DWTS13 Week 3 Power Rankings
Ok, so “best year of my life” night wasn’t quite the emotional trainwreck I was thinking it would be – I was actually pleasantly surprised at the honesty and vulnerability of many of the dances. However, I was also just downright confused by some of the dances. 
Let’s just get right to it, shall we?
1.) JR & Karina – Say what you will about JR “playing to people’s emotions” (ummm…didn’t everyone kinda do that tonight, to a certain degree?), but he was the only one tonight that I though even came close to having the proper hip technique, and he made me feel the emotions behind his dance more than anyone else. Was Karina dancing around him? Maybe a bit, but I did see him actually attempting to “be there” for her at every turn – reminded me a lot of Chris’ rumba last season. I wish Karina would have given him a bit more to do, but I think the way he let his face “talk” in the dance was captivating. The guy has had a heartbreaking backstory – let him tell it without writing it off as “playing the sob story card” (actual tweet I read – some people really do have garlic in their soul like the Grinch!). Emotion aside – it was still a pretty damn good rumba. I grow to love JR more and more each week, and based on what I’ve seen from him so far – I can only assume the best is yet to come 
Thankfully, he tied for the 2nd highest score, and had probably the most memorable dance of the night, so I’m sure we’ll get to see what he has in store for us!
2.) Ricki & Derek – Admittedly, I thought this one was overscored at first – but then I watched it again and realized that they were the ones who best combined choreography, technique, storytelling, and connection to the dance tonight. I felt like they actually managed to tell a story through their movements, and the choreo wasn’t overly dramatic – it was simple & stripped-down. Technique? Eh…I thought JR & Chynna both had better technique than Ricki, but hers wasn’t bad. The rumba’s a tricky dance, so I’m not really expecting any of the couples to really nail it at this point. Was a little thrown by their song at first – all I could think of was Mia’s drug addiction piece from SYTYCD – but by the time they got through it and told their story, I kinda got it. High score of the night, and a pretty good rumba in a sea of less impressive ones…I’d say they’re pretty safe, especially with such a drop-off in points further down the scoreboard.
3.) Chynna & Tony – In this “night of a thousand rumbas”, I dub Chynna the “master of the legs” 
If JR had the best hips and Ricki told the story the best…Chynna schooled them on how to properly place one’s feet and extend one’s legs. Just BEAUTIFUL. Too bad her hip action was non-existent and I didn’t really feel much of a connection to the song, which seemed much too fast for a rumba. I’m definitely much more impressed with Chynna’s dance skills than I ever thought I’d be, but the impression I’m getting of her at this point is somewhere between an Audrina & a Mya – very pretty lady, definitely a good dancer, but running the risk of being forgotten because she can’t really connect to the dance. I’m not sure what dance they have next week, but I hope it’s something that really allows Chynna to take on a “character” – because she needs to make a splash, and SOON. As long as they keep dancing well, they ought to remain safe for the time being…but if they want to make it to the finale (which I think they deserve to), they’re going to have to pick up on the performance aspect of the dances.
4.) Hope & Maks – Sorry to my Maksinistas, but I’m gonna be blunt: this was probably my least favorite dance of the night, because it just felt lost & confused to me. I couldn’t even find a cha-cha beat to that song – and I’m sorry again, but I find that song VILE, and Heidi can tell you I’m not a prude in the slightest It boggles my mind that the US Womens Soccer team had a song about a guy telling a girl he’s gonna screw her tonight as their theme song. What happened to “Firework”? 
Aside from an icky song with no cha-cha beat, I also had a hard time finding cha-cha steps – really & truly, it felt more like a samba to me, both in beat & some of the choreo. Had they called it a samba instead, I may have liked it a bit more, methinks. I just felt gypped on my cha-cha, hehe. As for the execution…errrr. I’m beginning to think that Hope is just a very awkward mover – legs and arms all over the place. I don’t think I even saw Maks, because I kept hissing “Close your feet! CLOSE YOUR DAMN FEET!!!” to Hope over and over again through the tv. The bit with the chair at the beginning? That was probably the sexiest part of the whole dance, and I would have said “Just keep doing that!” if I knew that it wouldn’t piss off Len for “too much fussing about at the beginning” – and I do think he called them out on that. It may have been Hope’s best dance – it was kinda nice to see her cut loose and really have fun – but unfortunately, she’s still miles behind a lot of the other contestants in terms of technique. :-( That said – she and Maks still seem to have a ton of support from their fans, and in the great scheme of tonight – 24 ain’t a bad score. I’m just praying Hope manages to knock it out of the park next week with a ballroom dance, so I don’t have to completely write her off as a bad dancer…
5.) Carson & Anna – As I said to someone earlier today, “Carson may be an awkward mover, but he could sell a ketchup popsicle to a lady in white gloves in July!” And sell this tango he did – the faces he was pulling and the way he was strutting around like he owned the place had me ROLLING the whole time. A definite improvement from last week’s quickstep, even if there were still a few awkward moments where he may have gotten off-time or lost his footwork. Anna was wise to really work the fashion theme here…Carson played it to the hilt, and even got to play on his shoe obsession at the end J LOVES IT. Is Carson a great dancer? Of course not, although he is improving a bit each week. But he is 100% fun, and I think that’s going to be an edge that he has over the rest of the contestants – he can completely screw up a dance and still manage to have the crowd cheering and the judges grinning from ear to ear I wouldn’t be surprised if he edged out one of the less “showy” contestants (maybe even Hope & Maks?) for a shot at the semifinal. And really – 23 isn’t too shabby a score, when you’re as popular as Carson! 8)
6.) Rob & Cheryl – Yeah yeah yeah, Rob’s a jerkface for what he said about affairs last week, I know. But for as douchey as he may be off the floor – he keeps redeeming himself for me on the floor. This was by no means a “terrible” foxtrot – the kid stayed on time & in the pocket, struck a couple rather impressive poses, actually managed to get some rise & fall, and actually looked like he enjoyed himself. Plus, I actually kind of appreciated the fact that he decided to go the “happy” route with his dance, rather than the sad, mournful one – it was a very pleasant, upbeat “Miss you dad, this one’s for you!”-type performance. As much as what I’m about to say may piss some of you off, I’m gonna say it anyway…Rob could very well be this season’s Romeo: the guy that started off kinda jerky and “too cool for school”, but ended up letting down his guard and actually having fun. I’ve already seen improvement from weeks 1-2 and weeks 2-3. Will he make it as far as Romeo? Likely not, but I daresay he could last far longer than any of us expected. Danced at the top of the show, got a pretty good score, and has couples below him that are far more screwed…
7.) David & Kym – I am baffled as to why this dance was “pimp spot”-worthy, as I didn’t find it particularly show-stopping in terms of technique or entertainment value. But I do wonder if there’s some incentive for TPTB to keep him around (Courteney in the audience? The drama from his recent troubles and his efforts to “get his life back on track”?), since they made a point of letting us know he was in the bottom 2 last week, and gave him their ratings “golden ticket” tonight: going last. I guess this rumba wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be (David does have a nicer torso than I expected!), but I found some of the faces he was pulling a bit creepy and I think Kym just kinda danced around him, for the most part. But they still managed to pull out a 24 (and some slightly suspicious gushing from the judges) and the pimp spot, which does have magical powers. Do I think he’ll go home this week? Probably not, just due to a large points spread and some possible rebound voting from some of their more rabid fans. But tinkering from the higher-ups can only keep a couple safe for so long, if they don’t manage to pull themselves up in the next week or so…I dunno how much longer they’re gonna last.
