As folks in comments have already noted, these were a tough set of dances for the couples this week. Those who improved last week, Rocco and Karina and Susan and Tony, regressed right back to where they were the week before.
My favorites tonight: Warren and Kym, Brooke and Marc and Lance and Lacey. Who I think will go home? It’s a toss-up between Cloris and Corky and Kim and Mark. Cloris made the mistake of actually trying to dance well, rather than hamming it up. Nobody cares about her dancing. She’s there for the entertainment value only, and tonight, she was not very entertaining. Kim’s dancing isn’t getting any better. She’s not only having trouble connecting to her partner Mark, but to the viewing audience as well.
I’ll have to sleep on deciding who I’ll pick in the pool…
Coming out on top tonight–Warren and Kym and Brooke and Derek with 24 points each. Cloris and Corky are at the bottom with 15.
Tonight the couples dance the Paso Doble and the Rumba! I’m imagining the Cloris Leachman antics as we speak.
The couples only had 4 days to learn their routines! Oh Noes! They’ve never introduced such difficult dances this early in the competition.
Videos and recap…After the JUMP!
Toni and Alec - The Rhumba - Toni takes Alec out to karaoke and she makes fun of him singing “Unbreak My Heart.” The off-key singing seems a leetle put on. Ohhh this choreography is perfect for Toni, it allows her to be a dramatic and diva-like. Very nice. Len was surprised how good the performance was, he liked the chemistry. Bruno said they compared her to a mistress. Ha. Carrie says she moves like she sings. Toni makes Alec sing at a karaoke bar. Carrie Ann - 7 Len - 8 Bruno - 8 - 23 - 1-800-868-3403
11 couples, ya all get to vote 11 times…
Brooke and Derek - Paso Doble - Brooke and Derek are in the lead. Whoo hoo! Wow. This is stunning. Brooke is a natural, she dances like someone who has studied dance. But she says she hasn’t. Hm. Carrie Ann says, “I was mesmerized..you were just a hair off balance…but you nailed it.” Len says, “I thought you portrayed the aggression very very well.” Bruno says there were moments of breathtaking artistry.” He thinks she’s a natural born dancer - Carrie Ann - 8 Len - 8 Bruno - 8 24 - 1-800-868-3405
Rocco and Karina - The Rhumba - Rocco says he’s having trouble channeling his emotion. He’s Italian, dammit! He cooks for Karina, and she becomes jealous of the risotto. Very odd. Ok, this is gimmicky, with Rocco dressed as a chef, and Karina in a trench coat. I suppose we’re to imagine she’s naked underneath? Eep! Rocco is a little awkward. His movements aren’t very fluid. After last week’s comeback, Rocco is back to square one. Bruno says “The stallion has run out of juice, the hip action was poor…the Latin lover wasn’t there.” Carrie Ann says, “I’m sad…what’s lacking is musicality…you weren’t quite with the sway.” Len says, “There were more tears than cheers…it wasn’t really tasty.” Carrie Ann - 5, Len - 6, Bruno - 5 - 16 - 1-800-868-3402
Lance and Lacey - Paso Doble - They decide to go more traditional with the choreography this week since Len didn’t like last week’s modern twist. This feels really modern too, but it’s pretty hot. They dance to “I Kissed a Girl”. So cheeky! Ohh, Lance kissed a girl, but he probably didn’t like it. Ha ha. Len says throwing in a couple of traditional moves but then loading it with other stuff isn’t working for him. Carrie Ann says she likes that they take big risks. Bruno says, “You go for it 100%, but you have to present it like a matador.” He thought it was too hip-hop. Carrie Ann - 7 Len - 6, Bruno - 7 - 20 - 1-800-868-3407
Kim and Mark’s Rhumba was the most watched dance on the internet last week. Uh, that’s not a compliment.
