Dancing with the Stars Season 23, Week 7 – LIVE BLOG!!
Court covering for Heidi this week, who is on vacay in Hawaii and currently 6 hours behind EST – so while those of us in the eastern time zone are settling in for DWTS, it’s only 2 PM in Maui, and Heidi’s probably posted up on the beach, on her 3rd or 4th mai tai 😛
Site rules in are effect – don’t hit refresh every 2 minutes, make sure you’re not posting one-liners, etc. Thank you. 🙂
Early predictions: team dances may end up closer than you think – source said that while Team Future may have the more talented dancers and Derek’s choreographic skill, both Derek & Val seemed pretty stumped by the music, and consequently seemed to spin their wheels for awhile before starting to choreograph the routine. Team Past, however, seemed to hit the ground running, and got a lot more done on the first night and generally seemed more enthusiastic about their music and theme. I’ll be interested to see who actually comes out on top. Team dance spoiler post HERE for those who need a refresher.
A little bit of a late-breaking spoiler for week 8: next week is instant face-offs, per Hinch on the local news (posted vid on my Twitter, too frazzled to upload here). Since there will be an odd number of couples left, I’m guessing whoever gets the high score in the individual dance round will likely be immune from elimination, leaving the remaining 6 couples to face-off in one of 3 different dances, with the winner of each face-off probably getting a couple additional points. This should be very, very interesting – especially who gets immunity from even having to dance-off in the first place. I’m already thinking it might be a way for TPTB to buy Jana a way into the semi-finals.
Fave costume: Terra’s fluffy pink ballgown. Mo looks uncomfortable in her 80’s punk rock getup. WTF is Erin wearing??? A Picasso painting?
Cute dance from Laurie, but that felt like it took FOREVER to actually get into hold. Might have to watch a second time, but frame seemed kind of bouncy, too.
Source is saying Team Past is actually going first in the team dance round. No, I don’t have an explanation.
Kinda surprised at the scores they gave Laurie – I thought they were all gonna pull out the 9’s. Seems like the hammer might be dropping.
I don’t think that rumba was meant to be funny, but I’m cracking up 😛 I don’t know if it was the lighting or what, but it was making it look like Ryan had a beard drawn on with a brown Magic Marker. Not much hip action, but I was amused. Anyone still wanna nitpick James’ rumba from next week after watching this?
Anyone else catch Len not-so-subtly shading Val’s tendency to just generally waste a bunch of time instead of actually getting down to business and dancing?
Very cute dance from Marilu, but it looks like she may have gotten a bit behind the beat a couple of times. That song was FAST.
Catching my breath for a second, and I could have SWORN I heard Tom say earlier that there were 4 weeks left in the competition. So…11 weeks, again?
I’m standing here in my living room, clapping like an idiot. Calvin MURDERED that jive. Didn’t waste time, footwork was fantastic, legs looked great, he sold it, and his topline was everything that Laurie was missing in her quickstep. I want him as one of the last two standing. C’mon, 40…
I would have given that at least one 10, but I guess I KIND OF get why they gave it 9’s. They’re pickier about the core ballroom & Latin dances than they are the “extra” dances.
Sorry, but Mo has just kinda become a drag for me to watch – the heavy conversations with Artem in rehearsal are just tired at this point. Pretty big stumble in that tango…but I bet they give her a pretty kind score nonetheless.
Very cute foxtrot from Terra, and I’m back to being sold on her again – she seems to really thrive in dances where she can really sell a character: jive, samba, & foxtrot have all worked well for her. Really hope I’m wrong about feeling a tad worried for her tonight…
34 is probably fair. I better start paring down details, cause I’m gonna run out of sh*t to say in the power rankings…
Still not sure what the big deal is about Jana. Not a whole lot of samba there, and what I saw struck me as stiff.
Hinch has a cute dance that suits him well. Maybe not as explosive as Calvin’s, but fun nonetheless. Sharna definitely limping, though.
I enjoyed Team Past thoroughly, but I’m sure some of the younger crowd will complain that it was “boring” and will favor Team Future. I loved it simply because it was different – I don’t think we’ve ever had a team dance quite like it.
A score of 38 leaves a nice 2-point bubble for the judges to score Team Future higher, so they probably will. Sigh. Not loving how complicated this set is looking, and Terra crying in rehearsal is just eating me up 🙁
Ok, granted, that was a very odd piece of music, and that kind of dictated the routine – but that was one of the strangest team dances we’ve seen in DWTS history. A bit too post-modern, I’m afraid.
Jana & Gleb and Maureen & Artem in jeopardy.
Maureen & Artem eliminated.
Look for the power rankings sometime tomorrow. I’m beat.
So true on Miss Heidi, Court! I hope she’s having a Mai Tai on us (my fave drink ever). lol
laurie is going first. i love the order night
I normally don’t watch ET! But I just happened to have it on right before the show and they mention tonight’s SHOCKING elimination – is that based on any intel or communication from the show, or was that just them being hyperbolic?
Those costumes are amazing but gleb and Jana have my fav by far. Can’t stop laughing because it looks like a dress from the Brady bunch lol
Laurie and Val’s video….liked that they went right to Marilu becuause she just gives off motherly helpful vibes and I love her for that. Saying that, this dance was very interesting becuase i wasn’t expecting to actually like it becuase Val’s past quicksteps haven’t really wowed me (truth be told I think that’s his weakest dance to be honest) and this was just fun to watch but I agreed with Len about the rushed aspect of it. The only thing jet lagged is Val’s brain becuase those lifts were like “I dare you Carrie Ann I dare you”. I’d give that dance a 8.
@Fig – I’m guessing ET being hyperbolic. I don’t think they know any more than you or I.
That light blue color looks really lovely on Laurie.
After seeing Val’s “acting” in their rehearsal skit and at the beginning of their dance, I have to say don’t give up your day job dude.
The QS seemed jerky and too bouncy. Also seemed to take forever to actually get in hold.
Hit submit too quickly: That quickstep reminded me of a movie I actually watched recently but for the life of me I can’t remember the name but it had Jerry Lewis in it and was dressed like Val was in the dance and he had two personalities.
I’m jelly that Heidi is in Hawaii and I’m in Ohio.
Anyhoo…thanks Court for steppin in tonight! Love ya girl! I got my nails done today & thought…what would Courtney think? Oh wait ya…back to DWTS…so, what did ya think about TWD last night? Erm…sorry. Mixing worlds again.
That was a cute QS but too much messin about.
Nice dance from Laurie and Val. But why weren’t they called out for mucking around so long.
I’m loving the costumes! Especially Gleb’s “hair!!!” And I see why Terra loves her costume this week. I hope they have a great number and love every minute! Kudos to Artem. Unlike Tony, he has done a fine job of costuming his mature partner with dignity and still with the glamour and glitz of all of the other ladies.
Is it just me? I’m with Len and wasn’t impressed with the choreo or technique of Team Valaur’s quickstep. I adore Laurie but even thought Sharna and Antonio’s Footloose prom just last season was better.
I’m finding Artem rather hot in his 80’s hair band drag. What the hell is wrong with me?
Val has his sassy pants on. What was up with his comments tonight. Laurie us super cute but Val is getting on my nerves
Agree, the choreography was tired, but Laurie sold it very well. The technique was hoppy instead of smooth, and I thought Laurie could have extended her upper frame out a little.
Wish we could see the Rehersal version of what Val taught Laurie lol. I love Cheryl but that dress didn’t really scream 90s to me lol. Love how the show has made Ryan let loose and just forget the whole other mess but this video literally had me dying up until his fiancée. She is gorgeous and his face lit up. Anyways, I think that was a good dance from him becuase he seemed to be having a blast and just into it 110 percent. Don’t think it was better than his last two dances though. To quote Len “swimmers aren’t known for their acting skills” – completely agreed with him on that. It’s Ryan Lochte not Ryan gosling lol.
That Rumba was … a mess.
VAL always gets on my nerves. WHY didn’t CAI aka the lift police call them out for that lift???
I was bored w/that Rumba. That was my brother and his first wife’s wedding song and I don’t have a good feelings about my brother’s first wife.
Hit submit too early: I would have given that dance an 8 actually. 7s seems a bit harsh in my opinion. Kinda surprised.
All I could focus on in the beginning was Artem’s hair and outfit. It’s ridiculous but for some reason I love it.
Laurie- I love love love her. I actually really liked Val’s choreo (minus the beginning). It was a fun way to open the show.