8.) Kristin & Mark – Once again, I find myself saying the same thing: such a pretty girl, and not a bad dancer, but there’s just not a whole lot about her performances that stick out in my mind. She didn’t suck at the samba, but there also wasn’t a whole lot of meat & potatoes samba here – there were a few runs peppered in amongst a slew of hair flips and moves stolen from “Single Ladies”. I don’t know that I’d necessarily blame Mark, because this felt totally odd as a samba song to me anyway – felt more cha-chaish. Hope & Kristin should have traded songs Plus, she didn’t really have a strong story to play off of. But I will say this: Kristin’s got good energy, and always manages to keep smiling no matter how lost or unsure she feels. And she OWNS the hair flip However, I don’t think TPTB are doing them any favors in the running order department, as 2nd, 3rd, & 4th are statistically all pretty bad places to be. Some of you may think we’re reading too far into it, but the proof is in the pudding – those dancing in the first half of the show (aside from those that go first) are much liklier to get sent home than those in the 2nd half. Twelve seasons worth of data doesn’t lie…and be honest: how much of Kristin’s performances really stick with you? Do you remember being wowed? Do you remember the song? Do you even remember her costume? Overall, her biggest Achilles heel is not her dance skills (because she does have some) – it’s just going to be sticking out in viewers’ minds. I’ll say it again: if there is a “shock” elim in the next few weeks, I would put money on it that it’s Kristin. Thankfully, she’s probably ok this week, with others further below her…
9.) Nancy & Tristan - I like Nancy & Tristan, I really do - I love the way they interact, and I love the simplicity and calmness of their dances. However – they’re beginning to border a bit on boring. I know Nancy isn’t the tallest and doesn’t have the longest limbs or the biggest athletic prowess of all the celebs on the show this season, so that’s obviously going to limit the choreo Tristan can throw at her. But as heartfelt and pretty and smoothly-executed this waltz was, it didn’t really excite me – and Len really seems to be the only judge that can appreciate very simple, rule-abiding choreography that starts off in-hold. A connection with the mommies of the viewing audience is only going to carry her so far – she & Tristan need to step up both the choreography and the entertainment factor in order to stick around. 21 is the second lowest score; however, it’s still 3 points above Chaz, who I fear may be in trouble this week. Nancy may be “in jeopardy”, but I think she might have another week left in her yet…
10.) Chaz & Lacey – Chaz really needed to knock it out of the park this week, and unfortunately he didn’t – this was just kind of a non-event rumba for me. The song was too fast, Chaz barely moved, and Lacey pretty much just danced around him. I really don’t have a whole lot to say about this dance – like Nancy, it was just unremarkable. Sweet story behind it, but that’s about it. 18 is a pretty damn low score, especially when the next score up is 21 and everyone else is in the 23-24 bracket or the 26-27 bracket. Add to that a crummy running order position & a fanbase that we’re still not quite sure about – I fear tomorrow night we’ll be bidding farewell to Chaz. And while I wish we could see a bit more out of him, maybe it’s good that he gets sent home early, if his knee is really bothering him. He’s already proven quite a bit to America, methinks
Alright kids, so sound off on “storytelling” week: who were your favorites? Who were your least favorites? Who do you think could be in trouble? And who do you think will get the encore? I’m leaning towards Rob & Cheryl – the fact that he’s doing well now seems to amuse the judges
Courtney I LOVE these posts so much! Thank you they are really great! I just don’t see where you are coming from with Chynna not showing emotion in the dance. I saw plenty of it ” unlike Audrina ” everyweek she’s nailed the performance for me. To me she’s very entertaining and has been the past two weeks. She was more subdued this week but so was everybody else. Except Carson.
No disrepect to you OR your opinions. 
Wow! What a night and all of the dances touched me in some way!!!
Here’s how I rank them this week;
Ricky and Derek!!! ! This dance had ‘out of this world’ choreography!! It was so romantic and heart felt. It was acted out so well by both Ricki and Derek. I loved it technically….the spins and the throws on the floor. Beautiful! Loved their costumes too. Breathtaking. 10
JR and Karina -Another perfect dance from these two. It was beautiful technically! You could feel every emotion for what he wanted this dance to be about and them some. I teared it up. 10
Carson and Anna – Another show stopper! It was totally entertaining and fun! I loved their costumes. I hope they continue this path. If they do, they will find themselves in the top three. 9++ (I thought they were totally underscored by the judges. I don’t understand what gets into their heads sometimes?)
Chynna and Tony – Graceful, stunning, elegant, and romantic. I loved her splits and lines. 9
David and Kym -What a great comeback. I loved seeing a serious dance from him. He put all of his emotion into it. It was great technically. He’s back! 9-
Maks and Hope – First of all, I loved that she danced to an Enrique song (not Katy Perry’s Fireworks song)! Very clever, romantic choreography from Maks with some added edginess. She may not be all the way there yet, but, Hope is turning into a dancer. I agreed with Carrie Ann ….all she needs to learn now is to “walk” and some “fluidity”. Loved their costumes. 8+
Nancy and Tristan -This was her best dance of the season yet. She is not going anywhere anytime soon I hope. She owned the slow waltz. What a beautiful, flowing, elegant dance. Tristan was Prince Charming and Nancy was his princess. Loved the leg carry at the end. I loved it all and her dress was breathtaking. 8
Kristin and Mark – Clever choreography. Some of it I really loved like the knee spreads/stomps. But, her feet still need a lot of work when they are dancing. Nice hair and shaking though. 8-
Rob and Cheryl – I liked his story, but, I wasn’t feeling it on the dance floor. I thought the whole thing was “just ok”. He looked a little rigid and stiff. His feet and legs need work. 7-
Chaz and Lacey – It pains me to have them in last and I pray they don’t go home yet (I’d like to see Rob go instead). You could feel his heart. But, he was also stiff and slow again and a little disconnected. 6
The end and Courtney, good job again!!xx
I think JR got underscored, again. Loved Tony and Chynna, and surprisingly, Rob’s. Not fussy on Hope’s or Kristin’s and as much as I love Chaz’ heart, just not a great dancer.
Nancy was ok, not great. I’m already tired of Ricki .
Carson is awesome and improving but top 3 worthy??? Idk Vogue but I’m with you on how I would love to see him in the final 5 just to lighten things in up when it’s so friggin tence kinda like Niecy did in season 10.
if I had to rate them i’d say
”
J.R and Karina ” Couldn’t be safer if his name was Chelsea Kane
TIE: Ricki and Derek and Chynna and Tony: All very very safe
aaannnnnd then
Hope and Maks
Carson and Anna
Rob and Cheryl
Kristin and Mark
David and Kym
Nancy and Tristan
Chaz and Lacey
I would really be shocked if anyone but Chaz went at this point. Nice guy but just not a good dancer…
I kind of felt like Tristan and Nancy’s waltz kind of got lost in the more exciting dances. And though I adore him, I wasn’t nuts about the choreo in this routine. Yes, I thought it was lovely and fairly well-executed, but it was a bit…vanilla. That being said, I still felt they were underscored a bit in comparison to some other dances I saw. Do I think they deserved a 21? Yes, that’s a fair score for the dance on its own. But when the judges are throwing 8′s and 9′s around like beads at a Mardi Gras parade, I just feel like they got the shaft a little bit. I thought there were 3 or 4 dances that were less well-executed than Tristan’s and Nancy’s but were flashier. And at this point, I’m ready for the judges to move past the “style over substance” thing.
