DWTS Season 25, Week 5 – Who’s Dancing What…and When?
Disney Week – another theme that, to me, seems like it can go either way. And honestly, some of these selections seem…weird. I couldn’t find the press release, but this is what a Disney fan site has…but it seems legit.
Winners: Lindsey/Mark, Jordan/Lindsay and Drew/Emma all got good dance style with highly recognizable and/or current songs. I’m already dying to see what Mark will do with his song. I also think Cheryl will do something fun for TO.
Losers: Once again, Nikki kinda gets hosed with a song from a movie that hasn’t even been released yet.
The Jury is Out: Nick got a great song, but I’m doubtful that he can do it justice. Frankie and AT?? I’m cautiously optimistic. Sasha should have a great combo, but I’m no longer confident that Gleb can give her something memorable…and she desperately needs it. Victoria and Vanessa?? Eh.
ETA: Apparently, Val couldn’t find a way to do a Charleston so it’s been changed to Jazz. Remember how the judges always claim that all the contestants have to be judged the same regardless? Yeah, right.
ETA2: Here’s the Dance order per George Pennachio…Go Nikki closing the show!! I would like to think it means something, it likely has to do with set pieces on a night like Disney night.
Victoria Arlen and Val – Jazz (Song: “Steamboat Willie” from Steamboat Willie)
Dancing 1st
1-800-868-3413
Vanessa Lachey and Maks – Waltz (Song: “Un Jour Mon Prince Viendra” from Snow White)
Dancing 2nd
1-800-868-3412
Lindsey Stirling and Mark – Foxtrot (Song: “When You Wish Upon A Star” from Pinocchio)
Dancing 3rd
1-800-868-3407
Nick Lachey and Peta – Quickstep (Song: “Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book)
Dancing 4th
1-800-868-3408
Drew Scott and Emma – Viennese Waltz (Song: “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie)
Dancing 5th
1-800-868-3404
Sasha Pieterse and Gleb – Rumba (Song: “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid)
Dancing 6th
1-800-868-3410
Terrell Owens and Cheryl – Quickstep (Song: “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from Lion King)
Dancing 7th
1-800-868-3411
Frankie Muniz and Whitney – Argentine Tango (Song: “Angelica” from Pirates of the Caribbean)
Dancing 8th
1-800-868-3405
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay – Foxtrot (Song: “You’re Welcome” from Moana)
Dancing 9th
1-800-868-3406
Nikki Bella and Artem – Jazz (Song: “Remember Me” from Coco)
Dancing 10th
1-800-868-3409
A little disappointed that a lot of these songs are repeats as they still haven’t hit a lot of classics including Colors of The Wind (Pocahontas), Something There, Gaston, Beauty and The Beast (Beauty and the Beast), When Will My Life Begin, I see the Light, I’ve got a dream (Tangled), Almost There (Princess and the Frog), Strangers Like Me, You’ll Be In My Heart(Tarzan), I won’t say I’m in love (Hercules), etc. I just feel like there is so much else they could do, but they took the easy route by not working to get new songs.
Excited for Lindsey and Jordan’s dances. Sasha’s has the potential to be great if Gleb can provide the choreography. I’m actually excited for TO’s quickstep. Nick… there is no way that dance isn’t rough. Kinda worried for Victoria with Charleston since she seems to do best with in hold dances not so much side by side stuff.
I am kinda disappointed that they still haven’t done some classic songs. Like those mentioned by the above poster as well as Why should I worry from Oliver and company, everybody wants to be a cat from the aristocats, and really anything from Peter Pan. I’m glad they finally used something from Snow White wish they would have given it to Nikki though.
I think it’ll be an interesting night. Very intrigued about Lindsey’s dance because when asked to give a hint about their dance Mark only would say it’s not what he normally does for Disney Night which makes me think he’s going to go for traditional more subdued no far out costumes or a lot of props. Which can still be super fun to watch. And i’m hoping for traditional so that way Len can’t find something to knit pick like he did this week. No risky breaking hold or something like that that he’s done in the past like for Paige’s Disney night quickstep.
I was checking out youtube the other night and I thought it would be cool if Jordan and Lindsay got “You’re Welcome”
None of the songs wow me.
Val said his style is now jazz. Charleston was probably too difficult for Victoria.
In the song: You’re Welcome, it’s a great Foxtrot tempo but there’s a bridge that’s a rap, so if Lindsay choreographs a hip hop break down in the midst of the dance Len will be angry.
And if anyone can just change their style at will, it’s Val. Always coddled.
When You Wish Upon a Star is an iconic piece. It will be interesting to see how Mark approaches this one.
Yes, can’t wait to see Mark and Lindsey’s interpretation. He is so inspired this season.
Nancy said in her blog last season that she picked Enchanted for Disney week and in one of the interviews after Monday’s show, Nikki jokes ‘oh I should have picked Jasmine’ or something like that – it almost sounds like they get some say in which movie they want? Coco is what her niece/nephew call her and it links to her Mexican heritage so I can see the appeal to her if she did choose it. I’d be looking forward to an Artem jazz after last season’s gorgeous Disney jazz with Nancy but then look what happened with the samba. He said it will be full out cheesy – haha too much cheese will still be better than a baking jazz.
