If it's Monday, it must be time to....

Posted: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 by Travis Cody in
24

...cue that theme music!



Welcome to my weekly obsession! Tonight, all 12 couples dance either a Mambo or a Quickstep. Get a snack because this is a long recap.

First, we pay tribute to Israel "Cachao" Lopez, who died this week at the age of 90. From Wikipedia:

Israel "Cachao" López (September 14, 1918 – March 22, 2008), often known just as "Cachao" (pronounced kah-CHOW) was a Cuban mambo musician, bassist and composer, who has helped bring mambo music to popularity in the United States of America in the early 1950s. He was born in Havana, Cuba. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and has been described as "the inventor of the mambo". He is considered a master of descarga (Latin jam sessions).


Now Mambo is characterized by hip action, and this is a hot Mambo performed by Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine and Joanna Zacharewicz. Emmanuel and Joanna have performed together in International Latin style and American Smooth. Joanna is the current American Smooth champion with new partner Jose deCamps.


The other dance tonight is Quickstep, which is characterized by footwork that is fast but smooth and elegant. This clip will make you smile. This is Christopher Hawkins & Hazel Newberry, circa 1999. They are former 3-time Professional Standard World Champions.


Now let's get to it!

Steve and Anna dance Mambo. If you just watch his face, he's performing and having a great time. But his dancing is wooden. He's got no hip action at all. He did the steps and had plenty of energy. But he's just not a dancer. He's very charming and Anna is gorgeous. He didn't have good technique or musicality this week. He is enjoying the experience so much that it's hard not to like him, but that just wasn't very good. Judges say 6,5,5 for a total of 16.

Cristian and Cheryl dance Quickstep. Cheryl dressed up the Air Force officer in a Navy uniform to fix his posture. You could see him thinking about his posture and he didn't look like he was enjoying what he was doing. Finally near the end he started smiling. The performance was ok. He had good footwork and his posture was much better than last week. It wasn't controlled enough, but it had lots of energy and Pam reminds me that Cristian is HAWT! Judges say 7,6,7 for a total of 20.

Monica and Jonathan dance Mambo. She looks much more comfortable this week. And look at her smile and flirt! She's still a little awkward with some of the footwork, but she's working those hips. Once again Jonathan helps her through it with his teaching and partnering skills. It wasn't great, but she looked like she enjoyed herself. She doesn't have technique, but she's trying and that dance did have a few moments when she seemed to get it. Judges say 5's across for a total of 15.

Penn and Kym dance Quickstep. It was much more smooth than I expected. He's in more control of how heavily he steps. He's not light on his feet, but he wasn't a clod this time. He held his posture through most of it and he tried to do the steps. It was a bit manic, but the performance was there. He pulls the audience in because he's having fun with what he's doing, and he's an entertainer. We wish he would dial down on the personality just a bit and let other people talk. Judges say 6,6,5 for a total of 17.

Priscilla and Louis dance Mambo. Louis nails it again with the choreography. He is the perfect partner for her. We loved her facial expressions during that dance. She looks fantastic. The dance was a little too controlled for fun Mambo. Her technique was terrific and the performance was contained. She didn't over dance it or under dance it. We thought it was just right. She made us forget that she is a 62 year old grandmother. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21.

Shannon and Derek dance Quickstep. She looks elegant and confident. Her posture was good. That was great! The choreography was terrific and she was able to keep up with the steps. She was charming and classy, and beautiful. The performance was engaging. She made us smile. We loved that. It was so much fun. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24.

Jason and Edyta dance Mambo. Wow. That was difficult choreography and he did a good job of partnering her through it. He started just a little stiff, but loosened up pretty quick. He is graceful and is able to control the dance. His height is complementing Edyta very well. He has learned technique very quickly, which has allowed him to move on to perfect his performance. As well as he connected with the audience last week, he was even better this week. We agree with the judges that he is a contender. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27.