Ryan- God, that dance was rough, but I was expecting that. The 90s is also a terrible decade for Era’s night, IMO. At least he looked really hot. He’s is becoming one of my favorite contestants, though. His package with Cheryl was incredibly hilarious. I hope he sticks around and I pray if he does he gets a ballroom dance.
Laurie’s costume reminds me a lot of Lindsay’s foxtrot costume with Wanya last season.
@Susan2 … lol. You’re not alone. I think Artem looks hot in his 80’s hairdo.
I thought Derek&Marilu’s Charleston was like an ice cold Coke on a hot day, fizzy, refreshing and fun.
The sevens were a bit too low.
I loved that Charleston from Marilu & Derek! They were robbed on that score
Ryan is boring. Yawn! He can leave at any time. I don’t see anyway that he will make the finals. I thought Marilu’s score were spot on, she just didn’t seem to keep up.
Oh man, in rehearsal I thought Marilu would have nailed this, those fosse upper back isolations! But show time and they got out of sync. Too bad. She nailed the feeling of the 20’s dancing for sure.
love Derek’s choreo. Yeah, they messed up a bit but I think the 7’s were too low.
Direct quote from one of my friends: “Ryan and Cheryl looked like the cover of a romance novel with those costumes.” Can’t say I don’t disagree lol. Marilu and Derek make me smile becuase they just seem to never slow down energy wise lol. The dance was awesome to watch. in short, fun and I want to watch it again and again and again. I’d easily give that a 9. Ironically, Derek has something similar to my Halloween costume this year on….im going to be a newsie since the costume I ordered first came in and it was the wrong size so I had to return it (the world misses its chance to see me as the stay puff marshmallow man lol)
This pains me to say becuase I love Kyle and Lacey’s take on this song but this is now my fav jive to this song. Holy bazooka! This was like energy and fun and a party. 10…easily.
Well, Calvin and Laurie- I thought the flick kicks looked more like a puppy dog lifting his leg. I wasn’t as thrilled with the technique, but he got through it. Lots of energy. He knows he messed up the last part but nobody called him out on it.
Best dance of the night so far. Way to go Calvin! Hopefully his scores reflects his dance.
Yeah have to agree with the judges. Marilu was stiff on this one. Great choreography from Derek as always.
Calvin, I love you. Lindsay, I love you too girl, that choreo was bangin’!
Can’t wait for James and Sharna to dance!
Calvin and Lindsay, that was great. Hope the judges don’t screw him again.
LOL at Ryan looking afraid of Cheryl instead of looking at her like he wants to seduce her! I do believe that he’s trying hard though. Ryan just doesn’t have natural talent for this and if anyone could get something out of him, it would be Cheryl.
I LOVED Marilu and Derek’s Charleston! I did think the last lift could have been smoother but I was thoroughly entertained. Hopefully, it will be enjoyable and memorable to other voters too!
Lindsay is my hero! And I absolutely Calvin! He’s the bomb! What revelation! And that mega-watt smile!!!
No 10’s. Are the judges nuts?
Holy lord, that dance was amazing. Calvin just nailed it yet again, goes to prove how Lindsay is a miracle worker. I loved that choreography, she created an entertaining routine with no messing around, straight into it. High energy dancing the whole time, what more can we ask for? And the judges give him nines, he deserved at least two tens.
I think Maureen tripped on the final pass there. Oh well.
Ok so “you give love a bad name” is one of my fav songs throughout high school becuase between classes me and four of my friends would hit play on our iPods at the same time and air guitar that hallway like there was no tommorrow on days when were stuck on the same floor all day together lol. Anyways, the dance was right up my alley but those facial expressions and the way she hit the kicks and stuff were a bit timid. Sorry to say that. I’d give that a 7.
Mo needs ta go. Sorry. But I think Ryan should go before her.
I’m dying right now…..one of my friends just posted a video the one of the last ones in senior year during finals week and the comment under it is “dancing with the Stars Italian students edition”
Too much drama with Maureen.
Didn’t fall season wrap up Thanksgiving week last year? If so Thanksgiving is Nov 24 which may make the finale Nov.21-22.
Poor Maureeen tough dance/era sad to say the scores were about right.
I agree Marilu and Derek got hosed I would have given that at least an 8 maybe a 9.
Ryan and Cheryl YIPES a hot mess I doubt he’s going to last much longer
Laurie and Val I really wish I could get into this partnership or maybe more accurately Val would INVEST more in his partnership. I’m OK with those scores but I’d love to see what Laurie would do with some killer choreography. So far it’s been ho hum and that gal is FAR from boring! Val’s really wasting her talent.
I love Terra and Sasha but this week was absolutely better than last week. Plus her kids are adorable….can we just have them in the Rehersal room
Next week too. She owned that foxtrot. I’d easily give that a 9.
Foxtrot is a much easier dance than aCharleston. I still think she doesn’t deserve to be in the finals over say Marilu or even Jana.couldn’t see her feet because of that dress. Sure this is going to get over scored….so is her issue not getting the votes?
That was adorable, and I would give them a 35. This is the reason why I hope Terra and Sasha can outlast Maureen, Ryan, and Marilu. I sure hope she manages to stay around. I threw a few votes to her tonight.
I am definitely worried about Terra – close margins, a not-good and forgettable dance with some harsh criticisms. I think her dance was absolutely lovely, but the package added to my worries – it sounded like a “lessons learned” package over anything else. I still hope that Maureen is gone and that her rehearsals have been offputting enough because I will be very sad to have Terra and Sasha’s journey end.
Also, Calvin. Good god that man is awesome. As of right now, I want him to win. Being stingy with the scores is just a travesty.
Smooth and lovely. Terra and Sasha work so well together. Hope she gets to stay.
Terra has charisma on the dance floor for sure. I think I’d rather see her dance than Maureen.
Nice to see Sasha getting praise.
If Calvin isn’t in the final three at least I’ll be so angry. He’s just brilliant. He’s stealing all my votes every week at the moment. Shame Marilu couldn’t keep up with Derek’s choreography or else that Charleston would have been brilliant. I’m glad Mo didn’t fall in that dance as she didn’t deserve to make the DWTS blooper reel for the wrong reasons. Although she needs to be the next one to leave as I’m fed up watching her.
I’m at a loss for words with Jana and glebs video lol. That was definately something. She went from so dang excited and happy to overwhelmed so quickly. That video was just so odd. Ok so gleb kinda got some inspiration from that pro number on strictly last season I’m guessing with the washing machines so there’s that but this dance was fun yet I didn’t love it. I’d give that an 8.
Ooops left out Calvin and Lindsay BEST of the night.
Terra and Sasha- I just LOVE this partnership Sasha is doing an AMAZING job with her!
Jana and Gleb- It wasn’t bad but I’m kind of over them. But they’ll probably be around a few more weeks.
I pretty much hated that Samba. It took forever to actually get to a Samba step, then there were too few of those. That was a Samba in name only.
Two nine’s? Give me a break.
Gleb annoyed me. It’s a competition and a show….he out of all people should know that since he has been on 3 versions of the show. Him and Val this week….not cool.
I’m with Len Too much messing about…overscored…especially by Len. Disappointed because that score woulda been lower if that were Derek.
I agree not a lot of samba content… Not sure why all the love for Jana.
Jana=young & sexy That’s my thoughts anyway. Still wasn’t a samba..CAI giving an 8 for a dance where she called OUT NUMEROUS LIFTS??(
Anyone surprised by Len’s comment he will be surprised if Glen and Jana won’t make the finals. That worries me. Also what does it mean Len won’t be back till the finals? How many weeks do we have left?
I adore Gleb but was not impressed with that dance at all. Still I think it was unfair to call him out about mucking around when Val did the same and they said nothing.
I have to go back and watch that fantastic Samba of Mya and Dmitry of Season 9, now that was incredible. This was not even close. Gleb needs to learn how to edit, if someone can’t get the bachacata , don’t put it in!
WOWOWOWOWOWOWWOWW I loved that Jitterbug!!
juat when I think I am bored by certain songs here comes the band to make me rethink it. James is a blast to watch plain and simple. Helio on the phone was great too becuase he always is just fun but the line of the night goes to “the physics of that is mind boggling”. Also I’m over pros complaints they haven’t won yet..just no. anyways, I’d give that a 9. Fun dance but I hated the last trick.