Courtney, I’m going to go ahead and call Hope a bad dancer. I cringed last week in her jive and I cringed during her “cha-cha-esque” routine tonight. I want to root for her, I like her, and I really like Maks, but I just end up squinting and grimacing the whole time she dances. Sorry, Hope.
JR’s rumba was beautiful, so was Ricki’s. Chynna is a beautiful dancer, but you nailed it on the head about her not connecting to the dance.
Rob…he’s a tool. No foxtrot is going to get me to get over the douchiness enough to vote for him.
Kristan seems to stand around a lot, shaking her hips and her hair while Mark dances. She’s cute and seems fun, but she’s just kinda there to me.
No one else really made an impression on me. I enjoyed the stories tonight, which surprised me. If I had to pick who I thought was going tomorrow, I’m going to go with Chaz. Not sure the low score and their dancing spot can pull him back this time. He’s had a good run, and I’m glad to have been able to watch his journey this season.
Just a few observations. I agree about Nancy and Tristan becoming boring. It’s like Tony and Chynna for me. Nice folks but bland. (I will say that some of Chynna’s poses tonight were reminiscient of the crane pose from Karate Kid.) Chynna could get to the finale, but I think she has to lose some of the primness.
I didn’t think that Rob’s dance was all that. I know I’m in the minority, but he seemed to schlep around the dancefloor quite a bit. And I don’t buy the personality we’re seeing either. Kardashians know PR.
David… ugh, he still creeps me out.
I enjoyed JR and Karina’s dance, but you know… for me, it was too much expectation that I was going to cry. I cry at everything – UNLESS I’m told over and over again that I will. Well, I didn’t. I did enjoy the dance though. And I still believe he’s going to win.
And… sit down Heidi…. I do think that Ricki and Derek had the best dance of the night. This week, she actually danced WITH him instead of him bouncing around her. They were a couple and it was very, very nicely done. This week, they deserve their first place position in my opinion.
My faves of the night though, were, first, Hope and Maks… because… well… Hope and Maks! I just wish the judges would lay off about the not being able to be feminine while being strong. That’s such bullshit and it bugs the hell out of me! Yes, she’s still awkward, but it’s more about her not feeling totally sexy and confident while she’s dancing, I believe. And Carson and Anna. How could you NOT love them??? What Carson lacks in ability he more than makes up for it in personality and desire.
He and Anna are perfect together.
Sadly, I think it just might be Chaz to be going home. While I admire him SO MUCH for putting himself out there and being happy and willing to dance, I don’t think his body can handle it. Yeah, the show must go on and all, but enough is enough.
I like Ricki and her Rumba was great but I feel like she was overscored by a few points. At points she was rushing and her leg placements could have been better. Really Ricki isn’t making much of an impression on me. She’s not as funny or entertaining as Jennifer or Kirstie at all. Really, Chynna and Tony have funnier packages ” except for tonight ” then they have. That’s just my unbiased opinion. She looked very pretty though.
To be honest, I would be stunned if anyone BUT Chaz went tonight. However, I could definitely see Nancy going. And I’m actually so happy that Maks and Hope ended up dancing to “Tonight” instead of “Firework”, considering the issue that he and Brandy had with it a couple of seasons back.
Anyway, I do think that Kristin may be the shocking elimination that will come about in the next few weeks, as is tradition with dwts. Either her or Chynna really. Nothing about Kristin’s performance has stuck with me, and I just saw the show 2 1/2 hours ago!
Magnolia, I could not agree more on “Hope can’t dance”. It is painful for me to watch her. I also don’t sense a lot of chemistry between she and Maks. I love Maks, don’t get me wrong, but this pairing is not working. I think that JR will win, hands down.
Maks and Hope’s song got changed at the last minute. They WERE originally dancing to Firework, and that is the song she was talking about in the intro package. It was the theme song for the national team and Katy Perry even sent them a special video during the World Cup. Which could excuse some of her lack of musicality this week.
I officially don’t get the rumba. What seems like a lot of ‘fluffing about’ seems to get high scores. Oh well….
And how can a samba score that high without a samba roll (or did it happen while I was transfixed by mark’s spats….)?
Guest, do you know why Hope & Maks song was changed?
Hope and I think Maks has a lot of chemistry, for me and the couple has more chemistry … but hope has to improve her legs is dancing very strange arms are also not very good, but I think it improves with time, she has improved since last week mems … now she is not a very good dancer … but in future it might be …
I love JR but I feel that sometimes he feels that the best dancer Other entrants .. and best dancer but he did not think that it is the best? but I still like him a lot so I hope he does not turn in Mark Ballas from last season
I think if Ricki reach the final because she wins the freestyle derek will be better than the other
My top 3 would be the end: JR, Hope and Chynna
Derek has already won too much to let others win hahahahha
Outside so that Rick can speak of Kirstie (Diva) and Jennifer and sometimes it gets annoying always saying the same thing
Courtney, I felt the same way about the song that Ricki and Derek used. The whole time Mia’s “Addiction” piece ran through my head.
Only watched once, so these may change, but 1st impressions and placements are as follows:
1) JR: So emotional and the hip action! Can’t wait to see him get ahold of a Cha-Cha, Samba, Salsa, Mambo…anything really!
2) Ricki: To me, her flat backline detracts from her dancing. That said, she is invested in this, pulled off an emotional dance (though coulda used more hip actions) to some lovely choreo.
3) Chynna: Nice lines and elegance, yet lacking hip action, aforementioned connection and trepidatious. Not at all bad, just feel she is capable of much better.
4) Kristen: My first impression was a (relatively) ambitious routine and slow, steady improvement. Think she’s got the ability to be solid, but something about her is not engaging.
5/6) TIE: David: Better and about as remarkable as we’ll see from him. Still short of remarkable though.
Hope: She tries, just don’t think she’s all that fond of dancing and vice versa. The choreo, costuming and music didn’t do any favors either and even if there was a last minute tune change, there’s a noticeable lack of musicality. Expect she’ll ultimately be better in ballroom and reasonably adept at the Rumba, Paso and tangos.
7) Carson: Not the best dancer but easily compensates with personality.
8) Nancy: Think she’s plateuaing a bit.
9) Rob: Painful to watch.
10) Chaz: Probably going home.
Tonight, I felt a lot of the dances were very underwhelming and I feel the judges were overscoring a lot of dances too.
Chaz and Lacey: It was merely meh, and I think these two are in danger of going home. I know he tries, but there wasn’t a whole lot of movement and I didn’t feel or get the story behind the dance if there was any.
