DWTS 15, Week 6 – Power Rankings
Well, that was interesting 😛 I guess that’s with the overall feeling I’m left with after country week – there were some good dances, some not-so-good dances, and just some general weirdness. I feel like we saw, quite possibly, the messiest group dance in the history of the show – as some of you saw me say on Twitter, I thought this looked like it was just thrown together this morning, and that no one really & truly knew the choreography. The solos were an interesting mix of desperate, messy, ambitious, and silly…and at the end of it all, I’m left with the same theory that Heidi & I kicked around earlier today upon hearing about the “judges’ score only” elimination next week: that they’re trying to subtly nudge Kelly out this week so that they can send Kirstie packing next week with a clear conscience and without a ton of backlash. But let’s get on with the rankings, shall we?
1.) Sabrina & Louis – I’ll admit, I really enjoyed this rumba. Sabrina is really starting to grow on me, and maybe a part of me empathized with her struggles with a drug-addicted ex-boyfriend – I myself am still reeling from uncle’s passing earlier this year, due to a drug overdose. I guess I just understand how she could feel so hopeless and agonized in that situation – and I think it reflected in her dancing. Loved the solo, which was a nice combination of hurt and joy. I actually thought Sabrina’s legs looked pretty damn good in this dance, and she seemed to handle all the passes & turns with finesse. There also seemed to be a nice balance of light & shade – the dramatic, fast passes & turns contrasted nicely with the slow portions where she took the time to finish her lines. If I had to pick one flaw, though – I think there was a trick midway through the routine that didn’t seem to come off quite right, and it looked like Louis was just struggling to lift her butt off the floor. For that reason, I would have probably given it a 29 – but overall, I liked it 🙂 I think she’s got a pretty decent cushion from elimination this week – at the top of the leaderboard, she’s a full 10 points ahead of Kelly.
2.) Apolo & Karina – FINALLY!!! A breakthrough performance that the judges finally recognize just how GOOD these two are. Admittedly, I was skeptical (and rather pessimistic) heading into this week, because I hated the song they picked and I was prepared for the judges to just kinda nitpick them to death again. But man – Apolo seems to really handle the ballroom dances with incredible ease, and I love the way he extends his arms. And while I was worried the emotion in this one would be kind of over-the-top, I actually thought it had a good degree of restraint, and was more celebratory than sad. Just a lovely dance 🙂 And if we’re going to split hairs about the two extra points from the group dance (which I don’t really feel like complaining about too much, because it literally only makes about a .33% difference…basically peanuts), I think Apolo & Karina were the only two that really seemed hungry for the extra points and seemed to cram as many cool tricks into their solo as humanly possible – for that reason alone, I probably would have given them the points, but again…it really doesn’t matter a whole lot this week. I feel like these two finally have a good dance (and the 2nd highest point total) to keep them relevant – it’s nice to know they’re most likely safe tomorrow night 😉
3.) Shawn & Derek – Very cute & Western-y, just as I was told it would be 🙂 And it was fun watching Shawn cut loose and play a sassy little Daisy Duke character in her solo. But here’s the thing: I actually agree with Len that there was a little too much country, and I could have done with a bit more regular cha-cha steps. However, I feel like if they were going to call Shawn & Derek out for “too much country western”, then they should have also called Melissa & Tony out for what felt like a TON of ballet in their Viennese waltz…and at the end of the night, it was still country night, so I felt like they did have an obligation to put a certain amount of country steps into that cha-cha. So at the end, I guess I feel kind of ambivalent about the whole thing – not really Shawn’s best dance, but not her worst, and her song was wonky, and she was kind of injured. I’m sure she’ll be ok this week, though – and for a few weeks to come. Thought their solo in the country group dance could have been better and a bit more ambitious, but in the end, like I said – it really doesn’t matter a whole lot. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Derek comes up with for this mysterious “dance fusion” we’ve been hearing about – it sounds like something that’s definitely in his wheelhouse.
4.) Gilles & Peta – I think I would have actually enjoyed this cha-cha, had it not been so bizarre seeing Gilles gyrating around so…effeminately. I get that the video kinda had a lite-drag element to it, but I don’t think that called for Gilles to be prancing around like the love child of Carson Kressley & a tyrannosaurus rex 😛 Then again, maybe Gilles didn’t even realize he was doing it – but he was definitely doing something strange (and not aesthetically pleasing) with his hands…and the overall effect was a little off-putting. The cha-cha portions were actually decent, and I think they handled the piece of music they were given well. Could have done without the whole feeling-up-Peta’s-butt-before-smacking-it thing, and I have to wonder what Gilles’ wife has to say about some of this choreography. Maybe the French are a lot more open-minded than the Americans, but if it were my boyfriend rubbing some girl’s ass for several seconds and then smacking it in one of his pro-am routines, he’d be sleeping on the couch that night. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about it, because the bulk of my bf’s students are pretty conservative, middle-aged women 😉 But I digress – I can’t really remember what they did for their solo in the group dance, but I remember Gilles looking simultaneously a bit lost and desperate…surprise, surprise. Too bad he’s nowhere near the top of the leaderboard this week. Bwahahahaha…that’s what you get for bragging about how “epic” your cha-cha was on Twitter, G-man 😛
5.) Melissa & Tony – As I mentioned earlier, I felt like this Viennese waltz was pretty heavy on the ballet – while Melissa did it quite well and looked very pretty doing it (she even made those god-awful block-heeled character shoes I hate look good!), I did find myself kinda saying “Ok, when’s the Viennese waltz going to start already?” But once they finally got going into the the Viennese waltz portion, I did really like what I saw – I can always count on Tony to give me a good amount of syllabus steps, and I really liked the spin portion they did where Melissa was on one leg with the other outstretched and Tony was spinning her. I also wonder if Tony heard Shirley’s critique of their tango on Afterbuzz last week, because he did seem to make Melissa’s skirt a little bit longer, and I wonder if the dim lighting also served to conceal any potential footwork errors. I liked their solo portion of the group dance, even if it did come out a bit sloppy (I really think everyone’s did, with the exception of Kirstie & Maks’). I think they’ve got a pretty decent cushion to keep them safe this week, but I do have to wonder if she’s next on the chopping block after Kelly & Kirstie are gone. I worry that she could be a casualty of the double elim in week 8, unless they keep finding ways to pad her scores a bit – but thankfully, I think she’s ok for now. I’d much rather see her in the finale than a certain Frenchman…
6.) Emmitt & Cheryl – Emmitt is charming, Emmitt is charismatic, Emmitt is fun to watch – this we know. But remember when I said wayyyy back in week one that if Emmitt really wanted to be a contender, that he was going to have to bring the dance skill WITH the charm? I think we’re reaching the point in the season where it’s becoming obvious that Emmitt, while still very charming & fun to watch, is just not up-to-snuff with the dance skills of some of the other contestants. While “cute”, I thought the first part of his foxtrot was pretty awkward – there were timing issues, some wonky arms & wonky frame issues, and the head rolls he was trying to do with Cheryl? He looked like he was trying to give her some sort of chiropractic adjustment. 😛 But the solo at the end was very cute and fun to watch – he totally went for it, moreso than any other celeb tonight. It felt a bit disjointed from the foxtrot itself, but I can’t really complain – “Islands in the Stream” doesn’t exactly lend itself to scintillating solo moves 😛 I think he gave it a good try in his solo in the group dance, but I think it was another instance where timing issues got the better of him. I think he’s safe this week (and probably next week, barring a huge disaster), but I’m beginning to foresee him as one of the victims of the double elimination in week 8…Cowboy fanbase or not, someone’s gotta go, and if everyone else is getting a ton of votes like he is, but he’s not getting the scores – he’s gonna fall.