WOW.. Impressive dancing by James
Ok I loved that Jitterbug to In The Mood. It was my late Grandma’s fave song & she was a WWII War Bride. so I tear up whenever I hear it
I am thinking they want Gleb to happen more than Jana. I think Len’s comment about Jana tipped the hand of the producers. Also looking like Marilu will be out next week. Only one point separates her and Ryan. Voters seem to be loving Ryan. When will they stop the Ralph Macchio scoring of Calvin?!!!
Those costumes for Team past….not what I was expecting given the song. Looks a bit more gone with the wind.
James and Sharna Woo-Hoo That was good although it looked like he almost missed that jump over her head 9’s seem about right though I would have liked to see a 10. Sharna and Lindsay are killing it on choreography!
One of my favorite Samba’s was Cheryl and William Levy ..Google it and have watched it to this day..lol
Ah jeez, I hope Sharna is okay.
That was such a fun dance. Hinch has wonderful musicality and flair when he dances.
That was Jana’s worst dance for me. Overscored and I agreed with Len. Bruno needs to chill out with the dirty comments towards her as well. I get the feeling again that she’s struggling with votes and TPTB are trying to subtly persuade people to vote for her with comments like “I’ll be shocked if you’re not in the final.” I feel like they are trying to push a Laurie, James, Calvin and Jana final especially with all four of those pros going on tour. Gleb kind of put his foot in his mouth as well, I do think Len saw last week and purposely made an example of him. James probably had his second best dance after his quickstep.
Ok so the video for team past was good (James should do a narration skit for the finale) but I’m not feeling the dance itself. It was good but I’m not going to remember that seasons from now. Will agree that nobody stop from out to me at all for the wrong reasons so yay.
Hit submit too early. I’d give that dance a 8. Wish it was more fun to watch though.
Can I say how wonderful it was to see a team dance that was beautiful and romantic. Very evocative, gentle and sweeping.
Those costumes are gorgeous
Overscored Team Past Dance…sorry, boring & unremarkable
I loved that Team Past, I thought it was really well syncronized.
I loved that Team Past, I thought it was really well syncronized. I agree with CAI my favorite dance of the night.
For all those who are saying that Team Past was boring, look at the song that they were given. I thought they did a damn good job given their song choice. Synchronized, very clean, and well executed.
Wow, that was TOUGH music – I can why the pros had a tough time choreographing to it, in addition to the difficulty of Terra’s limitations.
Ok so team future…oddly captivating. The song was not great but it was pretty good. Again I wasn’t wowed. So two team dances but basically the same reaction. I would give it an 8 as well.
That was one weird team dance, most of which was the music. Not a fan of the costumes as well.
I also noticed that some of the teams solo parts almost perfectly mimicked the dance they just did last week, particularly J&G’s Argentine Tango and T&S’s Paso.
Not surprised by the result but I’m kinda hoping that Jana ends up going home next week (just a sneak peak at my rankings I guess lol).
These team dances really created some havoc in the leaderboard. Wow. If Marilu goes home before Ryan, I will be pissed. Sorry for the language, just not happy about how tonight went.
I was disappointed at first that Team Past’s swains weren’t wearing kilts. I LOVE a man who will wear a kilt without embarrassment! However, I ended up swooning over Calvin in knee britches and stockings! Sooooooo debonair! I enjoyed both team dances. Despite the incredibly difficult music, I thought Team Future crafted an outstanding performance. I especially feel like they incorporated Terra’s unique size as a part of their overall contemporary look.
And I give Val credit to reaching out and connecting with Terra.
Man, what a weird night! Scoring got real for some and others continued to get shafted; sorry I liked Hinch and Sharna dance, but I would have given Calvin and Lindsay a higher score. Marilu was underscored by a couple; no way should Ryan be above her! Seems to me that TPTB
have showed their hand. They want Hinch, Calvin, Laurie and Jana in the finals. Personally I’d switch either Terra or Marilu for Jana in a heartbeat; I’m just left feeling blech after her dances.
In the finals.
I wasn’t crazy about either team dance, TBH. But Team Future really got a crap piece of music! IMO, there wasn’t much they could do with it.
Calvin was the best tonight and obviously Team Past as well,Ryan and Maureen really pulled through for Calvin and James…I hope Marilu is okay,that pain wont hit until tomorrow and she is an older lady so it could be serious.
Another point, why did they call Jana and Gleb in jeopardy AGAIN? When everyone knew she’d be safe after last week. Probably trying to instigate another vote boost after the team dance scores shook up the leaderboard. I’m worried for Marilu’s survival next week, she had a rough night and Ryan’s going to be tough to beat when it comes to votes. Derek fans better mobilise tonight.
I liked Team Past- it brought me back to the old-school team dances when they had to do a specific style. It was beautifully done. I did think it was over-scored- I saw both Ryan and Maureen go off time more than once.
Team Future I think will be a love it/hate it for a lot of people. For me- I absolutely loved it. It was interesting and something I hadn’t seen before. I didn’t notice the problems the judges did and I thought the scores should have been the same. I did see Marilu fall pretty hard after her solo though, and I’m a little worried about that and the fact that they are last on the leaderboard.
Forgot to add…I think James was a bit OVERscored…Again.His score shouldn’t have been the exact same as Calvins.Also I AM SO TIRED OF SHARNA MENTIONING NEVER WINNING A MIRRORBALL EVERY. SINGLE. SEASON! Don’t Guilt viewers,earn it the whole way through! I also thought they were quite generous to #TeamFuture,I would have given them all 8’s and #TeamPast all 10’s! I am so shocked Laurie is hiding somewhere in the middle of the pack this week…No more Hyping Laurie…For now -_-
I agree it was not Jana’s best dance but how to you end up in jeporday when you get a perfect score. Guessing the fan votes not going good for her, although she is a much better dancer then Ryan and I still think she can be in top 4. Her overall scores are much higher than Ryan Marilu, and even Tara.but she has been at the bottom the last 2 weeks and can’t even say that about Ryan, Marilu and Tara. She really needs the fan votes or possibly she will be gong home maybe even next week
Wow…overall I wasn’t impressed with much this week. Tptb know what’s up…the scoring is getting ridiculous. Tbh…how is Ryan still in this competition along with Marilyn? Tbh I’m ready for this to be over.
I think producers want to take advantage of the scandal of former husband of Jana and are waiting to spank some of his former owner to take advantage of it. A shame as she has tried to disassociate itself from the news in the program but is not something that surprised me to pass by the production of DWTS. Sad
Maureen gone, made my night.
Felt like Laurie’s dance was more of a 7/8 combo.
I guess Calvin needs to lift Lindsey in a double wheely lift, while jumping on a bed, after giving her a corsage, and finish it off in the shower to get a 40. GAWD!
Why does Marilu do better in rehearsals than on the floor? Derek seems to check out more and more each week. He doesn’t even bother arguing with the judges or provide feedback.
My two favorite dances tonight were the team dances. I loved team past the best. They were all perfectly in sink and the costumes were absolutely beautiful. Team Future had some issues, but the concept was good. Hard to choreograph to that kind of music.
I was disappointed in all the couples dances tonight. No one really stood out for me. James and Calvin were probably the best of the bunch. Have to say I haven’t been impressed with Derek’s choreography this season. Marilu is not as good as I thought she would be. I really think she is over thinking every step.
Laurie always looks like she is performing her floor routine. She always dances with such force. Sometimes it’s not very enjoyable to watch.
Glad that Maureen was eliminated. Too much drama with everything she does. I guess it’s Halloween week next week.
I won’t deny that Marilu had some struggles in her dance, but no way in Hades should she be at the bottom of the leader board. What is going on? Scoring is so messed up.
Team Past definitely won the Team dance competition. The ending segment of Team Future’s dance just seemed odd, like they ran out of ideas.
As much as I try to I just can’t get on board with Gleb and Jana. And if they want to make the finals Gleb better step it up with the choreography. I haven’t been impressed thus far.
I hope Sharna is okay. She definitely was limping.
My favorite dance of the night was Calvin and Lindsays. Along with Team Past’s dance.
#89 I would argue that Derek’s choreography has been fabulous this season,especially considering some strange music that didn’t fit the dance style assigned. Marilu gets so nervous she makes ME nervous at times. I just watched a video of that Charleston. Absolutely captured the era of the Charleston and skillfully incorporated tap. No way a 7 in my book, even if Marilu was off. They just seem to be trying to get Derek and Marilu off the show…free him up for Hairspray rehearsals, maybe, or manipulate their tour dancers into the Finals. Whatever. I should be used to this stuff by now. I don’t think Derek ever checks out…he works hard for his partners AND his own reputation as a consummate professional.
