Dancing with the Stars Season 21, Week 7 – LIVE BLOG (Spoilers)
Time for the long awaited team dances!! Whoo Hoo…kinda. Hoping it’s not too predictable. I mean, Val’s team has the dark, edgy song. How unique…only not. At all.
Who am I looking forward to? I’m hoping Bindi can pull of an AT with a bit of edge. I’m curious to see how an oft-used-for-a-Paso song fits with Nick and Sharna’s AT. Praying that Alexa does well with Mark’s Paso and that she’s safe this week…but at the same time, don’t really want to see Hayes go either. VERY curious to see if Val has fixed Tamar’s partnering problem in their foxtrot – that should have a lot of in-hold work and she tends to stiffen up when in hold. Now that they’re back to doing ballroom, I’m very curious to see if Andy’s streak of decent dancing holds up. NOT looking forward to Louis on All Access – way too b*tchy to most other than Val. Anyway…
T-minus 30 minutes…
Team dance started well and went rapidly downhill. Meh.
People won’t give Nick the “real”?? Hmmm…calm the ego, son.
Nick started kinda wonky but he got it together fairly quickly….they were hard on him for a reason though. He has a bit of a stiffness about him. Not bad though.
Up yer game, Hayes. You can do it!!
Beautiful dress on Emma. Hayes is looking good. Love the beard. Dancing wise, I think he did a great job….loved the knife touch at the end. Good movement. Got a bit stickie at the end.
Come on, Alexa – you can do it!! Nail it!! Her edit is making me think she might be safe…
Okay, I thought that was great, but I’m holding my breath for the judges. Okay, got past CAI….
Well, f@#k – a twitter dance off. Great. Ripe for manipulation.
Tamar’s dance was really good, although it didn’t look like what I think of when I think Foxtrot. But, it is Halloween….so…
Yeah, I have to agree with Julianne. The problem is, she looks so GREAT when dancing alone that her….stature or attitude, whatever…when dancing with Val is very obvious. I don’t agree that she’s the best dancer. Best natural mover…maybe.
So, is it a coincidence that everyone from Val’s team has scored low and Alexa was scored higher? Well, Hayes was higher too.
LOL Andy…rock star.
Damn, that was a damn good dance…for Andy, I should say. His posture was not great at times and his arms were a bit wonky at times. Great job though.
Andy and Allison’s eyes are freaking me out. I hate to say this, but I agree with CAI. And Julianne. I loved it even with the oddness.
Headless Organ guy. LOL
Okay, I was okay with Andy’s score. I really liked that dance despite the flaws.
Bindi cracks me up. Not sure how I felt about that dance. It was a good AT, but not sure it was my cup of tea. I think it’s because of that dance was so different from BINDI that I love. I mean…it was a very good AT…I guess I was shocked by it because it’s so different for her.
Well, that seemed like a big improvement for Alek to me – because it was in hold? I don’t credit Artem with that. I thought that was beautiful. Few little posture wonks, but no biggie.
Not a Carlos fan, but that dance was really good – I missed a tiny bit of it, but what I saw was really good. Loved Witney getting out of the boat.
Come on guys. Every season it’s the same thing. “Derek has never lost. He’s going down.” Cue requisite bitching by celebs while pros choreograph.
FINALLY Derek has some competition in the team dance! Team Nick did a great job. I really liked it…except for the solos which really weren’t like dancing. I sense Derek’s first lost. At Allison and Sharna’s hands I think.
Boy, Allison really looks preggers.
Great dance from Derek’s team….but they got beat fair and square. I don’t want to hear any Derek fans whining. I’m the biggest Derek fan around and they got beat. I will say that Derek would have done better with Nick’s song than Nick’s team did. Besides….the other pros only have to win what? 12 more in order to catch Derek? 🙂
Oooooo….Hayes, Tamar and Alexa in jeopardy. Interesting.
Well, when I’m right I’m right. Makes me sad – say good bye to Hayes ladies and gentlemen. Warning shot across Tamar’s bow.
I don’t want to see Alexa or Hayes go either. 🙁 Hoping this week is the big “shocking elimination” that supposedly happens every single season (it doesn’t) and Carlos or Andy leaves.
I am excited for tonight!! Don’t think there will be a shocking elim cause otherwise Tom would tease the hell out of it on Twitter. I say that could come during the double elim though.
There’s gonna be another double elim? When?
Can’t wait! Have my snacks all ready to go lol. After the day I had this is pretty much the highlight. Also oddly watched wheel of fortune tonight for the first time in a long long time and I don’t remember it being this much fun when I was younger.
I love how excited they get at Halloween. Derek and Mark are just big kids who love dressing up and Bindi’s costume looks awesome. If I have understood it right does that mean that they have put their two AT right after each other? – Nick is first and I thought George tweeted earlier that Bindi was second. Seems a bit random! If it is indeed Alexa or Hayes going, then hope they both have a barnstormer of a dance tonight.
Not sure how I feel about the team dances – we shall see. They are all able dancers this year so with no obvious weak links to have to try and hide, I hope that they can pull it out of the bag and we have two brilliant performances – which are not just ‘themed’. I miss the more formal team dances – much as I loved the mayhem and cleverness of the Team foxing awesome in season 17, I still remember the Team Paso in season 7 and the Team Tango in season 14 as examples of amazing sharp team choreography.
Sorry – just seen Courtney’s tweet – looks like I’d misunderstood. Team ‘Who you gonna call’ are dancing later in the show.
I’m already entranced!
Now that was really awesome! I feel like Val has the same outfit he wore to the other thing you guys posted lol. Only complaint I have is that it was too short.
Lindsay looks like peta today for some reason to me? And alek looks SO handsome! So handsome!!! I want to do lifts like Sharna! Her choreography was great, but I think it’s a huge disservice to do AT to this song lol sorry
Vin I was just going to say the same thing about Val! Haha
Great opening, simple yet fun.
I didn’t love Nick’s dance. Didn’t feel AT enough for me. I guess I agree with Julianne.
I thought Nick’s dance was kinda stiff, not much AT. But Sharna did great!
I really am feeling 50/50 about nick and sharnas dance. usually I think he is great but The beginning was sorta blah but once they hit the dance floor itself I liked it. The flavor of the dance was there though in my opinion so i appreciated how sharna worked the whole Frankenstein into the dance. The scores were pretty much what I expected.
Jen, I thought the same thing about Lindsay looking like Peta. When I first saw Lindsay, I got so excited because I thought Peta was back!
I didn’t know Leah was cohosting again this week, but I’m not complaining.
Nick’s dance was disappointing. I feel like with him it’s hit or miss. I don’t know why but he always looks so stiff in his dances. He needs to fix his posture. Maybe it was also the song. This song is really not fit for an AT so that was kind of unfair. I’m getting worried about him taking the MBT. I want it so bad for Sharna.
Nick was definitely a little clunky. I’m rooting for him but I can’t really argue those 8s. No smooth push pull. He has GOT to work on his posture. I think part of the problem was also the song. And the theme… Really distracted from the feel of an AT. I love Halloween week but I wish we’d get a freaking non theme night where we can just see the darn dance!
I hope the World Series lasts as long as possible so Leah can stay another week or two.
And yeah Nick seems to go up and down for me. But I’m not worried about his safety this or next week.
Not sure I liked Nick’s Argentine Tango. I thought he was gonna kill it but I guess I was wrong.
I’m gomna have to rewatch what he said at the beginning of his training package because it sounded very.. egotistical…
Hmm…
IDK, I just don’t take to Nick but I think his scores were more than fair.
Apparently his day of missed practice didn’t bode well for Nick. Scored fairly though.
Loved the opening number!!
Hayes is going to be so lovely as an adult if he keeps growing up this way! Loved his lines this week, especially his arms. Because he is so tall and has such long limbs, when he makes a beautiful line it’s fantastic!
Gorgeous! Loved everything about Hayes dance. It was just beautiful. My favorite from him.
Lol look at aleks face when he sees Emma
I have to star with what I liked about Hayes and Emma becuase the trees, choreography, and song were pretty perfect but I really kinda felt like he really is improving week to week and it’s awesome. Saying that I really disliked the beginning of that dance. The scores were what I expected from two of the judges but the eight slightly annoyed me.