This seems like it’s going to be such a random DISNEY night!! Like they could’ve done so much better like picture this:
Mark and Lindsey: Monsters Inc. (Lindsey would make a cool boo)
Terrell and Cheryl (Moana or Hercules)
Nikki Bella: POCHANTIS like seriously sooo perfect.
Jordan and Lindsey: Peter Pan
Drew and Emma: Cruella Devil
Sasha: Repuzel from TANGLED
SHARNA: Little Mermaid or Merida
Vanessa and Maks: Hercules
Peta and Nick: SLEEPING BEAUTY
VAL and Victoria: Emporers new groove
Frankie and Witney: Something adorable ???????????? like they seriously dropped the ball with this!!
Maybe,maybe not, Casanova. Quickstep is the one where you can’t break hold. Sometimes Len hates that stuff, and sometimes he doesn’t. Hard to call.
LILO and Stich is also Disney!!!!
Nikki definitely didn’t choose Coco. Her and Artem didn’t even bother hiding their glum faces when asked about Disney Week in an interview I flicked through. She’s mentioned wanting to be Pocahontas before which I don’t think they can do on DWTS due to the racial issues within the movie. Shame, a Colors of the Wind Rumba or Jazz could have been great. Personally I would love to see a 101 Dalmations dance one day. Perhaps a Roger Cruella paso with the troupe dressed as Dalmatians in the background. I feel like I’ve been transported into Mark Ballas’ brain lol. A Bugs Life or Flubber as well. God knows how you could make a dance from those two films but hey, let’s see the pros earn their money.
@M8, NeNe Leakes had a 101 Dalmatians dance in 2014
I love Rainbow Connection ❤️❤️❤️.
I even remember hearing it for the first time at the movie theater when I was thirteen. I’m really looking forward to this one.
Heidi, how does one go about changing their style after it was given to them. I know val and Victoria were given charleston & they got it changed to jazz. Does the producers just pick and choose when they allow that or do they at times turn pros down if they want to change the style or it doesn’t fit the music? What came to mind was last season when Bonner & Sharna got charleston week 3. It was pretty clear he wasn’t going to be able to do that considering the dance is all about lifts and tricks which he couldn’t do. Sharna seemed to just take it on the challenge anyways and give it a good try. Wondering if she even had a choice to change it or they just allow who they like to change the style. I’m sure this happened with many pros who would have liked to change the style due to music or heir celebs injuries.
Good question, aa. I guess you either make the best of what you got (when you’re a talented choreographer) or you whine until you get your way.
And since Val is NOT a talented choreographer, he whined & got his way! I call BS!
Just so you know that is NOT a Disney fan site but one of many of the Disney companies sites. As far as the show goes, I’m a bit bored with it all this season at this point. Not surprised we have a song used from a movie not out yet since its a way to push it..just like the Cars 3 one. I will say it is interesting they are using Steamboat Willie and Rainbow Connection for this though. 2 songs I wouldn’t even think they would do.
Simone is not Hawaiian and she and Sasha danced to How Far I’ll Go, and Normani isn’t Chinese…
I really don’t think race has anything to do with it, or maybe it does.
I honestly cannot believe that they didn’t make Frankie and Witney Peter Pan & Tinkerbell. it would’ve been so perfect. I love the Muppets so dang much, but I wish they would use a different song! “Movin’ Right Along” would be a fun quickstep! And there a bunch of fun songs from the newer movies that would work too.
Just my thoughts on the song/style combos
Frankie Muniz and Whitney – Argentine Tango (Song: “Angelica” from Pirates of the Caribbean): Ok so I love the idea of this but I’m kinda worried at the same time.
Terrell Owens and Cheryl – Quickstep (Song: “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from Lion King): Love this song I’m excited.
Nikki Bella and Artem – Jazz (Song: “Remember Me” from Coco): Didn’t know what Coco was so thats cool. From what I gather this is going to be a fun one.
Nick Lachey and Peta – Quickstep (Song: “Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book): Love this song but its time to put it in the vault.
Lindsey Stirling and Mark – Foxtrot (Song: “When You Wish Upon A Star” from Pinocchio): 🙂 That’s all I have to say.
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay – Foxtrot (Song: “You’re Welcome” from Moana): YES! love it.
Sasha Pieterse and Gleb – Rumba (Song: “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid): Love it!
Vanessa Lachey and Maks – Waltz (Song: “Un Jour Mon Prince Viendra” from Snow White): Love it! Too bad it’s wasted on Maks though.
Drew Scott and Emma – Viennese Waltz (Song: “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie): Love the song and perfect celeb for it 🙂
Victoria Arlen and Val – Charleston (Song: “Steamboat Willie” from Steamboat Willie): This is random. Excited though
@Liz – I’m going out on a limb here, but I have always gotten the impression that Pocahontas is one of the more contentious of the Disney films, in terms of historical inaccuracies, and is also one of the few that seems to deal directly with white imperialism – while Mulan & Moana both focus on POC’s, neither one seems to have the “white conquest” element that Pocahontas has…and I think that’s why they’re a lot less controversial.
