Season 30, Week Three: It’s Britney Night and Covid Hits One More Time

Last week, as you may remember, Cheryl got Covid, and they did their dance from rehearsal tape. This week, her partner Cody got Covid, so they are again dancing remotely. Also, judge Derek Hough is sitting this one out, “in an abundance of caution.”

Alan and Amanda, cha cha

They dance to something called “Circus” that I’ve never heard of. She does have great legs, and uses them to do amazing splits.

Len: “I was intrigued to find out how you would cope with Latin American dances, because you’ve done ballroom dancing up until now. And I must say, you coped very well. There’s a few dances on this show that I almost know what I’m going to get. There’s nothing spontaneous. And with you, it’s always clean, it’s clear, but it doesn’t really excite me. I wanna get excited.” Bruno: “What a show! What a cha cha cha! First Latin, and you have a hit. You ooze star quality. Those legs, I’m telling you, they are a weapon to be reckoned with.” Carrie Ann: “You are stunning. Normally we don’t use that word for a cha cha, but you are stunning. What I loved about it most was that it was clean, it was sharp, it was elegant. You obviously worked on your technique. But what is lacking, I think, is your posture.”

JUDGES: 24 (Out of 30)

Daniella and Iman, tango

Nice choreeography, as usual, by Daniella. They tango to “Piece of Me.” The height thing, man, whoa! But they work around it nicely.

Bruno: “That was a nice, solid piece of tango. I really appreciate the fact that you are really concentrating on getting the right move. You even tried heel leads. You were in control. You tried to keep your frame. You have to try now to make it a little bit smoother. Drive it through smoothly.” Carrie Ann: “Iman, I did not expect that today. No offense. You know I’m a fan. The way you toned down your steps to match Daniella is so impressive. It’s so hard to do. Your height difference is unbelievable. No one would ever put you guys together in the real world of ballroom dance.” Len: “Unlike Amanda, I’m never sure what’s gonna turn up. Sometimes I think WOW, sometimes not so much. I could see you were trying to work your feet, but they weren’t always fantastic. Let me say: your feet are a long way from your heart, and you always come out and give it your all.”

JUDGES: 19 (Out of 30)

Pasha and Christine, paso doble

Pasha and Christine dance to “Stronger.” I really enjoyed this paso. And the costumes!

Carrie Ann: “Christine, yay! I’m so glad we saved you to see you have this moment. You were fighting for that moment. You were fighting for every step. Your shaping is beautiful. You have such flexibility. You have control. You have everything that it takes to win this competition, and tonight you showed us that you are on your way, girl.” Len: “I was so shocked that you were in the Bottom Two last week. I could not understand it. I’m so glad you’ve come back, because you’ve danced a really clean, crisp, plenty of energy paso doble. It was terrific.” Bruno: “I love it, Christine, when you’re tough. You were in charge of the paso doble. Go for it, honey.”

JUDGES: 21 (Out of 30)

Jenna and JoJo, Argentine tango

Wow! This dance to “Hit Me One More Time” was amazing. They are incredible together.

Len: “It was an extremely well-crafted routine. I liked the lifts, because they were part of the flow of the dance. It had a little bit too much staccato. It looked like a ballroom tango in places. It didn’t have that sort of oozing as that you see in the Argentine tango. Having said that, you can’t make a bad performance. You’re always right on point.” Bruno: “JoJo, you know how to hit it. She goes straight for the bullseye every time. The way she pitches the performance is always the right side of sexy. So titillating. She works the camera like no others.” Carrie Ann: “What I love about you is you’re like liquid sunshine. When you dance, there’s something very powerful about you that’s also so approachable. The most impressive thing that I watched is when you lead. You lead with clarity and intention. It’s so easy to watch. The guys should be watching that too.”

JUDGES: 24 (Out of 30)

Brandon and Kennya, tango

Her dress was gorgeous, but what’s up with that jacket of his? Bizarre. They dance to “Womanizer.” I liked this tango a lot.

