Cue that theme music...

Posted: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 by Travis Cody in
26

My Lakers were in Denver last night, trying to close out the Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. As much as I love my Lakers, you know what I watched.



Because it's live from Hollywood! And we're only three weeks from crowning a champion!

Well babies, last night our couples had two dances in different styles.

First up is the ballroom round...

Marissa and Tony dance Tango. Sometimes we don't like the props, but they used the chair very well. She has really improved, and now Tony is giving her wonderful choreography. She's dancing this so well. Quite impressive. A solid and classic Tango with controlled passion and drama. Very nicely danced and she looks great too! Judges say 9's across for a total of 27. Yup. She deserved every bit of that score.

Cristian and Cheryl dance Viennese Waltz. That wasn't as smooth as we would have liked. But the spins were nicely performed and the spiral at the end was really good. We didn't actually feel the chemistry they normally have between them. And it didn't feel as romantic as it could have been. I don't know, something was missing for us. Judges say 8,8,9 for a total of 25. We'll agree with that.

Kristi & Mark dance Viennese Waltz. Now that's a beautiful Waltz. It was romantic and elegant, and classy. We're really out of adjectives to describe the way they dance together. Just outstanding. The story was beautiful and we loved the umbrella as part of the drama of the story, another case where a prop worked. The judges picked on her turn into the drop...yeah, maybe she lost her balance a bit. But there isn't another celebrity who could do it. Judges say 9,8,9 for a total of 26. Mr Cranky-Pants Len needs a woobie...or a whack across the back of the head.

Mario and Karina dance Foxtrot. You won't hear me say this often...maybe I need a good thump on the head...but I don't like so much skin showing during a Foxtrot. There, I said it. Foxtrot is about elegance, so put on a proper gown and tuxedo and dance me some elegance and class. Ooops! Sounds like I caught a bit of Len's cranky! Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. We'll agree with that.

Shannon and Derek dance Tango. She doesn't look nearly as awkward when her legs are covered. Of course, I enjoy her LEGS LEGS LEGS LEGS. The choreography was good and they had the sharp movements. The drama and aggression was there, and the dance had plenty of content. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27. Well, if we had to compare that dance to the Tango from Marissa & Tony it wouldn't be favorable. We think that score is too high for that dance.

Jason and Edyta dance Quick Step. Wow! That was a huge jump! He is tremendous in this dance. I've said all along how impressed I am with his partnering skill. He shows it off to excellent effect in this dance. We thought that the footwork was quick, crisp, and precise. That dance had energy and wonderful technique. Judges say 10,9,10 for a total of 29. Len is a curmudgeon tonight. That easily could have been a 30.

Next up is the Latin round...

Marissa & Tony dance Rumba. That had a nice combination of dancing and posing. It was also sexy and sensual, with some romance thrown in. We thought it was a lovely dance, and she performed very well. The two of them have really come a long way together. She is ready to learn and perform the more difficult choreography, and Tony genuinely seems to be enjoying the partnership. He has turned her into a capable dancer. Judges say 9,8,8 for a total of 25. Maybe another 9, but that's a good score.

Cristian and Cheryl dance Samba. That had a lot of classic Samba choreography, but Cristian injured his arm part way through the dance. That's unfortunate because they were really dancing well. He tried to finish but he couldn't extend the arm. Back from commercial, they say Cristian had a muscle cramp in his lower bicep. The judges commend Cristian for trying to continue, and will score up to the injury. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21. That's really unfortunate.

Kristi and Mark dance Cha Cha Cha. Now that's how you answer the bell. That was hot! It had energy, cheek, hip action, and fun choreography. It was contemporary and extremely well performed. We didn't mind the hip hop section because it was done with taste and it was danced well. Judges say 10,8,10 for a total of 28. Now Len is just marking down for spite and I don't care for that at all.

Mario and Karina dance Mambo. He's definitely more comfortable with the more relaxed and loose Latin style. The turns and steps in this choreography were very difficult and he did them well. This was a good dance for the two of them. His charm comes across during the Latin dances and you can tell he enjoys what he's doing. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27. Well done!

Shannon and Derek dance Mambo. And there are those beautiful but awkward LEGS LEGS LEGS LEGS. She thinks she's using her hips but she's really not. She's very stiff while she's dancing. Just wiggling about when you're standing still is not the way you throw hip action when you dance Mambo. Sorry, but that just wasn't very good as a complete dance. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. We think that's generous.