7.) Kirstie & Maks – I thought their rumba was a definite improvement from last week (and their rumba in season 12) – Kirstie seemed to relax and enjoy herself quite a bit more, and there was a lovely sort of simplicity to the choreography…I liked being able to see it and say “Oh look, there was a fan” or “That was a nice side-break”, and I appreciated that they didn’t try to cram as many flashy steps into it as they possibly could. They let the simplicity speak for itself. That said, I almost felt like it was so slow (and they spent so much time walking towards and away from each other) that I would have liked a few more actual steps…a few more figures and a few less seconds walking. But overally, I thought it was pleasant to watch, and definitely not the worst routine of the night. As for their solo in the group dance – as I said earlier, I do commend them for being the only couple that didn’t seem to fumble, and they did go for the fun factor. Would I have given them the two bonus points? Probably not, but in the end, I think the means justified the ends: those two extra points gave Kirstie an extra boost over Kelly, and giving the points to Kirstie was probably the only option that actually could make a difference in this week’s results, as I think the totals between Kirstie & Kelly are likely going to be the closest when they add everything together. But I daresay even though Kirstie will survive this week – I think she’s going to have a huge target on her back next week, with the judges picking who goes home.
8.) Kelly & Val – Ok, first the good: I think Kelly & Val’s costumes were actually my favorite tonight. Love, love, LOVED the famous ruby red Scarlett O’Hara dress, and I thought the Rhett Butler-inspired suit was a nice change of pace for Val (any bets on whether someone had to explain to him who Rhett Butler was? 😛 ). As for their tango – it was ambitious, and I do give them props for going for it and not holding back or trying to dumb it down. But I feel like Val was really having to pull Kelly along and lead her hard, and Kelly just seemed to get lost amongst all those feathers and those big movements. Definite frame issues, and I was a little confused by all the head-snaps – it started to look a little seizure-y. And I think you all know how I feel about kisses in dances – unecessary and desperate, but I will give them a little bit of the benefit of the doubt on this one, because I think it MIGHT have been a nod to Rhett & Scarlett. It wasn’t their worst routine by any means, and it was a definite improvement from the half-hearted samba they did last week – but I don’t know that it’s going to be enough to save them this week. Unfortunately for Kelly, I think they may need someone more skilled than Kirstie to go home this week, so that they still have her around next week for the judges to eliminate and still maintain the appearance of being legitimate judges (and not Stooges who play favorites) – so for that reason, I’m going to say Kelly is leaving us tomorrow night. Do I think she deserves to go? No, not yet, but I said the same thing about Joey, Drew, & Helio…c’est la vie on the all-star season, I guess.
Other thoughts on the group dance:
It didn’t look like anyone really knew the choreography well (including most of the pros), and I thought some of the floor patterns they picked didn’t help, as it just seemed to enhance the fact that some of the couples didn’t really know the choreography. I thought that just about every one of the couples had kind of a sloppy solo – I get the feeling most of them had little to no time to actually practice their solo, and so they just kinda winged it. If I had to pick, I’d say my favorite solos were Apolo & Karina’s, Melissa & Tony’s, and Kelly & Val’s – and I thought Apolo & Karina had the most impressive tricks, even if they weren’t execute perfectly. But as I already said – the 2 points won’t really mean a lot, unless two couples are neck-and-neck in the votes…which is why I find it interesting that they gave them to Kirstie.
So what did you guys think of country night? Was it bang or bust? Who were your favorites? Who’s going home? DISCUSS!!!
P.S. Still sending my thoughts and prayers to our readers currently riding the storm out on the east coast. We’re thinking of you!!! 😀
Good job Court!First of all, I just want to say I’m disgusted with the judging tonight. Bruno was ok, but, what was wrong with Carrie Anne and Len again? Geez. This show seems so rigged sometimes? I seriously think Carrie Ann needs a vacation away from this show. Here’s how I’d rank the dances tonight….
Apolo and Karina – Dance of the night! Just perfect in every way. So touching, elegant, and full of compassion. Atleast the judges got this one right. 30
Tony and Melissa – Wow, what a beautiful dance and their best to date! It was touching. It was soft, graceful, passionate, and elegant! It was truly beautiful!! Good job Tony and Melissa!! 29.5
Derek and Shawn – If there was something wrong with Shawn’s knee, you couldn’t tell. What a fun, tight, sexy dance. Brilliant choreography! Loved them!! 29.5 (what is up with Len? A 8.5? Crazy!)
Kirstie and Maks – I was getting worried watching their package again, but, wow, all the pain was worth it and they brought it. What a smooth, touching, and sexy Rumba. Kirstie at her finest. Loved her curves during the dancing! Just beautiful. I loved it when she said she “wants to stay because she just loves to dance.” That’s what it’s all about. 28.5
Kelly and Val – I LOVED THEM! Great comeback. It would be so hard to dance a Tango to a country song, but, they did it. Their hard work showed. She was more confident. She looked so pretty too. Loved the dip and the kiss at the end. 27.5
Sabrina and Louis – A really pretty and touching Rumba. It seems a little messy in a couple of the turns, but other than that, very nice. 26.5
Emmitt and Cheryl – Hmmm, not sure I liked their Foxtrot as much as their other dances. The turns were off a little and the song seemed wrong at times for the kind of dancing taking place, but, overall, it was still charming and fun. I loved it when Emmitt said, “If you can not live through the pain, you can’t play the game”. So true for both football and dancing. 26.5
Peta and Gilles – Their dance was just “ok”. It seemed too pushed at times and unconvincing. Gilles is NOT cowboy material. Like Bruno, I thought his legs and feet were off. He seemed weak and tired too. 24 at the most.
The Group Dance: Wow, they were all super good. Loved the whole dance!!
As for who is going home: I’m afraid it’s Kelly and Val. Even though they had a comeback tonight, I’m not sure it was enough. What I’d give though if there was a surprise elimination and it was Gilles and Peta going home.
I can’t wait for Heidi’s numbers post and to read what everyone thinks of the night.
Finally a more fair scoreboard! Except for Kirstie being overscored a bit…but Emmitt was bumped down! About time!
I really hope to see Sabrina and Apolo in the FINALS!!!
I loved apolo and Karina Waltz, love the song, love the feel. Karina is really good with waltz.
I liked Sabrina Rumba but that mistake in the middle was very visible, so I don’t think she deserved a perfect score, I would give a 28 to her.
Shawn and Derek were the only couple that had country in their dance and still was a proper cha cha. Flawless execution, as always the difficult of the choreo was huge. The only thing that wasn’t perfect was the solo, but other than that, PERFECTION. I used to think that Sabrina was the best dancer, but if you watch her cha cha and Shawn’s, you can see how much cleaner Shawn’s is, she has much more control than Sabrina, and She is so much better than Gilles.
I’m sure they will bring it next week, I’m just scared about the others picking their dance fusion thing. I hope they get a a.tango paso fusion (Derek dance with allison had that fusion and it was amazing).
Len can be annoying, but this thing with Shawn and Derek is out of control, 8 and now 8,5. WTF
Gilles was messy , sloopy, and the choreo was just boring.
Wow tonight my favorites
1.Kirstie and Maks- wow wow wow loved their dance very beautiful and moving watched it 20 times already
2.Melissa and Tony-Havnt enjoyed any of her dances until tonight.
3.Apolo and Karina-beautiful dance.
The group dance was very sloppy but my favorite solos were Kirstie,Kelly and Apolo.
Courtney Len actually praise the choreo, I don’t remember he complaining about not having enough cha cha. He was mad about the cow and the tractor, too much gimmicks in his opinion, and again melissa had a full fire camp and got a 10. Go figure.
Thanks for getting this up so fast. My electricity was out for several hours and Sandy coverage apparently pre-empted DWTS anyway in my area. I’ve only seen Apolo and Karina and the group dance so far online, so it was nice to read details of what happened. Glad Apolo and Karina finally got some scores they deserved. I was even pleasantly surprised by their group dance lift, much better than I expected. I still think their “Fever” foxtrot dance was their break-out dance, they just didn’t get the scores they deserved that time.
I agree that Giles’ dance was not that great. I couldn’t believe Carrie Ann gave Melissa and Kirstie the same score. I did not like Shawn’s solo, injury or not the judges can’t cut her a break on that! Just my opinion. As for what I thought Len was saying (other than the tractor/cow comment) was gimmicks – Did he really need to jump over her twice in that dance? And even if being a ballerina isn’t waltz Melissas dance was clean vs. Shawn being more stiff. And Kirstie getting the 2 points just makes me lose all respect for the judges.