Bruno: “My love, you’re back on track! What a good tango that was! It was gliding across the floor beautifully. I never felt like you were pushed by Brandon. You were right up with him. Such poise. Such elegance. That was so chic. I loved it.” Carrie Ann: “It was so chic. It was beautiful. You are so giving supermodel vibes tonight. You’re just so refined and elegant and so strong in your center. That was amazing.” Len: “Your hold was a little bit loose at times. You did lack a little bit of body contact. However, you captured the flavor of the dance, and you moved well around the floor.”

JUDGES: 21 (Out of 30)

Sharna and Brian, tango

In their package, he explains to her the extent of the fame of his show, “Beverly Hills 90210.” “Oh, that’s how famous you were,” she intones. LOL Yeah, he was damn famous. Even more famous than she is now. Pretty funny.

I loved this tango. One of the few where you can really feel the passion between the two dancers. The costumes are fire, too.

Carrie Ann: “Whoa, fire. You have finally arrived in the ballroom, my friend. Now you’re serious. That was serious dancing. I’m very appreciative of the hold and the body contact. It was amazing. I’m so proud of you. Fantastic.” Len: “Your frame was overall good. It was nice. Your body contact was there. Your footwork was pretty poor, actually. But I must say, it was a spirited effort.” Bruno: “He’s right. The footwork. You really have to work on that. You can have all the right intentions, but we are getting toward the middle of the season. You really have to perfect that.”

JUDGES: 19 (Out of 30)

Artem and Melora, cha cha

Melora and Artem dance to Britney’s “Crazy,” and it looks like he was driving her crazy in rehearsal. But she’s a trouper. And she’s here to show you that Amanda isn’t the only one with great legs! Love her costume and her hair.

Len: “That’s the Artem I know and love that gives me a full-on cha cha cha. And that had so much more hip action. It was a great performance.” Bruno: “Wow! Melora, what’s going on? Nothing will contain my excitement. It’s like a veil has been lifted. And I’m actually seeing you in full focus for the first time. You got it, honey.” Carrie Ann: “Melora, at this stage of the game, everybody is starting to stand out for different reasons. What’s so special about you is you make this look easy and natural, when you know it’s nothing but. Somehow you’re able to add light and shade, and you’re not so stiff and tense. That is spectacular.”

JUDGES: 23 (Out of 30)

Gleb and Melanie C., tango

So she’s the flight attendant and he’s the friendly skies? LOL

They dance to Britney’s “Toxic.” Have I mentioned that this season they have all the stars and pros on the sidelines, with drinks and stuff, in little tables? I think they also have their friends and families in a special VIP area with drinks. 

Bruno: “Very impressive cockpit. You were flying high on that tango. And the service? Come on. First-class all the way.” Carrie Ann: “It was so filled with content. That was a hard piece of choreography to learn, and I’m so impressed. Your legs are great, your lines are great.” Len: “Well, it was a bit stop-start. At the end I liked it much more. It took awhile to get cracking. Once you got into the dance, you get into hold, you do a little bit, then you break hold. So it had a jerkiness. Once you got near the end, it was really good. But the bottom line: you are a terrific dancer.”

JUDGES: 22 (Out of 30)

Emma and Jimmie, salsa

They dance to “Outrageous.” Emma’s choreography is pretty amazing. Lots of lifts, beautifully done.

Carrie Ann: “Well Jimmie, first of all, real men do cry. So don’t worry about that. It just shows you’re sensitive. As far as the dance goes, the lifts were super rough. The last one, you nailed.” Len: “Well, I liked the nice easy action of it. It had rhythm all the time. Sometimes your steps were a little bit big. The last lift I didn’t think was in character with the dance, the other ones were a little bit dodgy.” Bruno: “They must’ve been watching another show. Don’t you worry. Because I saw when you let loose, it all flows beautifully. The rhythm, the hips, it was going brilliantly. So listen to reason. And listen to me, that was good.”

JUDGES: 20 (Out of 30)

Val and Olivia, tango

They dance to “Hold It Against Me.” Best tango of the night, also best choreography. Val just creates magic week after week. Amazing tango.

