What you did, you pitched it right. It had the right balance of sensuality and romance. Just right, and it wasn’t forced. Your face was inspired. And your lines, and your shapes, and your control.”

JUDGES: 27 (out of 30)

Alan and Skai, cha cha

I knew there was a reason I didn’t like Skai. And here it is. One of my pet peeves with this show is people who insist on doing other things (going on a world tour, headlining their concerts, studying at college, whatever) along with doing Dancing with the Stars. Apparently people don’t realize how difficult this can be, and think they can do many things at once. Well, you can’t. Something suffers. 

Like this cha cha, where she really lost focus. #NotAFan

Derek: “Skai, first of all, it happens to the best of us. It’s live, you just go out there. I have to commend you for carrying on. We saw there was a mess-up there. Things happen. There was really great moments in there.” Bruno: “He’s right. Accidents happen. The sections that you did well were actually much better than in Latin dances in the past. But there were a lot, a lot of mistakes. The choreography was very complicated. You handled it as best as you could.” Carrie Ann: “I’m really proud of you. It is not easy to find your way back from that. You really lost it in the middle there. You actually came back stronger than ever. What you performed was one of your better dances, because you looked so relaxed, because what is there to lose at that point?”

JUDGES: 18 (out of 30)

Peta and Vernon, cha cha

That suit! :-0 Dunno about this dance. Peta, as usual, works her butt off and has great choreography, but Vernon doesn’t do much for me.

Bruno: “The suit alone was almost hypnotizing. I had to squint to try to get the shapes. You have the right feel for the dance. You get into it, your timing is good.” Carrie Ann: “I don’t know how to say this, but I enjoy watching you dance. You’re very comfortable with yourself, which actually says a lot. It’s not easy with these movements to be comfortable. They’re very awkward. Anybody who’s done this show knows that. Your body’s in all these strange positions. But you have an ease about you that makes it very comfortable to watch. These were a lot of mistakes, so the scores aren’t going to be that great. But I wanna keep encouraging you.” Derek: “I would give you a 10 for joy, every single time. There’s a beauty about you. However, from a technical standpoint, it’s a cardinal sin in cha cha, with heel leads, and a little timing issue. But when you turned Peta, it is so smooth, so powerful, so strong.:

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, Viennese waltz

Nelly and Daniella dance the Viennese waltz to a Tim McGraw song, “Humble and Kind.” It was very pretty. 

Carrie Ann: “Excuse me? I’m without words. There’s something so beautiful happening. The way you expressed your hands, the fluidity. One of the most beautiful things about this show is getting to see different layers of people we thought we knew. Who are you that you Viennese waltzing, hip hop mega mogul? What is happening? There is such beauty in storytelling. It was a beautiful, elegant Viennese waltz.” Derek: “I don’t know how you felt during this dance, but for me, the softness and awareness of your body, and being a good partner to Daniella is incredibly masculine. It truly is. It’s beautiful to see, and beautiful to watch. Honestly, that was wonderful.” Bruno: “You’ve never been more charming and endearing. It was so nice to see you so inspired. There was a gentleness of touch that was so good. You treat your woman like your goddess.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

A beautiful paso doble dance break by Derek Hough and his love, Hayley Erbert (whom I really miss as a dancer on this show).  

The whole thing was almost ruined by Tyra’s schoolgirlish reaction to this beautiful, moving piece.

Brandon and Jeannie, rumba

 Love the costumes. Also loved this rumba. Am loving Jeannie more and more as a competitor. 

Derek: “Jeannie, that was such a sensual, and… that was really really good. Your legs were so straight and over your foot. It was so good. Really well done.” Bruno: “So much passion. You see, rumba you can play it many different ways, but you have to do it right. And you have the uncanny ability to transform your character with every dance. It’s all about passion.” Carrie Ann: “You are stunning. What is so exciting about you is how much you get every single thing you do, you dance at your edge, and for women, that is really powerful. People that go right to the edge. I salute you, sexy. You’re obviously a fighter.”