Jason and Edyta dance Paso Doble. Are you freaking kidding me??? We're dancing Paso to the Monday Night Football theme? I can't even describe how bad that was. There was a lift at the end. The footwork wasn't very good. There was too much posing. The Dolphins colors on the costumes was just too much of a gimmick. Now they didn't choose that music and Edyta did what she could with the choreography. But we thought that the choice of music was a real disservice to the pair of them. Judges say 9,8,9 for a total of 26. For us, that score is too high for a dance we didn't think was very good.

Here's the combined leader board after two dances:

55 Jason & Edyta
54 Kristi & Mark
52 Marissa & Tony
51 Mario & Karina
51 Shannon & Derek
46 Cristian & Cheryl

We're done with vote splitting now. The Quick Step from Jason & Edyta was the dance of the night, and Pam chose to ignore her strong dislike of their Paso and threw her votes to them. I voted for Kristi & Mark because they are my favorite pair and I thought their dances were terrific.

Def Leppard is in the ballroom for the results show. Yes, I said Def Leppard.

And next week is the 100th episode celebration!

You know, as I read back through to edit for typos and such, I realize that my tenses are often confusing. I guess that's what happens when you blog something live and then post it for the next day. A reference to "tonight" should actually end up being "last night", etc.

Do you mind the wonky tenses? I hope not.

It's tough to get that 4th win and close a team out in the playoffs. The Nuggets stood up and played the Lakers tough, but LA gutted it out on the road and escaped Denver with a victory to advance to the next round. The Lakers become the second team to advance - Orlando was the first as they eliminated Toronto - and the only team to sweep their opponent so far.

26 comments:

  1. Schmoop says:

    Screw the tenses, full speed ahead. Cheers Travis!!

  1. Travis, I'm mad that Marlee is gone! Grrr!

  1. Go, Kristi, Go!

    I haven't been able to watch the NBA playoffs. It's been too painful, you know?

  1. Ivanhoe says:

    You doing just fine with your sentences. I think everybody gets it. Kristy & Jason are my faves! It's going to be hard for me if both are in finale. Oh my - Def Lepard? I'm there!

  1. Matt: Aye Sir!

    Teach: I missed watching her dance too!

    Songbird: Yeah, I understand.

    Ivanhoe: Thanks. We've enjoyed both Kristi and Jason. Pam and I are usually on the same page as we get down to the finale, but I suspect we'll be split between Kristi and Jason if they both make it.

  1. Akelamalu says:

    Who's tense? ;)

    Thanks for the update Trav. We went for our first Salsa lesson last Thursday - what a lark! :)

    I'm doing your Trivia meme tomorrow honey.

  1. Good review. I was less than impressed with Cheryl and Christain on both dances last night...

  1. Liz Hill says:

    No worries on the tenses sugar--I do understand though;-)

    Still firmly not voting although that will likely change next week--I just think Jason and Edyta are awesome. Their Quick Step was amazing.

  1. Marsha says:

    Did anyone besides me think the music was better last night than it has been? Seemed to me it actually fit the dances....well except for Jason's paso...LOL...but that was creative.

  1. I do not mind the tenses, as I get caught up in them often as I blog the night before...

    Marissa is so improved it is almost scary...as Tony said 'who has gone from 7's to 9's' as she has
    I was waiting for your comment on the MNF theme...I did not dislike the dance as much as you did...with the music given them, I think they did a very good job. I like Jason...

    there is something about Kristie that irritates me...have not put my finger on it yet...

    even though he got hurt, I think Christian is in the bottom and I believe Mario will be with him...

    Congrats on the sweep by your Lakers

  1. You do such a great job of describing Monday that I'm always up to speed for the results show. Thank you.

  1. j says:

    Go Kristi!

    Wonky Tenses dont bother me a bit. I thought that they are fine and will be ok yesterday too.

    :^D

    Jen

  1. DrillerAA says:

    The Monday Night Football theme? Def Leppard? Can it get any worse...I don't think so. Those in charge of selecting the music need to be replaced.
    I took ballroom dancing for six years, about 50 years ago, and this music is so inappropriate that it would make anyone grumpy!