I agree with most of what has been said. Len really has some sort of grudge against Derek or Shawn and it is very obvious. However, I think that works in Shawn’s favor, more votes. I also think that there may be a shocking elimination tomorrow, Kirstie, Emmitt, or Melissa because I think the Val/Kelly fans are upset. The best part of the night for me was the fact that Kirstie beat Gilles in the overall score for tonight. I am sure that is just eating him up inside and it makes me happy. Is that bad?
I know that comparing dances performed on different weeks is apples to oranges, but I couldn’t help but notice this. Last week, Len gave Shawn and Derek’s Rumba an 8. This week, he game Kirstie and Maks’ Rumba an 8.5. Consistency is the guy’s middle name…
I liked Gilles dance. I’ve always thought cha cha was one of Shawn’s best dances both tonight and during season 8. Her knee injury was not apparent, but I have to think that the injury might just keep her out of the finals. I previously thought she was sure to be there, now it’s more like 50-50. Sabrina is more likely to be there in her place now I think. Apolo did a great job tonight, and I am back to thinking he’ll be in the finals. Melissa looked great, but she always does when she can use her ballet training during a dance, and I fear her neck injury will keep her from the finals as well. Emmitt isn’t as good a dancer as some of the others so I think he will also not be in the finals.
Kelly will go home this week. I like her, but once Kirstie got the extra points for the team dance her goose was cooked. Kirstie will be going home the next week I believe. I still don’t think it is because the judges have rigged anything though; it’s just who has the scores and the skills.
In the end, I think the finals will go down to Sabrina, Apolo, and Gilles, and the best freestyle will take home the trophy.
Thanks to the ever-present Sandy coverage (Sandy is a real bitch, she needs to pop a Midol), I’ve only seen Gilles and Sabrina’s dances so far (they’re the only ones up on ABC’s youtube).
Gilles’ dance was just…odd. I’ve never seen a man so happy to be dancing so…effeminately…while wearing such a, um…well, THAT. I don’t think I’ve ever been so confused watching someone dance. It was just WEIRD.
Sabrina’s dance was beautiful. Loved the balance of the abrupt parts and the slow ones. Fantastic choreo by Louis.
Best dances tonight were Sabrina and Apolo. I split my votes between them and Kelly. I hope Kelly and Val stay. I’m hoping for a shocking elimination with either Gilles and Emmitt going.
Next week I read from Louis’ blog that the couple with the lowest score from the judges will be eliminated. That’s why I hope Gilles will be eliminated this week.
I think that Gilles kind of dances effeminately except for the tango and paso which are truly his best dances.
a part of me wants to call shenanigans…either kirstie fanbase is smaller than expected or kelly’s is bigger than expected. I get that they want to save kirstie for the boot next week, therefore kelly has to be the sacrificial lamb, but why award her the bonus points that honestly good of justly gone to ANY couple except her. She was already ahead of kelly in overall points and supposedly has a big fanbase, what gives?
oh and if i had ever had any doubt about shawn winning, it was squashed tonight. It’s perfect storyboarding- people should thank len. she was peaking very early, and he has re-set the arch for her. she is once again the underdog, now with a bit of an injury (which is actually unfortunate, dont get me wrong), and has spurred derek to choreograph some ridicuously amazing piece. all in all, shawn has this sewn up barring her injury keeping her from performing.
I’m sooooo happy that even though NYC is in a blackout, I was able to watch DWTS on ch 467 (a country channel). Someone told my daughter that since it was country theme week the channel carried it …yay! Generator is holding its own and I was able to get the first round of voting in tonight.
Huge oak tree snaps in half and blocks my road, wires get on fire around the corner, other side of town is flooded with cars floating in the street (one dude in a kayak lol) and my husband says, ” Don’t you wanna see what’s going on outside?” Me: “Nope, I’m voting for Apolo.” 🙂 🙂
Len doesn’t have a grudge against Derek or Shawn – he LOVES Derek and is too hard on them because of it. He expects more than perfection out of them, and holds no one else to the same standard.
Lved Apolo and Karina’s dance but I think Vogue is right, CAI seriously needs a vacation!
All Len did was piss off fans….they probably will have a ton of phone votes.
Yeah, buttercup, that becomes more obvious by the day.
Which is, coincidentally, why Shirley should never be a judge.
Just an observation…but does anyone else think Shawn approached her solo like a gymnastics routine? I have to agree with Carrie Ann on this one: she was kind of stiff, but it definitely reminded me of her floor routine in the Beijing Olympics (I’m also an Olympics junkie :P).
I am annoyed at the scoring more than usual. Kirstie was way overscored, Shawn was underscored, Gilles overscored, Emmett underscored, Kelly they should deduct points for the makeout session and I am not a Val fan either, just I am tire of DWTS and pros taking a DANCING show and making a lusty, raunchie, soap out of it.
I would be happier if Gilles were sent packing to the house with wife and family.
A very bad group dance again. It seems that the group dances are sliding down mud slide. They are getting worse and this is an AllStar season WTH!
I watched bits and pieces tonight, the points and vots are all screwed this cast off period anyway.
DWTS can always find a way to muck the show. They work hard at it, it would be so much simpler to JUST DO THEIR TITLE! Dancing with the Stars.
Not try to make a comedy show, a soap show, a thriller show, DANCE DAMIT DANCE!
I can’t quite believe I’m going to say this, but I enjoyed every dance tonight. Some more than others, but I sincerely enjoyed all of them. And it’s freakin’ country week! *facepalm* It’s gotta be the storm or something. 😉
Why, someone tell me why, is Gilles still in this competention?
I unfortunately agree with the “conspiracy theory” on Kirstie next week. That was pretty much confirmed as the nail was fiurlmly hammered into the coffin when they gave her the points. If that wasn’t a blatanttelling there I don’t know what was. I know the points were based on being entertaining but it seemed a bit shady to me. I hope, hope that there is a surprise elimination this week and Kelly stays. They were a bit underscored for my taste while others that shall remain nameless for respect of their fans were waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over scored. ::cough:: Gilles.
I took Len’s comment on the flippery to Derek and shawn as we’ve seen the flips and lifts and stuff, “how bout some real dancing.” I believe that is what he said but I do not want to misquote.
I think the producers already have a set up in motion for the finals and the judges are just there for show. I’ve gotten that feeling the past few seasons.
@Evaine must be the full moon.
Also, to whoever questioned Len’s comments, Len specifically said, “I don’t want tractors, I don’t want cows,” but he “loved the choreography.”
So, yeah. Len docked them points for having a tractor while dancing to a song about a tractor, and for having a cow in a country song during country week.
I thought it was a bust tonight.You need to get my daughter on DWTS. she use to me a dancer and was in lots of completions.she has travel to London Cali. She was a dancer with Greg Russell. Get her on next season she’ll be a great asset.she is not a professional but does have some talent. Hopefully you will find that she is a person that likes to have a little fun dancing.please Please pick her she is a wonderful person and has a daughter.
I’m not really into country music but I really enjoyed the music and dancing tonight. The musical guests were great, although I can do without Taylor Swift tomorrow 🙂
Gilles and Peta: Gilles outfit was just too distracting for me. I agree he danced a bit too feminine but still danced a good cha cha. I really liked their solo in the team dance. I just wished Peta would have dressed him in a cowboy outfit and choreograph a better routine. The guy can dance. His first week cha cha with Cheryl was so much better for me
Sabrina and Louis: this is the first time I actually connected and enjoyed Sabrina’s dancing. It was nice to see her soften up and dancing more smoothly. She put genuine emotion and passion into her dance. I almost teared up when Louis teared up. Although I’m not a Louis fan, nor do I dislike him, I felt happy for him
Melissa and Tony: this is the first time I enjoyed this couple’s dance as well. They’re lovely but they’re still forgettable to me. Sorry
Shawn and Derek: it’s really nice to see other shades of Shawn this season. A lot of credit goes to Derek, of course. I would have never thought of being sexy, but she was (sexy clean). They almost made me like that crappy song, She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy, ugh the lyrics!
