DTWS S025, Week 5: Disney Night Full of Magic and Miracles

Hi! Welcome to Week 5, Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars. I know there’s a theme tonight. I’m just trying to remember what it is...

Some kind of corporate suckup, ABC thing... just can’t place it...

Oh yeah. It's Week 5. It's DISNEY night.

The opening number starts with a beautiful dance with Jenna and Armin to “It’s a Small World (After All),” which kicks into a bigger opening number.

Then, as they introduce all the stars, they also name which movie they are dancing to a song from. Ugh.

Oh, but they have a different spin on it this year. Tom Bergeron informs us that it’s ”Disney Through the Ages,” ”from Mickey's early beginnings, right up through next month.”  (They are performing a song from “Coco,” which at this point had not been released yet, so that was a coup.) Also it’s the halfway point in the DWTS competition.

Wait. Val and Victoria are doing “a jazz dance to ‘Steamboat Willie’ ” (did that have music?).  For that matter, did it have Minnie? (I think not.)

I dunno. This one was a tough sell. If I remember right, this was a silent, and the only character was Mickey himself. The dance was probably longer than the whole short. But it was what it was.

Len, ”Steamboat Willie. 1928. I missed the premiere, but you were there, Tom, weren‘t you?” Oh, that Len. What a cutup. Len saw “Charleston, Lindy Hop, even a little bit of Twerking.” Bruno: “It was effortless, and it was beautiful.” Carrie Ann: “You were in perfect sync the whole time.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 27 (out of 30)

Val says that Victoria “is Disney. She’s the epitome of magic and miracles.”

Tom does a tease for the next number, Maks and Vanessa dancing to “Snow White.” He says “the Seven Dwarfs... I think only six are there...” They cut to a different shot with an errant dwarf and Maks sitting next to him. Tom continues, ”Oh, there’s Grumpy... and the other dwarf.” (I laughed.)

Then, they show the troupe dressed up as the Mickey Mouse Club. Sasha gets a kiss from Minnie. Very sweet.

This dance (“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” from the 30s) starts with seven tiny Makses (as the dwarfs), the highlight of which was all of them saying “I‘m the show,” (perhaps Maks' most famous #DWTS line). (Made me laugh.)

For some reason, they sing “Someday My Prince Will Come” in French. It’s a nice waltz. The costumes are the best. Bruno notes how she gets out of balance in the fast spins. Carrie Ann mentions that there were moments that it seemed like she stopped breathing. But that she “had many stunning moments in that.” Len loved the “turn and lock.” And the choreography, that it was “a proper waltz.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 24 (out of 30)

OK. We’re up to the 1940s now, with Lindsay and Mark's ”When You Wish Upon a Star,” from “Pinocchio.” Just a beautiful foxtrot.

At the end of the dance, there was an animated Pinocchio, clapping on the judges’ stand. Beautiful.

Carrie Ann: “What I loved the most is that this week you didn‘t go quirky. I know it took a lot more courage to do this number.” She also mentions that it was “one of the finest holds I‘ve ever seen.” Len: “THAT was delightful. I loved the way that every nuance in the music was transcribed into the movements you used.... I absolutely loved it.” Bruno: ”By the end, I felt like I was bathing in stardust.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 28 (out of 30) (including a ten from Len)

Then, a wonderful bumper from the (1950s) Mickey Mouse Club (in b and w), where we actually get to learn everyone‘s names. (They never say the troupe names anymore; although pros were mixed in too—Sasha, Sharna, Jenna, Alan.)

Nick and Peta do a quickstep to “Bare Necessities” from (the ’60s) “The Jungle Book.” Peta is such a phenomenal dancer and choreographer, and I think I don’t say that enough. Nick isn’t quite up to her standards, though. The best thing Len can say is, “You came out and enjoyed yourself, and I thought that was commendable.” (Ouch.) Bruno notes that he lost a step a couple of times. Carrie Ann says “you don‘t have to be a perfect dancer.” (Um, yes you do.)

JUDGES’ SCORES: 22 (out of 30)

This was from the ’70s, Kermit the Frog was involved and something about a Rainbow. Whatever it was, I missed this show. But the Viennese waltz that Emma and Drew danced to it was quite beautiful.