Nancy and Tristan: I wanted to like this, because I like their chemistry together and want to see more of it, but it was just non-event for me. I think Tristan needs to kick it up a notch in choreography and light a fire under Nancy to show a feisty side of her, like the one on her show. She just needs a little more fire in her performances.
Rob and Cheryl: I think they improved, but I sometimes think his movement is weird. I definitely don’t think it was a 24 worthy dance. Overscored for me.
Kristin and Mark: I believe she can move, but I feel like Mark just overdances her and she just stands there, flips her hair, and occasionally moves. It was boring and I didn’t like the choreography at all. Even if it is better as a cha cha, it just seemed like she stood around a lot and posed and did some hairography. I predict these two as a shock elimination tomorrow night.
Ricki and Derek: I believed they were overscored and did not think it was the best dance of the night. I did like the choreography though, but I don’t think her technique was as good and it was hidden a lot because of her dress.
JR and Karina: Very emotional dance, seemed much more lyrical than rumba, but I did notice a few moves that Karina put in that she danced with Slavik. I do like him and hopes he stays on for a while like Gilles. I think everyone knew once they said they were dancing rumba, that it was going to be very emotional.
Chynna and Tony: I find myself liking Chynna more and more each week. I can see how she can get lost in the bunch even though she is a fantastic dancer, but I feel like I mainly blame Tony’s choreography, because I typically find his choreo extremely boring and he just dances too careful with his partners. They either look too careful, or they have the pasted on smile. Which is why I think Chynna could be one that takes him far, this chick has some spunk.
Hope and Maks: Eh, I actually hated this dance. She looked awkward, like she was pushing her legs to move forward while having her body move backwards. Definitely overscored and she seemed to have bent legs and she takes HUGE steps. She reminds me of Misty May Traenor, powerful but can’t quite refine the movement, though I think Misty is better. I sense a slight attitude from her too, not sure yet though.
Carson and Anna: I love the No Doubt song, and I love Anna’s choreographing to his strengths. Awkward mover, but I think she made the choreo work for him in this dance. He is just a great showman and no matter how bad the dance is, he goes out there and gives it his all and puts on a great show. I hope he lasts long.
Sorry Ricki and Dereki, Jr and Karina were the best?
Hope to me is a little to rough around the edges.
Tristian and nancy were very good.
Carson is just plain funny, but to me not a dancer.
Rob will not last much longer.
I agree as far as Chaz being the one to go, sorry, he really tried his best.
Told you guys Julianne Hough was returning next week. Did you hear, she is going to dance with Derek and then the cast of Footloose. Looks like next week is gonna be fun!
Everyone was good last night except for one.
1) J.R. and Karina: He is amazing! He really can dance really well and he knows how to get a crowd on their feet. I was so mad hen they did not give him straight 9s though. Underscored.
2) Chyna and Tony: She is like a ballarina out there. She is a natural performer and dancer. I can’t wait to see her do a paso I think thts going to be her best dance. I though she wass getting a score of 27 as well. Underscored.
3) Ricki and Derek: I really liked it.She is a natural as well.
Saying that I think thats going to be the final three in th end.
4) Carson and Anna: He was great! This dude has the potential to be the dark horse this season.
5) Rob and Cheryl : As much as it pains me to say it, Rob was really good. He has grown on me so I can officallly say: “I hate all Kardashains except Rob and Bruce Jenner”.
6) Hope and Maks: I’m mixed on this one. It was good but over scored. I think it was more of a 8,8,8 dance.
7) Nancy and Thristan: Idk if it was the emotion behind it or the choreography but I reallyl iied it. Once again underscored I was thinking 8,8,8 for that one as well.
8) David and Kym: I liked it but i think he can do soo much better. I also realized what annoymse me about him. He always seems like a overhyper child during the interview part.
9) Kristin and Mark: I think that Mark underestimates her. She can do so much more. Also, at the end of the show I couldn’t really remeber the dance. That’s never a good sign. Nice hair flipping though.
10) Chazz and Lacey: I think he is a cool dude and everything but Lacey did the majority of the dancing. The beginin was touching when he put the fur Sonny Bonolike vest on the chair though. If Sonny were alive I think he would be very proud of Chazz for being himself in the face of adversity. Saying that I think its Chazz’s week to go home.
On a side note, this “special guest” Tm kept mentioning is intriguing. I wonder if it’s Cher.
I cringed watching Hope dance last night. Her face screamed “blue steel” and overall was more trashy than sexy. Enjoyed Maks, though.
My apologies to Mark. He did not outdance Kristin…but he should have! She has all the tools but there’s no spark. If he had done something to be construed as outdancing, they’d be remembered. Contrast Kristin with Carson. I’m saying it again, I love Anna. She totally gets him and they look and work great together. Carson may be acting over the top when he dances but that betrays just how seriously thought out Anna has this and how hard he works.
Vin, I’m with you about the judges not giving JR trpile 9′s. I was actually hoping for a 10. I knew they wouldn’t do that, but you can always hope
@Dwtsfreak: I thinking that Carrie Ann was going to give him a ten originally when she got emotional but I’m sure that if he makes it tot he finals we will be seeing that dance again.
Ugh. I hate personal story week. Please go away. I didn’t cry once because all the stories felt awkward and manipulative no matter how heartfelt they were to the storyteller.
For the second straight week JR and Karina were scored below Ricki and Derek when I feel they should have been scored first. It wasn’t as egregious as last week (I didn’t like Dricki’s Jive at all), but I still think JR and Karina were best. I’m not ready to hand them the mirror ball trophy yet, though. I know it was an emotional dance for JR, but I actually liked his dances the first two weeks better. (He was a little too tentative this go around.) I hope he’s not someone who peaks too early.
Hope\Maks are so frustrating to me. There is so much potential there. She can really bring the power and speed compared to most of the stars who are so tentative and slow it’s like they’re dancing through a vat of molasses. She has such rough edges, though. Maks did not help at all this week by pushing her to be sexy in a way she wasn’t comfortable with. They could have done a fun cha-cha – no reason in her personal story why it had to be so sexed-up. In fact, I feel like Maks hijacked her personal story a bit by making it about how (he thinks) she’s not comfortable with her sexiness, instead of celebrating her World Cup journey. That annoyed me a bit, though I like their pairing on the whole because they really seem to like each other. I also give Hope credit for not making her personal story be about the tragic death of her troubled, homeless, Vietnam vet father. Now that’s a sad story that would have been trivialized by being used in this context for DWTS.
Last night I thought most of the personal story was very touching. Judges (especially Len) were also in a good mood as they were scoring quite high compared to last week. Loved Ricki and Derek’s Rumba. Derek’s choreography was amazing and she executed it well. I also see her improving each week and has such great determination to do well. JR and Karina Rumba was very emotional and he did a great job as always and loved it too. I am in agreement with you Courtney on Chynna and Tony. She is a great dancer (better dancer than I thought she would be actually) and liked the split she did in the beginning but she really does not leave much of an impression on me and I easily forget her by the end of the night. She reminds me a lot of Audrina. I think some of of it has to with Tony. Don’t see much of a connection between them and his choreography is weaker compared to some others. As much as I think she deserves that third spot (I believe JR and Ricki may fill the first two) they could be overtaken by other couples that stand out on entertainment and personality (aka Carson and Anna) or popularity (aka Hope and Maks). Not sure what to think of Hope and Maks. She had some good moments in her Cha Cha, but otherwise she was rough around the edges and popularity/fan base will keep them quite safe. As much as I am not a fan of Rob or the Kardashians, I do see him improving week after week. David and Kym had a great comeback after the mess from last week. Don’t think he is out of the woods yet on being eliminated soon though. I am sad to think that I believe Chaz and Lacey will be the ones eliminated tonight. He has such a big heart and put in so much effort, but unfortunately his body and injuries can’t keep up.