Kim and Mark - The Rumba - Kim says Mark is like a brother, so she’s going to have trouble amping up that sexual chemistry. Erm, it’s called performance? The head chick of the Pussycat Dolls helps Kim “Bring Sexy Back.” Uhhh…This is better than last week, but she still barely moves on stage. She’s clearly uncomfortable up there, like a lifeless blob. Bruno says, “That was more distant than Siberia…grab the character and sell it.” Len says, “I think you’ve got so much potential…you come out and it’s cold.” Carrie Ann says, “You have to watch playback…we want you to do well.” - Kim keeps repeating that she’s “trying my best.” She’s clearly not comfortable enough in her own skin to just let go. Carrie Ann - 6, Len - 6, Bruno - 5 - 17 - 1-800-868-3410
Misty and Maks - Paso Doble - Maks gets mean with Misty! And then Misty says she wants to cry. But after, Misty says she’s used to tough coaches! Misty in black leather = skeery as hell. Misty looks a little uptight and stiff. Carrie Ann likes her energy but says she needs to work on her shoulders. Bruno calls her a “warrior princess,” but she needs to work on finesse. Len says, “I thought it was a very very good attempt… but once you’re focused, you lose the connection.” Carrie Ann - 7, Len - 7, Bruno - 7 21 - 1-800-868-3412
Maurice and Cheryl - The Rumba - Maurice is having trouble isolating his hips, so Cheryl takes him out to watch belly dancing. He’s so ready now! And that was very very nice, but not jump-out-of-your-seat awesome. However, the judges don’t like it so much. Len says, “You talk the talk, but you don’t dance the dance…you lack finesse..not bad.” Carrie Ann says, “There’s so much energy…the choreography was holding you back.” Bruno says, “usually you’re all smooth and slinky but that was all rough and clanky.” I don’t know, Maurice has lots of showmanship up there, but I’ve never found his dancing very smooth. Carrie Ann - 7, Len - 6, Bruno - 6 - 19 - 1-800-868-3404
Cloris and Corky - Paso Doble - Of course these two got the Paso Doble. Just perfect for Cloris to really ham it up. They dance to “Bolero”. Cloris’s old lady shoes look really funny with her outfit. Well, that was better than last week. Considering. She didn’t chew the scenery as much as I thought she would. Bruno says, “Surreal…you started like [character she played in Young Frankenstein] and you ended up like Gloria Swanson in Sunset Blvd.” Len says, “It was a lovely traditional dance, your solo spins were excellent.” Carrie Ann says, “I hope when I’m 82, I’m half the woman you are…and I’m stopping there…I missed your wit.” Cloris adlibed and adlibed until the judges finally came back with the scores. Carrie Ann - 5, Len - 5, Bruno - 5 - 15 1-800-868-3408.
Susan and Tony - The Rumba - Susan is sooo busy they had to rehearse on the set of All My Children. Nice bit of cross-promotion there! Ok, they’re dancing to “Waiting on the World to Change” and Susan is ripping off Tony’s shirt. Weird! This isn’t very sexy. Carrie Ann says, “You transported us to someplace else…very smooth, very elegant.” Bruno says, “It was a very good rumba..but you still dance a little like the virgin queen.” Len says, “The rumba is an active dance…you came out and acted the dance floor.” Carrie Ann - 7, Len, - 7 Bruno - 7 - 21 - 1-800-868-3411
Warren and Kym - Paso Doble - I’m continually amazed by how light on his feet Warren manages to be. This was, hands down, the best paso doble tonight. It was very tough and intense without being stiff and rigid. Len says, “I thought it had a lovely stark menacing feel to it…intense.” Carrie Ann says, “You are the Paso Doble killer! In the House! It was filled with dynamics…that was fantastic.” Bruno says, “Big, bold, heroic.” Carrie Ann - 8, Len - 8 Bruno - 8 24 - 1-800-868-3413
Cody and Julieanne - The Rumba - Cody is having trouble learning the dance, because he has ADD. And he says romance isn’t one of his strong points. Nope, he doesn’t do romantic..or sexy well. He moves like a 12 year old. It’s like Julieanne dancing with her little brother. It almost seems wrong. Bruno says, “You’ve got to learn to control…sell it properly…you have the talent.” Len says, “It lacked a little bit of polish and finesse…good job.” Carrie Ann says “It was a very age appropriate rumba…you’re off to a good start.” Age appropriate? Cody is 18, not 11. Carrie Ann - 7, Len - 7, Bruno - 7 - 21 - 1-800-868-3401
I REALLY like Lance & Lacey. :)
I found this earlier today. Right before the show, each Monday, Tony Dovolani chats on ustream and answers questions. We’ll see if he can keep it up. Earlier today he mentioned that Lacey thinks that it’s all about her right now. When she realizes it isn’t, she’ll choreograph good stuff (I paraphrased, but that was prety much what he said). He also mentioned that he wishes Inna could’ve stayed a little longer because she did wonders for Ted. Jane Seymour showed up in the stream and so did Maks!
