Let's Dance!

Posted: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 by Travis Cody in
25

Cue that theme music! Live from Hollywood...



We're a little subdued tonight. Earlier today, we saw the news that Misty May Treanor had injured her ankle in rehearsals this week. Although reports denied that she had broken any bones, she did rupture her Achilles tendon and will have to withdraw from the competition.

Dangit! Best of luck to Misty May for a full recovery so she can get back on the beach volleyball tour as soon as possible!



And now the show must go on with our remaining 9 couples.

Tonight our pairs dance either Jive or Waltz.

Jive is rooted in the rhythmic beats of boogie, rock & roll, and swing, characterized by quick flick kicks and ball change movements. Jive is comes from the beats of New York's Harlem. I've got two clips from Maxim Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko. The first one is a short clip to really show you what a proper Jive looks like. The second is a brilliant show Jive from 2006.




Viennese Waltz is my all time favorite ballroom dance. This is an elegant and classic dance characterized by rise and fall, stylish walking and side steps, and smooth body sway. When done properly, Viennese Waltz is the most beautiful and romantic of dances. Please enjoy this charming fairy tale created by Marcus and Karen Hilton.


And for my friend Julie, who will miss Maks, here is a wonderful dance with Mel B. And dear, catch the wardrobe. **wink**


Let's see how our stars do.

Susan and Tony dance Jive. She's approaching the dance so daintily. This is a delightful dance. She's got the flicks down just fine, but she was just so unsure of some of the other steps when she was out of hold. In hold with Tony she was fine. Although she was cute and enjoyable, she was much too tentative. Jive requires energy and bounce throughout. She was missing some of that energy. But that could have had something to do with twisting her ankle just a bit in dress rehearsal. She had the steps. Carrie Ann had the word...Susan was a bit bashful about really letting go with the performance. Tony's choreography was charming for her though. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21. We'll agree with that score.

Lance and Lacey dance Viennese Waltz. Apparently 9 out of 10 senior citizens approved this waltz. And so did we! It was strictly traditional, well choreographed, and beautifully danced. We were hoping they would get either the Waltz or Jive so they could go straight traditional or thump it up. This dance was elegant and classy. Len still picked at them for technique issues. It's true that Lance had some problems with the rise and fall...he wasn't as smooth as he could have been. But it was romantic and sweet, and we enjoyed it. Judges say 8,7,7 for a total of 22. Again, we did not like that Len was still picky.

Maurice and Cheryl dance Jive. Loved the energy. This is a great dance for him. He's got such an infectious personality and that really suits this dance. His footwork looks quick and controlled. They still have a bit of trouble with exchanges from move to move, but this was the best we've seen him dance. This had the potential to be wild and frenetic, but it wasn't. It was precise and fun. Cheryl did a great job with the choreography, and Maurice really attacked the dance without losing control. Excellent job. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. He earned that score.

Rocco and Karina dance Viennese Waltz. That was very awkward. What's New Pussycat actually does have a Waltz beat and rhythm to it, so we were fine with the musical choice. But we didn't care for Karina's choices with choreography. The dance was much too cutesy. It wasn't smooth and elegant as we expect a Viennese Waltz to be. Pam hated the costume too...what's up with that silly shirt? There wasn't anything classy about the dance. We have to agree that the musicality wasn't very good. Everybody say "awwwwwww" for Pam because she was a bit disappointed that Rocco didn't do better. There was no squee for that dance. Judges say 7,7,6 for a total of 20. That might be a bit high.

Warren and Kym dance Viennese Waltz. We're amazed every week at how light on his feet Warren is. That's a 300lb defensive tackle skimming across the dance floor. His rise and fall had some trouble early, but he pulled it together and by the end he really had it. That dance was romantic, classy, elegant and we loved it. He is engaging and pulls everyone into the dance with him. They told a romantic story together and we bought it. Judges say 9,8,8 for a total of 25. We actually expected a couple of 9's.

Cody and Julianne dance Jive. And we're jiving to Call Me the Breeze. Uhm...could we have the singers NOT do that again please? That was some tough choreography. Part of my problem with this dance is that the music actually wasn't fast enough. The steps were intricate, but they seemed to want to get ahead of the music in places. We enjoyed the dance and we thought they hit everything pretty well. We would have liked to see more flicks and kicks. It kind of devloved into a country & western dance instead of a Jive. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21. The first half of the dance was better than the latter half.