Emmit and Cheryl: I never thought Emmit’s dancing was all that. This was another one I enjoyed for the first time. I thought he was really charming. He started out good and then it was so-so, but I loved his solo the best! Love the song too
Apollo and Karina: I think their chemistry is just fine. I think their chemistry is the best out of the new partnerships this season (with the exception of Val and Kelly). I’d like to see these two in the finals with Shawn and Derek. I’d like to see Gilles and Peta as well, but their chemistry and choreography is just lacking
Kirstie and Maks: it was great too see a different shade of Kirstie other than the usual Shtick. This 60 year old plus size woman was the most sensual of them all. Great artistic expression and movement. And she magically transform Maks into charming, funny and very likeable fella. Wow, no controversy either with these two
Kelly and Val: i’ve started out very impressed
with them but they lost it for me these past few weeks. I think they’re most likely to be eliminated.
Best wishes to those who are affected by the storm
Interesting show. There were some good, some weird, gorgeous costumes (by some!) and the scoring truly was all over the place!
Gotta say, the group dance was really all over the place. The solos were very short but thank goodness because the majority were kinda eh. All I remember was a lot of lifting and Gilles/Peta doing a mili-second of what looked like the chicken dance. And Big & Rich must LOVE DWTS for all the love they show their song, they’ve used that song sooo many times!!
My thoughts on the group dance- So Melissa, how’s that neck injury? … You know, the one that would be fine as long as you didn’t do any tricks. Yeah, that one. At the start of the dance, I was laughing because Kirstie had clearly messed up, so I was shocked to see them awarded the two extra points.
I think Emmitt will leave. Being a Kelly/Val fan I know most of their fans are freaking out and voting like crazy. Emmitts fan might see that he isn’t at the bottom and just not bother voting for him.
You know, if this was a double elimination week, I think we’d have a shot of getting Gilles out… but it isn’t and we don’t. I’d love to be proven wrong and see him sent packing.
Just saw a few more of the dances. Shawn’s solo was a little random though, but I think maybe what they did was what Derek did in season 6, was it, with Lil Kim and her solo in their salsa routine – remember? He didn’t really choreograph anything relevant to the routine, but put the music on and told her to just go ahead and do what felt natural to her. It didn’t have salsa in it, just some floor work (if you can call it that) and posing. It’s what Shawn’s solo looked like. Not that she didn’t execute it beautifully…
And I usually try not to post too much, but I stopped mid-dance. I’m watching the group dance and I don’t know if anyone else spotted this, but Peta actually used the EXACT same choreo this time as she did for Donald’s freestyle – at EXACTLY that same song lyric! I was kind of expecting it, but I didn’t think it’d be so blatantly obvious…to me, at least. Probably only cause I watched Donald’s freestyle so many times I actually remember the choreography =]
I would like to commend Derek & Karina for pulling out the emotions out of the Olympians, must be hard for Shawn & Apolo to do that and now they are doing it and that helps them a lot with their performances.
I think everyone did well but my favorites are Sabrina, Melissa, Shawn & Apolo. Yep, the whole team Call Me Maybe. Was kind of disappointed with Shawn’s solo though, just like I was with Nicole’s actually. Probably the injury is hindering her in some ways.
Apolo & Karina did the best tricks and don’t know why the judges didn’t mention it. But we all know that 2 points is for people who need ‘protection’ and this week is Kirstie. Oh well…
Last post, I swear. Yeah, Peta used the same choreo…but Gilles did it wrong. HAAAAAAA!!! Well, not wrong, but when I saw him do it, it literally just made me LOL…yes, he did a chicken dance variation on it XD
Until tonight I had given the majority of my votes to Shawn and Derek and giving a few to Sabrina and Louis. Tonight I did not give any votes to Sabrina and Louis. I, again gave most to Shawn and Derek because I thought their dance was great considering it was country night and also because Len is being a total and complete ass with them. He is doing it week after week. I know the fans have favorites and they vote for them regardless of them deserving it or not, but when you are a judge you should not have favorites nor should you be allowed to consistently score someone low just because you don’t like someone. I have lost all respect in his ability as a fair judge. As for Sabrina and Louis it is laughable they got a perfect score. I am not good at recognizing some mistakes but that one in the middle was so obvious even to me that there is no way all 3 judges missed it so I don’t understand their scores at all. Gilles I can’t stand so the sooner he is gone the better. Most of I am really disappointed in the judges this season. If Len keeps up with being so unfair in his scores I will not watch after this season.
Len not having an agenda – WHATEVER!!!
I’m so tired of talking about the juding over and undersocring – again tonight.
Really hope it works for Shawn & Derek tomorrow because they deserve to move on.
Hi thank you for your thoughts about the dancing tonight. I’m in the UK so is good to read your comments. I catch up with YT and watched all the dances.
I think actually the scores meant to be harsh to make the people vote more. And stop splitting votes. I have no doubt that Shawn isn’t in danger to be eliminated, I truly believe she is the one generating most of the votes. I’m basing this assumption from FB and twitter she has a lot of followers and Derek too. The judges trying to score strategly
First thank you very much for the people in charge of this site, love everything about it. I just catch up with the dances on YT. Funny enough I did enjoy most of the dances. I thought I wouldn’t cause I’m not fan of country.
I been watching Strictly Come Dancing UK since first started. And I do believe that the Judges score sometimes in a strategic way to help the good dancers get through.
I really believe that Shawn has the majority of the votes and she isn’t going anywhere. That is why the she didn’t got high scores because she doesn’t need protection. But Melissa and probably Shawn need it. Although Sabrina deserves her scores,Melisa was a little bit Over score, but Kelly and Kristie also were overscore. For me Melissa is better than Kelly. Kelly posture isn’t good and her feet has Skippy movements.
Although I don’t like Giles, I have to be fair and say he is good dancer, not good technical as Apollo though. I really believe he has a good fan base to keep him in.
Not sure about Apollo fan base, I do like him a lot because he bring the sophistication to the dance. But not sure how big is his fan base.
I’m not a fan of bashing any of the professionals, they do their best, but having said that, my number one choreographer is Derek, he is just excellent. And love Karina too because she always put a lot of content in her choreography. My least favorite is Tony, although I like him as a dancer. Peta for me is just OK, she sometimes get in my nerves when she doesn’t put any content in her choreography and made the same Latin dances again and again.She has a good dancer now, she should it give him more to do.
so shawn said in a interview that she forgot her solo, makes sense.
I am not a Giles fan and I did NOT like his dance, but I did want to point out the reason Peta had him wear that outfit (and why she wore hers). I remember back when that song first came out, and the whole video is Shania Twain in an outfit similar to Peta’s with the guys around her dressed like Giles. So there was a reason behind why she dressed him like she did; I was actually impressed that she even WATCHED the video. Didn’t like their dance tho; didn’t like it at all. I didn’t like Emmitt either. I hate the way the judges gush over him when he’s just not very good. I was surprised at how Kelly kept up in the group dance; I thought she did pretty good, considering the trainwreck that the group dance was!
I am now officially angry about Len trashing Shawn and Derek. I hope it’s not getting to either one of them. Shawn did seem a little down about the 8 last week when she gave it her all. Giles was a little irritating, but I’ve given up and he is embarrassingly arrogant. His personality is going to do him in. Apolo and Sabrina were wonderful this evening. I loved her emotions and his gracefulness. I do love Emmit and hope he does better. He seems like he’s starting to be over the whole thing. I do hate every season when the TPTB think it’s entertaining to watch everyone become so fatigued from multiple dances. It’s not.
Woohoo! The storm was not as bad as it was projected, all is well on the home front and I got to watch the show. 🙂
Finally, Apolo and Karina – Dance of the Night! Breathtaking and beautiful.
Sabrina and Louis – I actually am finding myself enjoying her much more than I thought, even if she is paired with Louis. I did think their dance was rather hectic, but otherwise, she is Good.
Shawn and Derek – I agree, this was not their best dance, BUT Derek is a genius, I kind of agree with Len, Derek’s choreography and Shawn’s dancing speak for themself, so just stick to the dancing. I Hated when Derek came over to the judges table and Ripped His Shirt Open!! Seriously, The C-brothers may need to resort to this type of desperation, Derek does not. It’s such a Pet Peeve of mine. Okay, got that off my chest. 🙂
Melissa and Tony – Melissa is winning me over as well, without all the bachelor drama looming over head at every sentence, she is actually very likeable. I am so glad that Tony has lasted to mid-season…. Can’t remember when that last happened.