Emma does her normal wondrous choreography. Every time I look at her, I see a rainbow anyway, so this song was quite fitting.

Oh Lord. They have Kermit at the judges table. Ugh.

Bruno to Drew: “You‘re getting more and more polished every week. You‘re leading well.”  Carrie Ann: “You two have become one of my favorite couples.” Len: “I liked your footwork a lot.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 25 (out of 30)

Minnie and the female pros welcome us back with a cute bumper.

Gleb and Sasha are dancing a rumba to ’80s “The Little Mermaid.” “I need you to be very sexy and romantic,” says Gleb to Sasha in the package.

And she tries, but boy, the camera angles are all wacky and unflattering. I found this rumba to be very unsexy, even forced.

(EDITOR’S ASIDE: I apologize. From this point forward, my DVR died, and so I’m going from my notes and the YouTube videos.) :-(

JUDGES’ SCORES: 24 (out of 30)

Terrell and Cheryl do a quickstep to “The Lion King.”

Whew. I really hated this song (the music). The dance was a whole lot of the troupe moving trees around. (Sasha was the best part, frankly.) Ugh. My least favorite. That gold coat was pretty swinging though.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 25 (out of 30)

Witney and Frankie’s package has Witney saying to Frankie: “You can act, sexy, right? Cause you’re not normally sexy.” Deadpan look from Frankie.

Frankie and Witney do an Argentine tango to “Pirates of the Caribbean.” For my money, this was by far the sexiest dance of the night. This was certainly NOT the Frankie Muniz we think we know. He was a fierce, leering pirate. Yeah, he can “act” sexy, all right.

The set (as you can see) was another #DWTS treasure (props to this stage crew), and look at that eerie sea foam lighting. Just great stuff, start to finish.

Such a great dance. Such stunning choreography.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 29 (out of 30)

Jordan and Lindsay then regale us with a foxtrot from “Moana.” (To the song, “You’re Welcome.”)

(I think Jordan is the one singing this song, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda...)

JUDGES’ SCORES: 30 (out of 30) (First perfect score of the season.)

The last two dances (prior to this one) had some pretty spectacular stagecraft. But this one, showcasing the soon-to-be-released “Coco” just blew everything else away.

Artem and Nikki dance jazz to ”Remember Me” (of course) from “Coco.” Look at those incredible costumes. Whirling troupe members. Confetti! A showstopper.

One of the judges (not sure, notes unclear) called Nikki “Coco” (which isn’t exactly accurate, given the movie).

JUDGES’ SCORES: 27 (out of 30)

And who is going home?

Miche’s Favorite Dances of Disney Night
1. Frankie and Witney (Argentine tango)
2. Lindsey and Mark (foxtrot)
3. Jordan and Lindsay (foxtrot)
4. Drew and Emma (Viennese waltz)
5. Nikki and Artem (jazz)
6. Victoria and Val (jazz)

Erin Andrews was really digging Disney night.

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DWTS S025, Week 3: How Much Did We Love Guilty Pleasures Night?

This from the wacky opening number, choreographed by the ever-amazing Mandy Moore. This show is dedicated to the family and friends of those lost in the horrific Las Vegas shooting, which just happened before this was filmed.

Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, is Guilty Pleasures night. And there will be no eliminations tonight.

Team: Emma and Drew   Guilty Pleasure: Crime dramas

Our Property Brothers contractor kicks off the evening with a wonderful Argentine tango to “Red Right Hand.” (Loved the music.) And it included this incredible overhead lift. Emma Slater’s choreography continues to be stunning.

I really thought this dude couldn't dance. I really liked this number.

I started the season thinking they would be going home early, but by this dance, they have certainly become a couple to watch.

I also loved Emma's outfit so very much.

Len says that Drew is “on a roll.” Carrie Anne: “How amazing was that Argentine tango?”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 23 (out of 30)

Team: Sharna and Derek   Guilty Pleasure: Fresh Prince reruns

 I pretty much hated the music of this. Sharna Burgess can make anything look good, but this cha cha was certainly my least favorite dance of the night.

