It's Monday and you know what time it is...

Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 by Travis Cody in
25

Hang on a minute.

While making my rounds, I cruised by Everything and Nothing. Akelamalu has one of those music jukeboxes in her sidebar with some great music on it. I couldn't get this one out of my head...the great Mr Johnny Nash.


Nice!

And now let's cue that theme music because it's live from Hollywood!



You have no idea how much that theme music makes me smile!

We have a big night of competition. Each couple will dance their own routine in a style they have not yet danced, and then join the group in a rousing country group dance with lifts and spins and all kinds of wackiness.

But first...

Jason and Edyta dance Cha Cha Cha. He danced that like your average guy at a club. It was cheeky and fun, but we didn't think it was up to standard for the ballroom. They had all the Cha Cha Cha content and performed well. But his musicality wasn't great, although he is still an effective partner in hold with Edyta. It's just that out of hold he was awkward. She gave him difficult choreography and his footwork wasn't as good as in the past. Although, we did enjoy the performance. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. I think there was some credit for his partnering skills.

Shannon and Derek dance Rumba. When she can slow down and make use of her length and those amazing LEGS LEGS LEGS LEGS, she does very well. Derek was able to cover quite a bit of her awkwardness. We thought they performed the character of the dance very well. She was better than last week, but she still had trouble with the missing hip action again. And there were a few problems with extentions and footwork. We enjoyed the dance, but it wasn't really good enough for this stage of the competition. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. No, I'm sorry but we didn't think that was equal with Jason's Cha Cha Cha.

Marlee and Fabian dance Mambo. Fabian is a former World Mambo Champion. A few inspirational words from Henry Winkler, and away we go! There's always a lot of pressure on the celebrity when they dance the pro's best dance. Fabian really slowed this down for her, but she struggled quite a bit with footwork, musicality, and timing. That was a tough dance for her and unfortunately she didn't quite get it. Rats. She's had two tough weeks with dance styles that are tied so intensely to the music. She's been so inspiring, but you can really see in her body language that she just wants to dance well despite being deaf. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21. That's generous. They could have gone lower.

Cristian and Cheryl dance Foxtrot. Pam says the HAWTness meter went off the charts with Cristian rehearsing in the swimming pool. Too bad he looked like a wax figure when he danced. OW!! Sorry...I just got thwacked for that comment. But he was incredibly stiff and looked very awkward. Pam does agree with me on that. Len thinks it was Cristian's best dance. Well, we don't know what the judges liked about it because we didn't think it was very good. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27. We're not seeing that. We might need to watch that one again.

Marissa and Tony dance Viennese Waltz. How does one portray class, elegance, and romance when dancing a Waltz to Delilah? Sheesh! This has got to be the all time worst music selection. But I must say that Marissa was elegant, classy, and beautiful during the dance. She was smooth and kept her character all the way through. That was really wonderful. There was a bit of a stumble at the end with the final move. That was probably a mistake to put that in the choreography. Without that stumble, that dance could get 10s. It was still her best dance by far. Judges say 9,8,9 for a total of 26. Come on Len! That should have been 9's across.

Kristi and Mark dance Jive. Damn that was good! Hokey smokes! The choreography was super difficult. It had a story and character. It was energetic and fast and fun. It was a perfect Jive. Just tremendous. It had everything you could want in a dance. The kicks and flips were crisp. And they performed it beautifully. There's nothing to pick apart about that dance. And we have run out of adjectives. Judges say 10's across for the season's first perfect 30. Yup!

Mario and Karina dance Rumba. That was really good. Very sultry and sexy, just like a Rumba should be. Last week was his best dance, but this one surpassed that. Len called it too raunchy, but it was the way Mark described it last week...a vertical expression of a horizontal desire. We thought the dance stayed on the sensual side of the line and did not cross over into raunch. There was a lift, which will knock the score down. Judges say 9,9,10 for a total of 28. Bruno decided to ignore the lift.

Now the country group dance gets no scores from the judges. It's fun for the dancers and fun for the fans. This dance is choreographed by Christian Perry. That was crazy wild! We didn't think it was as good as group dances from the past, but it was still lots of fun.

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

30 Kristi & Mark
29 Mario & Karina
27 Cristian & Cheryl
26 Marissa & Tony
24 Jason & Edyta
24 Shannon & Derek
21 Marlee & Fabian

My votes went to Kristi this week. I also threw a few to Marlee because I'd like her to be able to have one more chance at a style she can perform well. Pam went for Jason, with a few votes to Marlee.

We'll see more ballroom kids on the results show, plus Ashley Simpson and a performance from Riverdance.

Later babies!

25 comments:

  1. Liz Hill says:

    I missed a couple due to 'things' so thanks as always for your wonderful recap.

    Encore for me would be Mario And Karina--YUM.

    My voting finger is still in retirement but we'll see when next week rolls around.

    I snatched the meme ;-)

  1. Marsha says:

    I thought Christian and Cheryl's score were a bit high myself. I think the judges simply didn't want them in the bottom two again this week. The 'go home' is likely to be Marlee this week although I'm not sure it shouldn't be Shannon.
    But was that not one of the best Jives you've ever seen on this show. AWESOME job from Kristi and Mark!!