Len: “Listen! Listen to the noise, Val. That was a proper tango. No messing about at the start. Straight into the dance. Full of staccato, full of attack. You pros: THIS is what I wanna see. Not messing about, I want full-on dancing.” Bruno: “You were on it, like a bonnet. I can’t believe it. What I really love about Dancing with the Stars is moments like this, when you see people transforming, in front of your eyes. And you, Olivia, have become a beautiful dancer.” Carrie Ann: “Olivia, you are truly blossoming. That was so far the best dance of the night, as far as I’m concerned. It was fantastic. You are graceful, you are elegant, and you are strong, and you are passionate. All of it together.”

JUDGES: 24 (Out of 30)

Cheryl and Cody, jazz

This week, Cody has Covid. And they are not performing from rehearsal tape, they are performing live on the show, but remotely from their respective homes. It helps that Cody is a Britney super fan. 

As you can see, this time, they both have costumes and makeup.

And given the constraints, I thought it was wonderful.

Bruno: “I really admire the perseverance and the commitment, in spite of it all. I wish you were here. I know you have the ability. It’s very difficult to judge, especially the sync. It’s a very good effort.” Carrie Ann: “Bravo to both of you for dancing with Covid. I know Covid is no joke. So I’m very impressed with both of you. Look, we have to judge it from what we have in this ballroom. And did that compare? Not quite. The truth is, it wasn’t as great as I know you can be. And that’s disappointing. But I’m glad you finally had your Britney moment.” Len: “Well, these are strange times. And they throw out strange scenarios. I wasn’t sure how this would work. I must say: I thought you were clear and tight together. I know it’s difficult, but where you could, you got that little interchange going, with the hat and so on. I thought for the circumstances, you did a terrific job.”

JUDGES: 18 (Out of 30)

Sasha and Suni, foxtrot

They are dancing to “I’m a Slave for You,” and Sasha is the snake. Hahahaha

Carrie Ann: “OK. You’re definitely pushing your boundaries, I can tell you’re going past what’s comfortable with a routine like this. I sense a little bit of discomfort, doing some of the more sensual moves. What I want you to know is that performing like that, you can be innocent and still sensual. And still exude your confidence. And that’s what we’re looking for. I’m very proud of you.” Len: “Not so much for me. You didn’t capture the foxtrot. It’s a romantic dance. This, this was a little bit steamy. First ballroom dance.” Bruno: “Oh, I don’t mind steamy. A bit of moisture makes you glow. I love the fact that you actually started to play with a character. As you let it go, your performance becomes more effective.”

JUDGES: 21 (Out of 30)

Lindsay and Matt, tango

I always think it’s creepy when stars dedicate tangos to their moms. Also creepy is the backdrop of Matt’s abs. Ugh. Didn’t we get enough of that on The Bachelor? Come on. 

They are doing a tango to “Let It All Out,” which I guess he was doing in that backdrop. Oh, they also have b/w glamour shots of Lindsay. Ugh.

I didn’t like the song at all, and didn’t like the dance either. His legs were bent through the whole thing.

Len: “I congratulate you that you got on with it, and it was a full-on routine. You had plenty of passion, and plenty of attack.” Bruno: “I’m a bit disappointed. You’re a bit overdressed tonight. (He’s not showing any chest onstage.) I wasn’t expecting that. But I have to say, you did a very good job. The concentration on his face! You really worked very very hard. Lots of content.” Carrie Ann: “I agree with my fellow judges. You did really well. What I like is there was a new refinement in your dancing. I thought your posture was beautiful.” 

JUDGES: 20 (Out of 30)

Witney and The Miz, salsa

The Miz says he’s going to “outwork everyone.” Considering that Suni, in her package, whined about going to school and doing gymnastics AND doing DWTS, that’s probably not hard.

They are doing a salsa to “Oops, I Did It Again,” which makes Britney fan Witney so happy she jumps up and down. 

Awful lot of flips and spins and lifts in that dance.

Bruno: “When it comes to shirts, less is more. (The Miz has his shirt open. And seriously, Bruno should be taken to HR.) We got the magic. What’s going on? Whatever it is, keep going.” Carrie Ann: “Mike, you’re so much fun to watch. The joy of you. And I see how much attention you put to all the details. The lifts were amazing, some things we’ve never seen before. But I have to tell you, for salsa, I needed to see it more relaxed up here. You were tight.” Len: “Unlike some of our stars, you’ve got absolutely no dance background. And to come out and perform to that level, I thought was fantastic.” 