I feel so disappointed about Eras night. I liked Calvin and Lindsay, Sharna and James and Sascha and Terra’s dances most of all. I loved Derek’s Charleston but I think Marilu’s facial expressions didn’t match the dance. I liked Future team a little bit better than Past but I have to admit that Team Past looked beautiful! And Team Future’s intro package was heartbreaking. I felt bad for Terra but she looked fantastic in the dance.
Sorry, I meant to note #89 and not 91 in my last post.
Oh Rosa, why am I not surprised that you thought James was “OVERscored…AGAIN!!!!!”…
Even though Calvin and Lindsay were underscored (IMO a 38 would have been fairer, especially since no negative comments), I was glad to see the comments from Len on the amount of content. It seemed like every two measures there was a change of steps. And her trusting Calvin to be out front by himself!
Also think it was smart of Lindsay to go up to the judges in the commercial, doesn’t hurt to thank and work them a little bit!
With Laurie being down in the scores, you wonder if Val is getting the message, including getting the dance started!
Calvin underscored no way. His technique still needs work. He may be a fun guy and dances with joy, but he can not be flat footed and he really needs to take better care in finishing his moves.
I actually thought the scoring was pretty decent tonight. Definitely no perfect dances. Probably would have kept Jana at all 8’s because there really wasn’t too much samba, although her samba rolls looked good. I also get annoyed with the inconsistency in what the judges reward. It’s not surprising Gleb would choreograph that when they rewarded him with a perfect score for an A. Tango that relied so heavily on a schtick and underscored Calvin and Lindsay’s pretty phenomenal traditional Tango last week. It’s also kind of surprising with him coming from Strictly where I feel like they do more straight ballroom.
Calvin definitely had another standout night with James right behind. Lindsay and Sharna are doing terrific. And Terra had another great strictly ballroom dance. I felt like Marilu’s dance was really fast and definitely not something many of the other contestants could have done with the tap section, but the quickness of it made some of her moves seem small and unfinished.
As for the team dances, I love the more traditional ballroom, so Past definitely seemed better to me and something that the teams haven’t really done. The ladies played it smart. I also do not like when acting seems inauthentic and affected, so that ending on Future’s was a little bizarre for me. Of all the dancers, Ryan is the weakest, so hopefully he goes next week, but it looks like it could be a toss up with a couple of people. I don’t think Gleb talking back helped Jana out.
Terra deserved that dance with Sasha. Made me smile and hum along. Gleb and Jana were just meh. Oh, and now, CAI lifting check. Gawd. These comments and scores are a mess. Go get ’em Len. Brave Gleb throwing it down. ROTF he bit the hand that’s feeding him. I always thought this was a dance comp until tonight! Not. I love In the Mood. I loved the dance. He needs to win!
My favorite dance of the night (and favorite costumes for that matter) goes to Calvin and Lindsey. I really hope they make it to the finals.
Lee, I wonder too if precious Val is getting the messages that he should be getting.
-Not only Derek and Mark but Sharna and Lindsay surpass his chorography by leaps and bounds week after week, season after season!
-The current producers seem very interested in expanding the pool of stars to include those with unique challenges. So far, Derek, Sharna, Peta and Sasha have proven themselves up for it while Val made a ringer cry in rehearsals!
-TPTB aren’t being subtle AT ALL about pushing Gleb with his baby blues and tight buns as the sexy pro. And we were told flat out that they are pushing him into the finals.
So why isn’t precious wondering where this puts him now?
Ok, maybe I’m biased too, from Indy, love indycar, etc., but Rosa how could you think Calvin and James did not at least deserve the same score. I was listening to All Access during Team Future’s dance with Emma and Max in the booth. When Marilou fell, Emma just sighed, saying oh no, no, no. I was having this dreaded feeling something bad was going to happen tonight. When they talked to Maks about it, he said he didn’t think it should be scored so as to reflect the fall. He said something to the effect that it could have been caught off camera and not deducted. He had nothing but praise for Marilou and Derek. I have always wondered if their “feud” is more their feud or their fan’s feud. I see that a lot in sports or competition shows.
And allow me a moment of praise to the moderators. My husband fell ill a week ago and almost died. I was able to bring him home tonight as good as new. It was a miracle. And when he called me this morning to tell me I could come and pick him up, he says, “Hey, I got good news. We get to watch DWTS at home tonight, I’m being discharged.” This was the first time all week I could actually look forward to tonight, or to anything for that matter. And I’m so appreciative of all the hard work you all do to keep us up to date and entertained. For the first time he sat with me watching your live blog and All Access, while we wait for the west coast to start. He said, you know, after this week, I’m going to start listening to you talk about articles and comments, because I can see how much you love it. And it just gives us one more thing to love about each other. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything!!!!!
Pj, so glad that you and your hubby could enjoy DWTS tonight! Such good news and a very sweet story! Who are your husband’s favorites?
I haven’t seen it yet, but Marilu’s fall sounds really bad. I hope she’s okay. And what happened to Sharna?
I saw All Access once and loved all the different views. Are all of the AA views on YouTube each week?
I like it when people tell us in comments what they see and hear on AA. I love Behind the Scenes stuff.
I loved everything about the team Past dance. The beautiful, old, Scottish song, the dance, the wardrobe was stunning. Just beautiful to watch.
I gave all of my votes to Calvin again this week. Even though the judges are upping his scores from earlier in the season and lowering Laurie’s, I’m not taking any chances. James and Calvin for the final two.
I noticed they had Dennis from troupe and Leona Lewis in the All Access booth tonight and the host asked Dennis if he were a pro next season would Leona be his celeb partner. May be nothing but I thought it was interesting that he asked that. I’d rather have Dennis as a pro over Alan. I’d rather have Shannon over both if I had to choose but I like Dennis if Shannon isn’t coming back to the show at all. Dennis was my second favorite of the troupe last season.
Shannon!! The best looking male troupe member ever! Where is he? Did he go to JLo’s Vegas show? I wish he would come back. The guy who colored his hair blond is freaky looking.
Ooh, they just showed Jana acting like a bitch to Gleb in rehearsal. Cats out of the bag.
I feel that Gleb didn’t talk back at Len, but was just answering Tom’s question if there was samba content. I feel that Gleb was nice and not defensive like Val when answering Len but Len seemed a bit cranky.
Calvin is the best overall . James was so good but the lifts were awkward maybe because of Sharna’s injury?. Marilu was great and got hosed. Terra was good. Ryan makes me smile. Maureen looked beautiful. Laurie was forgettable. Jana was pretty good. I’m on the west coast if you can’t guess by now.
@ Joanne 94: I agree with you about Derek and Marilou. Being in a later time zone I saw the scores beforehand and expected a messy dance, but it was anything but. They were clearly underscored and I thought the overall judging was a mess tonight. I thought they also underscored Laurie tonight.
PJ, I’m very happy for you and your husband’s recovery. Thanks for all the kind words. 🙂
Interesting that Val took it upon himself and changed Derek’s choreo in the team dance when he was sending everyone his video. Derek seemed very surprised.
I think James and Calvin are pretty equal dancers BUT James had trouble with his lifts tonight and looked questionable after almost every lift,due to her injury? Most Likely…If we were to decide which of the two were the better…It would honestly be Calvin…So if Calvin’s dance was superior to Jameses’ dance why would they have the same score?…Shouldn’t James score have been a 34 or a 35…He had a good dance but when you have another celeb dancer just as good to compare to its obvious who has the better dance.Others on here are calling Calvin’s dance their favorite dance…So their 2nd favorite dance isn’t as great as their favorite…Would they give them the same scores if they notice one is better than the other? I’m just being honest,Calvin outdanced James today so James should have gotten a 35 or Laurie’s score.The judges are making it seem criminal to even consider Calvin as good as James and it’s NOT FAIR.The rest of this competition Calvin will be compared to James because of this.They should give Calvin the same chance as James.Bruno giving him credit today during the team dance must have killed Carrie Ann and Julianne inside because they LOVE JAMES and Julianne LOVES LAURIE compared to them thinking Calvin is “Cute”.Them having favorites is just so annoying.
