Trav's Thoughts

Here we go babies...it's live from Hollywood!



We're down to five couples and the semi-finals are next week! And this week the pairs can perform one lift per dance, as long as it is within the character of the dance.

It's two dances again this week, with a ballroom round and then a Latin round.

First up, the ballroom round...

Kristi and Mark dance Quick Step. The steps in this dance were difficult, intricate and quick, and well executed. The dance was controlled and had great pacing. They wove the slower steps with the quicker ones seamlessly. The dance was smooth and classy. Carrie Ann picked on something we didn't see. Judges say 9,10,10 for a total of 29. We have no idea what Carrie Ann saw, but we're glad that Len seems to have overcome Mr Cranky Pants, for the moment.

Mario and Karina dance Viennese Waltz. We appreciate that he is dressed more appropriately this week for this dance. They had some nice rise and fall, but we thought he had some trouble with his frame. The dance was romantic and the choreography was youthful, which suits his style and charm. The lift was well done. Overall it was a good dance and quite an enjoyable performance. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27. We think that was deserved.

Marissa and Tony dance Foxtrot. Ooooh...jazz hands! We think she is the most improved celebrity this season. And that was a wonderful Foxtrot. The choreography was entertaining and they told a story. Her Broadway backround helps her perform a dance like that so well. But she was also controlled and her technique was strong. We're not sure what Bruno's problem was and why he thought the dance wasn't appropriate. That was an excellent dance...elegant and classy, with a bit of fun tossed in, like a Foxtrot should be. Judges say 9,8,8 for a total of 25. We think that score is two points low.

Jason and Edyta dance Tango. We expected that to be good, and it was. It was sharp, technically excellent, well presented. It had drama and passion, and they performed the character very well. He continues to be a strong lead, and we really like that. We're bothered by Len's fussing about the style of Tango it was. That kind of thing is bothersome because the casual watcher doesn't understand that distinction, and doesn't really care. The dance was excellent and that's all that should matter. Judges say 10,9,10 for a total of 29. Mr Cranky Pants is rearing his grumpy head.

Cristian and Cheryl dance Tango. He's got a complete rupture of the tendon in his left arm. The X-ray showed it complete pulled away from the bone. Cheryl has had to choreograph around the injury, with Cristian determined to do a lift. The show came back late from commercial, so we missed most of the dance. They were saddled with Beat It to dance this Tango...evidently it wasn't hard enough with the injury so they had to get the odd music too. What we saw was a decent Tango. We give him points for just getting out there. This is difficult for us to judge because we didn't see enough of it. The judges praised it. Judges say 10,9,9 for a total of 28. What we saw wasn't that good, but again we didn't see the entire dance.

Next up, the Latin round...

Kristi and Mark dance Samba. Yet again the choreography was difficult. But this time we thought something was off with Kristi. She didn't look confident or comfortable with the dance. Maybe it was a little wild and out of character for Samba. There was some difficult steps and spins that they tried. Mark is pushing the difficulty level, which is a good thing except when they miss on the overall performance. Judges say 8,9,9 for a total of 26. We think that perhaps Kristi and Mark are pressing because the other pairs are improving so much.

Mario and Karina dance Jive. He blew the cartwheel off the steps, which for us set the tone for a disappointing dance. They had perfect music for this but the dance wasn't fast enough. He got hit with a Latin dance that doesn't have the same loose rhythms as the others and he couldn't get it done. He looked awkward and did not perform that very well. The choreography was difficult, but it wasn't good. His footwork was bad. Carrie Ann and Bruno thought he brought a new flavor to the Jive. Perhaps, but the problem was that he didn't dance it well and that's supposed to be the idea here. Judges say 9,8,9 for a total of 26. We think that should have been 8's across.

Marissa and Tony dance Mambo. She's got the character of the Mambo, as expected. It was a little safe in terms of the sexy we expect from a Mambo, and there were some technique problems with turns and spins. We liked the spin at the end, although she did put her foot down which technically was a problem. We just like her. Judges say 8,8,9 for a total of 25. That's probably the right score. They are just a shade behind the better pairs, although we do enjoy watching them.

Jason and Edyta dance Samba. He really focuses on getting the technique and the steps down. There were a few spots in that dance that were awkward. However, he tries to cover with his outstanding lines, and certainly the lift at the end makes you forget that the technique and musicality were off. This just wasn't his dance. We also think that if you're going to dance Samba, then you should fight like hell any wardrober who wants to put you in gray and white. Those are NOT Latin colors. Judges say 8,7,8 for a total of 23. We think the 7 from Mr Cranky Pants was a bit low.

Cristian and Cheryl dance Mambo. Now that's a Mambo. Cheryl did a fantastic job choreographing a sexy dance around his injury. So much so that the injury became a non-factor in watching the performance. He danced that so well. It was sexy and technically outstanding. Guess what y'all? That was the dance of the night. It was fun, energetic, and he was able to lead Cheryl through the turns without any trouble at all. Just a tremendous all around dance. Judges say 10,9,10 for a total of 29. Come on Len! That dance deserved a 30.

Here's the leader board:

57 Cristian & Cheryl
55 Kristi & Mark
53 Mario & Karina
52 Jason & Edyta
50 Marissa & Tony

Pam and I cancelled each other out...she voted for Jason & Edyta while I voted for Kristi & Mark. It's really tough to say at this point who could be out. It's down to the fanbases now.

Now check this out. Tonight at 8pm, the judges count down the top 10 dances spanning all six seasons. And then at 9pm during results, we have past couples returning with all new dances.

And next week, the remaining pairs will pull their dances out of a hat.

I got about half way through blog rounds last night. As has become a habit, I'll catch up with y'all throughout the week.

Later babies!