I was a bit disappointed with Nick. Preferred Hayes. I’m enjoying the Halloween accouterments! And I have to say that Shana and Julianne look especially stunning tonight!
What was Nick’s score?? MIssed it.
All 8s PH.
Loved, loved, loved Hayes’ Waltz. Deserved all 9’s in my opinion (go home CarrieAnn you’re drunk). He really stepped it up tonight and I really hope he doesn’t go home just yet.
Man they are really giving us some dramatic struggly type packages this week. It’s like their trying to test everyone down after the high of iconic dance week.
I was warming to Alexa recently but I didn’t like that. I felt like she had some awkward feet moments with forced facial expressions. Kind of surprised CAI raved over it that much… Then again she usually defies all logic : )
Ahhhh I loved Alexa and Mark’s paso! I think she did awesome. Paso is one of my favorite dances.
Alexa and Mark! What a fun concept. Loved the costumes! Great job!
Ok so I love Edward scissor hands and really was expecting a trainwreck this week but boy was I wrong. It was actually quite surprising. Kinda loved it. When the shrubberies were around them that bordered on beyond creepy but it was my favorite part. I kinda feel like the space between them (Carrie Ann made a good point there) definately stuck out to me but overall this is my fav dance from mark this season thus far. Maybe Might be one of those dances that lights up social media like Alfonso and witney’s Jazz did.
I really enjoyed Alexa’s Paso. Felt like she was finally into the dance and I saw plenty of chemistry with Mark! The only thing that bothered me were her duck lips the whole dance lol. Reminded me of many of Bethany Mota’s dances… 😛
I feel like all three of them have been underscored slightly so far, but I’ll be okay with that if it stays consistent with everyone else.
Nick really needs to up his game or he might be in trouble next week. It wasn’t a bad dance, but not up to the standard considering it is past mid season. The fact that he is dancing first is not good either. Having said that, the lift was great.
Hayes did a beautiful waltz. I do hope that he is safe this week since he has so much potential.
Alexa did an amazing paso, but I do agree with Julianne that at time, it was a little inconsistent with the energy level.
So proud of Hayes this week. I think he did a great job.
Didn’t love Alexa’s paso. I found her to be awkward and leaning forward so far that her butt was sticking out. Maybe I just need to watch it again.
So so excited to see Bindi and Derek’s Argentine Tango. I have always called the AT the “lovechild” of a rumba and a paso. Strong and powerful, yet sultry and sexy. I hope she can pull it off.
Alexa and Mark – Well Done. Mark is just so entertaining and creative. Not perfect but I really enjoyed it.
Lol CC I’m glad I wasnt the only one who noticed the faces! It took away from it for me. Definitely one of her better dances, though, even though I didn’t love it. Not sure what I was expecting but it just didn’t wow me.
I’m actually happy to see them not go 10 happy for a change : )
Hayes was supposed to be a werewolf, right? I don’t think you kill them with just a knife.
I don’t know. That paso didn’t really thrill me. Paso usually makes me jump out of my seat and that didn’t.
Ugh doesn’t Tamar know that pride can totally take you down with votes. Best dance for her though in my opinion
I didn’t like Tamar’s attitude. From the rehearsal package and from her facial expression when Julianne critiqued her. She definitely is not the best dancer in the competition. Carrie Ann is so off with her comments as usual.
Still not really a fan of Tamar, but that was a really good Foxtrot. In terms of her calling herself the “best” dancer in the competition, I don’t think she is. She’s pretty good, but I think there are a couple people better than her.
EDIT: Whoa, wasn’t expecting the judges’ reaction.
Oh for gods sake, Tamar has an ego. I hope that gets knocked down a peg or two.
Oh my god, Sasha!! Hahaha! That was awesome.
I like Tamar but the only part of that dance that stood out to me besides the song (love that song) was the beginning and the end. The middle was nice but I was still slightly bored. Was really amused by their reactions to the judges though..especially Val. It’s sorta like “just keep smiling and hold it in” and then they pan to the talk people and I’m like “can we not?”. Anyways the Sasha scare I loved and Val’s attitude….not so much.
I don’t agree with the judges about Tamar. I thought that dance was great. I didn’t notice the all out of sync moments that the judges were harping on.
Oh my gosh, this is one of my fav parts of Halloween week- Sasha’s pranks! Leah’s reaction was priceless!! Tamar was good, not great. Her ego probably didn’t do her any favors.
Tamar did great… I actually liked it a lot. I’ll have to rewatch it to see what mistakes she made because I didn’t see them all that clearly. I did see the disconnect with Val while in hold yet again..
Not sure what to make of the whole “I’m the best dancer” thing. Part of me thinks she was serious, part of me thinks she was joking. Oy vey…
Calling it now: Tamar will be in bottom two next week (in the likely event she survives this week) and may go home. A lot of fans of these shows don’t tend to like people with that kind of attitude.
I do not understand Tamar’s scores. Loved her dance. I also loved Alexa. My favorite from her.
Louis us really ripping the judges on All Access! They deserve it IMO.
Highlight of the night for me was two of my great loves, Tom Bergeron and Monty Python coming together with that Holy Grail line.
This was the first time I really disliked a Nick and Sharna dance. I didn’t see very much AT in that dance.
Loved Emma and Hayes waltz.
Val and Tamar had a foxtrot? Really………cause that looked more like a jazz. And a bad jazz at that. Girl, get over yourself.
@fancy: silver bullets kill werewolves I think. Saying that all my werewolf knowledge comes from goosebumps and the wolf man movie.
I thought Tamar and Val’s dance was great and very entertaining, fun even! Similarly liked Alexa and Mark. Carrie Ann is getting on my last nerve tonight. Disappointed in Nick and Sharna’s AT tho.
I liked Tamar’s performance, but it didn’t really seem like a foxtrot to me. I assume Nick’s team is dancing first based on the dance order?
Well, Val and especially Tamar aren’t happy with the judges tonight. I expect some public b*tching coming this week. I liked their routine but don’t feel they were better than Nick and Sharna, who had the same scores. Moments of greatness but not the whole routine. I am starting to agree that Tamar’s expressions, sometimes the lack there of, are problematic. But whomever suggested it’s poorly done botox might be right. She’s beautiful but her face doesn’t express emotion as clearly as her body language.
And I’m sick of Val’s chest!
I think Tamar was joking about being the best dancer. I loved her dance! I didn’t see the out of sync parts. Hayes did so well! CAI has pissed me off all night! Best so far for me was Alexa and Mark.
This show is full of crap. We see your games TPTB you want her out next week like seriously awful edit and then nitpicked to death and underscored. Awful! I’m done
This will be my first time watching the whole show. I don’t think Nick has it. He’s a good dancer but something didn’t click. Hayes was good. Deserved all 9 to me. Alexa and Mark was good. I agree with Bruno, it has the paso and Tim Burton to it. As for Tamar and her reaction toward Julianne critique, I can just see all the Fam/Sway throwing shades toward Julianne on Twitter. Andy look good. Alison is fast, fast as usual.
Watching that pro number with the ones going on tour just confirmed something to me: Alan is more exciting to watch than Keo. Andy really has kinda become a dark horse but Allison was really not leaving any wiggle room for him this week in rehearsals and boy did it show. Scary gothic dark Andy is kinda kick butt. He nailed the character and the choreography was really fun. plus it turned on Julianne so there that added bonus lol.
I love Andy but wasn’t that impressed with their paso. Marylin Manson for a paso doble? Really? Awful choice of song. I kind of agree with Bruno.
Alison needs to chill. Loved andys energy!b miss dereks short hair ?
Well Andy’s Paso wasn’t all that amazing but it’s the first dance that has really felt Halloween-y because the guy looked creepy as hell! Props to him for getting that character right.
#58 Vin- I saw a DWTS tour show last summer and I definitely came away with a new appreciation for Alan! He really, really good. Keo just shook his butt a lot waiting for the women to hoot and holler. I would love to see Alan as a pro in another season or two.
Andy and Allison is my favorite routine so far! He’s such a great guy and a slightly fuller Allison is looking good. It’s lovely to see her happiness and the fact that she’s doing her job as always.
And damn! When will TPTB bring that darling, puckish Sasha back as a pro?!!
Omg!! Wow! Bindi killed that dance!!! Yessss!!!! Better be a 30!!
Holy crap Bindi killed it!!