If anyone should be changing choreo, it’s NOT Val.
One thing that stands out to me is something that I saw someone else mention on twitter – who gets their scores right after the dance and who goes to talk to Erin. Seems like Marilu more often than not gets her score right away (less camera time), while others (Laurie, to name one) spends so much time talking to Erin it’s kinda ridiculous.
They have lots and lots of ways to manipulate this show and it seems like they’re using those ways more often than ever.
Overall, and after reading through all the comments and watching the dances ack again I don’t think this Eras night did it for me. This episode was kind of like fluff. Hopefully Halloween night will be more exciting.
I was frustrated by Ryan and Cheryl’s performance. Do they want to be eliminated? Did they not expect to get this far, but are because of the week 1 incident? I don’t rhubk Ryan is as goofy as he seems…and I know he’s on for image rehab and now may like it…but he needs to IMPROVE or goodbye. I literally watched back a dozen of Cheryl’s rumbas before tonight to get excited and ….I rather not comment because I do love them! ? I hope they buckle down now for next week. No more hanky panky.
I love Marilu and Derek, but didnt like their charleston. More of a choreo and production issue for me than Marilu. Felt so bad after she fell. She was SO FUN during all access with Dom though. Kinda liked seeing the celebs without the pros for a change.
Overall, I wasn’t impressed with any choreography tonight besides Linds and Calvin’s. Terra and Sasha are fun to watch though!
What I liked about team past dance was the music & dresses. I actu ally liked team futures music and dance, though, although they were a c tiny bit off.
I’ve seen Ryan in a few Olympics now and he is actually that goofy. He’s genuinely that way, at least on tv. Kinda like Kellie Pickler innocence.
You’re right, that Marilu hardly ever goes to talk to Erin. And Derek barely gets to talk live on the show. And Marilu’s fall during the team dance was hardly anything. It was a trip to get out of the camera view and didn’t even impact the team dance at all. I don’t understand why they were given an 8.
People were commenting in Derek’s low energy or that he doesn’t care anymore. Maybe it’s because he knows about all the manipulations and is tired of the game they play. It takes all the fun out of your dance if you know your boss doesn’t want you to win and doing everything they can so it doesn’t happen again. Im sure he care a lot of Marilu and about putting on a good show.
Heart I kind of agree with you on the Derek thing. But who really knows…heck I get SOOO frustrated at TPTB’s questionable tactics as well. I mean what else do they want to do it is obvious either Laurie and Val or James and Sharna will win…me thinks so.
I would LOVE it if Calvin and Lindsey miraculously pulled it off, which I have no doubt they can. Calvin is so humble and downy to earth and Linds seems like she’s having a ball as a pro with him. He’s like her own jungle gym lol
If you watch Team Loca in S18 there was a simmilar fake push move after Candace/Mark’s solo to get the couple separated and out of the way for the next couple’s solo. When she moved away Marilu slipped and fell pretty hard and Derek looked like he wanted to go back and help her for a second but they had to move on with the dance.
People everywere on social media are now saying that Derek pushed Marilu so that even Val felt the need to comment on twitter: “No one pushed anyone!!! Stop being ridiculous please. I’m proud of our team. Marilu is a gangsta!! Love you girl. True professional.”
I enjoyed both team dances. Can’t say one was better than the other because they were completely opposite ends of the spectrum. Past was lyrical and used very traditional VW aspects. Future had to be cold and sharp to match the strange music and finally was able to show a bit of emotion at the end again due to the change in music tempo. I think both teams were pretty flawless in movement and concept. I would have scored them a tie at all 8 and 9’s, don’t think either deserved a 10. But scoring is always a bit one sided. I know some comments are saying the dances this week were lackluster but I blame the silly theme weeks mentality especially eras week, I mean…really?? Why can’t TPTB just let the pros choreograph as they wish and let’s see the celebrities just dance.
Marilu & Derek’s Charleston had intricate choreography with changes on almost every 8 counts & I loved the tap section in spite of the missteps.
Great idea of Derek to reference some of Marilu’s steps from Chicago but the ending lift was a bit awkward. Even so, they were underscored again by the judges & I agree with PH that they are lacking screen time not only with Erin but also with the amount of interviews & dances being posted.
And now TPTB have Marilu below Ryan on the leaderboard in spite of his stiff rumba!
Also disappointed in the team dance scores
Felt bad 4Terra how they portrayed her & making Derek & Sasha look bad while giving Va all the glory. So obvious. Mayb that’s why they lost points bc Va changed the choreo.
Glad that you caught the lack of air time for Marilu, too, and called ’em out on it. She, and many of the other celebrities that appear on the show, seems to be a class act and deserves fair treatment. The manipulation may backfire more than they realize when other celebrities refuse to be on the show. They are doing more than annoying long time fans with these tactics, they are ultimately hurting the success and longevity of the show.
Yep the team dances weren’t all that great,and it’s just not fun to watch anymore because it’s obvious who they want to win so it takes the fun and suspense out of it. But laurie/Val are not interesting to me tho I luv Laurie,I like James he has such presence on the dance floor,good luck to him and sharna but overall this competition is just so blahhhh….
Hi PJ! Fellow Hoosier here.
I’m so happy to hear about your husband’s recovery. He sounds like such a sweetie!
I’m starting to think two things about Jana. First, that perhaps she would have been better off with a different partner. Gleb doesn’t seem the type to empathize and nurture his partner the way she seems to need. Secondly, with all that’s going on in her personal life, her tour schedule, and being a single parent to a young child, taking on DWTS with it’s high stress and mental/physical fatigue was a mistake. I really think she’s starting to crack. She seemed so fragile, exhausted and bewildered in her rehearsal package.
I do realize that in the entertainment industry you have to strike while the iron is hot and grab your opportunities when they come up, but you can only push your spirit and body so far.
Being eliminated next week might be a blessing in disguise.
For me, I’d be equally happy with Hinch&Sharna or Calvin&Lindsay winning, although I would prefer H&S. Terra has really grown on me with her determination and sheer joy out on the dance floor and now I want her in the top four.
to #106 – stormviking on tumblr records the all access every week so you can check there for links if you can’t find the videos on youtube.
I think both team dances were love-it or hate-it. Personally I thought Team Past was cleaner and more cohesive, although their costumes looked more English than Scottish, and their song was about the Scottish isles. But that’s me being picky. I love techno music so I actually didn’t find Team Future’s song odd at all, though if I have to choose a ‘futuristic’ song that definitely won’t be my first pick. I liked the dystopian setting because I was expecting something more tech-y like Joanna and Derek’s paso, plus I myself am a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction that’s been quite popular these last few years.
I hope the final four will be Hinch, Calvin, Laurie and Terra, though if Marilu survives next week’s elim and finds her footing again she could take Terra’s place and I won’t be too disappointed.
For those who do not speak Russian – during team rehearsal Val was asking Sasha in Russian if a dip was ok for Terra. I found it very insensitive, obviously Terra and everybody else understood what it was about.
I’ve been thinking about what possible dances could be done to represent the 90s. The only definitive thing I can think of is boybands. Cue me putting Wanya’s jazz on repeat.
Honestly, can Derek be blamed for checking out? I think I’d do worse if I were in his position and aware of all the producer manipulation. We’re lucky he even still comes back time and again. Heck, some day they’ll find some fresh new hunk and Val will become disposable too. I can’t believe I’m considering the possibility of me sympathising with Val one day. But I wouldn’t put it past TPTB.
I’m bummed that Marilu is at the bottom of the leader board. That Charleston was underscored. I’m SO over Jana and Gleb. There was too much messing about in that Samba and if Derek would’ve been the one to choreo that, Len would’ve been ALL over it. He did mention it to Gleb but then his score certainly didn’t reflect it. I see they want Jana in the finals over Marilu that’s for sure…guess I gotta vote harder now!!
Terra is hot and cold. One week she kills it, the next not so much. I don’t think she should be in the finals and i hope that Ryan is the one to go home next week although I’m really worried for Marilu 🙁
@Rosa Calvin is a nice guy and dances with joy, but that had hardly any Jive content. A good 32 bars at the beginning with no Jive at all. A sloppy few flicka kicks, sloppy basics, a chick walk that stopped half way through, and flat footed dancing. The bar must be low if that was the best Jive of the season.