I’m glad I’m not alone in my doubts about Hope. There was so much hype in the preseason about how the MBT “is hers to lose”, but honestly, I think it was just that – hype. I have yet to really see her do well. After the first week, I was like “Ok, not terrible I guess…but I bet she’s just getting warmed up.” After last week, I was like “Ok, so maybe the jive’s not her dance. Next week she’ll hit a groove!” And now, after last night, I’m more thinking along the lines of “Maybe Hope is just not a good dancer after all.” Kind of a letdown, since I wanted to see Maks make it to the finale again this season…and I don’t think Hope has the juice
@MaryS – I love personal story night. One of the better theme nights in my opinion.
@Vin – Special guest Cher? .. Awesome! Just hope Chaz is not eliminated then… Kind of awkward.
Best dance of the night NO contest. JR and his emotional rumba, absolutely breathtaking from the beginning of the story until the end when he walks into the clouds…. Props to Karina as well.
RIcki and Derek – Incredible cheorography. Ricki looked beautiful and graceful on the dancefloor and Derek is doing wonders to make Ricki look good.
Chynna and Tony – A surprise this season, Her splits are incredible, Just think Tony is kind of dull with his cheorography. If she had another partner this could be a whole other competition. Not very memorable.
Carson and Anna – What can I say? Hes absolutely entertaining, taking this seriously, and quite frankly could be the dark horse this season…. We will see.
Rob and Cheryl – Hes better than Chaz and is showing improvement. I hate to say this, but hes also better than Hope. (sorry Maks).
Hope and Maks – Sorry Just not feeling this partnership. I feel sorry for Maks. Hope just seems clunky and awkward, and last night she was kind of scary.
David and Kym – Redeemed himself sort of. I dont know, I had some higher expectations of David but now hes slipping down the likeability poll for me.
Nancy and Tristan – I was disappointed in this dance. Great Song, Great Pro Tristan, but the dance was not my favorite of theirs.
Kristin and Mark – Kristin Who?? Totally finished with my rankings and forget all about them. Had to add them to the list. Wouldn’t be surprised if she is an early elimination. Not memorable at all.
Chaz and Lacey – Weakest performance of the night and I believe its time for him to go. Great entertainment but time to hang up the dancing shoes.
:::staggers, with hand to chest:::: Evaine!!
I actually think that it was probably a tie between JR and Ricki for me. JR’s was much more emotional, but he didn’t actually move as well as Ricki did, particularly from the waist up. I also found Derek’s choreography to be interesting and somewhat different from his normal rumba style. That little part where she kinda falls and then he whirls her? That was cool. I’m really liking the new, mature Derek. With occasional flashes of goofy Derek. 
JR – this show is his to lose and I was telling someone last night that, barring a Carson take-over resulting in bumping of clearly better dancers, that this was going to likely come down to a free style. More than EVER before. And I’m not one that buys the “better freestyle wins every time” theory. I think it can LOSE you the competition, for sure, if you do a really crap one.
Zach, after all this time you dare to claim your opinion is “unbased”?? Come on, you know better. There ain’t no such thing.
Oh Chynna. Such a pretty dancer, but her time is running out to make an impression. Same goes for Kristin. Another pretty girl, decent dancer….but forgettable. I’m also starting to think that Derek is a positive influence on Mark – he hasn’t been nearly as annoying this season, so far. Still has a tendency to dance a bit crazy, though.
Have to agree with SueB on the lack of Samba rolls – and the lack of the steps that Derek and Maks have both been criticized for leaving out, Mark gets a pass. But then, he got a pass on a monkey suit, so there you go.
I’m in the “Hope just isn’t a good dancer” category, but it’s not too late for her to get more refined.
You know, Jay, I was actually thinking the same thing – that if Mark had out danced her, they would be more memorable. This is really a case of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”.
As much as I love JR, that was not a dance worthy of a 10. You can’t put EVERYTHING on emotion, there has to be some nod to the technique. I do agree that three 9s would have been appropriate.
Loving everyone’s takes so far!! Heidi, I can’t wait until your numbers post!!!
I just wanted to say that I thought Ricki looked positively gorgeous last night!
Alright a little biased but everyone has a little bias. That was just my opinion.
I guess I just don’t see how Ricki has made more of an impression than Chynna. At all.
I couldn’t watch DWTS last night because of stupid Monday night football!! I’m so pissed! And apparently Codebear, whose YouTube videos I was counting on, had the same issue.
I found the dances on YouTube, but not the lead-ins or scores.
So, so bummed.
And that right there is your bias coming into play, Zach. You’re right – everyone has them. Even you.
No one who posts here gets to stand up and claim they are the unbiased opinion and, by the way, Chynna was the best. Doesn’t work that way.
I’m bad because my feelings for Rob get in the way of how I feel for his dance. I hope he is still picked to go tonight. I hope Chaz gets one more chance to redeem himself and it will be cool to see Cher in the audience next week like she’s been tweeting.
Yeah I know.
My point above was I dont see how Ricki is making more of an impression than Chynna. They both are. I think! Kristin is the only one that I keep forgetting. Btw did I not call Mark doing the beyonce jirating move??? I think I did. 
Chynna is good, I enjoy her personality and she has great lines and potential to go far. That is why she IS making an impression. And then why she isn’t making more of an impression is all Tony. He is the worst choreographer on the show in my opinion. He lost season 2 because of it and hasn’t made much of an impression any season since because of it. Unless he has a ringer type, like Melissa or Stacy, he and his partners don’t stand out because he doesn’t push their performance or technique and nothing pops and just becomes boring. Push Chynna! Make her beauty and spunk have more oomph in the performances. Everything is always too delicate with him and his partners, there is no punch behind the movements and it drives me crazy. I want Chynna to be the #3 with J.R. and Ricki in the finals already but I think Tony will prevent it from happening. I am glad he is happy with his partner this season, but it is a bit silly he acts as if he never has gotten someone good before…hello Stacy, Melissa, even Audrina? He certainly has had more good dancers given to him that say, Louis. He just needs to do more with what he does have, like the more popular dancers Derek, Mark and Maks do. If he would get better, there would be better partners given to him!
Hope was just so so awkward. Why won’t Maks work on her lines and finish? She didn’t finish any pose or have any lines whatsoever. It was jerky, almost ugly, and certainly not sexy. The choreography was just odd too. I don’t feel they have chemistry on the floor or just in general either. I couldn’t believe how much they praised her, and you could see how shocked Maks was with the comments and good scores, which is also telling.
I loved J.R. and Ricki. Didn’t want to like Rob but did kind of like his dance. And U love the fun Carson and Anna are having. Everyone else didn’t leave much an impression on me this week.