Gilles and Peta – I liked the song, but Gilles is just horrid. They called him out finally for some flaws, but what about the faces he is making… What’s up with that? Yuck!
Emmitt and Cheryl – Honestly, I missed their dance, but it had to be better than Kirstie and Kelly.
Kirstie and Maks – Okay, In what lifetime did that dance deserve 9.5’s… Hello!
Kelly and Val – I think these two are goners this week, even with Val’s desperate attempt of kissing Kelly at the end. I think their creepy Adams Family type week of staring at each other, really turned off some of the viewers.
Thanks for the Power Rankings and Especially all of the Love sent to us East Coasters… Love you all!
I think Gilles is in the competition because he is a great dancer. He’s one of the top two or three best male dancers who have ever been on the show. I remember season 8; he was fantastic! And I don’t think he’s arrogant. I’ve seen him with his family and he’s a kind, loving person. I fully expect him to be in the finals and if he makes it he will have deserved it. Few have ever made the finals wihtout being a really good dancer. There have been a couple, but none of them were nearly as good as Gilles.
I also don’t think the judges have it in for anyone. Without some kind of evidence from outside the show I wouldn’t want to accuse someone of being corrupt. I haven’t always agreed with the scoring but I am not a professional ballroom judge like Len has been for decades.
In the end, things will work out as they will. Once Kirstie goes, any who remain will be fine dancers.
I thought Karina and Apolo were stunning, so beautiful and graceful. I noticed after the dance even Val applauded them, Kelly just yawned (no damn respect!)
Interesting night. Trying to understand Len’s scoring makes my brain hurt. Was disappointed with a few thing: group dance – I expected more, Len’s wack-a-doddle scoring, Gilles didn’t fall on his face (I figure it may be the only thing to knock him back to the old Gilles) and Big & Rich/Cowboy Troy – I’ve seen them in concert and they sounded terrible last night.
However, I loved all of the CMM’s dances. Apolo and Karina’s had me crying (of course that song does that on it’s own – it’s actually based on a true story) and Louis with the “get a room” – LOVED that.
Has anyone else noticed that they’ve been showing a shot of Kelly’s BF in the audience every week, and he has looked more and more annoyed each time? Well, I didn’t see that shot last night…
Heh. Just saw OTRC for Shawn – she forgot her solo. Derek was yelling “keep going!!” So, if it looked like a floor routine, that is likely her default.
If you don’t want to misquote, Cher, you probably shouldn’t try to quote at all.
Len is full of it. Shawn has done nothing but stunning dancing up to this point – even Derek is taking it personally and that never happens. They were riding that tractor across the floor BEFORE the dance, when the announcer was announcing their dance. It wasn’t part of the dance. I also don’t remember seeing them dance with a cow. Bullshit. That was straight up good dancing on a bum knee.
Peta ripped off Shania Twain’s video…which is a rip off of Robert Plant’s video from years and years ago.
Hmmm….I rewatched Shawn and Derek and all I saw was dancing. Just dancing, no tricks – so I’m not sure what the hell you’re talking about, Sandy. I mean really. The tractor was before the dance started, the shirt thing was WAY after, so exactly what are you referring to?? Seriously. Len is supposed to be judging on the DANCE.
Oh no! It’s country week so he fused Country steps with Cha Cha. How about rewarding someone for working the theme?? They set the themes – and actually totally removed ballroom from one whole week – so why not reward them for going with it??
I just watched the dance again, with Len’s comments…again, Len is making shit up so he doesn’t seem like he’s too easy on Derek. And to think that some people actually believe that Derek is the “golden child”. I sure do wish he’d quit being so freaking all around fantastic because it’s sure not doing him anything but harm in the score department. Try some mediocrity next week Derek, you’ll probably get a 30.
Yes, I get more pissed off the more I think about it. Good think I will be away from a computer for most of the day.
I am not a big Louis fan but I had to say thank you last night during the group routine rehearsal when he told Kelly and Val to get a room because i think allot of people would like to say that to them.
I agree with Courtney on what you had to say about Gilles and the butt slapping portion of his dance if he was my husband or boyfriend the only thing he would have been sleeping with last night was tropical storm sandy.
I loved Apolo ,Shawn, and Melissa’s dance they where my favorite by far.
Well I didn’t know that Shawn had forgotten her solo performance. So that could explain it. 🙂
As far as the shirt, it’s just my opinion, it has always been a pet peeve of mine, and I don’t care WHO does it, or WHEN they do it, even if it was Apolo, I would still say that I hated it!
Princess Heidi
I’m sorry I misquoted. I am a Shawn fan and genuinely want her to do well. Actaully I started this season going in for Kirstie and Melissa but for some reason they turned me off. Kirstie, I can’t explain why but this season she is more of an why? than a wow for me. Perhaps it has been how the producers portray them. I’m not sure. Anyway, I have ended up rooting for Kelly/Val and Shawn/Derek.
BTW Val has already said the kiss was in the moment. If you want to believe that or not is up to you.
My comment though was that I am trying to understand where the judges are coming from because to be honest I wonder if the judges and fans are even watching the same show. I know as a Val/Kelly Shawn/Derek fan I may be biased and enjoy whatever they do because it entertains me as I know NOTHING about dancing. I just know what I like and what entertains me.
That being said if you have to pick on the props people are using to find a negative with a routine then something fishy is up. I have had the whole feeling this season that it has been a set up for a repeat of Shawn and Gilles show off with Gilles taking it.
For instance last week if you really listen to all the contestants talk about their Guilty Pleasures and piece them together it sounds like the songs were actually picked for them not by them.
I’m sorry if I offended a fellow Shan fan, I was just trying to wrap my head around what the heck the judges are thinking. After all, they are supposed to be the non-biased ones but the bias is showing big time.
That is only my opinion. And next time I’ll just do what Len should of done and not say anything. Is it me or has he gotten even more wishy washy this season? One week for one couple it is ok but the next week he rakes a different coupke for doing the same thing over the coals.
I just don’t understand and it is starting to turn me off the show.
Thanks for the great recap! Here are my rankings
1. Sabrina and Louis- You can tell that she put a lot into this and I think she deserved the 30. Emotional, powerful, technical.
2. Apolo and Karina- I didn’t watch his original season so I don’t know what he was doing before, but I wasn’t seeing what all the hype about him was about. I definitely saw it this week and am glad they came out on top based on that dance.
3. Shawn and Derek- Another great dance. Len is definitely under scoring them though. He’s holding them to standards that he isn’t holding others to. He shouldn’t say that it’s too much “friffery” when other couples are using big props too (Kelly/Val and Melissa/Tony). I felt like Shawn seemed a bit off all night and was missing her usual spark. I don’t believe that it was their best dance but I still think it was better than most.
4. Melissa and Tony- I just love Melissa. She is so genuine and truly appreciates the opportunity to be on the show and any week longer is great for her. I like the dance, but it definitely had too much ballet in it. I haven’t ever studied ballroom, but I grew up doing Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, ect. It felt like I was going back to my roots, but I don’t think it was a waltz.
5. Kelly and Val- I didn’t mind their dance much at all and I thinkt here should have been some others on the leaderboard lower than them. I think it was a great improvement compared to last week. I think they were really powerful.
6. Gilles and Peta- I’m not a fan of Gilles at all, but I didn’t mind him as much this week. He seemed to be backing off at least a small tad on the cockiness. I am glad he finally scored a bit lower on the leaderboard because his dance wasn’t up to par with a lot of the others here.
7. Kirstie and Maks- The judges are definitely holding them at a lower standard. It was much better for Kirstie, but still not nearly in the range of the others.
8. Emmitt and Cheryl- Not sure what’s happening with them this season, but they just don’t seem to be hitting it each week for me. I think Emmitt has the potential to do well so I hope he begins to improve.
Group Dance- I guess I wasn’t looking at it in a technical perspective because I really liked it. It looked like they were all having so much fun through the dance. I really liked most of the solos and I just love how much they were enjoying themselves. That’s what dancing is all about! My favorite solos though were Kelly/Val and Apolo/Karina (and that’s coming from me who Shawn, Melissa and Sabrina are my favorites!)
