Cue that theme music!

Posted: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 by Travis Cody in
16

It's live from Hollywood!



It's group dance night for our 7 remaining pairs! I suspect we're in for a good one with the pairs we have left. And the celebrities designed costumes this week for the individual dances.

Melissa and Tony dance Argentine Tango. The footwork was extremely intricate, but the dance seemed to be missing some passion. The connection didn't seem evident between the two of them. They nailed the footwork, and trust me that it was incredibly difficult. And the lifts were amazing. Just for some reason I wasn't feeling that dance. Ow! Pam just read what I wrote, thumped me on the head, and told me to start paying attention. She said the dance was brilliant. So there you have it. Judges say 10,9,10 for a total of 29.

LT and Edyta dance Waltz. LT did what he threatened...he covered Edyta from head to toe in fabric. Damn the man anyway. Oh now here comes the bare shoulders. Now that I like! And I must say that it's a beautiful gown. This isn't a horrible dance. He's stepping through most of it rather than gliding, and there wasn't much of the up and down smoothness and grace I expect from a Waltz. It was a clunky dance and not terribly romantic. Judges say 7's across for a total of 21.

Lil Kim and Derek dance Rumba. Derek's choreography is once again the star. He made a classic Rumba, more dance than pose, and threw in several difficult spins. He was able to contain Kim's natural sexiness without taming it entirely. That was an outstanding Rumba. Sultry and steamy without being raunchy at all. We thought it was romantic and enticing. The judges were mixed, but we loved it. Judges say 9,8,9 for a total of 26.

Chuck and Julianne dance Samba. They found the connection last week and they are able to carry that through to this week. Chuck is much more relaxed with his hips and he doesn't look nearly as awkward. He looks much more natural and less embarrassed. He didn't seem nearly as worried about his footwork. We actually enjoyed that dance. That was definitely his best dance and they did capture the party flavor of Samba. Pam was most impressed by his hip rolls. She said it was the first time she found him Chuck sexy. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27. That score is well deserved.

Ty and Chelsie dance Waltz. We love the classic box step to begin that dance. He has found his comfort again. He's a strong lead in hold, and he's able to slow down and focus on grace. The dance was elegant and classy, with the rise and fall of a true Waltz. And his posture and technique were solid. He held his frame, and that always makes a Waltz look beautiful. Judges say 8's across for a total of 24.

Shawn and Mark dance Cha Cha Cha. She looks way more confident this week, which is a bit surprising considering the week she described in rehearsal footage. Her facial expressions are right in line with the character of Cha Cha Cha. And the choreography was fun and cheeky. That may have been her best dance. Her footwork was outstanding, her posture was perfect, and her technique was spot on. Mark outdid himself with that dance. It was sharp, crisp, and vibrant. Fantastic! Judges say 9,9,10 for a total of 28. I don't know...that looked pretty perfect to me.

Gilles and Cheryl dance Viennese Waltz. Elegant, classy, sophisticated...a grown up romantic fairy tale. Very well done. Gilles had a little trouble with sliding his feet, but other than that I couldn't spot any technical flaws. The dance had beautiful rise and fall, flowing turns, and Cheryl's choreography was superb. The thing we find most impressive about Gilles is that no matter how much he seems to struggle during rehearsal, he dances with a grace and confidence that few of the other celebrities have. Judges say 9's across for a total of 27.

Here's our leader board:

29 Melissa and Tony
28 Shawn and Mark
27 Gilles and Cheryl
27 Chuck and Julianne
26 Kim and Derek
24 Ty and Chelsie
21 LT and Edyta

The judges don't score the group dance...it's all about the fan vote. The choreography is by Christian Perry, as a tribute to the 1960's.

These dances can be anything...from great to wacky to yikes! This one was a rollicking good time! Throw technique out the window. What I always look for is who picked up the steps, who had the musicality, and who had fun. And they all did! That was definitely one of the top 3 group dances.

What a terrific evening! Eliminations are going to be tough now.

And check it...tonight on results is the beginning of a competition to select a new pro competition to select a new pro for season 9. The competitors are:

Mayo Alanen
Brent Borton
Afton Delgrosso (she's the younger sister of Ashly, a former pro on DWTS)
Anna Demidova
Genya Mazo (brother of former DWTS champion Alec)
Snow Urbin (competed on season 1 of SYTYCD

You can read more about each of them by clicking here. It's not ballroom kids, but this should be cool!