I didn’t think this was gonna be a dance she would excel at but damn she nailed that.
Full of content, passion and intensity. It was awesomeeeee!
@jd: I really tried to give Keo the benefit of the doubt but he just falls flat in my opinion while pros like Alan, artem, and Sasha steal the show. Bindi just killed that dance. a+. Side note was the john Edwards there with her family? That was just random.
Bindi is so freaking adorable. Her and Derek’s Argentine Tango was so impressive and very sexy! I really, really liked it. Such an intense, powerful, yet fierce dance. I was a little worried about how she’d be able to characterize and become a bit darker, but she captured the essence of an AT. Derek looked quite attractive as well.
Ok, I love Bindi but I can’t stop laughing at her facial expression. Sorry, she’s too cute and happy looking to be a vampire. But she nailed that AT. The last part remind me Bethany Mota FS. I agree with Derek, make up dept needs to be nominated for Emmy.
If bindi continues this she can bulldoze assuming the competition stays genuine. I love bindi she’s such a beautiful soul she and Derek were meant to be partners. I wish we always had Leah,I find Erin to be so awkward. Did anyone else notice witneys stank face at bindis scores. Witney needs to work on that this is the second time this season she’s done that when someone else does well.
Woohoo! Well deserved 30 for Bindi & Derek! Not crazy about the vampire teeth, but that’s nitpicking.
Bindi killed that dance, resurrected it and then killed it again. That was amazing!
I’m loving Alek and Lindsay’s VW. So elegant and sophisticated. Isn’t that Beyonce song from 50 Shades? Haha! Alek is so handsome.
God bless artem becuase he gave alek quite a wake up call and it paid off big time. Alek was good before but he was great tonight. A little concerned on his attitude in the beginning of that package but it wasn’t too bad if it is just this week. He needed a strong week and this was worth the wait. The scores were what I expected them to be but I’m glad he was able to break through. Also Leah and the microphone 🙂 love her.
Alek claiming it was perfect irked me. I still feel like he could do and be SO much better. He has so much potential. I feel like if he really applies himself he could be amazing. Surprisingly loved having artem in rehearsals, he seemed really helpful in rehearsal. Lol at Leah hitting him with the microphone and his impersonation was pretty good to me lol
Fabulous AT from Bindi and Derek! No allowances needed to be made for the holiday theme. That was content filled. Great to see Bindi embody a completely new character. Same for Hayes, Andy and Alek too!
OMG, Alek is so sexy! Luv him! Good on Lindsay and Artem giving him a reality check this week. And good on Alek for taking it too. Can someone do the same for Tamar please?
Hilarious how quickly Artem got camera time when Alek was getting scored. Was it a team dance!
Well before the show started I picked Carlos to dance first and he’s dancing last. Don’t let me pick your lottery numbers.
Really a good improvement from Alek this week. He had a very strong, masculine presence in that VW. Could have been one more 9.
Sasha and his Halloween pranks never gets old.
Tamar has already fired back on Twitter to her comment in the package…figured it would be sooner or later. Lol.
What was the name of the song Lindsay and Alex just danced to?
Tamar is really not having it tonight. She is going OFF on Twitter right now. Dayum.
Anyways, Alek killed it an deserved another 9 or two in my opinion.
PS: The smoke machine is ridiculous tonight
I won’t credit Artem but I do think it was probably helpful for non dancer Alek to see a man doing the steps he needed to be doing…a man doing the arms, etc. I think it could have been any man, so let’s not give Artem too much credit. Ha!!!
Tamar needs to chill out. How old is she? 15?
Not sure what to make of Carlos’s rehearsal package. That paso was okay, not great(weaker than Alexa’s paso). On top of that, way TOO much smoke.
Didn’t take long for Tamar to fire back did it? Shame too cuz I liked her up to this point. Anyways, Carlos is an odd guy. Admitting he was over scored last week….bold move. This week was amazing for him. Very theatrical and intense. And the costumes were amazing.
The only positive package they played was bindi’s…Of course.I like bindi but that was a 28! Not a 30 and Alek was underscored yet again!
I LOVED Carlos and Witney’s paso. His character was on point…powerful and domineering. The Phantom getup was kind of sexy. By the way, Witney’s dress is so pretty. I want it.
Tamar really is going off on Twitter. She is seriously Val’s female equivalent. Kind of funny and pathetic that she is being so aggressive about it.
They must have the Spinal Tap version of a fog machine that goes up to eleven instead of ten. Seriously, turn it down
Dang I loved Carlos and Witney’s paso. That was fierce and intense and I loved it all.
I thought Alek improved this week, but I think his score could have been all 9s.
I’m super excited for the team dances. I’m predicting Team Who You Gonna Call taking home the win….
I think Carlos did great. They got lucky with the song. It’s so dramatic and so Paso. You’re drawn to the song from the beginning and I feel like there’s no way Carlos can mess the dance with that kind of song.
I’m glad Carlos even knew he was overscored last week.He knows why.Im over the married couple thing and I have been since the cast was announced.
For a change, Carlos came off pretty well in this week’s package. I agree with the scoring on his dance this week. Not perfect, I saw a couple of places where he was just walking/running, not dancing. Still, I wouldn’t mind seeing Carlos or Tamar leaving in a surprise elimination.
I love Nightmare Before Christmas! It has a soft spot in my heart. I enjoyed Team Nightmare’s dance.
Wow!!! Team Nightmare KILLED it!!! They were so in sync, the choreo was amazing, and so was the concept!!! Amazing!!!
I’m not really sure if the female costumes for team nightmare were envisioned to look so….and it kills me to say it….cheap but they look bad. Anyways team nightmare was fun but I wasn’t wowed by it. The table thing annoyed me a lot. Either Allison or Val really likes tables….team trouble and now this.
Bindi needs to learn to trash talk lol. Saying that I love that she can’t do that at the same time.
Awe Bindi can’t taunt to save her life haha. Bless her heart.
I have really low hope for team nightmare, but that was amazing. Very fun concept and it was great choreography.
I didn’t think Team Nightmare was all that great. Sounds like they’re setting up.Derek to lose a team dance for the first time in history
I agree PH. This might be Derek’s first team dance lost and I’m fine with it. It seemed to be Allison and Sharna’s choreo.
Team Nightmare were way, way overscored. Definitely 8’s at the most, I’d have given a 7.
Team Nightmare had the better song. That’s all I’m going to say.
No matter who wins, Team “WhoYaGonnaCall” was far more entertaining.
Based off song alone, I had high expectations for team who you gonna call, but I found myself quite bored, and I definitely noticed the out of syncness at the beginning. Also based off song, I had low expectations for team nightmare but enjoyed that. Scoring was accurate to me.
Wow…Team who you gonna call has more individual dance to it. Carrie Ann needs to be quite. I didn’t see Bindi’s mistake. Oh boy, please stop with “Derek never lose”.
Too nit picky with Team Who ya gonna call. Was just as good as Nightmare
I loved team ghostbusters. That was pure fun! Derek seems really sad that he lost….said nobody ever lol. He did not seem to care at all lol. That’s why Derek is forever my fav pro out of the guys.
Hayes didn’t seem surprised at all. Saying that he had one hell of a run. The world needs more teens like him.
I am so heartbroken for Hayes. He was amazing and it definitely wasn’t his time to go. I’m so bummed!
Ugh I’m so upset that they sent Hayes home!!! Hayes looked like he wanted to cry!! Emma too!!! I’m so sad. And sad about the Derek perfect score thing too. I rally wanted Tamar to go home. I rally dislike her attitude, it reminds me of people who are rude to waiters in restaurants. Ugh, not happy tonight like usual after the show, I’m sad. ? Derek and hayes are wonderful….no…..
Princess Heidi-I am very much looking forward to your next dancing by the number post as I’m curious to see who you think will be going home next. Your predictions have been way more accurate than all the other DWTS sites that I have seen.
Tamar will go next week. Calling out the producers on Twitter and blaming them for her edit might backfire. It might be true but probably not a good idea. So sorry Hayes is gone. It was fun watching him grow. Nice kid imo.
I’m sorry, but I’m NOT accepting that team dance decision. Team Nightmare were already at an advantage with a much, much better song, and they get no criticism from the judges despite hardly any dancing in the solo sections. I am not happy, not happy at all.