JUDGES: 22 (Out of 30)

So who’s in the Bottom Two? And who’s going home?

The Bottom Two are Brandon and Kenya and Pasha and Christine. :-(

Going home?

Damn. Bummer. I liked them. Oh well.

Miche’s Favorite Dances of Britney Night

1. Val and Olivia, tango

2. Sasha and Suni, foxtrot

3. Jenna and JoJo, Argentine tango

4. Daniella and Iman, tango

5. Sharna and Brian, tango

6. Alan and Amanda, cha cha

7. Pasha and Christine, paso doble

8. Cheryl and Cody, jazz

9. Gleb and Melanie C., tango

10. Emma and Jimmie, salsa

11. Artem and Melora, cha cha

12. Brandon and Kenya, tango

Need to Go Home

1. Matt

2. The Miz

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

Season 30, Week Two: First Elimination Is Not a Surprise

Lame intro.

We don’t exactly have an opening number. We have two troupe dancers (Ezra and Sofia), dancing for a bit before they introduce Tyra (who mistakenly introduces them as pros, which they aren’t yet).

Lindsay and Matt, samba

Throughout, they have identifiers under people’s names (in yellow). For some reason, they don’t do this in Lindsay’s package.

They dance to the song whose chorus is: “Come on and dance with me, I’m levitating.” At the point in the song where it goes: “You want me, “ Matt rips off his shirt in front of Bruno. Bruno stands, and nods yes. I think Matt gets a 10 from Bruno for that.

PRO TIP: You do score points with Bruno for this (guys), but it’s points from Len that you really want to worry about. 

It was an OK cha cha. Lindsay working hard to make it so, but Matt’s hips didn’t seem to move at all.

Len (Professional Ballroom Judge): “Instead of worrying about taking off your shirt, which was totally unnecessary, you would’ve been better served working once again on your hips. Your hips are nonexistent. Honestly, your hips are allergic to music. Work on your hips.” Derek (Choreographer & Six-Time DWTS Champion): “I think what Len is trying to say is also work on your balance. In samba, we need balance, we need rise and fall. That gets that hip action going, that rhythm going. Just for the future, think about those feet. That’s going to happen in every single dance. Turn those suckers out. But dude, you’re a great performer, so fun to watch.” Bruno (Film, Music Video & Theatre Choreographer): “There are so many things in my mind that I want to say, nothing to do with the samba whatsoever. (Matt laughs.) Next.” Carrie Ann (Choreographer & Dance Producer): “Amazing physique, but what I was missing was the bravado that you had and the confidence once you ripped your shirt off, it lasted for like two seconds, and then you started dancing small. A little awkward. Keep those feet on the ground.” (Carrie Ann really hates lifts where they don’t belong.)

JUDGES: 22 (Out of 40)

Val (Two-Time DWTS Champion) and Olivia (Beauty Vlogger), Viennese waltz

Gorgeous costumes. Oh, I love people who know how to do Viennese waltz properly. It was just magical. I loved this dance to “Better Days Are Coming.”

Derek: “There is seriously a purity in your performance. When I see you dancing, I don’t see you thinking about the routines, I just see you enjoying it. It’s such a breath of fresh air, you’re like a breeze, dancing across the oak floor. It’s gorgeous. I really, really was impressed with that. Beautiful.” Bruno: “Weightless, flowing, seamless. For a beginner of ballroom, you’ve really done incredibly well. There were a few slight hiccups.” Carrie Ann: “Olivia, I was so impressed with what Derek was talking about. There’s this trust and this vulnerability when you’re dancing, which I’ve seen in the past leads to fantastic endings because it’s all about partnership. With performances like that, your journey will probably not be very short.” Len: “I thought there was nice rotation, to left and to right. I also thought there was a nice mix of steps (thanks, Val) in and out of hold. I thought both of you did a good job.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 40)

Brandon (Pro Dancer) and Kenya (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta”), cha cha

These costumes are just fire tonight. Just love them. They dance to Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff.”

