Trav's Thoughts

It's encores and results!

Let's see what we liked from Monday's performances.

Despite some issues with posture, we liked the Tango from Gavin and Karina.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


Despite one or two minor balance issues, we liked the Viennese Waltz from Roshon and Chelsie.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


Despite her rib and foot injuries, Maria and Derek danced a Tango that we really enjoyed.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


Despite not saving any votes for him myself, we loved the Paso Doble from Donald and Peta.  Pam did use some of her votes for Donald.  From me, he'll have to settle for dance of the night.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


Well done to all.  We saw some lower scores this week.  The judges wanted better technique at this stage from a group of celebrities that has consistently scored high through the first three weeks.  Some rose to the challenge, while others didn't quite measure up.

Here's a reminder of our Rock Week leader board:

27 Donald and Peta
26 Maria and Derek
26 Roshon and Chelsie
24 Katherine and Mark
23 Gavin and Karina
22 Jaleel and Kym
22 Melissa and Maks
22 William and Cheryl
21 Sherri and Val
20 Gladys and Tristan

No scores in the teens, so still not too shabby.  And here's what Louis van Amstel had to say about week 4.  Commentary without snark...thanks Louis!

I'm sure you've heard by now that Melissa Gilbert suffered a concussion during her Paso Doble with Maks.  In my recap I mentioned that I couldn't tell if her expression was terrified or exhilarated while she was dancing.  Evidently that expression was pain and confusion.  That dance was so fast.  I guess as Maks was whipping her through the movement, at some point she sustained a whiplash effect and also a concussion.  I did see a point in the routine where her head could have hit the floor, but the camera isn't clear whether she did.

You might find that odd, but I don't.  Concussions don't just occur from whacks on the head.  Any time you slosh the brain around inside the cranium, you can get a concussion.  If you've had any kind of brain or neck injury in the past, you're even more susceptible. 

It's hard to tell whether there was contact with the floor, or if the movement of the dance contributed to the injury.  Either way, and to her credit, she made it through the routine.  Best wishes to Melissa for her recovery.

Are you ready to rock?  You want the best...you got the best.  It's the hottest band in the world...KISS!  That's not my favorite KISS song, but no worries. 

First results...Melissa and Maks are safe.  Gavin and Karina are safe.

I see it now with the slow motion...Melissa hit her head on Maks' leg during one of those spins.  She's not in the ballroom.  She is expected to continue, since they made it through to next week.  Maks also injured his arm, so next week could be interesting for them.

The judges select the Paso Doble from Donald and Peta as the encore performance from Monday. 

More results...Maria and Derek are safe.  Jaleel and Kym are safe.  Gladys and Tristan are safe.

Ballroom and ballet come together in the form of Karina and her friend, world class ballet dancer Jose Manuel Carreno.  The music is provided by Gotan Project.  That was sizzling hot.  Check it out.


More results...Donald and Peta are safe.

Hey!  DWTS is live in Vegas!  Some of our past pros and celebrities are dancing on the Vegas stage.  And they brought a taste of the show to the ballroom.  The show opens 13 April at the Tropicana. 

I spy Sabrina Bryan and Kyle Massey and Lacey Schwimmer and Dmitry Chaplin.  That was really great.  Check it out.


Final results now...Katherine and Mark are safe.  William and Cheryl are safe.  Roshon and Chelsie are safe.

That means Sherri and Val are out.


Somebody has to go.  I thought she had the fan support to push through a bit of an off night.  But I guess not.

And yes, I'll take the wake up call.  Pam and I both will.  Beginning next week, we'll vote for what we consider to be the better performances.  As tough as it is for Sherri to be eliminated this week, it would have been a real shame to lose Roshon at this point.  He's just too good.

So...shocking elimination averted for this week!

Hehehee.

Later gang!