http://ballroomdancechannel.ning.com/
What a weird show. Both Maks and Misty and Kym and Warren were dressed in costumes that were oddly similar to each other, not to mention way too reminiscent of Maks and Mel’s standout dominatrix paso from two seasons ago. I think Maks might have even been wearing the exact same vest he did with Mel. The judges seem to be making some sort of point to Maks and poor Misty got the brunt of it, while Warren was just way overpraised… Tom even threw in a quick “I liked it better when Mel B did it” aside when Misty and Maks were going backstage. Anyway, none of the pasos were as good as my favorite ones from years past like Mel and Maks or Drew and Cheryl or Mario 1.0 and Karina. THe rhumbas were pretty boring too. Meh.
MJ, I agree that Warren’s Paso was the best of the night, yet, the judges cannot seem to bring themselves to score anyone higher than Brooke. I just don’t get it. Is she their untouchable “golden child” or something?
It was too early in the season to do these dances, IMO. They are difficult, and the “stars” were not ready for them, IMO, especially only with 4 days of rehearsal. There were some decent ones, but I kept find myself thinking, “good for week 2.” I shouldn’t be thinking that about these dances because they’re so much fun to watch and two of my faves (I love the dramatic, what can I say?).
M&M are still my faves with Lance/Lacey a close second. But it honestly wasn’t a great night. I’m disappointed.
What do you mean? I didn’t catch that, so I’m curious what I might have missed.
My faves are Warren, Toni, and Brooke. I’m judging the “stars” and not their partners.
The good will award goes to Rocco. I hope he stays.
The ill will award goes to Kim K.
I actually thought Cloris did better than last week, but got a weaker score.
I really don’t see a lot of grace in Misty, so I can’t put her on my top list right now. I do think she has some potential, but unless she can loosen up, she’ll never win, no matter how popular Maks is.
Alec is molten hawt.
Oh, I forgot about Lance and Lacey. They will stick around for a bit, but will not win.
“What do you mean? I didn’t catch that, so I’m curious what I might have missed.”
I could be totally off base, but I had the impression that they were making a round about point to Maks about the choreo being too ambitious for Misty, especially when Len was describing the way Misty looked like a deer caught in the headlights throughout the whole thing. The poor thing needs to chillax a bit. Agree that they pulled out the paso too early in the season. It’s my favorite dance and tonight they all kinda sucked.
I just re-watched Brooke and she was fantastic. She deserved her score. I just wish they had paired her with someone other then Derek. I can only imagine the smoking hawt lava mess if she had been with Alec or Maks. I’m waiting for MJ’s vid to review Warren to compare the dances.
I thought Toni was great tonight, she losing that “anxious” look and is starting to have fun with it.
Misty, is not Mel B., I miss Mel B.!! Misty is trying, but….
Brooke is absolutely amazing for someone who has never danced before. She will probably be in the final.
But, the video that I am watching again and again is — Lance and Lacey.
Fresh, exciting, great music, great dance moves.
Hope that they can learn to put just a bit more traditional moves in their dances to keep the judges happy BUT keep their edge and the excitement they bring to the dance floor every time they dance.
pj - I agree,
Oh if they had only paired Brooke with Maks!!!
You would have had to scoop me off the floor!!!
Wow - I have no idea who will go tomorrow night? Should be Cloris but who knows? I don’t think Kim is good at all but probably has a big fanbase.