Bruno: “Kenya, let me tell you. You are simply irresistible. Talk about easy. When you got it right, in the second half, it came out of you naturally. This was a night off, but I know what you have is exceptional.” Carrie Ann: “Way to represent. I love it. 50 t0 50 year old. You’re amazing. This season feels very competitive to me, and you have so much going for you, take the extra second to ground yourself, so that the line looks nicer. It was amazing. You were in your power.” Len: “I tell you what you’ve got: plenty of gear in the rear. You were working those hips fantastically. It was such a powerful, full-on dance.” Derek: “Kenya, I love you. You’re absolutely amazing. Beautiful rotation in the grapevines. For me, just find the consistency. There’s moments of greatness in there, and little wobbles here and there. Find that consistency, and you’re gonna be amazing in this show.”

JUDGES: 24 (Out of 40)

Witney (Season 19 Champion) and The Miz (WWE Superstar), tango

They are dancing a tango to “Nothing but a Good Time,” by Poison. The Miz loves “’80s hair metal.”

Boy, this man sure is full of himself. 

Carrie Ann: “That was good. That’s what I’m talking about. That’s what I wanted to see from you. Have the energy in the right parts, entertain us in our face, but then be controlled. It was amazing. You were so distinguished. Your lines were so long.” Len: “Last week I said: ‘Better than expected.’ This week, I got just what I expected. Plenty of attack, very little finesse. However, on a positive, your footwork was very good.” Derek: “My man, you came out of the gate… we doin’ tag team? Let’s go. You got me amped up. I was a little worried you weren’t going to be able to contain that energy when you got into frame, but you did, brother. You were so locked in. I was so impressed. That control was awesome.” Bruno: “You had all that aggression and bravado, but it was very well channeled into a power tango.”

JUDGES: 26 (Out of 40)

Sharna (Season 27 Champion) and Brian, rumba

Their dance last week was pretty steamy, just because they’re a couple. And now a rumba? *fans self*

She says in the package that they are dancing “to our song.” (“Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur) We have an immersive Van Gogh exhibit here in the LA. They go there for their date night, and Sharna says that it’s going to be the backdrop to their dance.

“I’m so in love with you” is one of the lines. And they clearly are.

He mouths the words to her at key moments, it’s like they are in their own little love world, and we’re watching it. It’s so beautiful. So special.

Len: “On a positive note, it had a bit of romance about it. Other than that, there was very little I liked. It was just a load of posing, running around, another pose.” Brian looks shocked at his comments. Derek: “Sometimes you do a dance in the show that’s kinda just for you. I think that’s what this was. I think that’s beautiful. I think it’s great.” Bruno: “It was very honest. It was an honest dance. It was a pure expression of what you feel, and we got that. At times, it felt a little bit good, like a contemporary dance instead of a rumba. It kind of lost the Cuban motion that’s necessary for this. Was it effective? Yes. Not quite right, but great performance.” Carrie Ann: “I think I want you to build on the chemistry that you have. It’s palpable, and it’s beautiful, and it creates amazing moments that maybe other couples won’t be able to create. But you need to sustain the movement. Go from one movement to the other with energy that’s the same as that connection that you have with Sharna.” 

JUDGES: 23 (Out of 40)

Pasha (Pro Dancer) and Christine (“Bling Empire” Star), salsa

They are dancing a salsa to “Despacido.” How could this go wrong? And Pasha just packs his choreography with content. I love it.

Derek: “Wow, Christine. You have an awareness of your body, you know how to use it. You have great hip action. I was really impressed with that. You started really strong, and as it progressed, I could feel a little bit of tension rise up in you, and you could start to feel a little stiff. It’s just the consistency. Everybody’s so talented, there’s so much potential, it’s just keeping all the way from the beginning, all the way to the end.” Bruno: “But Christine, that literally got me on a spin. You have to be consistent.” Carrie Ann: “75% of that was awesome. Your passion is amazing. It brings us all in. I love every move you attack. How you wanted to be on the show, I love that in every move. If you had stayed on your feet, you would have been amazing.” Len: “Tonight, someone is gonna go home. On your two weeks of dancing, I don’t think it’s gonna be you.”