To clarify about Team Past’s costumes: the song they were dancing to was the theme from the TV show Outlander. Season 2 of Outlander is set in pre-revolution France, and the women’s dresses were a definite nod to a dress that Claire, the female protagonist, wore to a party at Versailles: http://static.srcdn.com/slir/w600-h800-q90-c600:800/wp-content/uploads/Outlander-Season-2-Image-Red-Dress.jpg Yes, the song is about Scotland; yes, Outlander is primarily about the Scots – but season 2 did take place partially in Paris.
I think Derek Hough fans will have to vote their pants off to keep Marilu from leaving. I didn’t think she did badly, but the judges made note of her shortcomings. They should have done the same with some of the others.
i agree re Jana. She has a very heavy tour schedule and is single mom of a very young child. One of those would be difficult, but with both she took on way too much. For the second week now, I’ve seen where she said she was starting to learn her dance at the end of the work week, which gives her a couple of days to learn, practice and refine. I think Laurie is in the same boat because of her tour, but Laurie doesn’t have to worry about anyone but herself, and is used to learning routines so it is more natural to her. Even so, I think it has affected Laurie too, although I still believe she is running away with the MBT in spite of this week’s ridiculous judging.
I completely agree with Gleb. He probably didn’t do Jana any favors by saying it though.
@Courtney thanks for that tidbit of information. I loved those costumes, so Dauphin! I also have to give James huge props since he really had to fully learn two dance styles. The others on the team all had Viennese Waltz previously so they only needed to polish and syncronize.
Casanova, I can’t disagree re Calvin. He is my personal favorite, but in the context of last night’s scoring, I didn’t see 9s. The judges were seriously picking and choosing last night. Even with the commentary it felt like they were grasping at straws in trying to make comments fit the scores and not the other way around.
Calvin and Lindsay were my faves tonight! Followed closely by Hinch and Sharna.
I loved Terra and Sasha’s dance and loved Len giving praise to Sasha even more. I think he is doing a great job with the height challenge.
As much as it pains me to say it, I loved Team Past so much more than Team Future. I was happy that they won.
I’d really like Ryan to go next week, followed by Terra and then Marilu. I would switch Terra and Marilu’s exit if it weren’t for Derek. If Jana left sooner than Terra and Marilu, that wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all.
I don’t know why Len bothered to be on the show this season if he wasn’t going to be here at least most of the time. I hate guest judges that know nothing about dance (I’m looking at you Pittbull).
As Courtney said, the costumes for Team Past were more inspired by fashion in the time of King Louis XV, who was on the French throne at one of the times Outlander takes place. The red dress Claire wears both in the promos for season two and in the party scene is drop dead stunning and a fitting inspiration for the ladies costumes. Really all the gowns Claire wears in France are amazingly beautiful and the work of the show’s fabulous costume designer, Terry Dresbach.
While I love a man in a kilt, I also love the formal stocking, knee breaches and long, fitted jacket look on the men. It’s both gentlemanly and sexy.
I agree with @susan2…jana is very insecure and bless her heart…i think she has taken on too much,which pushes a person to the point of crying and breaking down. I like them both,but gleb needs to push his choreography,it’s just been ok…..now I like Calvin but that jive was cute,not great…overall all the dances left me bored to death,it’s like no one is seriously standing out. But like I’ve said,I usually tell it like it is but….i hope val/ Laurie don’t win,I’d rather James and sharna tbh….and I don’t know what’s up with Len and gleb,do any of u guys think it’s something personal going on,or just honest TRUTH about the that samba,I just found it weird,but hey it’s just my opinion.
Calvin and James where my favs tonight. Although I actually think they each did a dance that looked more like the other’s style. James lindy was very jive like and reverse for Calvin. I still loved them both.
Why would the producers give a couple a dance style and theme that was done very recently. Disco samba? How creative. I agreed with Len on this one, but I’ll get into it in the Power Rankings post.
Team past was so refreshing. I think that fans that have been watching for a long time really miss numbers like that and that is why it was so effective. Also loved team future. (That talking in Russian thing came out as very rude IMO).
It was time for Maureen to go. I was happy about that.
Love Laurie but I’m irritated at Val for including the lifts, he knows better. Jana and Gleb dance took too long to develop and I’m surprised after Lens comments that he gave them an 8, I don’t think know they are getting the votes. I think CA low balled team future
I’m just really hoping that whoever was voting for Maureen will now rally behind Marilu cause there is said to be a nostalgic vote and Marilu is now the only one still left to represent it. She’s actually the only one over 36 years of age that’s still left in the competition…
I agree Geri….I voted as much as I could for Marilu.. 32 phone votes and got about 100 votes in via the ABC website. I notice DWTS also took away the FB app which also allowed more votes in seasons past. Bummer.
Thanks as always for the recaps, just a few comments:
-Era night is not my favorite, and it seemed like multiple stars were given styles where they would definitely struggle. Rumbas are almost always problematic for male celebs and Ryan certainly struggled, Marilu with Charleston, and even Calvin with jive (due to his injury history) although I thought he did pretty good. Overall I was kind of underwhelmed with the individual dances. Maybe the first time having to do two dances had something to do with it as well.
-I hope Sharna is ok
-Scores seemed to make more sense than the past couple of weeks, and it was nice to see Len call out Val and especially Gleb. Gleb needs to follow Lindsay’s example and just give a no filler all killer dance!
-Odd choices for the team dance music, but I really enjoyed Team Past.
-I am VERY interested in the numbers post for next week’s elimination, I feel like all the lower hanging fruit is now gone.
Thank you Heart and Heidi. As to who his favorites are, James and Sharna. But bless his heart, he doesn’t have a choice. Now I know most people will cringe when I say this, lol, but I’m a Maks and Val fan. I never started out that way. But then they sort of “grew on me”. BUT, when it comes to my boys in the racing world, then it doesn’t matter how much I might like them. It’s #TeamStopAndGo all the way. And I only started watching the show back in Season 5 when Helio was on.
And Rosa pardon me if I came across as “gruff”. It was not intended. The one thing I did learn this past week is in the big scheme of things DWTS does not take a front seat. And it’s certainly not something that I’m going to continue to lose my mind over when things do not happen the way I think they should. When it comes down to it, it’s a reality competition show compared to real life. With that said, I still admire the hard work and the amount of time our moderators put into this to bring us “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” (Yes I was a legal assistant for 20 years and probably still would be if I could have kept working ?) Not to mention, we have a much bigger and more important real life “competition” (or to some might just be another reality tv show going on) that could possibly change the way we live our lives. Enough said on that topic. LOL
I hope you all enjoy the rest of the season. It certainly has been “different” IMO.
Can’t wait for u guys to post the power rankings. This competition is all over the place…?
I just didn’t see what was so 90s about Ryan and Cheryl’s rumba? Every other couple had elements of their era in the production, but did I miss theirs’? I really hope it was some type of strategy on Cheryl’s part?? Just think outside of the box…?
Also, did anyone notice Dom being a bit down on all access with Maks? He just seemed a bit out of it last night. I definitely prefer Emma with Dom on all access.
If I were being completely honest.the ONLY dance I really enjoyed last night was Team Past…Out of the individual dances I thought Calvin’s had more spark than all the rest but it was really a dull night overall.I LOVED the beginning of Jameses’ dance and his character and I feel like his dance would have been really good if he didn’t struggle with his lifts,it could have even been the lifts Sharna choreographed that made him struggle with him,he is not a big man…It’s not fair to any of the other males left because Calvin is the one known for really good lifts now so maybe that’s why other lifts this season have just been blah to me…Lastly,SHARNA WAS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING LAST NIGHT WITH HER TEAM DANCE LOOK! OH MY GOODNESS,I was stunned by her beauty with the dress,her lips and the color of her hair all going together so nicely.I Loved her look!!!
@Rosa- I disagree, James didn’t struggle with lifts in the least. There were some careful placing of Sharna coming out of the first lift so as to not injure her knee further. To push it would have really been careless. I suspect you don’t see lindy hop lifts because these were right out of Hellzapopin and they were executed fine.
Rosa, I totally agree with you when it comes to the lifts. And the fact that he can perform them smoothly is not lost on me either. Many times I’ve seen big “football player types” be able to do the lifts, but not ones that are so complicated, and make them look so dang smoothe. Now when it comes to the dancing part I give the nod to James. When this season started it was all about Laurie. And now, you have Hinch who came out of nowhere for the majority of the fans. And Calvin who has just progressed quickly and is a joy to watch. I never thought I would say this, but I’m finding it a real possibility that Laurie isn’t going to come out of this on top.
