Not even kaleidoscopic blindness can stop the dance reviews
Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 by Travis Cody inI'm sorry...I didn't get around to MM posts or other blogs tonight.
While I was listening to Turnbaby Talks I got the old kaleidescope effects on my visual field followed by the total temporary monocular blindness. Basically I got an early warning migraine symptom. I had a hard time seeing chat. I hope the things I tried to type made sense.
As soon as it started I downed a couple Tylenol. I don't always get the full migraine after the kaleidescope. I usually get dizzy and have trouble focusing for a couple hours.
The migraines first started after I finished radiation therapy for Hodgkins disease about 13 years ago. I get three or four every year. I think I've had three this year.
If you're braving the National Novel Writing Month, you might check out the archive of Turn's show. Her guest was Ian Healy, author of The Milkman which was written during NaNoWriMo a couple years ago. The discussion was very informative and may help you if you're a first timer.
OK...things seem to be settling down now. Let's cue that theme music.
The stars dance in a style they haven't danced before this season, and then a rocking group dance choreographed by Christian Perry.
Sabrina and Mark dance Foxtrot. Her strong point is definitely performance. She has it every week. But this is not one of her better dances. They flubbed a couple of steps and didn't really have the smooth elegance that a Foxtrot should have. That dance was a bit disapointing. Carrie Ann has lost her mind. Judges say 9,8,8 for a total of 25. The 9 is too high, that was not a great Foxtrot.
Jennie and Derek dance Mambo. As long as she doesn't think about what she's doing, she does just fine. She had a little mis-step, but you could tell when she was enjoying it. The smile was genuine and the performance followed right from it. That was a fun Mambo, just like it should be. It was difficult too. She just needs to remember that feeling and stop thinking about everything around her. She really can do it. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27. Yup.
Ms Jane and Tony dance Jive. Ms Jane has had the classy and elegant dances so far. They were victims of slow tempo music for that Jive. And she somehow managed to make a classy and elegant Jive. To be honest, it didn't have the spark and speed and energy that a proper Jive should have. Tony choreographed a solid dance and she performed it well. But the tempo wasn't right for Jive and it just wasn't her dance. Judges say 8,7,7 for a total of 22. 
Cameron and Edyta dance Samba. We didn't like that much. We think it was the choreography and the music. It was certainly sexy, but it was too slow. It wasn't a party Samba, which is what both Pam and I prefer. Edyta barely had a costume, which I appreciate. And Pam still thinks Cameron is yummy. So there you go. Judges say 9,8,8 for a total of 25. 
Mel and Maks dance Rumba. We always love Maks' Rumba choreography. And this was no exception. He emphasized all of Mel's strengths in that dance. He kept the standard Rumba posing to a minimum and focused on the movement. The music was perfect. The dance was exquisitely sexy, sensual, and emotional. It was absolutely beautiful. Judges say 10's across for a total of 30. 
Marie and Jonathan dance Paso Doble. Basic and proper Paso choreography. She had the character and the steps. There was drama and passion. It might have been a little safe. We prefer Marie in the ballroom dances or the fun Latin dances like Cha Cha Cha. Judges say 8,8,7 for a total of 23.
Helio and Julianne dance Cha Cha Cha. That's a great dance for him. It shows off his personality. It's fun. It seems very natural for him. Lot's of great Cha Cha Cha choreography - plenty of basic stuff mixed with some difficult movements. The performance was terrific and the energy was great. Judges say 9,10,9 for a total of 28.
Here's the leader board before the group dance.
30 Mel
28 Helio
27 Jennie
25 Sabrina
25 Cameron
23 Marie
22 Ms Jane
The rehearsal footage for the group dance was hilarious. It looks like they had so much fun.
Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! I can't wait to post that video for y'all! Outstanding!! They got that in one rehearsal. Absolutely fantastic!
Thanks to Christian Perry for a brilliant routine.
Here's a bonus...the group Jive from last season.
No slight to last season's celebrities, but this season's group Jive was way better!
Well, Pam and I have decided this is the last week we'll vote for our favorite celebrities. I voted for Ms Jane and Pam voted for Marie. After this week we'll begin voting for the dances we think were best.
Don't forget to vote for an encore. Tell me which celebrity, or which pro, or which dance you want to see and I'll put the clip in my results post.
Barry Manilow is in the ballroom for results. Hey! He writes the songs y'all.
Zzzzz-ville is calling now. Gotta go lay down before I fall down.
geez Travis! I am so sorry about the migraine warning....I went to dinner with the kids after Turnbaby and missed DWTS..so am glad to have the recap!