And FWIW – while Simone is not Hawaiian and Normani isn’t Chinese, both are still POC’s…and are probably a lot easier to accept playing other women of color, than, say, a white woman. I don’t think it would have been as accepted if they tried to whitewash the role of Mulan or Moana and let Heather or Nancy do them.
My thoughts on the program for next Monday:
Frankie & Witney: Surprising choice for them but I think they’ll make great Pirates! Surprised this is the only Latin dance we’re getting next week since it seems we’ve had so few of them so far apart from Latin night.
Jordan & Lindsay: Predicable assignment for them but it’s one of my favorite Disney songs so I’m happy. 🙂
Nikki & Artem: I’m glad they got Jazz since it’s a yet-to-be-released movie and I think it’ll give them the opportunity to show a fun side we haven’t really seen yet from this team.
Terrell Owens and Cheryl: I think Lion King is a good choice for him and I think they’ll have fun with it.
Sasha & Gleb: I was really hoping they’d have Tangled (still wondering why no one has done this movie yet!). I like Sasha but I really can’t stand Little Mermaid so I can’t say I’m looking forward to this one. 🙁
Nick & Peta: Love this song/dance combo even though it’s a repeat but I wish it had gone to a better dancer. 😛
Lindsey & Mark: Unfortunately I won’t be able to watch this one since the song gives me bad PTSD-like symptoms (certain songs/sounds from when I was a kid give me that kind of reaction and I don’t know why). I’m disappointed I won’t be able to experience it since I’m rooting for them but I’m sure they’ll do a great job.
Vanessa & Maks: I like this song and am very glad Snow White is finally getting used but I wish it went to Lindsey or Victoria.
Victoria & Val: I heard this got changed to Jazz but either way this is probably the one I’m most excited for. 🙂
Drew & Emma: I was hoping he’d be a villain but I think he’ll do a good job with this.
Derek & Sharna: I heard they were going to have Hercules which is what I wanted for them which makes me even more disappointed about their elimination. 🙁 This would have been right up there with Victoria’s in excitement level for me.
I just think of some of the dances that Derek managed with Amy and I have to shake my head at Val. Swing was one. The Quickstep was just amazing. Their Jazz. Argentine Tango. Salsa. He figured out how to do amazing dances with a woman missing both her feet.
Disney has such an array of music from decades of film I’m surprised they have to repeat any songs. Maybe they don’t own all the rights. It’s such a fun night and next to Halloween, is such a visual feast. I wonder if Mark will capitalize on the puppet theme of Pinocchio along with his nose, or Lindsey incorporating the muppets. Everything else is animated with the exception of Pirates of the Carribean (which they could have a lot of fun with the costuming). So many possibilities creatively. Not surprised about Victoria, her ability to do the Charleston at this point probably isn’t realistic. It would be way outside Val’s box to figure that choro out. Steamboat Willie, first time we see Micky & Minnie in an animated short film. Val as Mickey?
Also in the ‘Hosed’ category, assigning Rumba on Disney week should not be legal. Not a fan of AT therein either, but Frankie got a good song considering.
Of the songs,’Rainbow Connection’ and ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ are nostalgic gold with the main demo (though I am anticipating Mark’s creativity and that he’ll uphold the Pinnochio theme, I was hoping they’d get Peter Pan as Lindsey is as close to a real life Tinkerbell as I’ve ever seen). Maks & Vanessa ought benefit from the french version of ‘When My Prince Will Come’ which will also be familiar to mainers but offer a fresher, sexier take (…for a Waltz).
I think this could be another good week for Terrell. Disappointed no ‘Steamboat Willie’ Charleston for Victoria. Hopefully Val’ll at least incorporate.
*’Someday My Prince Will Come’
This changing to jazz for Val/Victoria just makes me so mad. As if we all didn’t know how the producers favor Val, here is more proof. I wonder if Victoria was unable to do Charleston due to her limits, or if Val is just too stupid to figure it out. Probably a combination of both. It also proves how lousy a choreographer he is. I bet Mark would have done something wonderful. Mark is in such a league of his own, no changes would have been needed. Val just needs to suck it up. Maks and Val are really getting on my nerves this season.
Regarding PH #24:
I very distinctly remember that was Amy physically incapable of the rise and fall of the Waltz (and very upset about it). But did they change the dance style?
Not for the first time this season, I’ve imagined how well Derek would’ve vibed with Victoria and never more than the would’ve been Charleston this week.
I know that Disney kind of forcibly bought out Muppets over Henson’s dead body but does that make “Rainbow Connection” a Disney enough song for Disney night?
And does this development mean that Peanuts and other recent franchise/intellectual property purchases might get used someday?
No, they did not change the dance style. She danced waltz. I don’t know that it would occur to Derek to ask to change the style. I think he took a lot of things as a challenge and relished it. Half of Nicole’s season was dance styles that didn’t fit well with the music assigned and those were some of the best he’s done.
Re: #31: Yeah, I knew the answer to the Amy question but the example was the best illustrative parallel I could think of to the current state of affairs.
Val you are the weakest link… It’s so obvious to just about everyone, it’s quite laughable actually. Hopefully sooner or later the TPTB will catch on.