Is it sad that the main thing I remember about last night was Lacey’s especially unflattering dress? She has a thing for wearing dresses that do her no favors and that one looked like she had on a pair of giant, lacey (lol) granny panties.
Carson and Anna for the win. He is fabulously entertaining.
Just going on the dancing however, since I didn’t see the explanation behind the dance, here are a few thoughts:
JR and Karina were fantastic – both in technique and emotion.
Ricki and Derek were up there too, especially for emotion (I thought she looked awkward in a couple of spots, so technique was not as good as JR).
Carson and Anna – love it, love it, love it! Technique is messy, but the entertainment factor is miles above everyone else. You gotta love Anna and her choreo for him.
Chyna and Tony – her lines are gorgeous, but I liked the other three dances better.
Rob and Cheryl – what?! He’s moving, he’s enjoying himself, it’s fun to watch his growth. Never thought I’d say that about him.
Hope and Maks: I liked it, kind of. She is a force and as much as I love Maks, and can’t take my eyes off Maks, she dwarfs him. She just has so much power. But I liked the sexy story they were telling, although it was walking the line on sleazy at times.
Nancy and Tristan: Where did Tristan come from? He didn’t stand out for me at all last season in the troupe, but I absolutely love him now. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite pros. And, oh yeah, I thought Nancy did a decent job.
Kristin and Mark: She looks so timid and uncertain on the floor. She has the body, she seems to have the musicality – she just needs to punch it up a bit. Or a lot.
David and Kym: For me, he has an ick factor and because of that I can’t get into their dances. I thought he looked out of it at times in this one, though.
Chaz and Lacey…I haven’t seen. I have not been able to find their dance on YouTube yet.
You never know with this show. Chaz had the worst scores but people may want to see him stay on like Bristol. I would actually rather watch him than David Arquette. This guy is such an obnoxious douche bag.
My favorite dances: JR (I thought he should have gotten 3 9′s), Ricki, (love the choreography, but I don’t like her personality so much) Carson (so entertaining he should go far) and Chynna (Tony needs to be more creative with choreography).
MaryS – I’m not feeling personal story week either. It feels soooo contrived and forced complete with slow sappy music. When the producers are forcing an emotion on us it does the opposite for me. Some might think I’m a bad person for saying this but it’s true. To be clear everyone’s story itself I can connect with and have emotions for…what bothers me is the WAY they go about puting together the pieces. More of an issue with the production value than the story itself.
The team I was most excited about at the start of the season was Hope and Maks. sigh. I feel frustrated too. But I don’t think it’s too late to turn this ship around. Some parts of the dance were ok, other parts were akward but the one thing I do like is that they do have speed. I’m not writing her off just yet.
JR vs. Ricki – I don’t know? Hard to say who did better because it seems like the woman does more in the Rumba so I guess it should go to Ricki. The peformance as a whole with Karina was more emotional than Ricki’s though.
@Laurie – You or any of our other readers that may have missed last night. You can view the entire dances along with their packages on the site Bumpshack.
If you only want to see the dances another site where they are all listed in appearance order is MjsBigBlog…. Hope it helps.
@Laurie – I Just checked Bumpshack and some of the dances do not have the entire package. I am wondering if the game interferred with some of the bloggers as well. But normally that is one site that I have always watched the dances.
I loved last night’s show – the most entertaining week so far. The celeb dancers are definitely improving and maybe getting to choose their own song and dance helped. Last night’s show was as good as last week’s was boring (bad jives and quick steps).
I enjoyed and was surprised by Rob K’s performance last night – he and Cheryl are definitely listening to the judge’s critiques and he’s improving week by week. I hope he stays on longer so we can see how well he can learn to dance, but I fear that his limited fan base won’t keep him on much past week 5 or 6 (that’s assuming that Chaz, Kristen or Nancy go before him). Kristen is a nice dancer, but her movements seem to small and mincing to me. For me her dancing is like her appearance – she looks like every other blond in Hollywood and gets lost/doesn’t stand out enough. Hopefully she will go before Chynna, who I think is a better dancer, but who needs a little flashier choreography to make/keep her memorable once the first 5 celebs get eliminated.
Love JR – Karina is doing wonders with him, much like she did with Ralph last season. Also loved Ricki and Derek, although I do think Derek is doing a good job of hiding her flaws. I thought her jive last week wasn’t really a jive, yet Len called out JR/Karina because of a couple of lindy hop moves. Ricki and JR are neck and neck with me, and are the 2 top couples who should make the finals.
Anna and Carson are entertaining, but for me, quality of dance comes first. So good for them that they’re memorable and fun, but I would hate to see quality dancers get booted at the expense of his over-the-top antics in lieu of good dance.
Poor Maks – Hope is just not a dancer. She tries hard and puts her heart in it. She told him and everyone who would listen that she’s not a dancer – sometimes, when people tell you who they are, believe them! Maks seemed surprised last night when they got 3 8′s – I think he thought they would have gotten 7′s, especially after the way the judges savaged them last week. But it was a night of overscoring anyway, so if Carson/Anna scored as they did, then in relative terms I can’t argue with Hope’s scores. Maks may be better served to stop trying to make Hope sexy (which seems to be the default position applied to every young female celeb on DWTS) and just make their dances fun, and maybe try to take advantage of Hope’s power/attack, rather than struggle against it. The costume last night make Hope look a little “ho’ish”, but I guess it was in keeping with the theme of their song. I can’t help thinking how much more Maks could do with a Chynna or Ricki, and he might even be able to make Kristen memorable (although the 2 of them might not have gotten along).
I won’t be surprised if Chaz goes tonight. Lowest scores and I’m not really sure how big his fan base is. Plus he doesn’t seem to be enjoying himself anymore. Maybe it’s his injury and/or he didn’t realize how much hard work it would be. He tries, but he just doesn’t seem to be a dancer. But he could surprise us all if his fan base is strong, and we might see someone with a smaller fan base go home tonight (maybe Rob K or Nancy Grace or Kristen).
Rumba has in the past been my least favorite dance. But last night, JR/Karina showed me that it can be an amazing dance! I know Karina was doing most of the dancing but it worked with the storyline. Karina started last season to show an entirely different facet of her personality. This season, she is blossoming into a sweet, beautiful person. Definitely should’ve been three 9s.
I wish Chynna was with Maks. I just don’t think Tony’s going to be able to bring out her full potential and Hope is beginning to look rather hopeless. I so want to see Maks win a mirror ball trophy but I doubt this is the season.
Carson is rapidly moving into second place on my favorites list behind JR. I’m starting to look forward to him and Anna just to see what Anna has dreamed up for the week. I’ve always liked her but I never knew she was such a good comedic choreographer.
I thought David/Kym were way over-scored. Maybe it’s my antipathy with the Rumba but I thought he was worse than Chaz. Chaz has limited range of movement, weight and injury issues but there’s musicality and an upbeat personality. David looks tone-deaf when he dances. Plus I’m not warming up to David at all! I was hopeful that David was departing this week after he landed in the bottom 2 last week but not after the Judge’s scoring last night. Looked like blatant manipulation by TPTB to keep David and lose Chaz.