JUDGES: 24 (Out of 40)

Emma and Jimmie (Platinum Country Singer), rumba

They are doing a rumba to one of his songs, “Make Me Want To.” (I don’t like it when they dance to the star’s songs, usually. The advantage, of course, is that they know the musicality of it inside and out. But to me, they are usually not as good songs as are most often chosen.)

The rumba was ok, not earth-shaking.

I’m not commenting on Tyra. Not her dresses, not her excesses, not the lame banter she does before the votes are shown. But I do want to point out that she really does make a lot of mistakes as a host. Mistakes Tom Bergeron never made. Just saying. And her main job is to go: “Bruno, Carrie Ann, Len, Derek” at appropriate times, and she sounds completely bored when she’s doing that. #sigh

Bruno: “Great song, Jimmie. (*eyeroll*) It definitely got you tuned in and turned on. Couldn’t you feel the undercurrent of passion emerging, almost exploding?” (Um, no. To me, it didn’t feel passionate at all.) Carrie Ann: “That was amazing. That was the first time this season that I actually felt my heart attached to what you were doing. You just opened us all up. I could not take my eyes off of you. You had so much respect for the art form by the way you did every movement. I’m impressed with you. That was so beautiful.” Len: “Your footwork was a little bit hit and miss. Your upper body was really great. And the secret to this show: do better than you did the week before. And that’s what you just did.” Derek: “I wanna echo what they just said: the lower half, I could see you struggling a bit, but the upper half, beautiful arms. Powerful.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 40)

Alan and Amanda (Co-Host of “The Talk”), foxtrot

Amanda chooses to dance this foxtrot to her wedding dance song with her deceased husband, Nick. “It Had to Be You.”  They chose it because it was the song he sang to book “Bullets Over Broadway,” which was the Broadway show they met in. 

Alan got lucky this time, he got a real dancer. Beautiful foxtrot.

Carrie Ann: “Amanda, with all due respect, so much of your journey has had to do with Nick. But this is all about you. You are a star. That was like watching a Broadway musical built only around you. Those beautiful legs, those beautiful lines. The elegance, the strength, the milking of the moment.” Len: “I love that track, so that helps me. I liked it so much, I wanted it to go on a bit longer, if I’m honest. It was smooth. It was like butter on a hot muffin. Don’t keep kicking your legs up so much. Just cause you got ‘em doesn’t mean you’ve got to use them.” Derek: “Don’t listen to this guy. Use those beautiful legs. They are stunning, exceptional, exquisite. I honestly don’t know what to say, cause I was watching you. I was singing. It was so enjoyable to watch. You are just a vision.” Bruno: “Absolutely radiant. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” 

The kicks that Len didn’t like.

JUDGES: 32 (Out of 40)

Jenna and JoJo (Popstar and TV Personality), cha cha

Once again, it’s amazing to watch them dance. They dance to “Rain on Me,” and it’s just fun stuff.

Len: “Well, I just saw, before this, my favorite ballroom dance of the season, and I’ve just seen my favorite Latin dance of the season.” Derek: “By the way, that’s all you need. Listen, JoJo, I love you so much. I love your performance, your energy. And I think with you, more is more, right? Sometimes, more isn’t more. You’ve got to contain that energy a little bit. It can get a little wild and lose the quality of movement. There’s an expectation, because you have a dance background. So I think we’re gonna be a little bit tougher on you. Think about that, moving forward. Have that control. Contain that energy.” Bruno: “So crisp, it was crackling. Full of vitality and zest. There was one thing. You have such a strong performance that you pop out of the screen. People are drawn to you. Is absolutely brilliant, what you do. He’s right: sometimes a bit of control. But fantastic job.” Carrie Ann: “It was like watching a dance off, but in all the good ways. Like you weren’t competing with each other, you guys just like outdoing each other, with all that energy. It’s still so new to watch it, I find myself just getting lost in the performance, and going: ‘Wow! This is so awesome.’ You are awesome. You guys are fantastic together.”