Why didn’t they check with Val to see what was acceptable to his highness before they assigned the dance, but maybe they thought, or hoped, he’d embrace a challenge because if he could pull if off it would probably help elevate them in the pecking order. Now, he (or his girlfriend more likely) can just incorporate a bunch of flashy moves irrespective of technique.
You know, overall, I’m excited for most of these dances, but disappointed that some of these songs are just being recycled from past Disney Nights. I agree with Brittany, I wanna see movies like Oliver and Company and The Aristocats used for Disney Night.
And I’m totally calling bull on the fact that Victoria’s style was changed from Charleston to Jazz. C-bro coddling at its finest (the term finest being used very loosely here).
Albeit I haven’t heard the Steamboat Willie theme in forever, I’m rather shocked that Val would choose to switch styles, only because (If I recall correctly) it fits a Charleston way better! I really don’t understand… Val threw away such a great opportunity for Victoria. I know he’d butcher a Charleston in a heartbeat, but seriously though I was very stoked on seeing Victoria do a Charleston because it requires specific footwork. I think if he put even the slightest bit of effort into his choreography and partners, Victoria could’ve been dancing a Charleston on Monday night.
In all honesty, I really don’t get why they don’t do Charleston more on DWTS.
Message to Val: I loathe you. Why don’t you sign up for some basic choreography classes with Derek Hough? Rumor has it he is a patient teacher, even with remedial students and extremely talented at looking beyond challenges and creating something inspiring and wonderful. In regard to you dancing a Charleston with Victoria, the issue isn’t the song, dance style, or her. It’s you. One of the most memorable dances ever on DWTS, was Amy dancing waltz with Derek- he knew how to create the “illusion” of rise and fall. Improve your skill set, man! Most employers demand it and TPTB can’t maneuver around your shortcomings much longer!
Disappointed to see no Paso Dobles
Nick anf TO in the bottom 2. It is time for Nick to go
@Ian – I agree. I love the Charleston and wish the show would do more of it.
Personally I’m a bit tired of the Disney night theme. But as long as Disney signs the paychecks then it’s a theme that is never going to go away.
I had a look back at the “Shout” Jive during Amy’s season, because I didn’t watch that season the first time and my goodness, she left Artem at the Altar after him looking so lovingly at her! Ha, that was such a cleverly choreographed Jive. The side by side work Derek held Amy’s hand and it was just so natural you’d never know it was about balancing. And she did the flicka kicks as well as any able bodied person. Amy did talk about how much more difficult it was to Waltz than Jive and yet it seems she did all the prescribed dances without fail. Given that Amy’s condition is permanent, it is just astounding that she is such an amazing athlete. I appreciate what Victoria has gone through, but her condition was deemed not permanent and so she has the opportunity to get better and better. I don’t understand how a Charleston is getting thrown out because when the Jive comes up how will they cope?
I’m actually looking forward to watching Sasha and Gleb this week. Ever since this show has started doing Disney Night, I’ve always thought Kiss the Girl would be great for a Disney-inspired Rumba, and now it’s really happening! I hope they pull it off well! 🙂
If Emma brought Jonathan in for a trio, and everyone seems just fine with Drew coming in for one of Nick’s numbers, I wonder if Lindsey & Mark could dance with a “friend” at some point this season.
Would love that!
Re Carol #43: At the beginning of the season, I remember production saying they were going to try and bring back contestants for a trio round. I would be THRILLED if Paige came back to do a trio with Lindsey and Mark- I can only imagine what could be choreographed.
Haha Joanne B – so well said! And it’s insulting to Victoria that of all the challenges she’s faced in her life, obviously Val has decided the Charleston is that bridge too far. (Well, clearly it is for him) You’d think her being a living example that nothing is impossible would rub off on him but of course not. And I can imagine him selling it to the producers that in the end it’s their fault if she looks bad for giving them that dance style. It’s never on him is it ????
Ok, I feel better now.
Jessica O, yessss I’d love a Mark Ballas Sully/Mike dance.
Well Artem posted himself alongside Nikki twirling about in a fuchsia skirt which is the best thing I’ve seen today. They’ll definitely bring the fun (and cheese!) – I do hope the need to get rid of Nikki is over ridden by the need to promote the new Disney film. Not into pimpage for anybody but they’ve been tough on Nikki especially with running order. I’m pretty sure they’ve danced in the first 4-5 in all but the premiere.
@Carol & R2M – The press release seemed to indicate that the trio round would be “former contestants”, so I think that might rule out Jonathan; and I’ve got a gut feeling that Emma may have already have Rashad lined up to come back and join her trio with Drew. And yeah – if Nick or Vanessa makes it that far this season, I would put money on it that Drew L. is the third member of their trio.
I totally agree with what a poster mentioned above that Mark is in a league of his own. He has been for a very long time, but unfortunately has been nit picked too many times by the judges. He has choreographed stellar dances this season and deserves a win IMO. This couple is my absolute favorite!
Oh, rats.
Was really hoping for a Mark/Lindsey/Derek number.
(*sigh*)
Courtney, If Rashad is Emma’s trio choice that could mean something never done before. Both guys are tall, strong and can handle lifts like breathing. Can you have a dance where the woman’s feet never touch the ground?