Rob danced ok but others talk about Kristin and Chynna being forgettable. I add Rob to that list as well. The only reason I remembered Rob’s performance is because I love Sinatra’s “Fly me to the Moon”. I remember the moon at the end but I can’t remember the performance.
Speaking of forgettable, I’m a Ricki Lake fan because of John Water’s Hairspray. But if she wasn’t with Derek, she’d be added to the Kristin/Chynna/Rob forgettability list. Derek is, as usual, bringing out the best in his partner. But I think JR should be at the top of the leaderboard or tied with Ricki.
As for Nancy/Tristan, last week it looked like my DVR froze, although I think now it was the nipple-gate moment. This week most of their performance was lost because my local ABC threw in an extra local ad and didn’t get back to DWTS on time. At least it happened with someone that I didn’t mind missing most of their performance.
Chynna and Tony are doing the encore tonight.
I thought for sure it would be JR and Karina…
http://twitter.com/#!/ChynnaPhillips/status/121237829111132161
Wow, I am surprised that Chynna and Tony are doing the endore tonight. JR and Karina were robbed again this week.
Thanks Sandy!
Okay, that’s a REALLY strange choice. Really strange. Hmmm…I wonder if she didn’t get a lot of votes and needs the assistance for future weeks. Why not JR?? Ricki had it last week and Carson had it the week before – both understandable. But Chynna??? That’s out of left field.
Dang, I already wrote my numbers post and this is making me question everything.
post it anyway princess!
I think the encore didn’t go J.R. coz it’s too heavy for a result show. It’s perfect for one time, it will diminish the sparks the second time imo. Ricky had it last week. Who else could have been? I think Chynna’s make perfect sense.
@SueB & Heidi – I’m gonna disagree on the samba rolls – that’s a step that’s not really standard “samba fare”, because it’s so ridiculously hard. I know ballroom pros that don’t even like to do them
I think I’ve only seen a handful pros on the show actually throw them into a samba over 13 seasons – I think Derek’s done it once or twice, and I think Mark did it with Chelsea, and maybe Maks used it a few times. And even then it was usually only one or two, instead of a series of them like most high-level pros do in a routine. I almost think the samba roll could be a detriment to couples on the show, since it’s seldom done correctly. Samba runs, voltas, bota fogos, plaits, corta jacas – those are all more basic samba steps that I usually look for. Mark did have Kristin doing some samba runs and voltas in her samba – but I think they kinda got lost amongst all the “Single Ladies” moves he bogarted 
At least he got rid of the wacky samba arms he had Chelsea doing last season. Eek!
The only reason I can think of that they didn’t give JR the encore is that his routine was maybe too emotionally taxing – perhaps they didn’t want to sully the usually jovial mood of the results show with such a heavy-hearted subject, and reduce CAI to tears once more. But why they picked Chynna? That I’m totally drawing a blank on. It was a good routine, but there wasn’t anything remarkably entertaining or outstanding about it, I’m afraid. I would have guessed Kristin, Rob, Carson, or even David before Chynna – hell, at this rate, I would ESPECIALLY say David, since they seem so bound & determined to jam him down our throats. But perhaps Chynna does need a little help in the votes department…but is getting the encore really gonna help that much?
“I wish Chynna was with Maks. I just don’t think Tony’s going to be able to bring out her full potential and Hope is beginning to look rather hopeless. I so want to see Maks win a mirror ball trophy but I doubt this is the season.” Good thoughts. JR, Ricki and Chynna would be a good final three. Kristin getting lost comment was probably true, but Mark may be able to improve performance. I think Cheryl had more to work with the wrestler, he was a media savvy, engaging guy, so it will be hard to go too much farther with Rob? Next generation, don’t send my sons and daughters off to be doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, bond traders, etc.-just make them reality, magazine cover stars!
Or maybe there or people like me eho Chynna actually is making an impact on. They always give the more popular dances as encores even if they weren’t that good/not as good as others it seems like ” aka The Sitch’s Foxtrot, Carson’s Cha Cha, Bristol Tango etc ” I could go on and on. This makes me happy. Ofcourse Im unbiased.
Kidding. We all are.
You are judging too quickly are still in 3 weeks ….. I still think that Hope can improve and you can not really want it to be perfect, with gentle movements that are job-and opposite it, if it is in 8 weeks judge still bad but now I think you are judging too soon and too demanding of her … it has improved a lot since the last week ….. the only thing I say and she has potential and I think with practice and eventually she will dance in a way that is not so strange …….
JR and Karina: I hate when I get an eyelash in my eye. Then when you rub your eye, it just makes it worse. JR can dance. Right now it’s his to lose.
Ricki and Derek: Last week I thought Derek overdanced Ricki but this week I think I’ve figured out how Derek gets all of the “ringers.” He coreographs dances that hides weaknesses and showcases strengths and he teaches his partner/student to make the most of their ablities. How dare he. Seriously a very good dance.
Chyna and Tony – Some real potential here.
Kristin and Mark: Kirstin is a good dancer but unfortunately for this competion a forgetable one.
Rob and Cheryl – Rob is a good dancer. His personality and outside the show comments are what drag him down. But I have a crush on Cheryl so I’d like him to stick around awhile.
Carson and Anna – Loved Carson in Queer eye for the straight guy and he tries very hard. I just don’t see the dance moves clicking for him as quickly as he needs it to. Definitely fun to watch.
Hope and Maks: Hope is easy on the eyes but just can’t dance.
Nancy and Tristan: Sweet but unfortunately forgetable.
David and Kym: David’s personality has always rubbed me the wrong way. He had a decent Rumba and better physique than I thought he would have but overall, meh.
Chaz and Lacey: Probably going home.
It makes sense to me that they would choose Chynna/Tony for the encore dance. JR’s dance was very emotion-heavy and wouldn’t be as effective the 2nd time around. Ricki and Derek had the encore dance last week. So next in line (Ricki/Derek scored 27, JR and Karina scored 26) is Chynna (i.e., tied with JR/Karina with 26) are Chynna and Tony. Their dance is a beautiful dance with lovely arms/feet by Chynna. None of the remaining couples (i.e., other than JR and Ricki) “earned” the encore dance as much as Chynna/Tony, IMO.
i just don’t like rumbas that much. i think they’re tacky. i really liked rob and nancy’s dances.
*breathe*
Okay, y’all I’ll start with the bad – based on dancing alone! I cringe, seriously, cringe, look away, peek through my hands wanting with all my heart that Hope will suddenly be able to dance. It’s just not there, I adore her in soccer, not so much on the dance floor and well Maks – I was hoping this would be his year!!! I don’t think so, as much as I hate to say it!
Chaz… it is painful to see him in such pain and trying to dance and also to witness the extent of his shyness (sometimes I want to just smack people for their unkindness towards him), you want to see him ROAR to life … I don’t think that will happen.
I think Lacey is a most excellent partner to Chaz!
David, well intention-ed, vibrant, “I am who I am and I don’t care”, lessons learned, living life, hell SMILE LAUGH boyish adult charm and yes sometimes creepy dude he too can be painful to watch…. a bit of flailing about so odd in contrast to Kym. Last night was much better – that I give him and I’m glad for it too.