JUDGES: 31 (Out of 40

Daniella and Iman (NBA Champion), rumba

According to Maksim Chmerkovskiy (whose dance opinion I value greatly), Lady Daniella is the “queen of the rumba.” They dance to “You Know What’s Up,” by Donald Jones, which Iman says he loves. He’s says it’s on one of he and his wife’s favorite albums. 

Not only is it a great rumba, but the choreography really gets around the massive height differential in really creative ways. (As you can kinda see in the image above.) I loved it.

Derek: “Iman, what I love about you is you just look like you’re enjoying this. And it just makes me enjoy it, and everyone else watching enjoy it. It was just so smooth, so effortless. Dude, that deep lunge?” Bruno: “I really appreciate the work you put into this. You could really see you were trying to follow the melodic line of the music. Very very good work. You still have to work on your feet.” Carrie Ann: “You had more content this week, which was great for Len, but for me, I’m sorry. You have something special. They way you are so able to connect to that music. And you don’t care. You tell your story about what you’re feeling from that music, and to me, that is magic. So once again, that was magic.” Len: “I am smiling. I liked it. Don’t get excited. I didn’t like it that much, but I liked it. It’s a great improvement on last week.”

JUDGES: 25 (Out of 40)

Britt and Martin, cha cha

Poor Britt. To be saddled with such a dreadful partner. I feel sorry for her.

They are dancing to “Twist and Shout,” and I’m truly scared to watch this. Oh, good grief. Ugh. My eyes!

Bruno: “Technically, more content and more steps. Not always in the right ordcr, or have the right time, but definitely more. So, we are moving in the right direction.” Carrie Ann: “I’m just happy for you, because this week, you look like you had fun and you let loose. That’s what people attach to.” Len: “Let me first of all congratulate you, Britt, because I think you’ve done a sterling job working there on Martin. Martin, I can’t give it a big mark because it wasn’t that great.” Derek: “I love the opening James Brown move. I see you, with the footwork there. It was a lot of fun.” 

JUDGES: 15 (Out of 40)

So bizarre seeing a 3 from the judges. (Deserved though.)

Artem and Melora (“The Office” and “The Bold Type” Actress), rumba

Another bit of wisdom from Maksim Chmerkovskiy: the rumba is “the woman’s dance.” Not in this case. For the beginning of the dance, she stood behind Artem. I guess to emphasize the song, “All By Myself” that they were dancing to. But throughout, it certainly felt like Artem was leading and guiding, and she was overall very awkward.

Although I did love the costumes, and she looked very beautiful.

Carrie Ann: “That was very dramatic, sister. I loved it. You have such a knack for storytelling through your body. It’s not just in here (she motions to her face). You’re giving us all with every ounce of your body. Your arms are stunning. What I loved about that performance was it was so well-balanced.” Len: “Overall, it was easy like Sunday morning. However, Melora, you needed a little bit more hips going on, and Artem, I’d have liked a few more recognizable steps.” Derek: “Melora, I adore ya. You’re just so fun to watch. Your movement is beautiful, such quality to it. It has the right amount of resistance in it. Beautiful.” Bruno: “Beautifully acted. Much more centered.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 40)

Cheryl and Cody (Celebrity Fitness Guru), salsa

These are COVID times, and our dear Cheryl has gotten Covid. But the #DWTS rules state that the judges can judge from the taped performance from rehearsal. And so they did.

And this salsa was a damn sight better in rehearsal than anything Martin Kove did in performance, I’ll tell you. So I’m extremely glad that Cody is still in the competition with this tape. He was awesome, and would’ve been even better with costumes and lights and whatnot.

Just goes to show: give it your all in rehearsal, cause you never know!

Cheryl and Cody are isolating, because Covid. But they bring them in virtually for their scores.