Toni and Alec dance Viennese Waltz. Oh we love the music! The contrast is terrific. And they did the same basic lift as they did last week in the Rumba, but this week she kept her foot on the floor. That was so well choreographed. Well done Alec. The whole story was outstanding. But unfortunately, Len put on his cranky pants and loaned a pair to Bruno. We didn't think that was gimmicky at all. We thought the risk paid off. All of the classic Waltz elements were there and well performed. We definitely appreciated that dance. It was dramatic and elegant in a modern way that really worked. Judges say 8,7,7 for a total of 22. That should have been 8's across. I could see the lower scores if they hadn't danced well, but they did.

Cloris and Corky dance Jive. Oh boy. The judges told her they missed the funny. We have no words because we can't stop laughing. We just can't critique that dance. It's wrong to make an 82 year old woman dance the Jive. She did her best and made it so silly. And then she took a little victory walk around the ballroom, and told the judges that she wanted 1's for her score. Bruno called it beyond comprehension. It was totally hilarious. Judges say 6,5,5 for a total of 16. We've enjoyed Ms Leachman, but that was just too much to ask her to do that dance. I would have loved to see her Waltz with Corky.

Brooke and Derek dance Viennese Waltz. They got into a bit of a spat in rehearsals this week. But at the end of the day, Derek is an expert at choregoraphing this style of dance. His Waltzes are routinely excellent. This was no exception. Brooke was beautiful and elegant and romantic. Best dance of the night. Simply stunning. Her lines were so good. They told a story between them and that's what a good Viennese Waltz should always do. Bruno had the words I was looking for...lyrical and dazzling. Yup. Judges say 9,10,9 for a total of 28. There's the first 10 of the season from Len, and it was well deserved.

Misty is in the ballroom with crutches and a cast on her leg. They showed the injury and it was gruesome. You could hear the pop of the Achilles rupturing. GAH. She's had a PCL reconstruction in the past...that's the posterior cruciate ligament in the knee. So she's no stranger to injury. She's having surgery on the Achilles today, and she says that she had planned to take some time off from the beach volleyball tour this winter and doesn't expect the injury to impact her continued career on the beach. She's a tremendous athlete and she knows how to rehab. Good for her! She says when she gets healthy, she and Maks will come back and do the Jive.

Here's our leader board:

28 Brooke and Derek
25 Warren and Kym
24 Maurice and Cheryl
22 Toni and Alec
22 Lance and Lacey
21 Susan and Tony
21 Cody and Julianne
20 Rocco and Karina
16 Cloris and Corky

Well gang, it's such a shame about Misty's injury. But now I'm wondering if they'll pull a sneaky and not elminate anyone tonight on the results show. Hmmmmm...we wonders, yes precious we does.

Pam chose to split votes once more this week. She voted 5 times for Brooke & Derek and 4 times for Warren & Kym. I also split, with 5 votes to Warren & Kym and 4 votes to Lance & Lacey.

Tune into the results tonight. On the east coast, the show will air prior to the second Presidential debate so be sure to check your local listings. On the west coast, results will air at the usual time of 9pm.

Later gang!

25 comments:

  1. I actually have 0 knowledge in dance (and two left feet as well). Thanks to this post, I now know what Jive actually is!

  1. Anndi says:

    Thanks for the recap. I couldn't watch the first half. I was helping Chicklet blog about Stevie Wonder for school and then I was just too tired to pay attention.

    I did see Toni and *gasp* I agreed with Mr Cranky Pants (I really was tired), it didn't engage me at all.

  1. Marsha says:

    I'm with you, I think there won't be an elimnation this week, they've done that before. And after all, this IS a television show and they have to stay on schedule. I've got to say I didn't care for Toni's dance or music....but I didn't care for Sophia Coppala's movie either :o)

  1. I had seen the news on Misty yesterday but did not want tto spoil it for you.

    Warren is totally amazing...and so is Brooke. Both heads and shoulders above the rest IMHO

    The POP was ewwwwwwwwwie

  1. j says:

    Thank you for the Lord of the Rings reference. Gave me a grin.

    I cannot imagine Ms. Leachman jiving. Hurts my imagination so I am glad that I didn't watch. She really is a wonderful lady!

  1. Great recap (I linked you from my blog). I am with you, I love Warren & Kym and Lance & Lacey. I am going to go online and see what I missed with last night show. Your recap was perfect...but I want to see the video's. To bad for Misty MT. I am like you, I know that has happened before and someone have to leave and no one was voted out. I think it was last season. We shall see.

  1. Anonymous says:

    Ouch! That injury hurts just reading about it...

  1. Dianne says:

    it killed me when Toni called it the "vietnamese waltz" - I know this isn't a popular opinion but she bores me when she isn't annoying me.

