Trav's Thoughts

Let's have some encores and results!



We liked a lot about last night. But here's what we really liked.

We really liked Pamela finally dancing as Pamela in a beautiful Waltz with Damian. Sure her technique might still be a bit off, but they performed the fairy tale romance with just a hint of sensuality, and we really appreciated it.



We really really liked the sophisticated Quickstep from Niecy and Louis. There might have been some technical issues hidden beneath that beautiful dress, but if there were they didn't show up in her frame or posture.



And we really really really liked the Argentine Tango from Evan and Anna. In fact, this was our dance of the night because of the power and control Evan demonstrated. And the judges agreed, awarding this performance the first perfect score of 30 this season.



Here's a reminder of our leader board after Monday's performances:

54 Evan and Anna
54 Nicole and Derek
51 Erin and Maks
52 Chad and Cheryl
51 Pamela and Damian
49 Niecy and Louis

OK now...before we get to results, I just want to make a special commentary. I know that some of you, and many viewers, consider Nicole to be more of a professional dancer and something of a ringer due to her performance background with Pussycat Dolls. I'm not disputing that, nor am I suggesting your are right or wrong. The great thing about this program is that you get to vote, or not vote, for whomever you choose.

That said, I hope that instead of voting against Nicole and Derek that you have chosen to vote for another pair because you enjoy the dancing. There's no phone number you can dial to vote someone off the show. You can only vote for your favorite. So I hope that's what you do.

Now here we go with the first results...Nicole and Derek are safe.

The judges select Team GaGa for the encore. Unfortunately, Pamela suffered an injury today and Chelsie stepped in to dance with Damian. She probably had about an hour to learn that routine and the way she danced it really emphasizes how good our pros are.

Train is in the ballroom, performing Hey Soul Sister. I like this song. Hey! Mark Ballas is recovered from his knee injury and dancing with Chelsie. Tony and Cheryl get in on the act as well, along with Dmitry and Lacey.

More results...Evan and Anna are safe. Niecy and Louis are safe.

Macy's Stars of Dance features performers from Cirque du Soleil's latest production, a tribute to Elvis Presley called Viva Elvis. That was fantastic! It had rousing dance choreography to Blue Suede Shoes, mixed with some acrobatics. Very cool!

Train returns with their song Drops of Jupiter, accompanied by Louis and Karina. Excellent!

And results...Chad and Cheryl are safe. Erin and Maks are safe. Happy Birthday Erin!

That means that Pamela and Damian are out.



The eliminations only get more difficult in the remaining weeks, especially if each pair continues to improve. Nobody had a bad night on Monday, but someone has to go home so someone else can win.

Well gang, we're in the home stretch. Just three weeks to go until we find out who takes home the Fabulous Mirror Ball trophy! And next week, our remaining couples have two individual dances to learn, including one style they haven't danced before.

Stay tuned!


I haven't said anything about the NBA playoffs yet. We're into the second round and I can report that...

• Boston and Cleveland are tied at 1-1 with their series shifting to Boston for the next two games beginning Friday.
  
• Orlando destroyed Atlanta in game 1 of their series and leads 1-0 with game 2 on Thursday.
  
• Phoenix won its first game against San Antonio to take a 1-0 lead in their series with game 2 tonight.
  
• My Lakers managed to keep Utah at arms length to win the first two games of their series at home. The series shifts to Utah on Saturday for game 3.