I was kind of disappointed tonight. I think Lacey and Lance were the most fun to watch.
I will have to think some more about who I will cast my vote for in the pool
Once Lance and Lacey suck up to Len and do a more traditional dance they are going to be tough to beat. Truthfully he’s got it all. He can dance his ass off, he’s young, cute, and he has a helluva fan base, and prolly alot of goodwill.
I have never watched much of this show, a few episodes here and there so I don’t know how much ‘pimping’ they do, but Brooke just doesn’t seem as good as they are saying, and Toni is getting lower scores than I think she deserves. Warren is going to make it far, dude can dance. He is the dancingess big man I have ever seen, and I have seen some dancing big guys.
Susan Lucci’s got to channel her inner Erica Kana and shake that little booty, she has the moves, she just too damn tentative.
The volleyball player is too awkward for me, she doesn’t have the grace of Laila Ali, she’s very masculine, and I just can’t help catching her little stumbles, and them damn thighs.
Warren and Lance are the most fun to watch.
So who should go, Rocco, who regressed a little this week, but is so damn cute, or Cloris who frankly was better, but still not good enough, and tonight she actually seemed a little more doddering than last week, as if she weren’t quite there. So who goes, and who stays? Hmmmm
My 2 Cents,
Best Dancers Tonite for me were:
- Misty & Max; Misty’s aggressiveness worked for her this week, but, she needs to connect with her partner and the audience. Mentally, she seems as if she’s somewhere else.
- Warren & Kym; Great footwork. He had the best footwork of the night, along with Lance.
- Lance & Lacey; Great footwork, also. I didn’t notice the spagetti arms. And did any notice that during rehearsal, Lance had on Cookie’s shirt from the AI7 Tour? I wonder if Cookie left it at Lacey’s on accident?
- Cody & Julianne; Cody has a dancers body (I never noticed before). He could be the dark horse of this competition. I was impressed with him this week, which is surprising to me, because I haven’t liked his dancing in the past.
Everyone else is in danger of going home
Peace Out & Poke Smot!
Lance - Totally agree with above. They are not front runners like Joey Fatone was, but they really gotta play by the rules sometimes. Judges scores do count! Keep in mind that Joey had the fanbase and the judges high scores and still lost. I’m tired of ranting about Lacey, so I’ll just leave it to the dancing and the vote. Entertaining but lacking in proper technique.
Brooke - I just love her! She’s such a surprise, but being an early frontrunner is going to be tough to keep up. The judges will get pickier as time goes on. She’s been great 3 episodes running. Love Derek too :)
Warren - Dude has got it going on. Looks like they messed up the end? Still, like Len said - that footwork coming down at the beginning was awesome! Talk about a fanbase - he’s an athlete. Need I say more?
Toni - Dark horse? She was really good tonight. I think better than last week (and she was really good last week). Alec the singer - yikes! I know it was a joke, but still.
Cody - PokeSmot might be on to something here. I think He’s the darkhorse. First of all, he’ll get the Jonas Bros vote. Second he’s got the fabulous former champ, Julianne, as his teacher. Somethin’ is brewing with this kid.
Misty - I love Maks, but she’s not gonna get him in the finals. Sorry. I did not like this Paso. He’s doing what he can, but watching this I kept thing of Maks & Mel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z_gxLpp0vk He really loved dancing with her.
Maurice - love his enthusiasm, but he’s still so rough.
Susan - BIG fanbase. Just kinda boring for me
Rocco - Could he be the one going home? Not so good this week.
Cloris - She IS the entertainment factor right now. I see why people are getting tired of her though. Still, can I attempt to move like her if I get to 83?
Kim - Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Can america stop voting her now.
I have no idea who is going home. My guesses are: Rocco, Cloris or Kim.
After Ep. 3 - my favs are Brooke and Warren.
It seems that most of us have similar opinions. The dances were much too difficult at this stage of the game. I was a bit disappointed as well.
I cannot think of a hotter couple than Maks and Mel. Misty will never be what Maks wants and I don’t like how he is treating her, unless this is a story line?