Um, Len is complaining about a tractor and a cow yet Tony and Melissa had a straight bon fire for their routine…or how about Emmitt’s samba last week that had oversized corny parrots or pelicans all over the stage??? I mean he is literally grasping at straws…he was just like this for nicole…and even last season with Donald (who Shawn is clearly better than). He was nice to Jennifer Grey…maybe it was the age bracket (not being mean just stating the obvious) but the standards he holds Derek too is getting out of control. I mean did anyone even incorporate country into their dance? Melissa’s solo was like a lyrical ballet routine. All i can hope for is when Len tends to do this that celeb usually ends up winning…so fingers crossed. I didn’t get to see most of it last night as we lost power….who knows who is going home tonight though….curious!
You didn’t offend me, Cher. I’m just very irritated that Shawn and Derek are being held to a much higher standard than everyone else. I’m used to fans being irrational and I should be used to it from the judges…but still annoyed.
I have a feeling Kelly is the one going home tonight. Probably a good thing as she can’t seem to be able to work her full time day job and get practice in. She did good the two weeks she was off, but last night she seemed physically tired. She probably didn’t expect to last past 6 weeks anyway.
I won’t try to comment on all the dances…just the ones that I enjoyed the most…that way I avoid negativity. 🙂
Sabrina and Louis….loved their dance, best of the night I think. Louis is an excellent choreographer, and Sabrina is a beautiful dancer. I think they deserved their scores.
Melissa and Tony….their dance was lovely. I have no idea how technically proficient it was, don’t care…I just enjoyed it thoroughly.
Emmitt and Cheryl…Loved his solo…. Definitely out of his comfort zone, but he gave it his best. Islands in the Stream? Not the best song
for a foxtrot.
Kirstie and Maks…yeah, I know, her dancing skills aren’t up to par with the younger contestants, but she is remarkable for a 60 something, and I love seeing her dance. She isn’t going to win, will probably be gone in the next couple of weeks, but I will enjoy her while she’s here.I admire her bravery in competing against people half her age.
The group dance was disjointed at best, but it was still fun to watch, as were all the dancers last night. One of the best shows I’ve seen so far this season.
Heidi – I totally undertand you, it is so frustrating. and on top of that the annoying, tricks and flips thing that people seen to see in every routine, I wanna punch people in the face sometimes.
First off, I hate that Shawn and Derek are held to a standard others aren’t.
Second, I don’t think tptb specifically planned for a Gilles/Shawn repeat with Gilles taking it, if so why would they pair an Olympic athlete who already beat him with Derek Freakin Hough? I’m not at all suggesting they set up Shawn to win, after all she retired because she was injured, only that if they *for sure* wanted Gilles to win in a rematch they would have paired her with someone with less experience or less track record for doing well in the show and perhaps paired him with one of the 2 female pros who’ve won twice. I think what the producers want is a really tight contest or the illusion of one.
Finally, I enjoyed a lot of the dances last night. I was so happy to see Apolo and Karina do well and receive great scores for it. I loved Shawn and Derek’s dance. I thought Melissa danced beautifully. I thought Kirstie did a great joy. Really enjoyed Sabrina as well. I didn’t love Emmitt’s, I didn’t like Gilles, and Kelly’s called to mind Maks dragging Melissa Gilbert around the floor imo.
Finally, Melissa is starting to grow on me with this last routine. She really is such a natural dancer, her foot placement, her posture – so many things just seem to come to her more naturally than to others.
I enjoyed Gilles and Peta’s routine – it helped that they used my favorite Shania Twain song and that their costumes were “rock/country” like the video. And I liked that they didn’t take the country theme too literally. I HATE when the dancers go all ‘hoe-down’ and stereotypically country like that’s all there is to country. I thought Gilles had some nice lines and form to his cha-cha (although you could tell he hadn’t been able to rehearse as much as for his prior dances).
Also still enjoying Kirstie/Maks, Kelly/Val (although they’re probably in danger tonight along with Emmett/Cheryl) and Sabrina/Louis. I hope these 3 couples all last through next week, though unfortunately I think one of them won’t. But I’ll keep a candle lit for them.
Other than the group dance, a very enjoyable night. Maybe Kirstie getting the 2 bonus points in that dance was meant as a message to the other couples to keep a check on the ‘tricks’ and focus more on real ballroom dance. The show has had so many freestyle routines so early on in the season that I think some of the couples might have forgotten about ballroom dance and are trying to fill every dance now with a bunch of tricks. It’s nice to see basic steps – Kirstie and Maks have to give lots of basic steps and be more true to the ballroom dance since Kirstie is too old and too big to do all the athletic tricks the other celebs can. Sometimes keeping it simple can be the charm, especially for an old curmudgeon (?spelling) like Len.
Heidi’s #48 post – I completely agree.
Kirstie’s rumba was very pretty and I think her best dance this season, but two 9.5’s?
It’s quite obvious that Sabrina’s recent dancing in the DTWS Las Vegas has really paid off for her in this competition. Most of the other contestants haven’t had their dancing shoes back on since they previously had competed on the show. She very well could make the finals.
I didn’t care for the group dance this week. To me, it was just too much going on at the same time. Kind of like a big cluster.
Pretty sure that Kelly will be leaving tonight, hence the extra padding of Kirstie’s score. But anxiously awaiting Heidi’s DBTN post to put everything in perspective.
I have nothing new to add. Most of you said exactly what I’m already thinking (I’m a Shawn and Derek fan)
Btw Heidi, I love and identify with your snark and honesty. Need a president for your fan club?
Sabrina definately had the best dance of the night….it was full of emotion and it was just beautiful it brought me to tears Louis is one of the best male Choreogrophers hands down…Shawn and Derek are becoming repetitive…I think something might be going on between Karina and Apolo that argument they had last week realy was a argument and Karina is a tuff cookie with a temper out of this world guess tats why she and maks didnt make it..Gilles was just odd nun of his dances have moved me..Emmmitt was fun to much but he needs to step it up and Kristy was great..cant say whos going home tonight but who ever goes will be greatly missed…I have Sabrina to win it all wouldnt it be refreshing to see a pro and a celeb win who never won before..
I wonder how many people read my little diddy… Oh well. ON TO MY DIDDY!
Gilles & Peta: My strong bias against Gilles gets the better of me everytime I think of him. For this reason, I have nothing good to say about this, so I won’t say anything at all.
Sabrina & Louis: I can’t think of a dance more deserving of a perfect 30 than this one. The emotion was raw and you could see how emotional both Sabrina and Louis were. I loved this dance. I don’t normally find myself a fan of the Rumba, but this one became my instant favorite. This was the week she was eliminated the last time around, and I don’t see her going anywhere anytime soon.
Kelly & Val: I actually really liked this. I thought Kelly got the Tango vibe down. However, I agree with Len. The whole thing was a little hecktic and I could see Kelly really trying to keep up with Val. She really tried for a very ambitious routine. So I have to give her props for that. However, I think Kelly’s time is almost up. I really don’t wish it was, but I fear tonight she gets the axe.
Melissa & Tony: Finally! A dance that Melissa truly shined in! I will say, I was worried that the judges were going to call her out for all the balletic touches that were made. But…I think at the same time they kind of worked? I dunno, I just really like Melissa. But yes, there was a lot of ballet, so I don’t think it was worth a 30, but I’m happy with her score. I do have to agree with Court: Melissa is most likely going to be eliminated in the Double Elimination. I thought she was in danger of the first one, and now I’m even more worried for the second one.
Shawn & Derek: I thought it was a cute little dance! There were only one or two instances I could tell she was holding back due to her knee, but any other time I was thinking “She hurt her knee?” Yeah, there was a lot of country dancing, but how can you chastise someone for putting in a little line dancing on COUNTRY Night? Oh well. I know she’s safe. For Shawn to be eliminated tonight, it would be unjust.
Kirstie & Maks: I thought this Rumba was good. My mom was like “This isn’t country! This is Michael Buble!” So that gave me a little chuckle. I thought this dance was a little over scored. I would have been fine with 9.0, 8.5, 9.0 but the 9.5’s? No. That’s too close to a 10 in this season, and I don’t think Kirstie was THAT good last night. Like I said, I thought it was good, but it wasn’t that good.