Marissa and Tony dance Quickstep. This was the perfect dance for her this week. She was confident with the steps and was able to channel her energy into the steps. She made us smile because she was able to throw her personality into the dance without letting it overwhelm the steps. She had so much fun. Tony boosted her confidence and helped her perform without being wacky. There were a few footwork problems, but we didn't mind that because the dance was fun. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21.

Adam and Julianne dance Mambo. I guess the best I can say about that is that he did ok for a guy who has no rhythm. He doesn't disrespect the show and I appreciate that. It was cheeky, but it wasn't really a good Mambo. And we didn't think he was as entertaining as Penn or as charming as Steve or as endearing as Monica. Of course, part of the problem is that we don't like this guy. Judges say 6,7,6 for a total of 19.

Marlee and Fabian dance Quickstep. We are so impressed with the way he teaches her, and the way he leads her through the dance. If you didn't know she was deaf, there's no way you could tell. In this dance, they had minimal eye contact so he had to be a true lead through the dance, using only hand and body signals to bring her through. There were a few technique issues and it was a non-traditional Quickstep. The judges universally praised her musicality, and she is certainly bringing energy and performance to the dancing. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24.

Kristi and Mark dance Mambo. Shy? Did she just say she was shy? Wooooooooooooo!!! When the music starts, she is on. I never thought I would say this...all those years watching her as a figure skater...but Kristi Yamaguchi is HAWT!!!! Dang! Her background in a performance sport is really giving her an edge. Mark is the right partner for her. That was sexy and energetic. It had difficult choreography, terrific technique, and sharp performance. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27.

Mario and Karina dance Quickstep. I do not like the sleeves cut out of the tuxedo. His shoulders bounced up and down a bit, but that was minor. His posture was good, his footwork much better. The dance had energy and the performance was terrific. The chemistry was excellent between them. He definitely brings energy and youth to the dance. There was a lift at the end, but the judges let it go. Judges say 9,8,9 for a total of 26.

Here's the new leader board after tonight's dances:

54 Kristi & Mark
50 Mario & Karina
49 Jason & Edyta
46 Marlee & Fabian
45 Priscilla & Louis
45 Shannon & Derek
41 Cristian & Cheryl
39 Marissa & Tony
34 Steve & Anna
34 Adam & Julianne
33 Penn & Kym
30 Monica & Jonathan

DWTS is one show that limits the number of votes. Since there are 12 couples, we get 12 votes...24 for Pam and I because we each have our cell phones. We split our votes between Krisi, Jason, Marlee, and Priscilla.

Tonight is a double elimination. Two celebrities will go home, one man and one woman. I'll have results and encores tomorrow. Tell me in comments if there is any particular dance you'd like to see again. If I can find the clip I'll post it.

And I'm behind with rounds, so I'll catch up throughout the week.

24 comments:

  1. Anonymous says:
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  1. Anonymous says:

    I think that Kristi is the girl to beat although I'm rooting for Marlee. What an amazing feat for her to be performing so well! :)

    This year is an amazing group of dancers 'eh?

  1. TopChamp says:

    I even argued with my boyfriend last night over the figure-skater unfair advantage, when I don't know who she is really and I haven't seen your show as it only airs here on a channel you have to pay for.

    That's just NUTS.

  1. Liz Hill says:

    Thank you so much for the re-cap --wonderful as always.
    I didn't get to see the whole show last night.

  1. Schmoop says:

    Penn looks goofy in that shirt. Just sayin'. Cheers Trav!!

  1. DrillerAA says:

    I would expect Adam and Monica to be gone tonight. I think Penn is much more likable than Adam and probably has built a bigger fan base quicker. Monica is the weakes of the girls.

  1. Ivanhoe says:

    I missed it last night so I came right over here knowing that you would fill me in. Thank you and I'll try to catch the result's show tonight.

  1. Missed the show last night. What did Carrie Ann say about J. Lo.? Understand Priscilla has some medical issues? It is a great show with wonderful couples this year.

  1. I told you Kristi would benefit from her years of skating professionally. All those years of performing with Stars on Ice will be to her advantage.