Alright, Lacey does have an attitude, but I love what she is doing with Lance. I look forward to seeing them next week.
I thought I heard him say, “And I liked it.” Did anyone else hear that?
I think Cloris needs to go home. She seemed very exhausted to me. Now, I hope there is no story line about her health.
I have rewatched their performance a lot of times too. I love Lance and Lacey. Since Lacey is the pro, it’s up to her to plan out the dance routines. I think that the combination of her being new to the show and not doing traditional routines is rubbing Len the wrong way. I hope that she can find a balance of modern and traditional dance moves so as to not piss off Len every week.
Since the dancers don’t pick their own music, I imagine that Lance laughed when he heard the song choice for this week. He has a great sense of humor. Lance’s boyfriend is such a chill guy. He was there last night and he looked like he enjoyed their performance.
I heard it too. Just because you’re gay doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a kiss from the opposite sex….it’s the other stuff that prolly give him the heebie, jeebies, lol. I must say it looked like they both enjoyed it.
I agree, abbysee, and I heard that too! Cute response, IMO - “and I liked it” - the song lyrics! They’re so much fun to watch.
Overall, I’m not as excited about the dancing in this season as seasons past… but I am addicted nonetheless!
I think Lacey is great and personable, but she lacks the ballroom training and discipline that I think is needed for the show. If Lance had been paired with one of the ballroom ladies he would be running away with the competition by now. But, without the discipline, form and precision required by ballroom dancing — and this is a ballroom dancing “competition” — I also think they will fall short of the final. BUT if I am wrong and they do become more precise in form and steps, while maintaining some originality, they’re true contenders and will go long.
As for the performances, I think Kim was far and away the worst of the night. I’m not sure if her “fanbase” (whatever that is) will rally to save her, and she’s my bet to be voted off. Cloris is just a hoot and I hope she stays another week or two; I think a lot of older women and fans of her earlier work are putting in some votes for her! I think Rocco will have more women voting for him because, well, he’s a babe. I also don’t think he was the worst - that honor is reserved for Kim.
But even so, do you guys think Kim deserved the smackdown she got from the judges? I mean, I am definitely not a fan of hers but even I thought they were extremely tough. She must have refused to rehearse or something, because they were P O’ed!
I have changed my answers in the pool - even though it is just for fun, I want to do better than I did in the SYTYCD pool. Maybe I should have just left my picks alone…….
Dial Idol is no help at all. If I just knew the fanbase size of some of these peeps all would be good.
I definitely think it will be Cloris, Kim or Rocco going home, but don’t have a clue which one - I may change again before showtime.
I tuned in during Cody/Julianne’s dance. From a distance I thought it was Ellen Degeneres. :/
Rats. I will not change my pick, I will not change my pick…..this is just crazy….lol.
Like I said before, I don’t really watch the show faithfully and I don’t know about Lacey or her background all I know is that if a star can learn a little ballroom dance, certainly Lacey can throw in a little technique here and there to please Len. In the meantime, they are getting some seriousl buzz. I think once they get over Brooke, who is boring to me, Lance is going to be one of the last celebrities standing. They will figure the mix out. I am sure of it.
I’m torn between Cloris and Kim. Each has their *strengths* for the *show* to keep them around. Cloris for the comedic breaks and Kim for her youtube viewer fame she got for the Rumba. Hmmmm.
I don’t get this show’s reasoning. The bottom two *may or may not be the bottom two vote getter’s*. WTF?
I’m thinking they will keep Rocco for at least another week for eye candy. So if I go on that assumption, they would keep Kim and get rid of Cloris. Decisions, decisions…
I can’t believe someone actually agrees with me. I think Brooke is great and is doing very well so far, but she is not the savior of all things dance like they are making her out to be.
I am glad she’s paired with Derek though. He’s a really fabulous dancer and has been kinda screwed the past couple seasons in the voting (kinda like Maks in that regard). I’m glad he’s with someone this season who seems to really have the potential to win.
And I also agree that Toni should be getting higher scores. I like her a lot. I tend to forget about her sometimes though, when mentally going through the dancers - that can’t be good.