  1. hey trav! happy earth day! don't litter, okay?

    smiles, bee
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  1. Ivanhoe says:

    Here are my favorites of the night:
    Kristy, Mario, Marissa & Jason. I did not really care for any other performances. At this point of competition, you have to bring it on! :o)))))

  1. Schmoop says:

    Cheryl and Whoever, should always get a 10. Cheers Travis!!

  1. I hope Marlee stays around, but I want the judges to stop prefacing their remarks with "You are so inspirational....yadda yadda"
    I watched her face and I think he would like them to stop also...Every time they "complimented her on her ability to do this with her lack of hearing" her face scrunched up...You brought in a deaf person to compete...let them compete and stop patting them on the head and telling them you are proud...it just seems demeaning to me.

    How can Bruno ignore the lift?????? HOW?

    Gosh the music still is so bad...

  1. Will Ashlee Simpson "step sync?"

  1. Johnny Nash, wow, I had forgotten how good he sang, thanks for that one

  1. May have mentioned this before, but I love my Pandora stations because you can create your own with all your favorite music or play one of their genre stations.

    Once you create your own station, you can listen to it either on your blog or on your pod.

    I'm with you about want Marlee to stick around. She is such a great role model taking on such a difficult challenge.

  1. Sandee says:

    Wow that's an oldie Travis. I so remember it too. The kids don't dance like that anymore. Thanks for putting that song in my head (I think). Have a great day. :)

  1. j says:

    Yea Kristi!

    I had never heard the song on the video. It was fun to watch though with the Back Up singers line dancing in the back ground.

    Hope you have a great day.

    Jennifer

  1. Akelamalu says:

    Oh you found a video for Johnny Nash! I love that song,which is why I've got it on my blog playlist obviously.

    Did Pricilla get voted off? :(

  1. DrillerAA says:

    We DVR'd the show so I can watch that jive again and again. That was amazing.
    The dress contributed to Marissa's grace. When you expose her "chunkyness", it's difficult to see the grace. She was good last night. Again, the music was the worst part of the performance. Next, they'll trying to do a Rhumba to Led Zepplin!
    I actually thought that Christian's Foxtrot went pretty well.
    Like you, for me, Shannon difines the phrase "Hawt Legs", but she is still a little stff in the hips.
    Marlee is in trouble. Music with a fast beat, where timing is critical really exposes her disability. She is a gamer, but I think she is near the end of her game. Only a large fan base can save her.

  1. Marsha says:

    Interesting.....no one has mentioned Bruno's sensor....LOL

  1. Kimmie says:

    Hey Travis!
    I came out of my break already! LOL! Actually, semi, the comments and a few emails made me realize that it would be to hard to just break completely away. So I am giving myself an hour a day. ;-)

    Okay...I LOVED Kristie's dance. It reminded me of Marie Osmand's last season when she was dressed in the tan uniform look. Just so fun and perfect. I agree with you and Pam on all the other dances. You two are good at this!
    Can't wait until tonight!!! It should be a great show. I will be back tomorrow for your recap!
    Smiles,
    Kimmie

  1. Julie says:

    A good show as always. You're review helps me realize things that I didn't catch. Thanks dear.

    I think the J. Nash dancers should all get 10's too! Woo!! How silly!

  1. Julie says:

    A good show as always. You're review helps me realize things that I didn't catch. Thanks dear.

    I think the J. Nash dancers should all get 10's too! Woo!! How silly!

  1. Linda says:

    First off, I listened to all of Akelamalu's jukebox today because she had such good stuff on it! That song was THE best, though!

    Another wonderful recap as always - the show needs to hire you and Pam for PR as you two are just the bestest!

  1. Turn: I predict that it will come down to fanbase, as it always does.

    Marsha: I'm thinking it's a toss up between Marlee and Shannon. And that was a great Jive!

    Bee: Yes Ma'am!

    Ivanhoe: Yup. It's time to throw down with your best performances now.

    Matt: And last night she was wearing short shorts, a tight top, and boots! Yum!

    V: Agreed. And Bruno ignored the lift the same way he ignored Jason's trip and awarded a 10 to that dance!

    Charles: Now that's funny!

    Sarge: I'd forgotten that song too.

    Jamie: I haven't listened to Pandora in ages, and I love the format.

    Sandee: I like the oldies!

    Jennifer: Isn't it funny how the dancers never smiled?

    Akelamalu: Priscilla was voted off last week, and it might be Marlee this week.

    Drilleraa: Nice recap...short and to the point.

    Marsha: Well, he says so many outrageous things anyway.

    Kimmie: I'm glad it was a short break! Try stepping away as you need to, and easing back in as time allows.

    Julie: I thought they should have had go go boots on with those outfits. LOL!

  1. Dottie says:

    I never get to watch Dancing...so I'm so glad you do such a great recap. I can totally understand why you'd be behind on the meme's.

  1. Good post. I hope you saw my email. Right on the money. Thanks Travis! I will still be tuning in-that is inbetween planning a homecoming party to attend!

  1. I am in a fog....good post, did I say that?
    Some link love to you on my blog for the support.

  1. Kristie was amazing. There was her dance...and everyone elses!

  1. RW says:

    Thats some good Nash!

  1. Linda: We really love Dancing and we'll do the PR for free!

    Dottie: I better catch up soon though.

    Leigh: I was sad to see Marlee go. I hope Fabian returns next season because I really enjoyed him.

    Starr: Pretty much!

    Roger: Ain't it the truth!