DWTS: What’s this all about?
What is the story about the team dances? This is just another example of take a proven product and mess around with it. Not that I didn’t enjoy this; but ballroom dancing is not a team sport. (Of course poker isn’t a sport, but that doesn’t stop ESPN from using the poker tournaments to fill in their schedules.) So, let’s talk about the “team dances” on Dancing with the Stars. One of the things that impressed me was the effort that the professional dancers showed in holding back so that they would not outshine their partners. I thought the first dance, the cha-cha, was a very good group dance, much better than I expected. Susan was really out of her element; she did say that she didn’t have the practice time, but more than practice was needed here. Cody and his new partner Edyta got 4 stars from me, but the judges liked L & L the best of the group. Their scoring, however, was not good – 20.
I thought the Paso Doble that group II performed was definitely stage worthy. And I don’t mean Wells Fargo. What great drama and showmanship, so much better that the first group and the judges scored the performance accordingly -29. I wonder if this is going to be the new thing, get the contestants down to six and use this type of format.
The individual dances with the exception of the Fred and Ginger style fox trot done by Brooke and Derek were not that spectacular. Brooke and Derek are definitely the couple to beat, this is the way a fox trot should be done, smoothly and with fluidity and in time to the music. Warren and Kym also did a fox trot, and to my astonishment, it was mediocre to say the least. Ballroom is not his cup of tea; latin is for him. His score was only 21, and that is nowhere near his ability. Corky and Edyta (filling in for Julianne) did a Viennese waltz. Now, a Viennese waltz is difficult enough for a mature male dancer, but I have to say that he did a nice job. They got a standing ovation from Edyta’s former celebrity partner, Jeffrey, but their scores weren’t too good -22.
Susan and Tony, following a weepy rehearsal, danced the paso doble. The music was awful, and she was nowhere near her comfort zone. Although she always looks wonderful, and her footwork is very good, the time has come for her to turn in the dancing shoes. She hasn’t progressed, and I think the only thing keeping her in the game is the fans. Maurice and Cheryl did a cha-cha. It was the best he has performed in quite a while. Latin is the style for him. Once again, yucky music. Now, I haven’t been a fan of Lance and Lacey, but their rumba was the best dance he has done to date. We were privy to a smattering of backstage diva drama with Lacey, think that was for viewer interest. Lacy also had a sarcastic remark under her breath for Len with his criticism. Diva! Diva!
We have to wait for Wednesday for the results of this performance; elections you know. How will this affect the fact that the contestants have to learn two dances for next week? Do you go ahead and start teaching both, or what exactly do you do? I see an excuse for so-so performances.
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