  1. Akelamalu: Not me! Ooooh Salsa! I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with on the meme!

    Leigh: I thought both dances were nice, and that they were doing well on the Samba right up to the injury.

    Turn: That Quick Step was terrific and it's my top encore for the results post.

    Marsha: I agree that the music was better, but that MNF Paso Doble was awful.

    V: I agree that J&E worked with what they were given, but that was a case where I just couldn't get past the music. I didn't even see the dance.

    Jamie: Thanks!

    Jennifer: LMOO!

    Drilleraa: When I've watched professional competitions, the music for the technical rounds is always appropriate to the rhythms and styles of the dances. Then sometimes the dancers switch things up in the show rounds. I don't mind that so much.

  1. Kimmie says:

    Well, I have to be honest here. I am with bond on the Kristi thing. There is something that irks me with her being a part of this competition. I feel she has had so much previous training in the areas of form, posture, etc. from her years of skating, that I actually feel as if I am watching her skate on the dance floor. It is all very familiar. It almost feels like its cheating to me. I have seen her perform many times in person over the years, and my daughter even got her picture taken with her and an autograph. She is a honey pie for sure. I just think she came into the competition with such an advantage from all her prior experience in the form of ice dancing that it has been unfair to the other contestents. I give her shout outs and all that because she is amazing and seems flawless. I just feel sad for the other's who started from square one with no prior professional training, and have had to work really hard to get as good as they are.

    I personally hope that Marissa, Jason or Christian win. I think they are all are very good and have really improved over this season thus far.

    Oh goodness, and Christian really amazed me with his bravery after he pulled the muscle in his arm last night. Trying to finish the dance must have been excruiciating for him. I felt so bad for him, I feel he has really put his heart and soul into this competition.

    Well, we will see what happens tonight. Lordy be...I wrote a book today...sowwy! :-)
    Smiles,
    Kimmie

  1. Kimmie: I can appreciate that point of view. However, Kristi was invited to compete by the producers. The celebrities can contact the producers and express their interest in being on the show, but ultimately they do have to be invited.

    And keep in mind also that Mel B had an advantage last season, and Mario Lopez certainly had an advantage, as did Sabrina Bryan. And one could say that Mario has an advantage this season because of his hip hop dance background.

    So while I admit that Kristi has an advantage as a skater, competitor, and performer, at the end of the day she hasn't done any more ballroom dancing than any of the other celebrities, and has to learn something new just as the others do.

    And it's still going to come down to fanbases. The voters have the last say!

    Thanks for sharing!

  1. Unknown says:

    Kristy and Mark all the way! If they get voted off, I'm boycotting the show...uh, until it comes on again. I just can't pull myself away!!

  1. I'm hopeing that the CAVS can do the same thing.

  1. Unknown says:

    :spews root beer:

    Def Leppard? You're kidding...

  1. Anndi says:

    *gigglesnort* Mr Cranky Pants!

    I just don't like Shannon... at all.

  1. DrillerAA says:

    Shannon is the reason we call the show "Hot Legs and Shoes."

  1. Jan says:

    Tenses? Pffffffft! We don't notice that! Loved your reviews! My favorites change from week to week. I can't wait to see who wins!
    Have a Great Day, Travis!

  1. Gene Bach says:

    Never could get into the dance shows or American Idol. I would have watched the Lakers.

  1. Lisa Ryan says:

    wonky tenses weren't even noticed! thanks for the update, I missed it last night. Sounds like all is good in your world Trav.

  1. Def Leppard? Pour Some Sugar Leppard?! WTF?!?

    Really?!?!?

    Ok that just messed with my head. And Cristian ruptured his tendon. Tad nasty than a cramp it turns out.

  1. Steven: LOL! My sentiments exactly!

    Mike: The Cavs are struggling a bit tonight, but I'd defintely like to see them knock Washington out. I've had enough of the Wizards crossing the line.

    Dana: Would I kid you?

    Ann: Well he was! And Shannon has had her last dance.

    Drilleraa: Indeed!

    Tookie: Thanks dear! Usually my favorites will change throughout the season, but about this time I settle in on a favorite.

    Gene: Well, I did peek in on the basketball game and I got to watch the close out at the end. Balance in all things I say!

    Lisa: Things are going ok.

    Starr: Yes it was quite the injury and I don't see how he's going to be able to compete with it. And yes...that was Def Leppard.