Trav's Thoughts

YAY! Finished my Manic Monday rounds just in time.

It’s 20:00 on Monday night…Dancing time!!

I introduced the celebrities and their professional partners last week, so here’s the link if you need a refresher.

Dancing With the Stars Week 1

Tonight, the fellas dance Quickstep,


...while the ladies dance Mambo.


Apolo and Julianne: Now she did a wise thing with this Quickstep by incorporating slide elements from speed skating right off the top. That got Apolo comfortable with it. The steps were quick and they had all the elements of a proper Quickstep. Some of the choreography was a little rough, but overall it was a really good dance. Judges say 8,9,9 for a total of 26 and highest of the season so far. Combined with last week's score = 47.

Shandi and Brian: She still looks very awkward and he went for some very difficult choreography. Not wise - she's not ready for it. He should have tried something a little simpler that she could do. She was so focused on trying to do those hard steps that she forgot the most important thing in Mambo - sexy hip swivels!!!!! Judges say 6,7,7 for a total of 20. Combined with last week's score = 39.

Clyde and Elena: His footwork was fantastic and he really did the best he could with his frame. But I know something of bad shoulders - there's no way he's going to have a proper frame. He definitely enjoyed it more than last week, but it really wasn't very good in terms of a ballroom dance. Better than last week and the crowed was in his corner. I applaud his effort. Judges say 6's across for a total of 18. Combined with last week's score = 34.

Leeza and Tony: It was a little slow and she was less wooden, but she didn't have as much hip action as she needed. She seemed to enjoy it more and she danced much better than last week. Tony kept the choreography simple and matched to her ability, and correct for Mambo. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21. Combined with last week's score = 36.

Ian and Cheryl: His frame is fantastic to start and he's a great partner. He's leading her through the dance and that doesn't usually happen with the celebrity men this early. He's really good. As the dance went on, he lost some frame and glide, but as he progresses with Cheryl he can definitely challenge. Judges say 7,8,7 for a total of 22. Combined with last week's score = 43.

Paulina and Alec: Dang! She's so tall! Oh, I said that last week. She did nothing with hips and the dance was not sexy. She did dance the steps and Alec had all the Mambo elements. It wasn't horrible, but she's so tall and elegant. I think ballroom suits her better. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21. Combined with last week's score = 40.

Hey - Dionne Warwick performs on the results show. And you'll see some fantastic professional dancing. Results begin at 8pm Tuesday with recaps of all the dancing from last week and this week. Eliminations begin at 9pm.

Billy Ray and Karina: You know what? That wasn't horrible. He had the steps and he actually danced. She had to remind him a couple of times what came next, but it wasn't the worst thing I've ever seen. Gotta give him credit. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21. Combined with last week's score = 34.

Heather and Jonathan: Her posture through the whole thing was poor, but she danced it really well. Jonathan had some really tough choreography and she nailed all the steps. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. Combined with last week's score = 42.

John and Edyta: He had some trouble with frame during the runs, but he was able to get most of the steps. It wasn't as fast as it needed to be, but Edyta controlled the tempo of the dance really well. He performed it extremely well, which over-shadowed some of the difficulty. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21. Combined with last week's score = 38.

Laila and Maks: THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP. And she can dance too. Oh my word. Sexy, sultry, hip action that will put you on the floor. She's this season's Emmitt - this Mambo was outstanding. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27, best score of the night and deservedly so. Combined with last week's score = 50.

Joey and Kym: He's a ham. Very quick feet and outstanding performance. They work very well together. The choreography was difficult and fun and they hit on every step. Very strong, and his ability to perform and entertain makes this pair a strong contender. He is also another of the male celebrities that is leading his partner through the dance as he should. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. Combined with last week's score = 48.

As it was with the last season, the guys are the better overall dancers right now. But unlike last season, a lady is the best of them all so far.