I may be asking this question which will soon be answered, or already has been answered, so I apologize in advance. But what are James’ Calvin’s and Laurie’s cumulative scores after last night? I usually keep a notebook with the running totals, dances, etc., but I failed to get it started this season. ?
Casanova-I can see you are a diehard James fan and I am a Diehard Calvin fan so we will never agree and that’s fine…He did struggle with the lifts…Whether it was too hard or he was trying to handle sharna carefully is not what matters.That’s not what sharna would have wanted,she took the blame for them though. PJ I think Calvin and James are equally better dancers…Just depends on How many Indy fans are watching and how many NFL fans are watching.Calvin has 3x more followers on Instagram than James …James is a scrawy shorter man with a GREAT personality and is good looking.Calvin is a Tall strong man with a charming personality and he looks pretty good too…Weird as it sounds with Calvin and James and them both being so good an ideal for a winner it will come down to personality and attractiveness to the ladies watching because they ARE BOTH TOO GOOD…I don’t even remember Laurie at the end of the night…I don’t think she will win either…Its looking like James and Calvin with Laurie 3rd.Personality means everything on this show and believe it or not so does Attractiveness.What will eventually decide between these two men is their Pro Fanbase,Their fanbase,Personality and Attractiveness.That is ONLY if the judges aren’t Biased though.Laurie can leave next Monday for all I care and I blame Val for making her forgettable.
Rosa, MOVE ON. I feel like I’ve literally seen the same comment from you 15 times in the last 24 hours. You love Calvin, you think he’s better than James, and you think it’s unfair that James has been overscored and Calvin underscored. WE GET IT. Unless you can contribute something new to the discussion, I’m putting you on comment moderation.
I wish Len had directly told Val to stop with the long intros and endings to bookend about 40 seconds of actual dancing. To me, it’s really ridiculous because it seems like messing around in the beginning and end of the dance is a strategy for when your partner lacks the stamina to dance for 1.5-2 minutes and/or lacks the ability to do enough different steps that you can dance for 2 minutes without it becoming repetitive. Laurie doesn’t fall into either of those categories, so it’d be nice if he gave her more real dance steps.
As far as Ryan’s dance, it looked awkward and all, but I actually think it looked less awkward than some of his other ones, especially his salsa last week. He’s certainly not improving fast enough to keep up with any of the other people who are left, but I do appreciate the effort he continues to put forth to improve, especially when it’s obvious that this does not come naturally to him at all.
I think they set Gleb up when they asked him about his opinions on Len’s comments. He either has to say: “Yep, I sure didn’t put enough content in!” and come off like he knew he was choreographing a bad dance and just felt like screwing his partner over, or he has to say: “No, I don’t think Len was right,” and then he looks bad for arguing with a critique he was given. The only way to not look like a jerk in response to this question is to try to say something that is related without answering the question.
Thanks to Irina for translating that bit in the team dance rehearsal. I agree that Val really shouldn’t have done that. Did he honestly think it would make her feel better to not know the specifics of the way he was talking about her right to her face? Doing that kind of thing just makes it way more dramatic than it needs to be.
As far as Marilu’s fall in the team dance, I made the mistake of reading the comments on the DWTS Instagram picture of Team Future’s dance. As a PSA to all you fine people, don’t read them. Your brain will turn to mush and fall out of your ears.
Does anyone know what happened that one time when Carrie Ann and Julianne were laughing uncontrollably? I think I may have missed something there.
Kelly K, I’m not sure what you mean by a “Facebook app,” but just to let you know, you can still vote on Facebook for Derek and Marilu. I won’t put the link here, so just Google, “Dancing with the Stars Facebook vote page,” it should be at the very top of the page.
As for last night, Derek and Marilu were once again underscored.
Their Charleston, should have at least received 8s and 9s for that fast and technically challenging routine. But 7s? Ridiculous. Personally, I was amazed over Marilu’s performance, considering her age.
As for the rest, I honestly didn’t care for the team dances.
Team Past was lovely to look at, but that was about it for me.
Team Future, had moments of intrigue, but the weird music just made it so-so for me.
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised to hear how supportive Maks was toward Derek last night on All Access.
Paraphrasing, he said that Marilu needs to just trust Derek more, because he knows what he’s doing and has 6 Mirror Balls to prove it.
Maks was genuinely sympathetic over Marilu’s mishap and said that the incident was at the end of the dance and should not have counted in the scoring.
I had tried to prepare myself for those little jabs that the C brothers, often manage to take at Derek, but Maks could not have been nicer the entire show. (Peta and fatherhood must be doing him some good.)
I’m worried about Derek and Marilu too, all I can do is give them all of my votes, which I’ve been doing from the beginning.
Other than them, I want to see James and Sharna and Calvin and Lindsay in the finale.
I really want to pull for Laurie, (she’s a sweetheart) but the way tptb push Val on us, makes it impossible for me.
That little stunt the producers pulled last night, trying to make us think that Val was the only one comforting Terra was nauseating to watch.
Not just Derek, they even tried to make Sasha appear indifferent to her tears.
I noticed the lack of on-air time for Derek and Marilu as well, Heidi.
This show is so frustrating sometimes.
Why are they still keeping Ryan around?? Like it’s becoming sad. Cheryl comes off as she doesn’t even care how well he danced. If you really wanted to help his reputation you would push him to do amazing. Honestly it’s frustrating because it makes herself look…..
I was left pretty dispointed with #TeamFuture.
1) Stop with grey’s costumes especially for a team dance, it doesn’t stand out, if you want to go neutral try black or white it would be better, grey, brown, etc aren’t great colors (and in my opinion doesn’t really fit anyone skintone wise). It’s been the 3rd time in a row (that I know) that a team in grey costume lost. Maybe an all men pro team isn’t the best for that because #TeamPast looked absolutly exquiste.
2) It was not unexpected/suprising at all. We always see future and apocalypse, end of nature, sad world and the list goes on. I think they could have tried something more fun when the music (which was weird I agree) changed rythm.
3) Moreover I think it would have suited more of the celebs to do something fun (Laurie, Marilu and Terra had their humph perf on Pasos). It is exactly what Lindsay, Sharna, Cheryl and Artem did with their team: they used a basic, bend the rules a bit and made sure it suited everyone.
I also take into count that there was a lot of travelling for TeamFuture so it may have been a factor. But those 4 men are great choreographers(not saying that the one the other team aren’t cause they SLAY) I was just not expecting that (until I saw the outfit) and I wasn’t a fan really.
I keep mentioning the same thing about Calvin and James because as far as I can see they are the only competitors left…And EVERY single week the same thing happens…It just wouldn’t be worth it to talk about how bad compared to those two everyone else is,that’s a waste of time. #Jojo TBH I think Ryan is being kept around because he IS GOOD LOOKING…He is nice to look at but he can’t dance…I hope he goes soon though so someone deserving can stay in the competition.
Rosa, you’re a damn broken record.
Jana is so dramatic. Her crying is getting old.
The same with Maureen but I had a soft spot for her.
Len was grumpier than ever but he wasn’t exactly in the wrong.
Val and Sasha speaking Russian so Terra couldn’t understand kinda bothered me.
I loved seeing Hayley and Brittany dancing in the background, not trying too hard.
@hayley4pro…i agree,I think Jana is an emotional mess,but she has been thru a lot tho,I just hope this experience helps her in the long run…….and I’m about to sound like a broken record but gleb has got to push the choreo!!!…i hate to say they are becoming predictable and blah
I do not think the fans know the grueling schedule Jana has been under since starting DWTS. She has had a concert every week-end since Sept.9th, and all over the US. This past weekend she had 2 concerts. Her and Gleb flew into Denver on Saturday on a private jet and landed at 200pm and she had a private venue for an hour or so. Then she and Gleb got a few hours of rehearsal and then she had a concert. I attended the concert and she gave it her all. They boarded the jet right after and back to LA for Sunday’s blocking. Then another concert in Lincoln, Nebraska. They have to rehearse whenever and wherever possible and it has been difficult. Of course, she and Gleb are both frustrated because they want to do well on DWTS. I think the tears are more from being so tired, and Gleb would love to push the choreography but not enough time to do so. Wish they had more time, if they can stay in competition she has 1 more concert left on Oct 28th in Salt LakeCity and then will have a break. I am hoping they will stay in and make it to the finals. The competition is tough, the only one I want to go home now is Ryan.
