Cue the theme music with respect on Veterans Day

Posted: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 by Travis Cody in
22

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, major hostilities in World War 1 ended with the signing of the Armistice.




Thank you to all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and members of the US Coast Guard for their service and sacrifice. May you all be safe today, and in all the tomorrows of your service. And if you must make the ultimate sacrifice, may you go to your rest with the humble thanks of a grateful nation and her citizens.

Thank you for the freedom to engage in frivolity.



Now let's cue that theme music because it's live from Hollywood and we're only two weeks away from the finale! Last night we had our remaining five couples performing two dances each, with a bit of solo in the Latin round.

The ballroom round is first.

Cody and Edyta (still dancing for Julianne) dance Foxtrot. The problem we have with Cody is that he isn't smooth and graceful with his movement in the ballroom dances. And he was awkward again in that Foxtrot. His feet are heavy and he just falls short in his attempts to be elegant. Part of that is his age. We did not care for that dance and evidently our opinion is wildly different from the judges. Carrie Ann spotted a lift. We didn't see it. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. I hesitate to say the score is too high. He didn't miss any steps and the choreography was classic Foxtrot.

Brooke and Derek dance Tango. Is it possible that a dance can be very good, but not enjoyable? That dance was very good, but I didn't like it. Pam gave it a WOOOO, but I didn't care for it. I didn't like her body lines or posture. I thought there were problems with her footwork. I don't think it was "riddled with mistakes" like Mr Cranky Pants said, but I just didn't enjoy it. Judges say 10,8,10 for a total of 28. I'm sorry...that dance was not perfect. Even Pam agrees. She enjoyed it, but saw footwork trouble and some poor posture. She thought 9's across.

Maurice and Cheryl dance Quickstep. This must be technically precise with proper posture and footwork. He looks very elegant and he is much more relaxed than we've seen him in ballroom styles. That wasn't bad. He held his frame for the most part and he didn't miss any steps. The dance was classy and refined. He held his energy all the way through the dance, and that helped with his performance. The dance was complete and there really was very little to pick apart. Well done! Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. We think he earned at least one 9 for that performance.

Lance and Lacey dance Foxtrot. That was also a classic Foxtrot. We saw fewer issues with Lance's footwork. We saw no issues with his posture and frame. The dance was elegant with a dash of cheek. And since they've solved many of those issues with footwork and posture, they can work on entertaining. The dance was so well made. The performance was outstanding. Judges say 9,8,9 for a total of 26. We've been frustrated with Len many times in the past, but he's taking it to a new level with Lance and Lacey. That dance should have been 9's across.

Warren and Kym dance Tango. Ahhhh. This is much better than last week. He is in character. He's got his feet right. His posture is good. And with all that squared away, the charm is back in the performance. That was fantastic! The big man got his mojo going on! Wow! He was a strong lead, in control of the dance throughout. Outstanding. And big props to Kym for helping Warren focus after a bad week and for making an excellent dance that showed off his skills. Judges say 10,9,9 for a total of 28. I don't know about the 10, but it was a great performance.

Here's our leader board after the ballroom round:

28 Warren and Kym
28 Brooke and Derek
26 Lance and Lacey
24 Maurice and Cheryl
24 Cody and Edyta

Next up, the Latin round. And each star has a 15 second solo.

Cody and Edyta dance Mambo. He's still having trouble connecting his feet to his legs to his hips. He just isn't smooth putting multiple steps together, and that gives the dances a jerky quality that just isn't appealing. But that Mambo was better than some of his earlier Latin efforts. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24. Props to Edyta for stepping in for Julianne. She did a great job. If Cody returns next week, Julianne will be back to dance.

Brooke and Derek dance Mambo. Now that's Mambo! Extended and exaggerated hip swivels. Lots of turns and shimmies. We've got no complaints with this dance. Excellent job with classic Mambo, very difficult choreography. It was fun and sexy and totally HAWT. There were a few issues with posture, but they didn't detract much from the performance. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27.

Maurice and Cheryl dance Paso Doble. Lousy music. He did well with the cape, which wasn't really dancing during the 15 second solo. He had the aggressive intensity of the dance, but he didn't hold his posture well enough in his upper body. He was great with his lower body and his footwork. It was a good performance, but it wasn't among the best dances. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24.

Lance and Lacey Samba. The solo was a bit weak without much Samba content, although he did pull the crowd onto the floor with him. That comes from playing huge arenas during his N'Sync days. But we loved the choreography in the rest of the dance. It had the bounce it needed and it was quite intricate with classic Samba elements. The music irritated us after awhile, but we really enjoyed that dance. Judges say 8,7,9 for a total of 24. We get that Lance is pidgeon-toed and bow-legged, but Len is simply determined not to like this pair if he can find the slightest thing to pick at.