I wish it was Tamar that was eliminated instead of Hayes.
I’m surprised Hayes is going home, but at the same time I’m not. All the dancers left are on fairly equal playing ground that it’s really anyone’s game and no one is truly safe.
No! I hate seeing Hayes go. 🙁 I really enjoyed seeing him dance. Poor Emma looked like she was about to cry her eyes out.
Hayes broke my heart a little! But tonight was a very impressive overall! I adore Bindi in every form; intense, adorable, apologetic…she’s just too cute! Also loved Andy and Alek tonight.
Team dance-wise, even though I prefered the individuals in Bindi’s team, I prefered Team Nightmare’s dance.I loved the Nightmare Before Christmas song.
How lovely is Bindi that she immediately owned the criticism of her team? Even though I’m not sure it was truly on her. Sorry to see Hayes leave. I wan’t enthused about a 15 year old Vine star competing but he’s a lovely young man. And Hayes shined in both of his numbers tonight.
Mean of TPTB to get my hopes up that Tamar and Val were leaving! Probably just wanting to boost her votes a bit by shaking up her fans though. False jeopardy, they’ve done it before.
I share PH’s thoughts…
When it comes down to it, Team Nightmare won that. I actually looked hard and they never really got out of sync whereas poor Bindi (bless her.. love how she recognized her mistake) got out of sync at the beginning. I loved the whole concept and it was such a fun dance but considering they mainly judge the team dances on sync and coordination, Nick’s team was indeed better in that department.
Forgot to add some more before pressing submit:
I do agree Bindi’s Team had a lot more dancing in the solo (well from everyone by Carlos, really). I loved Bindi’s PasoDoble (or was it a ChaCha?) solo and Alexa’s Tango. And then they got into the Tango as a group and that was awesome. I bet Len would have loved that.
I’m sad to see Hayes go. I was really rooting for him and would have loved to see him make it to the semifinals at least. I think he could have improved more and more in the coming weeks. Loved seeing a different side to Emma this season, dancing with a younger and able bodied partner and really upping her choreography.
I don’t think Tamar was originally in Jeopardy. I believe she was added last minute for drama. They’ve been doing 2 people, while 3 today. This show is so predictable.
I could be wrong, but I think this is the first time they have had 3 couples that could be eliminated. And throwing Val/Tamar into the mix, I wonder if TBTB did it as a wake up call to their fans that they need to vote for them. That they are slacking in that area. I am sure Tamar’s comment about being the best dancer didn’t help. Sorry Hayes left, he was improving every week.
I would’ve preferred Andy, Tamar or Carlos to leave over Hayes. Tamar probably shouldn’t have spouted off on Twitter. Makes her come off as a brat.
I’m pretty sad about Hayes leaving. I wish TPTB showed the viewers the voting breakdown… I’m just not convinced that there aren’t strings that are pulled. I mean I seriously don’t see Alexa getting more votes than Hayes. Like with Willow, I just freaking hate seeing younger stars get elimnated. I get that it is the nature of the show, but still. Hayes seemed like a really good kid, and I loved his partnership with Emma. So endearing. Here’s to hoping Tamar and her sorry attitude (not to be mistaken for confidence) are gone ASAP.
Was very sad to see Hayes go. :'( I think Tamar or Andy may be next.
Side note: does this mean Emma is “available” now? 😉 And if so, could we see a Team Takedown trio featuring Emma if Alek and Lindsay make it past the next elimination?
Don’t be so sure, Quest. Sometimes jeopardy is a warning. Sometimes it’s not. We usually don’t know until the season is over.
First time THIS SEASON, Darlene – if that’s what you meant, you are correct.
Yeah, Nick’s team had pretty much zero actual dancing in the solos – but since they’ve copped out and made it EASY as a freestyle, that’s allowed.
I really think that Derek HATES the whole “Derek has never lost” thing that they insist on harping on. Hates it. I hate it too – so predictable after all this time, so childish (like the judges tonight). The entire sequence of the Team packages is essentially the same one we’ve seen for the last 3 or 4 seasons. BORING. “oohhhh, Derek has never lost, oooo” followed by “well, he’s goin’ down this time” followed by celebs bitching about waiting for the pros, complete with the Derek agony of “QUIT saying that!!!” I could have scripted the whole entire thing.
I did like Nick’s team dance – it had Allison and Sharna all over it.
I’m really worried about Nick next week. Dancing first and getting a 24 is not a good combination. That was the position Hayes was in last week and he was eliminated this week. While the A. Tango was not his best dance, I do hope that he makes it to the final. I guess I will wait and see what PH think in her number post.
Who do yall think will go Andy or Tamar honestly?
I do have to say that there IS a seriously crap song every season and I wonder how much of a set up that is.
Lol julia your idea is so interesting, I totally forgot about the trios lol
Vin, you can’t give Val any credit for that team dance. It was WAY too creative and “out there”. That’s all Allison and Sharna.
Well, Tamar is saying that the producers made her say something – I don’t blame her ONE BIT for going off over it. But her PRO should know better and should be coaching her better. He’s been on this show for how long? He should have warned her.
The producers are shady as fuck. We saw it with Nastia and now Tamar is calling them out. That is BS! I am not a Tamar fan (I don’t hate her – she’s one of Val’s best partners in terms of personality), but I gotta give her props for calling them out. Remember all the shit that was aired from Nastia? Yeah, she made a mistake in indicating that Derek coached her, but that is what you have to do.
I’m almost glad that Derek finally “lost” a team dance so they can finally bury that poor horse that’s been beaten to a bloody pulp. I have a feeling he feels the same way. Plus I do think Nightmare was better than Ghostbusters, but some of that does lay in the power/opportunity of the song. Still, great team dance and it deserved to win – nice work, Sharna/Allison! 🙂
Actually, Kaitlynn, Courtney did a study in terms of dance order and going first isn’t that bad. Plus, this late in the season dance order matters less and less. I wouldn’t worry too much about Nick because of that…but I would worry a bit about the edit he’s getting. He’s starting to come off as arrogant (to me) and I haven’t liked what I see. That is more of a risk than his dance order. If I were Sharna I would be pulling him aside away from the studio and giving him a bit of coaching on what works on camera.
I agree PH, good on Tamar for calling the producers out. Totally reeks of the Nastia edit, and I don’t think she deserved it – that was definitely part of the “Tamar has an attitude” narrative they’ve been playing.
@PH Amen to what you said about the whole “Derek has never lost a team dance”. So damn childish and just all around annoying.
Only up side to him finally losing is they can now shut up and stop mentioning it EVERY. SINGLE. SEASON.
I think Team Nightmare won that one fair and square. Team Who You Gonna Call was just sloppier in parts — the sync made it easy to see. Also, I would say Team Nightmare had the pros more up front than Team WYGC, so the mistakes showed more for the latter. As a Derek fan, I am fine with the scores. And I suspect Derek himself is a little glad that the whole “Derek has never lost” business is now history. I know I am.
I also have to tip my cap to Val — I think he’s really growing as a pro in terms of what he is choreographing and his increasing willingness to embrace the spectacle of the show. He and Tamar got, I think, the best song, but he really embraced the theatricality of it (and performed the heck out of it himself), and I thought the routine was quite good — and Tamar did well outside of hold. In hold, she was a little clunky still, but given the other routines that got 9s, the judges could have thrown her at least 1-2 (I mean, she was better than Andy or Alexa, I’d say). I’m not saying it deserved 10s, but 9s would have been right. That combined with the terrible package doesn’t bode well for them.
I am glad that Derek/Bindi were recognized for the level they are bringing to the competition. I hope they can continue to grow — it’s been amazing so far.
I have to say, seeing Artem with Alek made me wonder if it wouldn’t make sense to bring in a same sex pro earlier on in the competition for one of the theme weeks — I liked the side by side challenge for that — nice to see some more pros dancing, and I feel it really helped the celebs quite a bit. Alek definitely looked better this week.
I don’t know, I wasn’t that impressed by the PenaVegas or Andy. They all had paso, but I didn’t think the celebs were that impressive in the dances. Andy is just kind of awkward and is hampered by having Allison, who is just not as strong on the basics. Carlos coped with the cape pretty well, but I thought he kind of lacked the intensity. I thought Alexa’s number was good — but I credit Mark for a lot of it. I’ve always loved his pasos, and I think he brings great energy to his movement, which helped to make Alexa look better — as did the whole production with the troupe.