  1. I'm not surprised Kristi's doing so well. It's not a major leap (pardon the pun,) between ice skating & dancing. Sorry for my continued absence lately--having back problems & sitting at the computer doesn't help. <:(

  1. My hope is that Adam slithers off into the darkness...

    I think it could be Monica leaving.

    Steve might not be the best, but dang the guy has fun...

    Marlee and Priscilla and Jason are my favs right now...I love that Marlee can be so graceful while "hearing the music while in the shower, through the closed door" and Priscilla is 62 and is having a ball...

    Thanks Travis...as I watched last evening, I wondered what your overall thoughts would be.

    I think Marlee deserves a little feature time here tomorrow.

  1. Kimmie says:

    Hey Trav!
    I missed the show last night! Boo Hiss! I will enjoy any video you put up. Thank You for the recap of the show. You are a sweetheart!

    Smiles,
    Kimmie

  1. Akelamalu says:

    I don't get to watch this but I love your write-ups. Pricilla is 62?????? Oh God she's older than me and looks 10 times better. :(

  1. Meribah says:

    As obsessions go, this is a good one. I don't share it, so I hope you understand when I don't comment all that much about it! :)

  1. Anonymous says:

    I see some familiar faces, but don't know who most of those folks are... I guess I'm out of touch.

    Great recap... Now I know enough to talk about the show if I'm asked...

  1. Linda says:

    I've yet to watch this season's show but when my mom and aunt were talking about it at Bingo last week I knew enough from reading your recaps to be able to actually contribute to the conversation! Thank you, Travis!

    I'm rooting for Kristi!

  1. CWM: I think the top gals are Kristi, Marlee, and Priscilla, but watch out for Shannon.

    TC: But nuts in a good way.

    Turn: You are most welcome.

    Matt: Yeah, but he pretty much looks goofy in anything.

    Dirlleraa: I think you may be right. It's all about whether the fanbases come through.

    Ivanhoe: Glad I could keep you caught up.

    Jamie: Really? I didn't hear anything about JLo or medical issues. Hmmmm.

    Songbird: Yeah you did. I think it benefits her with the dances and also with her showmanship. She never seems to be fighting the nerves.

    Lana: Take care of yourself. You know where to find me.

    V: We agree on all counts. And I was thinking the same thing about Marlee.

    Kimmie: Slacker! LOL...just kidding. I'll have a few encores and a results recap on Wednesday.

    Akelamalu: She does look great and I love watching her dance.

    Meri: No worries dear.

    Lois: Pleased to be of service.

  1. Kimmie says:

    I know, I know...my bad! :(

    Thank You So Much! You are the best! Yeay...no squeeky sneakers in the background! LOL!

    Smiles,
    Kimmie

  1. j says:

    See? I don't even watch the show and I knew Kristi would have an edge. And I am impressed that Priscilla Presley is doing so well.

    Your info on my post about cancer today was interesting. I am thankful for your health, and that I have had an opportunit to get to know you a bit. Here's to blogging and the friends we make *clink*

    Jennifer

  1. DrillerAA says:

    Ouch, Penn left. Well, at least we get to see Juliene one more week. Ya gotta believe that Adam will be the next one voted of the island.

  1. When I heard Kristi was going to be on this season I pretty much figured they should give her the trophy now. She was awesome last night. She truly looked professional!

  1. RW says:

    My condolences to Israel "Cachao" Lopez.

  1. DrillerAA says:

    Since Edyta is paired with a true contender this year, we're gonna see alot of her abs. WOOOHoooo!!!

  1. Linda: Kristi is one of our favorites too, but we also like Jason, Priscilla, and Marlee.

    Kimmie: Nope...squeaky sneakers won't be back until the weekend.

    Jennifer: I was impressed with Priscilla too. I had no idea she would take to it so well.

    Drilleraa: Let's hope so.

    Starr: It's about fanbase too though. I'm sure she has an edge there, but sometimes the best dancer doesn't always win.

    Roger: Apparently he was very influential.

    Drilleraa: Woooooooooooooooo!