Len: “May I first say, Cheryl, I wish you a really speedy recovery. That was full of razzle dazzle. A lot of salsa content, which I always like to see. It was crafted well, and it was danced well.” Derek: “Listen, for rehearsal, that was really really good. Obviously, there’s a little parts that are a little out of sync, but that’s what rehearsal is for. I can really imaginc that routine in the ballroom, with the lights, the costumes, you coming alive.” Bruno: “Yes, we really miss you in the ballroom, because that adds an extra layer to the performance. But even the Pepto-Bismol shoes could not take away from your talent.” Cheryl and Cody both laugh. Carrie Ann: “I was gonna say: Let that be a lesson to what you wear in rehearsal, right? Cody, it was a little bit lackluster, but that’s because you’re marking it, but we have to hold it to the standards of what everybody else is doing in the ballroom, so it was a good job. Lots of content, but you know, not fantastic.”

JUDGES: 24 (Out of 40)

Gleb (Season 28 Finalist) and Melanie C., foxtrot

Fun fact: she’s from an area outside of Liverpool, so it’s with special meaning that they are dancing to a Beatles’ song, “Here Comes the Sun.”

Let’s pause for a moment to applaud the tech people on this show, who created such a beautiful sun for us. This just took my breath away.

It was also for my money, every bit as captivating as Amanda’s foxtrot earlier, in some ways more so.

Derek: “Wow. Melanie, you are a gorgeous dancer. Just absolutely stunning. Beautiful resistance in your body. Just so clean, so effortless. You have a beautiful frame. I love watching you dance.” Bruno: “Melanie, my darling, you’ve never looked lovelier. I really was not expecting this. You managed to combine lyricism with dynamics. So clean, so centered. I can’t believe it. Fantastic.” Carrie Ann: “I loved seeing this side of you. There’s such beautiful elegance and refinement and softness. Trust yourself just a little bit more, because you’re a beautiful dancer.” Len: “As you came out, I was thinking of another Beatles song, “Please Please Me,” and you really did please me. This was not “A Hard Day’s Night,” it was good.”

Before the scores are given, we see a video from Ringo Starr, saying “Peace and Love” to Melanie, and wishes her all the best (because he’s from Liverpool too).

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 40)

Sasha (Season 29 Finalist) and Suni, cha cha

Courtesy of Just Jared, and ABC.

Sasha, in the package, tries to fight against the “no smiling” thing that gymnasts have, also the stuffing of one’s feelings. 

Wow! Could Sasha’s pants be any more sparkly?

That aside, I really loved this cha cha.

Bruno: “Going for gold again, are you? BTW, Sasha, those are mine. Suni, when you smile, you shine. Precise, clean. Dance is a performing art. Imagine yourself being a character. Make up a character, and play the character. Become someone else in each dance, because that is the key to project.” Carrie Ann: “I disagree a little bit. I would say, what I saw there was you starting to be a bit more you. And really sort of embracing yourself. I saw you gain confidence. As you gain confidence, the dance became bigger and better and better. I want you to go home, and I want you to watch that dance back. And I even bet next week is gonna be more amazing. Keep on this track.” Len: “Well, we had the lights, we had the cameras, and once you came out, we had the action. Really well danced. I thought you were coming out and performing much better.” Derek: “I feel like the character was Sassy Suni, out there dancing. Can we just talk about that flip, by the way? That’s crazy.”

JUDGES: 28 (Out of 40)

So, who’s going home? GUESS. Well, in all the years I’ ve been watching this show, I’ve never seen anyone have a deficit from 46 to 28 and NOT go home. There aren’t THAT many Cobra Kai fans to overcome this deficit.

But, OK, let’s walk through it. Who are the Bottom Two?

Astonishingly, it’s Pasha and Christine. Not astonishingly, it’s also Britt and Martin.

Who will the judges save? Hahahahahahaha.

OF COURSE, THEY SAVE:

Great final move in Pasha’s choreography.

MICHE’s Favorite Dances of Themeless Week Two

1. Sasha and Suni, cha cha

2. Cheryl and Cody, salsa 

3. Sharna and Brian, rumba

4. Val and Olivia, Viennese waltz

5. Daniella and Iman, rumba

6. Jenna and JoJo, cha cha

7. Pasha and Christine, salsa

8. Gleb and Melanie, foxtrot

9. Alan and Amanda, foxtrot

10. Brandon and Kenya, cha cha

Need to Go Home Soon

1. The Miz

2. Matt James

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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

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