Sad to see Hayes go. Honestly, I feel it should have been Andy or one of the PenaVegas, but Hayes’ Grease number was one of the weaker ones last week, so it’s not totally out of left field.
I thought the Argentine Tango was really good. Bindi’s faces were very interesting but her foot work was perfect. She was on point and very sharp.
I really like teen Nick’s dance they were in sync the entire time and the choreography was amazing. I’m kind of glad that Derek’s team lost now people can stop pointing out how Derek has never lost the team dance. but I thought overall both dances were good. I just hope Val doesn’t brag about it on Twitter about how he beat Derek in the team dances.
I wonder if Emma and Alek’s connection and how it was portrayed in the package during switch-up week made a longer lasting negative impression on Hayes’ legion of overly impressionable fans? Kinda a shame if Emma had a role in lessening Hayes’ fan support, albeit innocently and inadvertently.
The smallest and weirdest things can potentially put fans off someone, even for a fairly grounded adult. I know I can speak for myself in that regard so I should talk.
I fear Alek is going to have to watch his attitude a bit. He’s coming across a tad petulant and unlikable at times. Even Lindsay seemed annoyed with him, and she’s a pretty gentle matured sweetheart of a person. And an aside: Linds was really absent from Instagram the past several days. Made me wonder. I feel like there may be chemistry issues brewing in their pairing. Hope tonight’s dance helped bring things back in line for them if there were.
Ooh, if Tamar is on TPTB radar in a *bad* way, her days may be limited. wasn’t there talk that they got rid of Sean Avery for not being a good soldier?
And a random: the vocalists in several of the songs seemed to be out of their comfort zone, to put it kindly. Nick’s was distractingly poorly rendered in places. Almost as distracting as the out of control smoke machine. Really? This is TV, and Tom’s quip to the booth was spot on.
On a huge positive: Bindi and Derek were brilliant! Give that woman the MBT NOW! Derek, bro, some of those moves were just too smooth, and Bindi handled them with aplomb, a measure of panache and a level of fierceness heretofore unseen and unsuspected in her, by me at least. 🙂
I’m getting put off by Alek’s general attitude, he comes across like a real jerk sometimes. Tamar even more so. I didn’t watch but apparently their were 3 couples in jeopardy? Confirmation that Tamar and Alexa aren’t getting votes, especially Alexa considering she’s now been there twice in a row. I don’t think Andy’s gonna be survive with that small a gap next week though.
I thought Alek came across as maybe less aware of himself and the show and the workings of everything, rather than petulant. I think he is so inexperienced that he hasn’t got a clue about DWTS world, and I actually think Lindsay needs to do some damage/expectation control, unless he is that kind of guy and TPTB want the viewers to be aware of it.
Also, I keep forgetting how young he is. He looks a lot older than 23.
I loved Team Nightmare’s song, performance and costumes. Both teams did creative work to the songs they were given and both were enjoyable. I agree that Team Nightmare won fairly. Hayes was the standout there to me though and Tamar/Val the weakest/ most boring solo.
Re: Tamar and a bad edit though. I don’t think she got the Nastia treatment. She already got my back up last week when she was shown complaining about the judges and their/comments and scores for her switch up performance. And even though I don’t much like Val, they aren’t gelling as a dance team.
Both Alek & Tamar were victims of the bad edit tonight. The producers absolutely do try to bait the contestants into saying stupid sh*t, and trust that they will use anything and everything in your package to make you look bad if it’s part of the storyline for the week (or they’ll cherry pick the positive parts to make you look good – again, their choice). Should the celebs know better? Absolutely – Derek is a notable example of a pro who has made a point of coaching his celebs not to take the bait, and to watch what they say and do because they are mic’d and have a camera on them at all times.
That being said – DT says that every season, they ask almost every contestant “Who’s the best?” and “Who’s your biggest competition?” and most of the celebs are smart enough to dance around saying anything too incriminating (most stick with the token “Well everyone has their strengths” approach). Tamar was just dumb enough to take the bait. Moment of weakness on her part, I guess. As for Alek – I think he’s really feeling the frustration of being really the only one left that has zero experience onstage and being the center of attention for a crowd, and kinda being raked across the coals as if he were as experienced at performing as Tamar, Andy, Nick, Carlos, etc. Did he say some dumb stuff? Yes. Do I think he’s generally a jerk? No. I think he’s frustrated and the scores last week were the straw that broke the camel’s back. I daresay both Nick AND Carlos have displayed more of a pattern of unsavory behavior this season than Alek has.
Val can brag when he beats Derek 12 more times. LOL. And when he gets four more MBTs and two Emmys.
It’s ok to cry foul BUT bosses don’t like to be called out as Tamar did tonight. In the real world doing so can & does get you fired. The bosses( and I assume Producers are considered bosses), prefer people who toe the party line,like Derek. He didn’t call out TPTB until after he & Nastia were eliminated, IIRC.
Colleen, I would agree that they might not be gelling as a team, but I have to side with Tamar when it comes to the producers. It’s two different things – her gelling with Val and getting a crap edit. Her reaction on twitter, IMO, speaks to the truth of what she is saying.
As for Alek, you have to remember that he’s a young man – who has an ego (not a pejorative) and NO EXPERIENCE with reality television. You have to remember that this is a reality TV show. Did he come off sounding kinda bad? Well, yeah, but I’m quite sure he was goaded into it and is just inexperienced on how to handle it. He looks so much more mature, but he’s ONLY 23.
The producers are bosses to the PROS, but the line with the celebs is a bit different (unless, I suspect, your name is Derek Hough). Tamar is one of the celebrities and can say what she wants – she’s not going to be back next season. The only risk is that the edits get worse – but that might be her narrative to them regardless.
I’m not surprised Val will brag about Derek’s team lost. FYI Val: this is just a team dance. Do it 12 more times without you being in jeopardy 😉 I don’t think any of #teamwhoyougonnacall will lose any sleep tonight because of losing the team dance. Like I said earlier I actually like team nightmare but I agree with PH, it has Sharna and Allison hands all over it.
That’s pretty much my exact same sentiment, PH – Alek is inexperienced, unaware, and much younger than expected.
Sad to see Hayes go, but if the choice was between him and Alexa, I’d rather keep her and Mark around. But he went out on a high note, as I loved both his individual dance and his performance on the team dance as well. Time and time again it’s shown that young fanbases just don’t hold up, and as I have said elsewhere, I think Hayes greatly suffered from being a lot of people’s second or third favorite, rather than their number one couple. Combined with a less-than-memorable dance, lower-middle-of-the-pack scores, and a pro that while popular, isn’t quite the powerhouse as some of the others and it was really unsurprising that he was eliminated tonight, even though I wish it had been Carlos in a shocker.
Good points. He is younger than he looks, and I guess I’m just a little dismayed that he’s actually just starting to loosen up and act more his age now. Yeah, lack of maturity is starting to creep in, and it ain’t always a pretty or welcome sight. Not much to be done about it now but take it or leave it I reckon, or maybe someone can put him into a proverbial brown paper bag and ripen him up pronto.
I do feel kinda bad for Linds. TBH, deep down in my heart, I knida feel like she knows the season will be a wrap for them sooner rather than later. The good ship hope she had her sights on earlier has set sail with a chunk of his likability in tow, and she knows that she’s stuck on the pier waving good-bye. Damage done? Control abated. She’s going down.
That’s just all in my gut, and I hope the antacid I just chewed will salvage everything on how I’m feeling at least. 😉
Carlos acts douchy week after week and Nick generally comes off as abrasive and cocky – nobody bats an eye.
Alek has one bad edit after being Mr. Chill all season – everybody loses their minds.
Christian, you’re being kinda overdramatic.
I wouldn’t call it lack of maturity. The guy stopped a TERRORIST in a foreign country plus he’s ex-military. Most people leave the military FAR more mature than when they went in.