Someone mentioned like how Gleb on his time on Strictly would get crucified by Len for not enough content. Seems same thing happening here on DWTS & Len is getting tired of repeating himself on a different continent.
Now I see how it all fits.
@Julie W- I appreciate that Jana has a busy schedule, but she’s not the only one. Laurie is doing some of the tour dates, plus she has a restricted schedule as a minor. Calvin and Lindsay are flying back and forth from Detroit every week. At the beginning of the season James was doing IndyCar and still killing it. Not to mention Marilu is 64 and Terra is a little person with a newborn.
Maybe its cold, but I don’t have a lot of sympathy for travel schedule because I’ve watched so many others do it. Nick shot a movie, Wanya was on tour, Janel and Amber were shooting tv shows. I know packages are manipulated so I don’t hold a bad package against her, but I can’t pass off Gleb’s consistently blah choreo (IMO) on not having enough time. Not after watching Derek, Sharna, Lindsay, etc. deal with it.
163. Chayse…..I am only saying she has a show every week and sometimes 2 and she is the main attraction and she gives her all from what I saw. Two hours of non stop singing and crowd pleasing, not a lot of time to practice. Laurie is making appearances not performing, Calvin and Lindsey flying, James and the rest are doing awesome and I am not trying to gain sympathy here, just when I saw the show, I said, “Wow exhausting and their practice is cut a lot. Gleb’s choreo cannot be too difficult because they do not have the time to perfect it. Everything will work out the way it is supposed to, but I think the producers should consider these factors and she has a 9 month old baby. I met Terra when I went to the show and she is really special and full of energy and so nice. The only reason I said anything is because people see her crying in the packages and say they are tired of it, and I have to say give her some credit, she is hard working.
IMO- contestants need to take their schedules into account, not producers. I never personally take packages into account, but there is enough manipulation on the show I don’t want people getting extra credit for having a busy schedule.
Exactly, Chayse – I took Tavis to task for complaining about his schedule and acting like it was the show’s fault that he was “too busy to rehearse” back in season 19, and I don’t really have any sympathy for any celeb that chooses to take on DWTS while having other obligations outside of the show. I think the only involvement the producers need to have is ensuring they find traveling celebs pros that are willing/able to travel with them – nothing more. The rest is up to the celeb – they can be as committed or not-committed as they so choose. Antonio was only putting in about 10 hours of rehearsal time per week last season, and insisted on flying back home to Miami after Monday night’s shows; on the other side of the coin, James basically uprooted his life and moved out to LA for the duration of this season so Sharna wouldn’t have to travel and he could focus on dancing. The ball really is in the celeb’s court.
Thanks Courtney and everyone else for the info about the dresses and Outlander.
Watching the dances a second time, I wonder who decides how to cut and arrange the music. Team Future’s dance really picked up when the techno beats came in and it might have helped them not be so tied to the apocalypse theme if the section of the music assigned to them didn’t have so much of the slow tempo parts.
@Julie W – Where did you get the impression that Laurie is just doing appearances and isn’t performing? If you watch her snapchat (and those of other people on the tour), she’s definitely in the show. She’s not the singular main attraction, but she’s in it as much as the other members of the “Final 5” (from what I’ve gathered on youtube). Also, Laurie’s doing at least 3-4 shows most weeks, rather than the 1-2 you’re saying Jana has. That being said, I generally agree with Court and Chayse about not liking it when the celebs complain about their schedules.
@Courtney- I think you perfectly described the main difference between someone like Calvin and someone like Antonio. Both went home every week (as did Emmitt I think) but Calvin isn’t using it as an excuse for not practicing. Antonio had talent, he just really didn’t care IMO.
Also, Sharna must be loving not traveling this season. She went back home with Noah every week, Charlie was on tour, Tavis was on tour, Nick shot a movie, and Antonio went home. What a nice break for her.
Tbh…i have to agree with court/ and chayse….they really need to consider everything before they sign into the show. I really like jana,but I do feel like she added too much to her schedule. The complaining during rehearsals and then saying…vote for me,I’m not ready to leave” then u gotta put up or shut up. And by the way,i do like jana…i just hate all that damn whining. But I guess she doesn’t want it to be over,as I think it’s a nice distraction from what’s going on in her personal life. Wish her the best,tho.
I believe Amber said she was lied to, that the producers told her the show would require a few hours per day, not that it would consume her life. Assuming that is true, then the producers most certainly bear some of the blame for the way the show overworks those people. If it were just Amber and Jana that would be one thing, but we see the same thing over and over again. Probably more than we see too since the producers edit the packages any way they please. Jana needs to reel those emotions in before it’s too late.
@rose1 exactly…but I guess she isn’t as tired as she presents,since she wants to stay on show,but yes,she needs to reign in her emotions?
Yo! Derek is not checked out. According to Marilu, they are full out, all the time. They barely take any breaks in rehearsals.
Busy schedule on DWTS, like touring? Tough shit – you knew that going in so I don’t want to hear any bitching. Suck it up and deal.
Which is weird, Rose1, because James and Sharna mentioned their hours were being restricted and it frustrated them on a two dance week.
Regarding putting too much on your plate, I too say deal with it. You knew it going into it. If you remember in the beginning, James says he talked to Helio, who told him to be ready to put your life on hold, and physically, it will be nothing you’ve ever been use to. He said he spoke at length to Helio about it.
I would think that anyone who watches the show would know it consumes your life. And I cannot possibly even imagine a situation wherein a “star” is blindsided by the hard work and long hours. Hell, if nothing else, Google someone who has been there and I’m sure that person will mention it at least once in their interview. I’m not trying to sound bitchy but I just can’t feel sorry for those who cry and whine about not being told the truth. For God’s sake ask me, I could have told them!!!!
And here’s a topic I have yet to read about. How many of you watch Little Women LA? We’ve watched since it started. And Terra acts totally different in that reality tv show than she does in this one. Which is probably a good thing, because most people would never have voted for her if she treated her new DWTS family the same as she treats her Little Women family. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like Terra ok in her other show. But the funniest thing ever happened last night on Little Women. She finally tells her BFF Tonya she’s going to be on DWTS. And Tonya says, Girl, you know I want to do that show! But congratulations! Sasha shows up at Terra’s house and there’s a bit of chit chat. Fast forward to her other friend, Brianna. When she told her, Brianna smiles and congratulates her. Then when they got Brianna alone in a “testimonial” she says, I’m happy for her, but what she doesn’t know is that they asked me to do it last,season, but I couldn’t because I was pregnant. I would LOVE to know if that’s true. Cause these Little Women are RUTHLESS. They make the Housewives shows look tame.i don’t remember if it was told on DWTS when they told some things about that star, but Terra was a back up dancer on tour with Miley Cyrus. Another one of her Little Women friends were on that same tour, but I don’t remember which “branch”, Little Women LA, NY or ATL. Who knows there may be other Little Women out there chomping at the choice to get on that show.
Sorry for the rambling.
Hey #126 Susan1, back at ya! You can take the girl out of Hoosier-land, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl!!! I miss Indy so much. So much to do there. Unlike where I live now…Las Vegas – YUCK. If you want to be entertained there’s no shortage of shows to watch with a top dollar price tag. And you can’t live here and gamble. Well, you can, but it’s much better that you don’t. And DWTS Tour isn’t even coming here. I want to fly back home and go to the Murat and see them. That’s a great venue for them. Saw John Mellencamp there a few times and it was awesome. Small and quaint. Not sure why DWTS always bypasses Vegas. Probably because Vegas doesn’t “need” them. They’re starting off in Reno which we were talking about, but not sure if we could travel this soon. Which is why I want to go to Indy to see it. We have more time. Are you going Susan?
@pj…truth ?
I’ve seen lots of people on social media and a bit here at Pure talk about Terra on Little Women. I would venture to say that DWTS Terra is probably closer to the truth of who she is, since we haven’t heard any horror stories from DT or other media and Sasha seems to have fun with her.
I think what this kind of personality change can really tell you is how fake reality shows like Little Women, Real Housewives, etc., can be. They are acting a lot of the time, plain and simple. Terra’s made a name for herself playing the “bitch” and I bet it’s probably mostly an act. Not saying it all is, but watch all of those shows with huge mounds of salt.
Probably not PJ. I went a year ago to DWTSLive and usually space them out every couple of years.