DWTS – quarterfinals night
This was the first time the celebrities had to perform two complete dances – one from the ballroom style and one from the Latin styles. A few of the pro dancers from Dancing with the Stars gave a performance, demonstrating the dances that would be performed by the celebrities. This was followed by a bit on what the judges were looking for and what the celebrities needed to do to be successful in the ballroom round. Can anyone say time suck? The producers are doing whatever they can to fill a two hour show that probably could be done in an hour and a half.
Finally, to the dancing. The first couple up tonight was Shawn and Mark. They performed a quickstep to a song from the Disney movie Aladdin. Do you think the producers got a break on paying royalties? Well, I thought the dance was phenomenal, but the judges said they broke the rules by breaking hold in the middle of the dance. Rules suck, that’s my opinion, but I guess it is a sticking point because all three of the judges took off a point for that mistake. Mark took the blame for it. Len said for the first time they saw Shawn’s personality come out. Bruno compared her to Sporty Spice. Carrie Ann said it was her best dance yet but hated that she had to take off the point because of the hold issue. They got a 27 out of 30, and had there been no break in hold I think they might have scored a perfect 30.
Ty and Chelsie. Their first dance was the Argentine tango. I loved it. I thought Ty did an awesome job. The crowd did too, giving him a standing ovation. Bruno said that Ty’s not going to let anyone down with his strength and determination, but he missed the flow and subtlety of the dance. Carrie Ann said that he has come so far, but he’s still lacking in terms of movement and hinted that he needs to go. Len said it was his best dance ever and they got a 25 of 30.
Lil’Kim and Derek. They performed the Waltz for their ballroom round. I thought it was pretty good but you could see that she wasn’t comfortable. Carrie Ann said that she had lots of missteps and the dance wasn’t her best. Len said that yes, there were missteps but he was shocked at the quality of the dance (in a good way since she is more comfortable in the Latin dances). Bruno said that she is trying to be a lady but more comfortable being a tramp and that he could see her hesitation in the performance. They got a 25 out of 30.
Gilles and Cheryl. They did a Foxtrot this week and let’s just say that Gilles is back. His performance was awesome. The judges were split. Bruno and Carrie Ann thought it was great – Bruno said the performance was in a class by itself while Carrie Ann said that performances like this will take him to the semi finals. Len said it was an enjoyable performance but pointed out problems with his posture. They got 29 out of 30.
Melissa and Tony. They performed a Viennese waltz this week and I really didn’t enjoy the dance. Maybe it’s because I hate the song they had to use, I’m not sure, but the whole thing just seemed really long to me. Bruno called her a vision but criticized some of the ballet steps used in the performance. Carrie Ann said that she had natural grace and fluidity but criticized her upper body posture. Len said that it was romantic and musical with great extension, but had problems with her feet. They scored 27 out of 30.
We find out that Genya Mazo has been eliminated from the pro dancer competition. The stars coming back to help out – Cody Lindley, Maurice Green and (big surprise) Lisa Rinna. A recap of the competition so far, a backstage interview, and it all adds up to a time suck. A demonstration from some of the pros (I forgot to name them before – Louis, Jonathan, Dmitry, Kym, Anna and Lacey) that was great, as always. Then a segment on what the judges are looking for in the Latin round, again a time filler and not necessary in my opinion.
The Latin round was up next, and each celebrity was required to perform a 15 second solo. Shawn and Mark were up first with a Paso Doble that was amazing. The music really stunk but what a performance. It looked as if Shawn was back at the Olympics with her intensity and focus. The judges loved it (well, all but Len). Carrie Ann said it was fantastic and she nailed the routing. Bruno said she showed that she has the killer instinct tonight. Len liked her solo but thought overall the performance was not that exciting. They got a score of 29 out of 30.
Ty and Chelsie. I was worried for Ty, performing the Rumba. He’s not the smoothest or most romantic guy on the planet (at least according to a segment a few weeks ago where his wife Jewel said that Ty picked her flowers, gave them to her and said here, hold them). He tried so hard, that was obvious, but it didn’t work. Len said it was charming and sweet but from the first dance to the second he went from being a peacock to being a feather duster. Bruno said he was one of the most likeable contestants ever, but they have to judge on ability, not likeability. Carrie Ann said she wishes she could judge him on how far he’s come and how much he tried but she can’t. They scored 21 out of 30.
Lil’ Kim and Derek. They performed the Salsa tonight. It was ok in my opinion, but there was just something that seemed off in the performance. I can’t put my finger on it, and I usually love Lil’ Kim, but this performance wasn’t my favorite from her. Bruno said it was fantastic and she was in her element. He also said her booty can do no wrong. Carrie Ann said she’s never seen anyone in any of the other seasons who can move their booty like she does. But both she and Len thought the performance lacked a bit of control at times. They got a score of 27 out of 30.
Gilles and Cheryl. Gilles. Rumba. What more can a girl want? But this was not the Rumba I had hoped for. So many of his dances before this were so much hotter and sexier. This just seemed as if he tried too hard. Carrie Ann was right when she said he is so naturally sexy he doesn’t need to try so hard. Bruno said the performance was very uneven but still very good. Len didn’t like his solo or the ending where he and Cheryl rolled around on the floor. Given the harsh criticism I thought they would have scored much lower than they did. The judges gave them 27 out of 30.
Melissa and Tony. They wrapped up the evening with the Samba. The judges absolutely loved it. Len said that 100% she should be there next week in the semi finals. Bruno said her samba had everything anyone could possibly want and that it made him happy to be there watching it. Carrie Ann called it flawless. They ended up with a perfect score of 30.
It’s hard to say who’s going home tomorrow. Probably Ty, based on judges’ scores, but if he gets the fan votes like Melissa did last week then it’s anybody’s game.
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May 5th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
First and foremost I have to say that the music used on these shows stinks to high heaven. Why can’t they use appropriate music? Is the program’s music director getting a kickback from someone? PLEEZE
Secondly, I have the feeling that Gilles reached his peak a couple of weeks ago. That Viennese Waltz Melissa did looked strangely like the one she did in the first program with a different costume. If being a great example of an all-round guy would do it, Ty would win. He is the epitome of a heck of a nice, give it your all, all-American guy.