JUDGES: 25 (out of 30)

Cheryl and AJ, samba

Wow! I loved this dance. Cheryl’s choreography is always spot on, and she does hit that camera every time. LOL AJ doesn’t have quite enough samba bounce, but it was a very fun dance.

Bruno: “Oh my God. Don’t be sorry—just do it! You’re solid. You always deliver. You’re always on time. Your performances are always strong. You did a very good samba. You even managed to put some bounce into it. Very difficult sections. Well done.” Carrie Ann: “Finally! I feel like that was such a breakthrough performance for you. You got just enough outward, and downward and forward. You just had the right balance, cause sometimes you dance a little small. We love watching you.” Derek: “When in doubt, shake it out. And you shook it. It was so much fun to watch. You had a great bounce in there. Samba’s a tough dance. But you made it look easy, my friend. I loved it.”

JUDGES: 27 (out of 30)

Gleb and Chrishell, contemporary 

Chrishell dedicates this dance to her parents who both recently passed.

Carrie Ann: “I’m sure (her parents) are both watching over you and are very proud of you. You poured your heart and soul into that dance. I could feel you, I could feel all your emotions. Emotions are one of those things that when you add it to a dance, it creates this X factor, and it makes it more exciting. This was about the story, and I felt it. We all did. Thank you.” Derek: “You’re extraordinary. You’ve had a heck of a year, to put it mildly. And you are coming out here with joy, with light. I commend you on that so much. I love when you add that intention into a dance. You really feel that. We felt it. Everybody at home felt it.” Bruno: “Oh my darling. It was so emotionally engaging, so raw, so truthful. It’s irresistible because you gave everything you had. You throw everything you have into your performance. Of course, you’re not a contemporary dancer, so there are a few technical touches, due to the dynamics.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, samba

They make a big deal in the package about how Artem gratuitiously says “I’m sorry” all the time, so it’s kinda funny that they dance to this Justin Bieber song whose refrain is “I’m sorry.” I liked this samba. Lots of content. Fun to watch.

Derek: “Kaitlyn, I am sorry, because that was fantastic. Every arm is perfectly placed. Doing the proper samba hip action? I was like, “YES1” That was a clinic of a samba.” Bruno: “That really was a  first-class samba. You didn’t miss a placement. It was exquisite. She managed to make it look elegant.” Carrie Ann: “It was well executed. But I was not super impressed. You are an amazing dancer. It’s a competitive season. You wanna win? You need to give us more.”

JUDGES: 27 (out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, Viennese waltz

At this point in the competition, I was rooting for Sasha and Justina so hard. And this Viennese waltz was just gorgeous.

Bruno: “Tonight has been such a fantastic show. Exciting, surprising, inspiring. We never really thank the professional dancers that do such a good job teaching all these people over the weeks. You really come out with wonderful ideas. Sometimes crazy ideas. Sometimes sexy ideas. Love them all. And  you, my darling, still on the crest of a wave. Smooth as silk, light as a feather. Radiant. I love to watch you dance. You fill the floor with joy.” Carrie Ann: “Every time you come out on the dance floor, I know it’s going to be good. I know I’m going to feel good watching you. You are elegant, you are refined. There was more emotion than we’ve seen in this dance. You took it to another level. You are a beautiful dancer, and I love the joy you bring to all of us.” Derek: “Justina, you are so reliable. You’re very consistent. And your arms are so beautiful. You guys were perfectly in sync, which is really difficult to do with arms. Floating across a floor spotting your turns, gorgeous. Just wonderful.”

JUDGES: 27 (out of 30)

Who are in the Bottom Two?

Britt and Johnny or Peta and Vernon?

Peta and Vernon end up going home.

MICHE’s Favorites of Week 6

1. Sasha and Justina, Viennese waltz

2. Cheryl and AJ, samba

3. Val and Monica, rumba

4. Artem and Kaitlyn, samba

5. Daniella and Nelly, Viennese waltz

6. Brandon and Jeannie, rumba

7. Jenna and Nev, jazz

8. Britt and Johnny, salsa

9. Peta and Vernon, cha cha

Getting really sick of

1. Skai (classes, boo boo)

2. Chrishell

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