Comparing apples and oranges. Amy is not Victoria and vice versa. I’m rooting for Victoria regardless of dance style. What she does is amazing, forget about Val, this is her journey.
Thank you, PHeidi for the list above of couples dances & songs. I agree with your Winners, Loser, and The Jury Is Out comments. And, I just have no words for Val’s wimpy whining and TPTB’s favoritism with him. I remember him giving a song to Derek & Nastia to do when he was partnered with Rumer. You said it… that Derek never turned down any challenge no matter what it pertained. That’s why he’s the “master” of dance & choreo. (miss him) Don’t think DWTS will be so lucky to have another ever like him. I am enjoying Mark this season and Lindsay! I just hope the judges (especially Len & CAI) don’t go off the wall Monday night with their comments and scores to ruin what could be a fun “Disney” night.
@PHeidi…I met Lindsay, Jordan’s Pro partner.
@Princess Heidi
While I’m also peeved that Precious was able to get the style of his dance changed from Charlestonto Jazz, I don’t see where you’re equating this to Len’s statement that they need to judge ALL contestants the same way. THIS one is squarely on the producers, I’d say.
As to the judges, we’ve seen the lie in that statement many times already. Len in particular seems to be “hearing voices” in his ear piece in latter seasons and heeding what they say. I’m waiting to see when the instructions start coming this season but perhaps the start was when he declared Vanessa a contender for the finals in Week 2!!!
I think the trouble with past contestants trios would be the likely hood of putting the former contestant with their pro together. That actually goes against the more common option of choosing a trio partner of the opposite sex. You don’t want a pro guy to dance against a someone like Nick. Mark successfully made it work with Sadie & Emma, it really wasn’t done before that. I think if all couples go that way there are some pros who can pull it off and a least half who can’t make the celeb look as good as the pro. Emma already showed she could, however I don’t think it’s fair to throw an outside extra popular star randomely into a dance. I am very sure producer backed, but what next? That wasn’t fair to the others as Property Brothers is very popular. So can we have Derek Hough just show up because he is a friend and dance with Mark & Lindsey?
Sorry I wrote that before coffee, that is not the way it would work with past contestants. I am hoping that TPTB will let the couples pick their own trio partner and not do it for them like last season. I also think team dances should go back to the 2 highest scoring celebs picking the teams, it’s more fun that way. Please no silly girl against boy band type thing again.
Interesting thoughts re:- Trios PJC. I know from the moment I heard the possibility of former contestants returning for the Trio dances, I knew it was a done deal and the reason was Drew Lachey. I know Rashad was at the GMA announcement and it was said then that he’d gladly join Emma and Drew Scott for that dance (should they make it.) I don’t believe the producers would have mentioned this as a possibility if they weren’t going to make it happen.
I believe it was Courtney who speculated further that they would have to have already asked certain celebs who would have the interest and the time to prepare for a while. She also thought LA based but I expect an exception could/would be made for reigning champion Rashad Jennings. This would occur late in the season so 5-6 couples. It has to be more complicated to arrange than just using pros/troupe. And there is no way that they would want a celeb NOT to be chosen. So even if they make it look like the pairs choose, you better believe they will have instructions from the producers! So what I’m more interested in is, who will they get? The other Lachey and Rashad are obvious. I expect we can count on Alphonso. But who else? Joey Fatone? Rumer Willis?
And was this why Len was already labeling Vanessa Lachey a potential finalist in Week 2? She’s good but not all that to me. Perhaps because of the lack luster routines her partner has crafted for her but I vote for a Team.
I watched the video Disney posted to the show’s Facebook last night and see that Val was still listed with Charleston. Why wouldn’t they change it?
@Colleen I think Val might bring in Laurie Hernandez since she was in the audience as recently as 2 weeks ago.
Ah but there is the rub Casanova! That assumes that Victoria and Val are going to make it to the semi-finals or damn close. However, if Victoria & Val were scored in the same manner as others, they would be eliminated before then. It’s safe to say we’re all expecting Jordan and Lindsey to be finalists. Great talent, likability and partnerships. I know that the audience vote matters but are Victoria and Val going to be able to beat Frankie/Witney, Drew/Emma and/or Vanessa/Maks? Without producer manipulation?
Do the producers have the “former contestants” already arranged? I’d guess yes. And IF Laurie Hernandez is going to participate in this year’s trio dances, will she perhaps be chosen/assigned to work with Mark and Lindsey?
Any chance of Shawn Johnson doing a trio if they are really trying for big celebs?
@R2M I had to look at Shawn’s twitter feed. She’s married and looks like she’s doing projects with CNBC so maybe it’s possible, I don’t know. She would be good with Mark and Lindsey, or( I’d like to see Kristie Yamaguchi. If they’re reaching all the way back to season 2 to get Drew Lachey..).
@Colleen well you’re right about the scoring, but IMHO Nyle was massively over scored, the only time I can remember where they really scored in relation to others and got her booted early was Marlee Matlin.
As for Trios:
You have Val who hasn’t done worse than top 3 for quite awhile, the show is milking Victoria’s story so I suspect she will be at least top 5 or 6 and possibly higher.