Higher expectations for Alek is my excuse, Courtney. Not a great excuse, but it’s the real and only one I got. :o)
I want to say that Alek is not used to being filmed and was basically pulled straight from Afghanistan working part time Costco.He NEVER watched the show and did not know the producers would do that to him so before some of you change your perception of him remember Everyone left is in the entertainment business.He is obviously not a jerk and Lindsay and Alek are really good friends.He is right he has been underscored and he voiced his obvious opinion.Tamar really does have a huge ego problem and has had one before this show…I heard she doesn’t even follow Val on twitter which isn’t a big deal but it is strange because their connection seems so fake.Tamar has said they made her say that and I do believe that but don’t change your opinion of someone based on the edited package video.I have met Tamar and her sisters in Atlanta and she is the same as she is on the show.Walks in a room and expects the world to revolve around her…That’s just how she and her sister are so the show won’t change that.She is sassy and we can’t change that but please stop judging Alek because of a EDITED package.
Listening to Louis on All-Access(very briefly) made me want to scream. He is so jealous and bitter. Grow up. I only listened for a few minutes after Bindi’s dance and that was all I could take.
After this week, I agree so much with what Shirley Ballas said in Afterbuzz. Carlos knows the game. I think he understands how DWTS runs. And for me, emphasizing that he was over scored last week was a reflection of that.
Nick’s AT lacked some AT content for me. I agree with the judges that it lacked the AT feel but I think a lot of that was the song. I don’t think it was suited for an AT which probably made it really hard to choreograph to. They should just stick to using Being Me To Life for Paso Dobles. If they’re ever gonna use that song again which I hope they don’t. Let’s not bring it back to life again. Lol.
Bindi’s AT on the other hand was oozing with content. I loved it! I liked Andy’s dance as well. Now I wish Tamar’s song would have been used for an AT instead of Nick’s. The song made me love the dance probably more than I would have in any other case.
I agree that Team Nightmare won that fair and square. Good job Sharna and Allison! If Derek was gonna lose eventually, I’m glad it was to this. Now he can go back to winning team dances without that annoying “Derek has never lost” thing. Team WYGC was great as well but there were visible sync issues. That’s the only problem for me. Otherwise, it would have been up there with the other team.
Sad to see Hayes go. I hope there isn’t a big theme next week. I don’t like it when they have to compromise the dancing/choreo because of the production. These past two weeks were enough.
I don’t agree, Kelly. In some ways they are mature – but that level of bravery actually requires a bit more immaturity to be effective. MORE maturity leads you to analyze and second guess – less often to acts of extreme bravery. The odds of a couple 23 year olds taking on a terrorist are higher than that of your average 45 year old. A 23 year old still has that sense of invincibility. The 45 year old? Not so much.
The word “immature” is NOT a pejorative in this case….it’s just a fact. Go talk to a 23 year old male that you actually know. Alek won’t be that different from the kid you know, I guarantee.
Er, Allyson – if you want slack for Alek because of an edited package, you have to give the same benefit of the doubt to Tamar. As for not following Val on twitter? BFD – twitter ain’t all that to some people and it often means less than nothing. She sees Val every day, maybe she doesn’t feel the need to follow him.
I’m referring to 20-somethings who were in the military. Not a 23yr old who just finished college.. I know plenty of young men who went into the military & came out far more mature than when they went in..that was my point. IMHO, Alek’s military background gives him some maturity as opposed to someone who didn’t serve our country.
At least Louis admitted that he is biased. I’ll give him that – he’s right. He looked so small sitting next to Derek. 🙂 It was kinda funny – it’s like he shrank while Derek was sitting there, especially when Derek reached over, gave him credit for putting him on the first tour and hugged him. That, my friends, is how you kill someone with kindness. Derek is a master.
Er, I’ve know a few of them and all I will say is…boys will be boys. Military may make them mature in some ways, but in others? Not so much. Nothing wrong with that.
Alek is working on his performance skills because his technique has always been there…Princess Heidi,I am saying having met and been in the same room with Tamar before she is the same…People who have met alek know he is not that way and of course he was upset because he WAS underscored.Tamar was just being rude saying she was the best in the competition and that will affect her next week.I just don’t know why I’m hearing it should have been Alek leaving instead of Hayes…Hayes fans were too busy trying to get him trending on twitter rather than voting for him like I said before…I don’t think Alek has problems with Latin dancing and I also don’t think he is the best dancer on the show.What he lacks in Latin is personality and that’s because he was taught to be stoic and all of a sudden he has to be a bubbly person.They don’t need to focus on his emotion even though obviously that’s a part of the dance…I think they should focus on the dancing more than his facial expressions because he is not a performer like the other 6-7 contestants left.
I totally get that the producers edit a weeks worth of filming to get the “story” that they want. I noticed that Alek was disappointed last week already by CAI comments especially on Jailhouse Rock. And he was still out of sorts during the talk show interview mid-week. Alek wasn’t looking for perfect scores, he wanted acknowledgement that he’s working at this and improving. He also admitted later in tonight’s package that he could see what Lindsay and Artem were getting at and he expressed satisfaction with his scores this week. They also weren’t handing out 10’s like candy this week.
This isn’t the first time Tamer has come off as full of herself or not agreeing with the judges though. In particular, they showed her complaining to Val last week about her switch up scores and that no matter what she does, they don’t like her. Which is just ridiculous! Carrie Ann has said numerous times that she feels Tamar is the best, an opinion I don’t agree with. The producers couldn’t make a package where Tamar looks conceited if she didn’t say these things and this isn’t the first time. She’s had some attitude all along.
All the more reason why I’m sad to see Hayes leave already. He’s a lovely teenager! And I have to say, I think Carlos really seems to know how to play the game or he’s been reading this site!
Am I missing something? Where did Alek come off as a jerk? Was it in his package? I don’t think I watched that…I was probably away grabbing food. Haha!
What was Louis saying about Bindi’s dance? I heard he was angry about Tamar’s scores…which I guess, makes sense. He seems to be a little biased towards her. I can’t believe I was interested in seeing him and Bindi dance together for switch-up week. SO happy she got Val instead. Here’s to hoping she gets to dance with Sasha/Mark (god forbid if Alexa gets eliminated) for their trio dance.
Taking that antacid earlier and considering Alek’s comments and gentlemanly acceptance of his scores has breathed new hope into my fickle heart. Thanks for that! Now I can go to bed more hopeful. And that’s a recipe for a goodnight of sleep, unlike the recipe for the meal that prompted the need for the antacid. :o)
Sad to see Hayes go but there are no celebs left who can’t dance at all, so all eliminations will be tough from now on 🙁
Concerning the packages-I guess it’s kinda ‘we see what we want to see’/’we believe what we want to believe’
Tamar fans will always defend Tamar, same goes for Alek.
My personal opinion: I don’t even think that Tamar came across arrogant and I believe her that the producers asked her to say that she’s the best dancer.I like her in general & I don’t find her attitude off-putting but many people seem to disagree with me as I already saw quite a lot complaining about her attitude before tonight, so this package did her no favours at all.
Regarding Alek-Sadly I have to say that in my eyes he came across cocky. You guys are probably right that he doesn’t really know how to handle reality TV. No idea if this will hurt him voting wise or not, the race is getting closer and closer! I personally think he’s the weakest dancer left now, so I wouldn’t even be sooo upset if he’s the next to leave (he probably won’t be tho).
I’m one of the people that think Tamar has an attitude but I am willing to believe her that the Producers wanted her to say it. I’m sorry but the idea of Val coaching Tamar is too funny. In their interview with Leah Val put the nail in Tamar’s PR coffin with his answer about her comment. Bravado coupled with a veiled attack on others. Sigh. Hated Derek to lose the team dance but the Nightmare team really pulled off a great dance. Hayes is such an admirable young man and he will be missed.
Sad Hayes left but really happy Alexa stayed. She has really stood out to me starting with the Tango she did with Derek. I like her and hope she goes as far as possible.
My biggest problem with Tamar is if your gonna have that big an ego, back it up. She has never wowed me once in 7 weeks. Solid but nothing special and lacks connection with her partner. I somewhat admire her ability to call out the judges but her inflated opinion of herself compared to the others is a huge turn off. I think she killed any shot she had to make the final 2 with her behavior. Sadly the fanatical fans of the family have shown they can drag a sour puss to the top 4 (Hope Solo) so I think we will be stuck with Tamar for the duration.
I must say Nick Carter is so hit and miss for me. Some weeks he’s good. Others forgettable. His dance tonight just felt like such a throwaway. Made no impression at all. Probably my least favorite of the night. Kinda annoys me he is so penciled in for the finals because I really feel like he’s under performing based on his performance background.