Len: “One of the secrets of Dancing with the Stars, if you like the music, you perform better. I could see you were right into that dance. You were into the music, it was something you enjoyed, and in turn, I enjoyed.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 21 (out of 30)

Tom, in introducing this segment says: “Yes,  a grown man in a suit just said, ‘Chumbawumba’s Tubthumping.’” (Cracked me up.)

Team: Val and Victoria   Guilty Pleasure: um... Chumbawumba

This song (“Tubthumping”), you either love it or you hate it. Val really hates it. But Victoria’s anthem for this season is what is contained in the lyric: “You get knocked down, and you get up again.” So, Chumbawumba it is.

It is a sign of Val’s dancing/choreography genius that he can make an incredible quickstep out of a song he hates.

My guilty pleasure? “Tumthumping” makes me feel all warm and fuzzy all over.

Len: “Nice amount of content, great amount of entertainment and fun.” Bruno: “I love what you put into it.”

Tom addresses the audience, “If you see a kid who’s different, don’t be an ass.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 22 (out of 30)

Then, there was this really funny bit of “Guilty Pleasures: Host Edition,” where Tom mocks Mark Ballas for his use of hair-care products, and talks about how he has to “go full mime” to fundraise for more. (Envision Tom Bergeron as a mime here.) Damn funny. Sasha was in the video, too.

Erin, after: “Did you make much money?”

Tom: “About $4 and a half bucks.”

Team: Maks and Vanessa (with Alan standing in)  
Guilty Pleasure: Girls Night Out

Sorry, but when Maks isn’t there, the dances just aren’t as good. Alan is great, fine, but he’s no Maks.

Vanessa is a real star, though. She hogs that spotlight. And they danced to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” always a great song. Lovely Jenna (former pro) was among the troupe dancers helping out. 

Len: “In that first section, it would’ve been difficult to know which one was the celebrity. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.”
Bruno: “It had that timeless elegance of a Motown girl band, and yet it was so up-to-date. I absolutely loved it.”

Carrie Anne:  “Girls Night at your house for sure, next time.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 23 (out of 30)

Team: Artem and Nikki   Guilty Pleasure: “Romance novels”

Romance novels like “Fifty Shades of Gray,” she says, winking.

After this steamy Viennese waltz, Tom Bergeron pulls Nikki’s SO out onto the floor to stand next to her during the judging. They try to explain to him the concept of character.

Bruno: “It really worked.” Carrie Anne: “I love that you just go for it.... I wanna see your softness come back.” Len liked some of the turns, but “I wasn’t exactly transported to old Vienna.” (audience laughs)   

 JUDGES’ SCORES: 21 (out of 30)

Then, they have “Guilty Pleasures: Judges Edition,” where Carrie Anne goes on about her love of nachos (with pumped cheese). Bruno (sitting next to Sasha and being fanned, while Jenna stretches her legs over Sasha):  “I go for hot fashion models, fried food and fast cars.” Len: “My guilty pleasure is sitting in the California sun, eating bacon and eggs. Naked.” As he says this, the camera pulls back to reveal a giant... Mirror Ball over his naughty bits. With a rooster sound...  Oh my.

When they return from break, each judge is eating their Guilty Pleasure. Tom thanks Len “for dressing for dinner.” 

Team: Witney and Frankie    Guilty Pleasure: Boy Bands
   
Whoever you thought Frankie Muniz was before, he is sure different on this show. So, here he is, in full boy band mode (I love that Sasha is in so many of these things, here,  he's another one of the boy band members). They show him getting advised by Nick Lachey and Joey Fatone.

Finally, Witney and Frankie get their boy band on with a samba. With help from Sasha and the troupe.

Carrie Anne liked his “boy band stuff,” not his samba so much. Len just says: “Frankie, I really like you.” (After telling him he “needed more hip action.”) Bruno (on their double denim): “I never thought I was gonna see that again.”   

 JUDGES’ SCORES: 21 (out of 30)

We’ve really gone too long without Sasha, so they give us a Cha Cha bumper. And Jenna too! Fun!