Mark and Lindsey for sure are there, she has a solid fanbase as does Mark.
The others I’m not sure of.
1.Even though Jordan is scoring well and my personal favorite along with Lindsey and Mark, his fans are young and noisy but they don’t bother to vote, hopefully the pro Lindsay’s fans will help, but I know that no Disney child has won this show, and many going around top 5 or 6. I think that he has set the right tone for the more mature audience to vote for him, but it’s a crap shoot to know for sure.
2. Frankie seems to be a break out for this show, but it will depend on how his body holds up, he’s sort of like Bonner being quite stiff at times although obviously a better dancer, and he is more likable for the demographic so if Bonner can hang in there with minimal effort, Frankie should be here longer.
3. TO could be a surprise, footballers usually get in that top 4 or 5, but I’m not sure how much the NFL loves this guy. Football players tend to do go far with Cheryl.
4.Property Bros. Drew isn’t my cuppa, but he does have his fans so he could be there, and if only we get to see Rashad again then I’m okay with him there.
5.Either Vanessa or Nick will most likely be there for the Trios- one Lachey getting the boot will move their fans over to the remaining Lachey.. the wedding ad nauseum sealed that. As many have stated, I think the whole married scenario went for a dump, whoever pitched it needs to go. I don’t think Maks has really bothered to mine his fanbase anymore, and the “feud” pretty much buried any idea that Vanessa could win, so I don’t know how long they will hold out, but the producers must think a Drew Lachey appearance is going to turn it around. I won’t hold my breath.
I don’t think Nikki Bella or Sasha are there but I am probably underestimating their fanbases.
See, I think the idea that the 3 Stooges “judge” everyone equally is ALWAYS a lie. And the last couple of seasons, the producers have become much more obvious with their agendas and manipulations! Tom was so upset afterwards that he squealed on the voice in his earpiece prompting him to jump on Simone with a “smile” question. There was a humor piece one night that claimed that all 3 judges wear earpieces as well. I don’t believe that they are outright told what scores to give. But I do believe that the producers have ways of making their desires known.
As for the scores of some recent contestants with disabilities
– I thought Amy was scored fairly except for Len docking her inspiring freestyle! Yes, early on all anyone could talk about was how amazing that a woman without feet could dance. But Amy and Derek proved week after week that she was worthy of those scores. They were entertaining and often amazing!
-I recall the judges “getting real” with Noah’s critiques and scores by mid-season. I remember having the feeling that Bruno and Len especially didn’t want him in the finals. But they became resigned because Noah and Sharna obviously had the audience support. And there was some manipulation on his behalf to, especially with his servicewoman gf.
-I count Terra Jole in this group as well. No matter what we say, appearance matters. Extending her limbs? I remember pre-season, all I heard about was what a b*tch she was on her show. But on DWTS, I “met” an amazing woman. Intelligent, warm, ambitious and REAL. On the dance floor, Terra was an amazing performer and Sasha crafted some fantastic dances with content where their huge height difference didn’t ruin the magic. But Len especially was desperate to make sure they didn’t make the finals. I think he wants “legit” dancers only at that point.
-As our mods have pointed out, Nyle was always a force to be reckoned with and it was obvious from week 1 that he would be a finalist. Nyle is scorching hot, was paired with a very sexy, popular pro and he came to DWTS right after a heavily publicized win on ANTM. Week 1 proved that Nyle could dance. His scores were a bit erratic and I saw things like posture problems that were never resolved or even apparently worked on. But I suspect he was running away with the votes and the judges ultimately, don’t want to appear “wrong” about the eventual winner either. The producer’s agenda that season appeared to mainly be to make sure Ginger Z, ABC princess, made the finals.
-I don’t like Val and his choreography bores me at this point, especially this season. On the other hand, I love Victoria! But her dancing, not so much. I’m enjoying Frankie and Drew more. Great partnerships, they’re growing as dancers, are joyful and charming AND their pros make them stand out more in their performances. Vanessa has talented I think determination. Maks could, if he chooses to wake up, take her far. TO had a breakthrough dance this week. Can Cheryl keep that up and his mouth shut? I think Victoria has been slightly overscored, especially this week in relation to the competition. Will the Stooges keep that up?
@Colleen – What a great post! I agree with so many of your assumptions so thank you for saying things so eloquently.
I am guilty of being one of those posters on here that pointed out how b*tchy Terra Jole was on her own show and that I was not looking forward to her being on DWTS. Well I am fully prepared to eat those words. I found Terra very lovely on the show and I am so glad that she participated and proved to everyone that Little People can take on any challenge and handle it with amazing strength.
That Val hasn’t been out of the top 3 in a while isn’t that impressive when you look at his every-season-combination of ringers/production pimpage. Hell yes he’s going to make the top three when he’s always dancing with someone who has some level of either experience or training and the producers work extra hard to make it go in his favor.