Carson! Carson! Carson! I want to just … go shopping with him! His enthusiasm and the fun – dang if he don’t bring the FUN!!! He is the buffer between the not so great of the night and the better of the night. He is neither “vanilla” or “best dance” — but lawsey how he and Anna bring it! Love it! Love how she has done her best to design towards … well his designs!
Ricki & J.R. it’s their competition to lose…. #nufsaid
Excellent partnerships, choreography, dancing abilities that have grown each week – they are, in my opinions the ones to watch!
Everyone else (despite the pro’s whom we each have a favorite) kind of get lost in the background… if one of them is going to stand up! stand out! they best make a move now before it’s too late:
Rob, he’s young, I don’t think his fan base is big enough to carry – I’m not much interested in what he said or did off the dance floor, only what happens on it….something is lacking.
Nancy, I love how she is trying so hard, I love her motivation and her heart, there is, I believe a height issue here and at times it looks and feels awkward (I am a NEW and HUGE FAN OF TRISTAN), while technically structured their dances, a little OOMPF is missing and would love to see it!
Chynna: Beautiful legs and footwork, her arms and upper body need refinement and there is a disconnect between the dance and the music with her I feel, as well as with the audience, she comes off a bit “cool” – I’m not sure what it is – a distance is certainly there. I am not particularly moved one way or another by her. However, I am thrilled to see that Tony is having some fun, has a chance to do something really good this season!
Kristin ~ she is holding back or afraid – not sure which, she is certainly going through the motions that Mark has choreo’d for her, but it’s more HIM then her. She is just not comfortable in her own skin in this arena, and to do some of the choreography that Mark puts out there you have to do more than dance it – you have to FEEL it, BE it, BRING it – cause he dances LARGE and OUTLOUD.
Just my .02
bottom 3: David, Chaz, Rob
I absolutely disagree with the comments about Nancy/Tristan’s dance as boring. It was a slow waltz…not supposed to be showy. It was extremely elegant and sincere and beautiful. I thought it was the most moving dance of the night. I love Tristan’s choreography. It’s all about the partner, instead of the flashier pros providing excitement by dancing around their celeb. They were way underscored compared to the overscoring of Hope, Rob, David, Carson.
I’m with those who don’t care for Personal Story Week. It’s like a bad cocktail, the individual ingredients might be fine, but they never get the balance right. This time around wasn’t as awful as others, but I’m still glad it’s over.
For me, Ricki and Derek came up with the best cocktail on Monday. Strong story, good emotional connection, and excellent choreography performed very well.
JR and Karina were fantastic in a totally different way. Beautiful and brave performance. Kudos to him and Karina for pulling it off, but the emotion was almost too much for me. Can’t wait to see JR cut loose the hip action in a fun upbeat number.
I’m glad Chynna and Tony have the encore tonight. I thought they had a lovely Rumba on Monday, but as everyone’s already pointed out, it was kind of “light” and they just don’t stand out the way they need to. The encore gives them another chance to remember them. Don’t know if it will help, but it can’t hurt.
I do wonder if the producers have their final three in mind already? Just a thought.
The War hero. (JR)
The Olympic star. (Hope)
The Television Talkshow icon. (Ricki)
I sort of felt they did have the final three they wanted last season and did whatever they could to derail any other choice. JMHO.
I was surprised to see Hope get 8′s on a dance that bordered more 7′s.
I may be in the minority, but I was caught up in Chynna’s rumba last night. I loved her backstory and the execution of the dance. Plus, the song was performed beautifully by Beverley Staughnton.
Rob is stepping up his game, although he and Kristen need a little more oomph IMO.
And I feel that JR and Ricki are miles ahead of everyone, but I agreed with Len on JR in the sense that I did get the feeling Karina was doing more dancing than anything BUT it was the most EMOTIONAL dance ever. It was really good.
I am finally getting the feeling that the students are IN THE COMPETITION now because everyone stepped it up and I’m happy about that
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Kathy, I’ve only watched the dances once and want to do another run through. Nancy and Tristan are definitely one couple I want to see again. I”m a big Tristan fan and wanted to love this performance. Yes, the Slow Waltz is more understated than the other dances we saw on Monday, but my first impression was “boring”. Perhaps if Tristan was dancing it with another pro, they could bring out the simplicity and elegance of his choreo. One of the things I love about Tristan is that he doesn’t over-dance his partner.
Thank you, Nathan, So i’m not crazy.
I fell in love with Ricki and Derek’s rumba last night! I agree with the judge’s scores for them. But I also think that JR and Karina should have been tied for the top spot with Ricki because I also thought they had the most mesmerizing performance. I have a feeling that the judges underscore JR to get more people to vote for him, increasing his fanbase. The judges are really picking on him because they know he is a great dancer.
I think Chynna is a beautiful dancer and I enjoy her personality. I hope she goes at least to the final four. I actually liked Rob’s dance. I thought Cheryl did a great job on the choreo for him. Those 4 are the standouts for me for last night. Oh, and Carson!! He’s a hoooooot!
I did not enjoy watching Chaz and Hope dance last night. I did not like the choreo that Maks gave Hope to do and poor Chaz was just standing there most of the time. I would love for Nancy to stick around some more. I think she is doing a great job! I feel like Kristin is getting lost in the shuffle. I don’t see passion or fire in her when she dances. I so want Kym to stay longer… hoping the advantages that TBTB gave David this week does the trick.
Still trying to figure out why Hope & Maks changed their music? The mood of their dance was dark/mysterious/sexy…which goes great for “Waiting for Tonight” song but I wasn’t feeling it for a cha-cha. I think firework would have worked better for a cha-cha and the vibe would have been upbeat and lively…which comes more naturally to Hope I think.
I think it will an exit stage left for Chaz. The hype around Chaz being on the show has died down and the focus has shifted to other drama…ie. nipple-gate.
This season is different because their are the good dancers (JR, Ricki and Chynna) who all have musicality and rhythm. They seem to be able to “act” and really get into the dances and perform in front of a crowd.
What is weird is that everyone else is kind of in the middle of the pack. Rob, Kristin, Hope, Nancy, Carson & David. None of them seem like natural dancers (i.e. have rhythm), not used to “acting” or dancing in front of so many people. Each of them have their postives but none are well rounded dancers like the top 3. I’m most curious to see if any of them can break out of the pack and mix things up for top 3. Week 3 is still early and I think the next 2 shows is a make it or break it. If no one steps up their game it will be rather boring to know so early on who will be in the finals.
I’ve decided that David looks creepy because that’s just the way he looks. Not sure what he could do to be less so.
Thought Rob’s dance was boring – didn’t expect that from Cheryl.
Carson really is improving. His hard work shows. Fun!
Hope – hated the costume. It was like Maks was trying to hide her behind it.
Lovely to see Tony having fun! It was definitely time for him to have a great partner.
That dance that Tony did with Chynna, lots of “posing” and pivots and he did it with someone in the past. She seems to fake sincerety to me. Thouoght I was having flashbacks for a minute . !. And Hope, she is so awkward and has a horrible attitude, listen to some of her interviews. I don’t know why but these 2 bother me even more than Chaz, not really dancing or Markie……oh, wait he always bothers me, needs to take a few seasons off to go sing somewhere!Anything Kardashian needs to be gone too.
All of the above, JMO after overly forced PC day.