Later babies!

16 comments:

  1. Anonymous says:

    I watched some last night! I really enjoyed Shawn & Mark's Cha Cha a lot, too!

  1. I've not even watched this year. :(

  1. DrillerAA says:

    I missed the first couple of dances last night, but I thought Shawn Johnson was nearly perfect.
    I would not be surprised to see LT leaving tonight. He's had difficulty with most dances other than the waltz. Besides, covering up Eydta...what was he thinking!?

  1. Jan says:

    Oh I'm happy to read your post this morning. I missed the first part of the show due to not being home. I was disappointed when I realized I missed part of the show. I was hoping you'd catch me up! LOL Thanks, Travis!

  1. Thought it was a good night overall. Music selection seemed in line.

    Unfortunately, I think we will lose LT tonight but I can say that, after that, the remaining 6 are going to put on some competition (Ty may be the weakest of the 6 after Chuck has seemed to find himself).

    Off to work, but with the new internet nazis prowling, I had to read this first!

  1. Dianne says:

    I loved Melissa's dance!
    and I have to admit to enjoying Chuck, I was surprised at how well he moved

    the pro competition should be exciting, it's cool that they're letting us vote

  1. Ivanhoe says:

    I think it's time for LT to go. He is the weakest link. But after that, it's going to be really hard to pick who goes...

  1. Akelamalu says:

    It's better when it gets down to a few good contestants isn't it?

  1. I missed the end helping a friend switch cars...sheeeesh.

    I think I'd enjoy hanging out with Pam. I am totally with her about Melissa.

    LT is not going to hold much longer...but he can dance. The coat AND the gown were gorgeous.

    I don't know if I said this here before....but in my opinion Lil'Kim with her singing and dancing and personality can have a great career in musical theater...Broadway watch out

    Ty...I wonder if his wife's fan base will help him...or if the NFL contingent will pull LT through one more week. I still think he has the greatest personality...

    you said...."which is a bit surprising considering the week she described in rehearsal footage." You know my feelings how they edit these shows....and you FELL for it !

    Chuck and Julianne were truly a couple. I didn't like the long fringe on her costume it distracted me when they twirled...but the dancing was wonderful.

    Gilles...sigh....another beautiful execution. The final couple of weeks is gonna be brutal.

  1. I know it seems strange that I don't watch this show as a regular thing, being the dance maniac that I am. I bump into it here and there because my mom never misses it. Last night I walked in her living room while Gilles and Cheryl were dancing, and after they were done I had to ask who the professional was. The only thing that gave him away to me were his arms - he wasn't holding them high enough to have proper 'line'. But other than that he was indistinguishable from a professional.

  1. Anonymous says:

    I think the outstanding couple was Melissa and Tony. I disagree with you that they didn't show passion. I think they did and that footwork was just awesome.

    LT I'm sure is going to be the one that goes tonight. He's so improved but I just don't think he's going to get through. Ty will most likely be in the bottom as well but he tries so hard and I think his wife's fan base helps him out a little.

    I was glad that Gilles wasn't atop the leader bord. Shawn and Lil Kim were great and I think that with those two and Melissa that he does have some competition.

    Chuck was even good tonight. He needs to relax and get out of that mode that he I think holds him back and that's the fact that you have to put in moves that make you less manly. He needs to get over that and just enjoy the dance.

    I will say also that Derek sorta pissed me off last night when he was getting himself into the picture and making funny gestures while Samantha was talking to Chuck and Julianne or was it Shawn and Mark. Anyway...take a chill pill Derek...you had your time on stage let the others enjoy.

  1. Marsha says:

    Not looking too good for LT....he may be the one gone this time.

  1. I was amazed a week or so ago to read about how much Shawn Johnson is being paid to participate on this show - and the bonuses she receives on certain "achievements" from here forward.

  1. Julie says:

    I think Shawn was the one that made me smile and go "Ahhhhhh"! But there are several pairs that I'm really going to miss. LT will probably leave tonight.

  1. I bounced back and forth and I thought that Cha Cha was awesome!