Question is – are they STILL doing that?? Working hard for him, I mean. Yeah, Victoria was very over scored this past week, but prior to that I don’t know that she was. If Maks/Vanessa are crashing and burning…and Nick is a dud…that might make the producers feel that they need to turn back to pimping Val to keep one of them through the end of the show. WHY they feel the need to do this will remain a mystery to me – clearly the tour does just fine with out any of them, so perhaps the producers are starting to get the feeling that maybe those boys aren’t all that.
I do wish they would invest a fraction of their efforts on people like Mark, Emma and Lindsay – much more talented and humble at the same time.
I have heard Val, on more than one occasion, express his “gratitude” to “this country” for giving him so much. The reality is, no one “gives” you anything in this country, Val, you have to work hard and earn the fame and fortune. You may be given an opportunity but hard work makes that opportunity a success. In my opinion, DWTS is an outstanding opportunity. People like Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, and Mark Ballas relished that opportunity, worked hard, and used it as a springboard to learn and grow and create other opportunities for themselves. You, Val, and your brother, seem to think that you are entitled to dancing honors without putting forth the necessary work and compromise that it takes to not only be champions consistently, but to transcend the show and move on to greater accolades. You seem to forget that it should be all about your partner and not about you. As Derek HOugh beautifully stated so recently, you are a servant to your partner!
It is tragic that so much manipulation is necessary to keep the C Bros. in the competition. If someone like me had an opportunity like that, you can bet I would do a much better job of earning my boss’s confidence.
Good thing they have dance studios-although splitting the profits among several business partners may lead to quite a different lifestyle. Eventually, their dance students, too, will realize that they can shop for a better dance teacher elsewhere. Wake up, Val and Maks. Are other opportunities coming your way?????
Thanks for all the input regarding Victoria and Val. IMHO regardless if Val’s top 3 are a legit top 3, that kind of consistency bodes well I think if you’re a betting person.
Moreover just with the disabled contestants in general in the last few years,all who were cast for their heroic journey and chose to highlight their visible disability have made top 3 or higher:
1. JR Martinez with a massive burns to his face and body atrophy and loss of range of motion due to his tour of duty–winner
2. Noah Galloway with half his body blown away due to his tour of duty …top 3.
3. Nyle being a very pretty advocate for the Deaf ….winner.
4. Amy Purdy an athlete who became an ParaOlympian Bronze medalist… top 2.
5. I have to add Victoria who is an athlete and a commentator for ESPN, she is combining the disabled athlete angle with sportscaster for an affliate network. This is almost a perfect storm for someone like her to get to top 3.
For me she is one of the least annoying top 3 that annoying Val has partnered, so that’s why I think at the very least Victoria makes it to the Trio round.
I just wanted to add that Victoria’s journey is unique, she is like and unlike the others in that she emerged from a catatonic state in a very heroic manner. But like JR, Noah, Amy and Nyle she is surely an inspiration. Noah, for example could do little more than walk around, but his one good arm was incredibly strong and he did probably the best lifts ever on this show. At times I found it distressing to actually watch Noah because it seemed like such a struggle. And yet, he got the votes. For Victoria I saw a boatload of well wishers on social media, especially ones who talked about being in wheelchairs who saw an inspiring dance, even though I thought it could have been so much more, apparently it got it’s desired impact.
So, I agree with everyone that Val needs to do so much more to highlight Victoria and work around her disability, because it will be difficult to get her to top 3 in this field. However, I still say she makes it to Trios around top 5 or 6.
#Joanne B, Hear, hear!!
If viewers are not seeing something dazzling on the show, why bother throwing your hard earned cash away to learn to emulate boring? And have rude, pompous instructors? Why, really?
Bringing in past contestants into the trios reminds me of that Design a Dance they thought was a great idea, where instead of fabulous dancing from 2 great pros, we got Sabrina Bryan and…. Joey Fatone (I think)… I don’t think they had another design a dance after that, am I right?
Sorry, editing myself… It was Melissa Rycroft and Joey Fatone. Why did I think it was Sabrina?
Maybe, Casanova. But JR and Amy were fantastic dancers who were given great choreography. Nyle was also a good dancer, very handsome, and fresh off winning ANTM. That leaves you with Noah….who was allowed to propose to his girlfriend in the latter half of the season and was military.
I don’t think Victoria is a sure thing. She has to get past Frankie who has a great story of his own, and Drew who probably has a better fanbase. If they start pimping the hell out of her, and over scoring her, sure – she could make it. But how sad.
@PH I don’t think Victoria is a sure thing either – however I did a little test with hubby who is one of these brawny footballers in a past life (ha) but surprisingly he likes dance and even accompanied me to one of the SYTYCD tours because he loves Contemporary and Ballet. He’s my hero, even took Argentine Dance lessons with me in Buenos Aires for our 25th… Go Figure. Anyway, I played him the 3 packages from last week, Jordan, Lindsey and Victoria without any comment. I asked him which one would he vote for. He honestly thought Jordan’s routine was the best, but would vote for Victoria. He loved that story. He’s just one of the great unwashed out there that doesn’t watch the show on a regular basis. That story is resonating, for how long? who knows.
That’s pretty anecdotal, Casanova. And without watching the entire show, how do you know he wouldn’t pick someone else entirely?