Team: Mark and Lindsey   Guilty Pleasure: Staying in Her PJs

Lindsey and her significant other just broke up, so she is sad. Despite that, she does a kickass jive with Mark to “Wake Me Up (Before You Go Go).”

Easily my favorite dance of the night. 

Len: “If I'm dreaming, don’t wake me up, because I thought that was great. Lots of jive content, lots of fun, lots of WHAM and energy. That, so far, the dance of the season.” Bruno: “Apart from the incredibly smart creativity of Mark, this guy can jive. He threw everything at her that he had, she was never outdanced. She was just brilliant.” Carrie Anne: “Every number is always so incredibly creative, but tonight—that’s gonna go down as one of my favorite numbers. Of all time. That was brilliant, Mark. Brilliant choreography.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 27 (out of 30)(the highest score of the season so far)

Team: Gleb and Sasha   Guilty Pleasure: Baking

Sasha and Gleb start out with a great Motown song (“Can’t Help Myself”) and dance jazz (which I think some use as a catchall when they don’t want to get dinged for not enough content).

You know when they use a lot of props, the dance is in trouble.

Bruno: “Great fun.” Carrie Anne: “It was not exactly what you would call jazz.... It was very clean, very well-rehearsed.” Len: “As fun as this was, it didn’t really showcase your ability to dance.”

(SIDE NOTE here: Gleb consistently over seasons gets the note, “You’re not showcasing your partner.” Once again makes me wish they had chosen Sasha instead.)

JUDGES’ SCORES: 19 (out of 30)

We come back from the break, and the judges and Tom and Erin are singing along to the Motown song.

Team: Peta and Nick   Guilty Pleasure: Watching Rom-Coms

Now THAT’s how you choreograph a jazz dance! Peta did a fantastic number to the song “Jump” (from “Love, Actually”). Bonus points for both Sasha and Jenna being in the dance. (Well, bonus points from ME, not from the judges.)

Carrie Anne starts out commenting about Nick’s unitard, “that takes balls.” (Not remembering that he famously had surgery to remove one of his balls.) So Nick says, “Well, what I have left.” OUCH.

Carrie Anne: “It looked great to watch.” Len: “I loved the Concept, the Commitment and the Confidence that you brought out on the dance floor.” Bruno: “Finally, you got your juices flowing.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 21 (out of 30)

Jenna and Keo show us how to do the jive.

Team: Cheryl and Terrell   Guilty Pleasure: Break dancing

Poor Cheryl. She tries so hard. She puts those steps in there, she creates interesting choreography, but her dances never seem to catch fire like others do. I admit, I didn’t like this song at all. (Think it was “The Breaks” by Curtis Blow.)  Doing a salsa to that, ugh.

Len: “It’s not a touchdown, but you’re in the Red Zone.” Bruno: “It wasn’t a traditional salsa.” Carrie Anne has “a meltdown” cause it was “so good.”

JUDGES’ SCORES: 21 (out of 30)

Team: Lindsay and Jordan  Guilty Pleasure: Comic books

So they did what Tom calls “a Super Hero Charleston,” but to my eyes, it succeeded the least of their dances. The whole thing just didn’t work. It seemed loud and garish, and didn’t seem to have much Charleston in it (to me, and Charleston is one of my favorite dances here).

Tom whispers to them, “Somewhere Adam West is smiling.”

Bruno likes the “pop art visual flair.” Carrie Anne is dumbfounded, trying to wrap her head around “what I just saw. You’re so amazing. There’s so much going on in that number. You could’ve gotten lost at any point... The fastest Charleston I’ve ever seen in the middle.” Len, however, was dismayed that “it’s a Charleston, and there was virtually no Charleston.” 

JUDGES’ SCORES: 25 (out of 30)

No one was eliminated tonight.

Favorite Guilty Pleasures of the Night

1. Mark and Lindsey (jive)

2. Drew and Emma (Argentine tango)

3. Val and Victoria (quickstep)

4. Alan and Vanessa (jazz)

5. Peta and Nick (jazz) 

Please Go Home
1. Sasha and Gleb
2. Vanessa and Alan/Maks
3. Nick and Peta
4. Derek and Sharna

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