Dare I say it, Andy’s was my favorite dance of the night? The producers seem heavily invested in him all of a sudden because he is getting perfect music/themes at exactly the right time. He is really improving and I enjoy him which I wasn’t much at all noticing him for the first several weeks.
Alek and Carlos were pretty much engulfed whole by the smoke monster so I really can’t comment much on them this week.
I hope the double trip to jeopardy doesn’t put a damper on Alexa. I could see her really growing and lasting a few more weeks, because without the extensive dance training that others have had this season or past seasons, there’s a rawness to her dancing that I like and I want to see more from her now that she seems to be “getting it”.
If anything I think Tamar, Andy, maybe Alek have to be worried for next week. If anyone needs that immunity (if there is one), Tamar better pray she gets it.
Hayes leaving emphasis how little dance ability matters compared to a fanbase that votes. He was probably Emma’s most talented partner yet she got further with Michael Waltrip. Feel sorry for her, she looked absolutely gutted when Tom announced it.
So excited for trio dance alek, linds and emma. The sparks will fly and voters will go crazy!!
I will get to watching the show later (I’m in Scotland on tour at the minute) but I watched Team Nightmare, and I see how that beat Derek’s team. I think they had a much, much better song than the other team, especially having Allison on the team, because I think the super-fast, slightly spiky quality of the song suits her choreography perfectly, but it was really cool, a very difficult routine with insane amounts of content and executed near-perfectly. I’d go as far as to say it was easily among the best team dances ever. On the other hand, I don’t see it as a coincidence that the top 3 by individual judges’ scores were from the losing team and bottom 2 were from the winning team. I’m not crying shenanigans, but I do wonder if the judges knew by one means or another that Team Nightmare was going to win. Without meaning to step on PH’s toes, it’s a very very clustered leaderboard, with just 5 points of close to 450 given out separating first place from last. It really looks like it is literally a case of whoever gets the fewest votes goes.
How does a “freestyle” have content?? Team nightmare was the best of the night – but one of the best ever? Not hardly. The solos were shockingly “content” free – the only one I remember is Hayes. If they had assigned styles like they used to, that team would have been hosed. When doing a freestyle, the song is so critical. Best song = Best dance.
It’s illogical to make a direct comparison between seasons in such a way, M8 – meaning, how far Emma got one season compared to another and what it says about her partner. It completely ignores the fact of the entire cast on both seasons.
Who has “extensive dance training” from this season, Matt? None that I know of.
I’m sure Tamar does have an attitude at times – it’s a prerequisite to be Val’s partner, I think – I’m just saying that I’m not at all surprised by what she’s saying and the producers deserve to be called out on it. It’s shitty reality show tactics.
I’ll miss Hayes and Emma. He was my “who DAT” contestant that won me over this season. He handled a stressful, sometimes confusing situation that this show can be, with grace and maturity. Emma is his “best friend”, aww! What a sweetie.
Agree that Lindsay needs to take Alek aside off mike and off camera and advise him on how the show works. The producers live for those moments of frustration.
Wow, last night was one of my least favourite episodes of dwts. Only saving graces were Bindi’s AT and Team Nightmare. Team Nightmare had very creative choreo and so clean! The other team did get a pretty boring song but I do agree w/the judges they were out of sync and it was pretty obvious especially Alek. They should put the team dances back on latin night and make them do a latin freestyle like season 18 – loads more content they could use.
My heart just broke for Alek and Emma though 🙁
Well, I guess hoping for a rather normal week of dancing, on Halloween week, is pretty much impossible.
SMOKE MONSTER!
Ahem. First of all, Team Nightmare is rightly the best dance overall from the night, and while it’s not exactly among my favourites of all-time, it’s probably my second or third favourite in the Team Dance Freestyle era, depending on how Team Loca hold up on me and behind Team Foxing Awesome of course. I still detest the idea of Freestyle on Team Dances though – it was interesting to see dances with so many disciplines to be danced as a form of a three/four people-team (Tango in particular), but Freestyle? Nah, they can walk from point A to B and they can claim that a “Freestyle” all they might. By the way, Tamar and Val’s solo portion of their team consisted of walking forward slowly and Tamar being lifted twice. Yeah, so much content there.
Can’t make up my mind about Bindi’s AT. It’s good, and at least it resembles more of a dancing rather than Bethany-esque series of posing, but the whole thing (even the final pose) was just so recycled that I was hardly interested with it. Good job with the arms in the beginning though. It’s my second least favourite Derek AT of all time (yes, now I find two AT from Derek that I dislike more than Ricki’s). And even worse, I dislike Nick’s even more – LMAO at Sharna telling him she’s going to give him proper AT.
But on the good side… A Waltz this season actually has sections in hold for more than three seconds! Hallelujah! Hayes went on and performed his arse off, produced my favourite dance of the night, did the best in the team dance and of course he got sent home. I’ve lost interest on the other couples over time, especially Alek, although his Foxtrot is still my favourite dance of the season so far. But yay on a night of only three judges! Finally!
Bindi is the platinum card of dance partners. She was about as raw and untested in dance as a contestant has been. She has a ‘story’ in spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs. She’s progressed and grown on a momentous trajectory up to now. She has likability and charisma enough to compliment the personality of any 5 typical celebs (maybe more). And she can move it, move it on the dance floor like a Tasmanian Devil, that is if a Tasmanian Devil could dance with the competence, artistry and Joie de vivre (joy of living) that she’s displayed so far.
If Derek will EVER have a chance at another MBT, it’s with this petite Ms. of a marvel. Even the backlash and consternation that should be voiced against his nabbing another glittering globe should likely be of little consequence and laid low by this dynamic duo as they promenaded on to victory! And if they don’t win, it’ll be a shame, because no other celeb/pro pairing has brought what they have, or checked all the boxes as completely as they do.
I also really appreciate the novelty of this season in that we have so much talent concentrated in the remaining 7 contestants — couldn’t have foreseen that at the start, but very welcomed nonetheless. And as been brought out, they are bunched so close together now with their scores, we the voters can much more easily decide the ‘who’. Power to the people! 🙂
Speaking of votes and voting. I love Bindi and want her to win now, but all of my votes this week have gone to the dear Lady Alexa. IDK, but my protective knight within just cannot help but want to shield her from the blade of elimination for as long as possible.
Alexa has always given me the slight impression of vulnerability, and elicited an inclination toward empathy for her, but never more than after Sir Derek’s consummately brilliant exploit in time spent nurturing the Lady. It really brought out this desire in me to want to champion her.
My chivalric feelings could easily extend to Princess Bindi also, but she already has an unequaled champion (literally) in Sir Derek (with fan support aplenty). And Tamar: I don’t think she wan…umm, let’s just say no more and leave the point moot. So, I’m happily left stationing my bulwark of votes over the Lady A. till the arrows of outrageous fortune do overwhelm.
Hayes, buddy, you all dat, my man! You had more good dances to give. A shame we won’t get to appreciate and enjoy them. Hey, and I wish I’d had the charisma and understanding of social interplay as well as you when I was 15. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s working for you and well.
Emma + eliminated = sadness x 100. Heart broke, too, in two. But repair has begun with high hopes for season 22!
I also think team nightmares dance was one of the most entertaining ever on the show. It WAS a freestyle and the other team had the same freedom of choreography. Team nightmares choreography was brilliant for them as a team. Who cares if the individual dances weren’t filled with a lot of “content” They executed what they did well and it was fun and entertaining. Carlos and Witney didnt dance at all and Alek stood in one spot and threw Lindsay around. (Sorry Alek, I love you but its true) Why can’t people just say job well done without whining about content and who had the best song. Sharna and Allison or whoever choreographed it did a great job and it worked better for their team than the other groups worked for them. Good job guys!
My question, JMJ, is why you can’t talk about the team dances without whining about the opinions of others.
Well, I’m done. Hayes and Emma were my favorite team and I can’t believe they are gone. What an impressive young man Hayes is! That work ethic! That attitude! He is just a wonderful 15 year-old and it was fun to watch him grow every week. Plus, I love Emma! They will be missed.
~sigh~
It worries me tremendously when I see people saying “Bindi deserves to win, will win, but I voted for “X” because of ____” THAT is how shocking eliminations happen. You have to vote for the person you want to WIN.