Apolo & Karina: What a dance! It was another very emotional dance and I really enjoyed it! Finally the judges recognized that Apolo CAN DANCE! Haha! However, I will have to say that as pretty and emotional as this dance was, Karina got away with murder in that there was ZERO HOLD. If there was, I don’t remember any. Yes, I thought it was worthy of the 10s and the 30, but just the inconsistancy of Len calling someone out for not a lot of hold in previous seasons, and then not doing it here. Don’t get me wrong, I love Apolo and his dancing…but the judging is getting too crazy this season.
Emmitt & Cheryl: Well, I don’t remember much of this dance, but what I remember, I pretty much agree with the judges, I think. I want to say I saw some timing issues and I know Emmitt missed some things in his routine. His solo was fun, but not very foxtrot-y. But then again, what does a country foxtrot solo look like? Haha! I’m putting Emmitt in the same boat with Kirstie in that Bruno’s 9.5 was VERY generous. It should have been 8.5s accross the board, or at least a 9 from Bruno… Oh well.
As for the group dance, yeah it was a mess. Everyone seemed to have something fun to bring, but at the same time, everyone had a little mishap in their solo sections. The judges had to give the points to someone that impressed/grabbed their attention the best, then I think they were right to give them to Kirstie, even though the only thing I remember is her smaking Maks’ butt. lol
#60 Reneetamesha
Seriously? Are u in Maks or Karina’s circle of close friends and family?
Watch ALL of Karina & Apolo’s interview and they explain WHY they had they fight. PERIOD.
Thank you for the excellent critique, as always! I loved Apolo and Karina’s dance–it was the best of the night and they are my favorites. I agree that Len is annoying me with his scoring of Derek and Shawn. They have had some absolutely beautiful and difficult dances and they have been consistently underscored this season. It isn’t fair. I get so upset when they give their scores after their performance. I didn’t like Peta and Giles outfits or their dance and Cheryl and Emmitt should be voted off soon. I also did not enjoy the group dance.
Gilles was bragging about how great his cha cha was on Twitter? So I’m guessing I didn’t hear him wrong when he said it would be the best cha cha ever on the show during his package? LOL.
The group dance was confusing to watch..just kind of a mess. I enjoyed all of the dances tonight though, as tired as I am of Gilles. Sabrina’s was my favorite.
I saw the mistake the Sabrina and Louis made too. Their recovery was good, but they still should have been scored with that mistake being considered. Any other couple would have. I like Apollo and Karina. The dance was beautiful. What is up with Gilles? Those hands and the expressions on his face were so bizarre. I’d like to know who’s idea his outfit was. And I know TPTB probably put him up to that entrance during the group rehearsal, but that was just unnecessary. He made himself look more foolish than he already has. Didn’t like anything about it. Enjoyed Shawn and Derek although I thought her solo was stiff and she could have done more. Emmitt and Cheryl are boring to me. I wouldn’t be disappointed if he was eliminated. Kirstie and Maks were good. I’m glad they received the bonus points. Actually, I didn’t care who received them as long as it wasn’t Sabrina or Gilles. Kelly and Val started so good but seem to be slipping each week. This week, for me, the bottom two are hard. But I’m going with Kelly and Emmitt with Kelly going home. Although I would love it if it was Gilles.
G, you might want to move along to another board because calling people stupid will not last long here.
Lisa, #8, no it isn’t bad that you feel that way. I do too. I would love to hear what he’s saying around that studio and watch the tantrums he must be having. It would be better entertainment than his dancing!
That would make sense, Sandra, if Kirstie had actually danced during her solo. I seem to remember a lot of butt slapping which, while entertaining, doesn’t quite qualify.
G, go the fuck away, and get over yourself – your opinion isn’t law, and if you don’t like what I have to say, don’t read it, moron. I don’t respond to threats or commands from some delusional asshat who isn’t mature enough to deal with a differing opinion.
I still can’t get over Len’s cow and tractor comment. His score should have been strictly on the dancing portion not the props or stage decorations. Yes Shawn and Derek rode in on a tractor – but what’s the difference between riding in on the tractor or walking down the stairs to the dance floor? Neither are dancing…..but both are an introduction.
As for the cow, it was just a set decoration as were the hay bales and the hay lights on the floor. It’s not like Shawn danced on it or ever really near it. If the cow were taken out of the equation, the dance would be exactly the same. It’s just like Emmitt’s GIANT parrot last week.
Tony, I read your diddy 😛 and agreed with most of it.
Country night was surprisingly good. I enjoyed most of the dances.
My favorite was Melissa and Tony. Since they were handing out 30s, I would have loved to see these two get one of those perfect scores.
My least favorite was Gilles and Peta. I’m not as nice as Tony so I will say something. That was just bizarre!
Apolo and Karina were lyrical and lovely. Finally scores they deserve! I still prefer their Foxtrot and Quickstep, but this was a beautiful American Smooth-ish VWaltz.
Shawn and Derek blended the country theme with their dance style better than any other couple for a super-cute, flirty-sexy cha-cha. I’m so tired of Len scoring celebs relative to their “individual ability”. I know Derek will get over the whole “frippery” comment, but he has a right to be miffed.
Sabrina and Louis both had great emotional commitment in this performance. A little frantic in places, but very well done.
Kelly and Val were doing a watchable tango until Val ruined it with the tonsilectomy at the end. I’m kinda hoping we can kiss them goodbye tonight.
Kirstie and Maks are actually dancing now and I appreciate her commitement. Don’t know why they didn’t start sooner.
Love Emmitt’s attitude and perspective, but that was a lousy song and it wasn’t a very good foxtrot. It just didn’t suit Emmitt at all.
The group number wasn’t well danced but it was entertaining. The best part, though, was the rehearsal video. I got lots of laughs out of that.
I think they definitly hold Derek and Shawn to a higher standard. They held Nicole to a higher standard,and if you think about it,even though Len couldn’t find much to criticize about Jennifer Grey’s dancing he gave her scores of 8 most of the time until the end.I hope it makes Shawn and Derek mad so they will pull out all the stops and that will be something to see!!!Just when you think Gilles can’t get anymore self-centered and obnoxious he does!When he said this cha cha cha was probably the most difficult ever on the show I wanted to “SHOOT MY TV”!!
I just wish the judges would be consistent! We all get fed up with Len periodically but his standards are consistent. You know he doesn’t like gimmicks and he punishes teams. The other two judges are fluff and you don’t know where their emotions are taking them. So you play by the rules and win over 1 judge Len or you go for entertainment and schmaltz and get the other two. Either way infuriating reminds me of Rusdian I’ve skating judges of 70’s and 80’s but apparently ballroom dancers are used to politics and favorites and bias in judging!!! 🙁
Some people in the Midwest and southwestern part of the US had trouble watching Shawn’s dance (including myself). It kept doing this pixelation thing and finally stopped during her solo, must have been a provider issue.
So firts off, I am ok. Sandy wasn’t too bad. Oddly enough the desktop is having issues though so I think thats the only affect but its also 7 years old so it might just be acting up.
Anyways, these are my rankings:
1)Sabrina and Louis: LOVED IT.
2)Apollo and Karina: Loved it.
3)Kirstie and Maks: Loved it.
4)Shawn and Derek: Loved it.
5)Kelly and Val: Loved it.
6)Melissa and Tony: Loved it
7)Emmit and Cheryl: It was good. forgetable besides his solo.
8) Gilles and Peta: He should safe but his worst dance to date (including his first season)
The Group dance: WOW. trainwreckish at times but overall loads of fun. 2pts to kirstie and maks?!!! That should have went to Sabrina and Louis.
I’m thinking that Gilles might be in trouble tonight, I think he could end up in the bottom 3 or something, hopefully.
Heh. The only thing repetitive about Shawn and Derek is great dancing. That’s something they should all aspire to.
G, you get one warning. Disagree if you like,but comments like “get over yourself” will get you deleted.
Calling Len “consistent” is like calling the sky red.
He wasn’t even consistent within last nights show! If he was he would have been giving most everyone 8’s for frippery.
The only thing I will say about last night’s country group dance, is that it was slightly better than Season 6’s country group dance!