Warren and Kym dance Jive. There's that 300lb defensive lineman bouncing around the floor. He didn't have the best technique, but we had the most fun watching him dance! And he had a great time too. That was way too much fun! The solo was right on the edge of being out of control. Kym made a great dance for him, although it really was not good technically. We did enjoy the performance though. Judges say 9,8,9 for a total of 26. There's your double standard. Warren entertained in a dance with poor technique, and was rewarded for performance over precision.

And our final leader board of the night looks like this:

55 Brooke and Derek
54 Warren and Kym
50 Lance and Lacey
48 Maurice and Cheryl
48 Cody and Edyta

I'm still with Lance and Lacey. They got all 5 of my votes. Pam stuck with Brooke and Derek.

Hurrah! Lacey's big brother Benji joins her tonight on the results show! Benji Schwimmer won season two of So You Think You Can Dance. If you've read this blog for awhile, you'll know he's one of my favorite performers across all seasons of all the dance shows I watch.

And check it out...John Legend will be in the ballroom.

We'll be down to the Final Four after results. Just two more weeks and we'll have a winner of the fabulous mirror ball trophy!



Later gang!

22 comments:

  1. Anndi says:

    Lest we forget.


    WE owe our veterans and the families left behind our deepest gratitude. Thank you my friend.

    Didn't watch the dancing, homework and a post got in the way, but I knew reading this would be the next best thing. :)

  1. Amen!
    "We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." Cynthia Ozick
    Hugs and blessings,

  1. A day to remember those who allow us the opportunity to be frivolous...perfect take on it Travis!

    I gave my votes to Warren last evening. I thought he connected with both dances.

    This is getting tougher though.

    Excellent recap. Sorry I forgot to plug your post.

  1. happy veterans day trav! eat cake today honey...

    smiles, bee
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

  1. Ivanhoe says:

    I salute to all veterans!
    Cannot wait to see who's going to win this year :o)

  1. Julie says:

    Props to all service people for fighting for all we have. Yes Travis...even the privilege of being frivolous. Love it!

    Go Lance and Lacy! Woohooo!!!!

  1. Linda says:

    If it weren't for the brave men and women who have served our country there wouldn't be shows like DWTS for you to do such a great review on.

    My thanks to all of them both past and present!

  1. Lovely post, Travis.
    With respect to those who served and continue to serve...

  1. Yes, all honor to the veterans.

  1. You know what I love about you, Trav? In spite of not being able to fulfill your Marine Corps dream, you never lost your passion for this country. My hat tips to you, fine sir.

  1. Dianne says:

    beautiful tribute to all the veterans and all those still in danger

    I know he's not the best and will most likely not win but I'm going with Warren til he's gone. I think Brooke is stunning and Cody is a cute kid. I really think Lance could win based on, as Len said, his popularity but I just don't see it. For all his experience on stage he doesn't do much - for me anyway.

    I loves me my big man Warren - entertains and has the best attitude of all of them. And I adore Kim.

  1. Michelle says:

    Very nice remembrance day illustration. :-) I went with a single poppy and a long family story.

    I popped in to say thank you for replying to my Peace globe post.

    I must say I did a few blinks and stares here as I'd just come from another friend's blog where he was discussing a similar TV show, but he's watching a British version. Sort of weird seeing similar post, but different dancers/contestants.

  1. Akelamalu says:

    WE will be forever in debt to those who gave their lives that we may be free. God Bless them all.

  1. Kanani says:
    This comment has been removed by the author.
  1. DrillerAA says:

    Personally, I think Maurice will be heading home tonight. I believe Cody has a bigger fan base. I really thought Maurice was a bit heavy footed on the tango and, like most, I didn't think the cape twirlling was really dancing. Cody and Warren will fight for the last spot in the finale since I believe that Brooke and Lance are locks for the last show.

  1. Kanani says:

    This Army wife is packing the kids off to take part in a ceremony soon. Thank you very much for honoring those who have served.


    I review books and sometime next week I'll have one for Three Cups of Tea. Timely, I think, as we enter another year of war.

  1. Meribah says:

    They'll never be forgotten. Thanks, Trav. :)

  1. Kimmie says:

    Thank You Travis for such a beautiful tribute to all who have and are serving our country. I pray heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them.

    Your recap was spot on! But I would expect nothing less from you. I have to say, I love them all, and it has become such a tug of war with me. I also think Maurice may be the one leaving tonight. We shall see...
    Hugs,
    Kimmie

  1. Uh oh-final four already? How fast is the newest season after this is over??

    I worry about you in those down times. :)

  1. A great show! I am so into Warren and Lance. but I think the gorgeous Brooke will take it home. Shes such a natural!
    FYI-Word from Fab's is he'll be back in the spring. Every other season, so he can have family time between the show and the tour.

  1. Beautiful tribute with the poppies. Among my favorite flowers and they mean so much.

    On Dancing, if anyone misses the show, full reruns on your computer are available at

    Fan Cast as well as almost everything else available on network and major cable channels.