Boo hoo, JMJ. I was critiquing the lack of content because someone else claimed it was “full of content”. What is content in a freestyle – pretty much anything you want to do. Right up Allison’s alley.
Sounds to me like you’re the one whining, sweet cheeks. You should have that looked at.
LOL JMJ you said why can’t people say a job well done without whining, yet you can’t stand seeing others’ opinion without whining yourself. Preach what you said, say that the dance was well done, don’t question my opinions. It’s that easy.
Btw fyi, the other team’s dance was very disappointing to me. I know the song isn’t very interesting, but I kept hoping for some really dynamic, Team Foxing Awesome-esque team dancing there. It didn’t happen. I hoped for some kickass solo sections there. Didn’t happen either. The bit where Alexa being hurled around was pulled well, but overall it’s pretty average to me. Or maybe I just have really high expectations for team dance that consisted of my three favourite pros this season (Derek, Mark and Linds).
Last night’s packages were interesting. I thought that there were several that were less than fabulous. Obviously, Alek and Tamar, which have been discussed, but Alexa’s wasn’t great either. They made it look like all she does is cry. And interestingly enough, Hayes had the most endearing package.
I’m trying to remember how quickly Nastia was voted off after her infamous one. I feel like there may have actually been more than one in which she seemed less than friendly. But I’m curious as to whether anyone thinks that it may be the end of the road for Alek or Tamar as a result…
Really looking forward to a numbers post!!!
***edited – enough with the bitching about other people’s comments. When JMJ was responded to by both me and Courtney, it should have been a CLUE. ~Heidi***
One thing I do want to point out (that I don’t think anyone has mentioned yet) – Something I really liked with Team Nightmare’s dance was the transition between partner solos. More than once (aside from when they had to move the tables) there was a full group 8-count ‘presentation’ of the next group, and during the solos the team was often part of the background and environment as opposed to just waiting or hiding in the wings, which often happens during team dances. I think it contributed well to the over all ‘broadway show’ vibe Bruno was getting at.
Advice received, PH! A heart divided is a dangerous thing, especially in this realm. I guess I’ll just have to let the mind lead on this one till we can coax Bindi and Derek across the finish line to win! 🙂
That transition was something Derek did in….was it Foxing Awesome?? Can’t remember. Do know I’ve seen it before. Possibly in Call me Maybe also. Not a new thing.
Daniel, we handled JMJ and Mermaid – I have to warn you as well to not go there. Thanks.
It seems that the producers want Tamar and Alek to go next based on their negative edits last night. I gave most of my votes to Alek, some to Andy who was my favorite dance of the night.
I would like Tamar and Carlos to go next based on the fact that they are my least favorite celebs.
Alek is edited to bring tired and cranky which is actually understandable considering his life went to being a war veteran/college student/costco worker who went on vacation to being an international hero now on an intense dance competition with no dance experience. He hopefully learned from watching his edit this week and continues to be back to his gentleman self. I didn’t see any of last night’s media if it was addressed.
Sorry Heidi, and thanks for the warning. Got a bit pumped up back there.
And all that has happened to Alek without a break in the past few months – one thing after another. Good thing he was in good shape before he came on the show because his body seems to be holding up but emotionally, he is edited to look more tired and frustrated. Hope he can hang in there longer!!
Bindi slayed that Argentine Tango…She is the real deal. Even though she didn’t mess up in the beginning, she took ownership like a Team Leader would-that’s the way Derek is as well. Their Argentine Tango was my favorite dance of the night. Freaking fierce!! 🙂
Enjoyed both Team dances. Concept was better on Team Nightmare as the song allowed for it but I did see some moves from Team Itsy Bitsy in the synchornized hand moments. Well to beat the best you have to learn from him-lol Its all good. Derek doesn’t care neither do I when its all said and done no one will top that record and many others that he has achieved.
Tamar did get a bad edit but I wish she would have taken the pc approach. I really did enjoy her dance too.
Fun show last night. Sorry to see Hayes leave… Loved his exit.
Yeah, I feel bad for Alek after that edit. 🙁 Not quite sure what the point of that was. He’s really not used to having to deal with unfavorable portrayal of yourself like some of the other contestants who are used to the limelight. He looked good last night and I’m really taking to Lindsay, I hope he can stick around for a bit. Much rather him than Carlos!
Daniel, same. Heidi, maybe I didn’t read JMJ’s comment thoroughly enough; I took her ‘whining about content and song choice’ more as, lets stop attacking each other over that – had I seen your response before I commented (it wasn’t posted yet at the time) I probably would have worded mine differently.
What a night. When it comes to team dances I think it’s a blessing indisguise that derek didn’t win. The team dances have obviously been made to be all about beating Derek but what I liked was how unaffected by it Derek was and honestly one team dance really doesn’t matter in the big picture of things and as has been said when another wins 5MBT, 2 emmy’s & 12 team dances than they will actually have defeated Derek Hough. What I was most shocked about what happened to Tamar & no it wasnt the scores but rather she supposedly went along with what the producers told her to say. Being that she has done a reality show I really thought she would understand the nature of the beast that is reality TV even Carlos gets how the show works. You give anything negative to the camera and chances are its going to end up airing. however be that as it may it was an underscored performance. I don’t personally connect with Tamar & have never seen a strong chemistry with her & Val but I expected some 9’s maybe not all but maybe 2. Anyway I was really happy that no one got eliminated from Derek & Bindi’s team. Speaking of which their Argentine Tango was phenomenal I really feel like its their best dance yet so congrats team Crikey. Back to the elimation. I really did see it being between Hayes & Alexa so I’m not surprised at the result but going forward its even more harder to decide who could get eliminated. I always saw Nick & Tamar being in the top 3 with Bindi but to be honest it could actually be either one of them or Alek.
Power rankings are up: https://www.puredwts.com/2015/10/26/puredwts-season-21-week-6-power-rankings-2/
Let it go, Mermaid. No one was “attacking” anyone else, they were discussing the dance. That’s what we DO. If you don’t like the opinions being expressed, that’s too damn bad. How about you stop feeling attacked every time someone expressed an opinion you don’t agree with .
Sad to see Hayes go, but at this point someone has to go. But he was such a sweetheart.
I am not a fan of all the smoke and stuff, it makes it difficult to see some of the footwork. But it is Halloween so it had to be done.
I had to see Tamar and Val’s dance again to see what in the heck the judges were talking about, but I could not see what they were saying but hey with this show who knows. All I know is that I am so tired of the judges. Half of the time I just hit the mute button, I don’t want to hear them.
When it comes to voting I vote for who I want, not who was in hold, not in hold. If I feel it then they get my vote.
And I never ever want them to have a married couple again, it was cute at first but now it is not cute at all.
I loved the Team Nightmare dance the best.
I have to agree with Sara way upthread and say I didn’t really enjoy Halloween Night all that much.
My worry that the production would overpower the dancing was realized. You could hardly see most of couples under all the costumes and makeup on the overly elaborate, over-dressed sets with the dim lighting and the clouds of fog from the gawd-awful fog machine. Kudos to all the props, sets, costume and make-up people, they put in a ton of work to make all that happen, and it looked great, but there was just too damn much of everything.
I enjoyed Bindi and Derek’s AT and felt it was the best couple dance of the night, although I’m not sure it was worth 10s
My second favorite dance was Tamar and Val. It was definitely “Foxtrot lite”, but I enjoyed it.
Team Nightmare won the team dance fair and square in my opinion. Sharna and Allison put their heads together to come up with some excellent group choreography and the team danced it very well. They definitely made the most of having the better song.
Team Who You Gonna Call were fun, but it seemed plain to me neither Mark nor Derek were the least bit inspired by the Ghostbusters song, and I don’t blame them one bit. They still put together a good routine but it didn’t have the spark that their choreography usually has.
Loved the bit with Sasha behind the scenes during the week scaring the crap out of everyone. Please, please, please let’s have Sasha as a pro next season!
Derek needs to tell all of his partners at the beginning of the season “If you get a choice, and I’m not in the room, say you want first pick of the music – and then don’t pick something cheesy” 🙂
Alexa, Carlos and Alek had the stand out dances of the night for me. The rest were just fodder. Hayes seems like a nice enough young man, but I have no problem with him leaving. Hopefully Tamar will be the next to go.