@Edwina magnatryod #76, I think Len’s standards are only consistent pertaining to each pro (which isn’t really fair, but what can you do). He’s constantly docking Derek on content, but ignores the fact that Gilles and Peta’s bollywood was obviously not bollywood (sorry to bring that up again–it just came up in my YouTube suggested videos and pissed me off). Also, someone already pointed out that Karina and Apolo, while fully deserving of their 10s, didn’t have much dancing in hold, but he ripped Derek and Maria to pieces for not having enough dancing in hold last season. In regards to the tractor cha-cha, Len thought “the choreography was fantastic,” “the movement was brilliant,” but docked them 1.5 points for having a tractor and cow.
I think it’s safe to say that, in regard to the different couples, he’s completely inconsistent.
I wonder if Apolo and Karina will get the encore dance tonight?
Sandy – I hope so! He totally deserves it!
But Sabrina is one of their favorites, so…
I think Sabrina and Louis already had one encore dance, as well as Shawn and Derek… so.. I am thinking maybe Apolo.
I thought Sabrina did a good job with the rumba- and I HATE the rumba. I rewatched Giles and can’t figure out what “t-rex hands” are exactly. If his costume were different, that would have made the dance tolerable, imo. Shawn’s dance was good but looked exactly like another dance she has done; an earlier cha cha?
Apolo and Karina had me in tears (darn it!). Apolo is my guy (reminds me of my spouse) and I had a bout of cancer two years ago. When Karina said it was about a woman who felt safe in her man’s arms, it described exactly how I felt. I usually don’t care for dances about diseases or death (see So You Think You Can Dance, haha) but this one got me.
encore is going to be Apollo I think. That dance was awesome and he showed carrie anne that they do have chemistry
I agree with Heidi…I am tired of Lens excuses for underscoring Derek and Shawn….their worst dance is still better than most of the other’s best dances. If it is true that Len “loves” Derek and just hold him to a higher standard. Then all I have to say is that with friends like that you don’t need enemies. Finally to whoever said Shawn and Derek are becoming “repetitive”. I am shocked. Derek is about the least repetitive pro I have seen. He never ceases to amaze me with his creativity and amazing vision. I rarely if ever see him use similar choreography to what he has done in the past. He is always pushing the envelope and blending country and cha cha. What other couple was able to blend country steps into their dance effectively? It’s nothing against you personally I am just shocked that anyone could think that.
Encore is going to the group dance as always.
I hope not! That was a hodgepodge mess of a dance. Yuck! I didn’t like it.
@Laila – Do you know this? I am not being disrespectful, I was just wondering.
Sandy – I was just commenting that usually when they have a group dance, it is always the encore, I would much prefer watch Apolo and Karina too, they were much better than that messy group dance.
Princess Heidi, my comment was not to the substance of Kirstie/Maks’ solo dance, given that the entire group dance sucked (even the pros looked uncomfortable with the choreography and the celeb dancers looked like they didn’t have enough time to learn the routine) and the solos were not cleanly executed (mostly because they tried to pack a bunch of tricks into 5 seconds of airtime). My point was more to speculation that the judges might have rewarded the non-tricked out or less tricked out performance to send a message that less is more (i.e., less tricks, more ballroom dancing). But that’s obviously pure speculation on my part. It could have been just a way to keep more suspense for tonight’s “who will go home” reveal.
Glad to see that at least one of the judges, this time Len, called Derek out for his non-dancing choreography. Enough with the kicks and jumps. Same routine each week. Emmitt is simply boring. Wonder how he was able to win. Apolo, another yawn fest. Is it just me or does he seem miserable, like he’s just waiting to go home. Too bad he was paired with Karina. It would be so much better with Lacy or Cheryl.
I sincerely hope they don’t give that sorry group dance the encore – it sucked to high heaven and wasn’t even particularly fun or entertaining. Please don’t enforce such suffering on us again.
So Apolo has the encore, thank god for that.
Amanda – seriously? SMH Totally, but respectfully, disagree with you about Apolo and Derek. Emmitt – not the same sparkle as S3, so not as disagreeable there…
My impression with Len last night was that he was scoring Derek. Which is totally wrong… Not sure I agree with scoring the stars according to what the judges consider is their potential… As what has been happening with Apolo and Karina. I heard them (during Apolo’s season) describe the differences between athletes and entertainers. The psychological aspect of the scoring is based a lot on that.. But it still seems like a lot of ‘messing’ with things.
Amanda, and I don’t mean this offensively, but Len loved the choreography. If you replay his comments, it was the tractor and cow that he criticized. And as far as non-dancing, I thought that their dance was chock full of cha-cha. And it definitely didn’t look like their rumba from last week, so I really am honestly confused by where you see their dances as being the “Same routine each week.”
Also, how is Apollo another “yawn fest”? Their waltz was absolutely gorgeous and he matched Karina’s grace par for par.
Yes he does Laila, 🙂
Apolo deserves the encore without a doubt, so I’m glad to hear it. Sabrina & Louis scored a 30 too, but they’ve already had an encore dance this season. I have to disagree with those who have said that Derek & Shawn are repetive and Apolo is a yawnfest. I feel with both couples that each dance we’re seeing is a different dance from week to week, and they both draw me in and entertain me as well as impress me technically.
Well, overall, there was some great dancing. I loved Apolo and Karina’s waltz, as well as Melissa and Tony’s. It wouldn’t have hurt Carrie Ann to give them that extra half point, but oh well. I thought Sabrina’s rumba was good, but not deserving of a perfect 30. There was a bit of trouble in the middle, and I didn’t get the emotion from her the way I got it from Shawn and Derek’s rumba last week, or Apolo and Karina’s waltz this week. I really enjoyed Shawn and Derek’s cha cha – I didn’t think it was *quite* on par with the rumba, mambo and quickstep from the past few weeks (closer to her jive or foxtrot – but those were still great!), though when I watched it back, the only thing really lacking was her solo (which she forgot, according to a post-show interview). Maybe there wasn’t quite as much sparkle as usual, but both she and Derek were dealing with injuries, so not a big deal. And the more I watch it, the more I like it. Kirstie’s rumba was good, but I don’t think it deserved better scores than Shawn’s cha cha. Val and Kelly’s tango was decent – definitely better than her past two dances – but not all that exciting. Emmitt’s dance, except for his solo, was forgettable, and Gilles’ dance – the less said the better. I don’t enjoy watching him at all, and it wasn’t the hardest cha cha ever on the show, so I don’t know what he’s thinking. Maybe he’s not.
Still rooting for all of Team CMM – though with Sabrina, I find the more I hear Louis talk, the less I like them. Maybe I need to avoid any interviews with them, so I can continue to enjoy Sabrina…
I just have to say, as frustrating as it was (and is) to see Len underscoring Shawn and Derek so much, it was hilarious to watch Bruno stuff paper in his mouth so that he didn’t go off on Len…it makes me smile every time I re-watch Shawn and Derek’s cha cha (and probably the only good reason to not stop watching the second they’re done dancing).
Kelly and Val were you favorite costumes? Let me just say that Melissa looked amazing last night. Perfect balance of sexy without revealing it all. Plus, that stomach is beautiful!
I’m not too worried about Shawn, I’m pretty confident she is getting the Nicole treatment. Nicole’s first perfect score was in week 8! Best celeb (IMHO) on the show had to wait 8 weeks. I’m fully expecting Shawn to get it next week or week 8.
Fatna -agree , I think Shawn will probably get her next week. I remember Katharine last season only got her first 30 during the finals and William Levy would get 30 all the time from doing nothing. Jennifer also got her first 30 week 8, Shawn got her during her season week 9.
Yay!!! – Kelly is safe!!
All I can say is I am stunned.
I”m sorry, but only an idiot could look at Shawn and Derek’s dance and call it non-dancing. Apolo a yawn fest?? I’m calling you out as a troll.
Don’t feed the troll people.
Guys…if someone is posting like they are purposely trying to wind up most of the other people who post here….they probably are. Let me call them trolls while the rest of you behave yourselves. 😀
I think if anything this shows nobody is safe. To quote Tom, week 6 sucks.
Do you think the fans thought Sabrina was safe and because Len did what he did they voted for Shawn/Derek instead?
Giles gets my Burn-After-Wearing Costume award this week for sure along with Best Velociraptor Imitation (because T-Rexs are overated).