I non-regular watching 3 routines from MMY tells us almost nothing! Just what YOUR man might have voted. But even he might be bored with Victoria Arlen’s remarkable and inspiring story if it’s all that we learn of her. Which, other than her upbeat personality, IS all that I’ve gotten from her in 4 weeks. Where I feel like I’ve gotten more from ALL of the other contestants even if not much more – Nick, Vanessa, Sasha, Nikki and TO. And is it coincidence that the audience seems to be warming up to Lindsey Sterling, Frankie Muniz, and Drew Scott, who are really connecting with their pros and who are revealing multiple emotions both in their packages and dances.
Well @PH he did watch Franky and said he was pretty stiff. He doesn’t like Nick Lachey or the Property Brother just because he doesn’t like them on television but I don’t know if their dances would change his mind, that’s certainly a possibility.
@Colleen, I know it means almost nothing, but I’m a regular viewer, lots of people just tune in a certain week. With hubby he knew nothing of Victoria and so this story blew him away. Maybe the week over week story is what the producers are hoping to get a lot of mileage from because people don’t tune in on a regular basis anymore.
This week, they definitely started to push for Victoria a lot more. They’ve been putting up post after post of her and Val both on Instagram and their Facebook page. They’ve pretty much excluded Lindsey altogether. They finally posted her MMY last night.
Since Mark and Lindsey are dancing to a song sung by Jiminy Cricket, and Jiminy always played the fiddle in old Disney clips, it makes me wonder if Lindsey’s violin skills will be on display during their dance?
Also stoked for Frankie’s “Pirates” dance and I hope it tops the “Pirates” dance Riker and Allison did a few seasons ago.
So far, I’m torn between imagining Mark Ballas as a cricket or a puppet but a little voice in my head says if Mark says he’ll be like he’s never been before on Disney night, has he decided to do a “straight” Foxtrot without elaborate costumes, make-up or troupe members? Surely not?!!
As for another PotC themed dance, surely Witney knows that Riker’s Jack Sparrow is a tough (impossible?) act to follow. So she’s probably going to take give this one a very Spanish & sultry flavor maybe featuring herself as a brunette since I can’t really “see” Frankie as Jack Sparrow even without remembering how Riker embodied him so well that it was as if Johnny Depp was in the ballroom!
Hmmm…perhaps my theory of the producers pushing Val and his partner when the writing is on the wall about Nick and Vanessa wasn’t far off at all!! Disgusting.
The running order is based off what year the movies came out. Oldest to newest, someone commented it on George’s twitter and it matches.
I, too, would like to think it means something, but I don’t think you can read anything into dance order this week. If this is truly the order, it’s chronological according to movie release date.
Oh boy, Lindsey and Mark are smack dab in the middle of Vanessa and Nick. To me they got screwed big time. So literally almost the first half of the show is the FAM. No thanks, I’ll catch it later.
I love that Nikki&Frankie are dancing in the end! But I wish Lindsay/Mark was dancing 9th and have Jordan dance in the beginning of the show….I feel like he’s had the best dancing order
The person with the pimp spot is usually someone who is safe for the week, but with the running order being based on movie release dates we may very well end up seeing the person with it get eliminated, like how Willow went last on her season’s ears night because the running order was chronological. I hope Nikki is safe though (I think she is) and I’m looking forward to her performance tonight!
Jordan has yet to go before 6th in the order. I just love unfair order placements.
On a DWTS Facebook post, they said something about “Disney through the ages”, so it looks like the running order goes from oldest movie to newest.
A fan pointed out that the dance lineup appears to be in order of the Disney films’ release dates, from earliest to most current.
@Ashley
My initial reaction was dismay/fury about Lindsey and Mark’s placement here. But even before I read the Cali’s comment on era order, I remembered that Disney night is rather complicated to stage with a lot of props, special effects and troupe members probably in several numbers. So that might have contributed.
Also, I’m hoping that Lindsey and Mark are still secure with both scores and votes. With everyone from the 3 Stooges to Tom to even Erin remarking about Mark’s creativity and how much it was missed, I expect TPTB wouldn’t want him voted out at the halfway point even in a shock elimination. Whereas, we know Jordan and Lindsay are killing it in scores. But how are they doing in votes? There might be a chance that they are killing it in the votes…..
Yes, I saw that DWTS instastory said that they were dancing through the ages of Disney, so I believe the running order is that of the release dates of the movie themes by design.
@Colleen (re: post #79)
I think I would be slightly disappointed too if Mark decided just to do a “straight” foxtrot. But I can’t think of anything else that would be “un-Mark-like” for Disney night. Maybe he is dressed as the normal human and Lindsey is the Disney character?
:::ahem::: The producers hand out the dances/Disney movie, so they still control the order.
You can’t count on the person in the pimp spot being safe. I wouldn’t use the world “usually”.
Ya’ll need to read all the comments before adding your own, please.
I continue to be amazed that the producers think that Val is the new Derek. I’m comforted by the thought he needs four more wins to even tie Derek. I don’t think Val will win this season either because (my opinion) is that people tend to vote for the best dancer as the winner. I don’t see them in the top four.
I think they are trying to MAKE him into the new Derek just from an audience perspective, Gunny. And he won’t get there in any respect at this point if he hasn’t so far.