    Clearly Cloris has the lowest scores but at least she entertains. I would love to see Rocco go before Cloris - there is just nothing there.

    I gave 1 vote to Cloris because I just had to but then I decided to go the way of most improved dancing while being entertaining and just plain wonderful - it was WARREN for me - Carrie Ann has a crush on him and so do I

    And thank you! for the Max and Mel clip. My Lord!! as much as Max's butt distracts me did you see Mel do those walking splits. Wow!!

  1. Sandee says:

    Enjoy one of your favorite shows Travis. Have a great day. :)

  1. Akelamalu says:

    My eyes were smarting watching Mel B do the splits! :0

  1. Liz Hill says:

    I missed the whole thing but for a really really good reason or two *wink*

    As always your recaps are almost as good as being there!

    And that's horrible abut Misty.

  1. What THE HELL is Len's problem? Seriously! Flat footed?! I am telling you Trav I am rooting for Len to have a Depends moment on national tv so it can become obvious we need a new senior judge.

    That Skynyrd song. Oh.My.God. Just.........oh.

  1. TopChamp says:

    ha - I have barred national rate calls from my phone (after some dodgy calls - I was worried about a scam) so I can't vote on shows like this - but hearing how you and Pam vote makes me smile.

  1. you could be right...with the way they have the schedule all set up...they could use misty's bowing out as their elimination for this week...

    Seriously don't you think Cloris is channeling Phyllis Diller?

    I hope I can more like that at 82.

  1. DrillerAA says:

    That ruptured tendon is serious stuff. It could take months to completely recover from that injury. It is potentially career ending. I certainly hope not, but make no mistake, it is a very serious situation.

  1. Lu' says:

    Popped over from Bond's place. What a great post. Thanks.

  1. Terra: Jive is fun!

    Ann: Great topic for a blog post!

    Marsha: It'll be interesting to see not only if they pass all the couples through, but also whether they stretch out the suspense.

    V: My entire body clenched up when I heard that snap.

    Jennifer: You are most welcome my precious. LOL!

    Leigh: Thanks for the link!

    Lois: I know!

    Dianne: We were in awe the first time we saw the walking split.

    Sandee: Thank you dear!

    Akelamalu: We think Mel & Maks was one of the all time best pairings across all seasons.

    Turn: A good winky reason is always acceptible. Hehehe!

    Starr: Len is determined not to like them. I thought it was just anything modern because he didn't like Toni & Alec this week either. But I suspect he's just got a bug up his cranky pants about Lacey for whatever reason.

    TC: So you aren't able to vote for Strictly Come Dancing either?

    Katherine: I hope so. And you're right! I hadn't thought of it that way, but Ms Leachman does have a bit of the Diller about her. Good call!

    Drilleraa: Agreed. I hope I didn't make too light of the injury in my post. All I meant was that she's such a strong athlete that she has an advantage in her treatment and recovery. Thanks for reminding us how serious an Achilles injury really is.

    Lu: Welcome! Glad you liked it.

  1. Linda says:

    I'm with Terra on this one but I do like to watch how lithely other people can dance across the floor even if I can't!

  1. I came in late but got to see the beautiful waltz. They really did deserve that 28. To bad about Misty.

  1. I'm so glad to read your recap! I turned off after laughing my ass off at Cloris! She's just damn funny. We should keep her around just for laughs and not make her dance!

  1. Anonymous says:

    I can only imagine the pain in Misty's injury! It makes me nauseous to think of it! *sigh*

  1. I hate to see athletes injure themselves that way - a potential career-ending injury like that.
    My hubman would break his index finger dialing to vote for Brooke...
    even if she fell flat on her face.
    As always, I enjoyed your post!
    ~~~Blessings~~~

  1. Linda: If you had the right teacher, you'd do just fine.

    Jamie: It is a shame about Misty.

    RLL: She's hilarious!

    CWM: I cringed again tonight when they showed it.

    Gracie: I understand about Brooke. She's definitely earning votes.

  1. Anonymous says:

    Another excellent recap! I finally watched Monday night's show after the debate so I haven't read your results show recap yet. :) Heading there now. But I will say I hated to see the news on that injury. I had an Achilles injury (mild) from running a few years back and it was some serious pain so I cannot imagine what rupturing it would be like. I hope her recovery is smooth.

    I'm still pulling for Warren and Brooke who I believe are the top contenders at this point.

  1. Julie says:

    Thanks for the M & M video dear Travis!

    WHITE! Woohoooo!!!