May 10th, 2010 by soullldiva

Five couples are left on Season 10 of Dancing With the Stars:

Niecy and Louis
Nicole and Derek
Evan and Anna
Erin and Maks
Chad and Cheryl

Three couples stand out (ability-wise) as shoo-ins for the semis:

Nicole and Derek
Evan and Anna
Erin and Maks

It is really up in the air for the last spot. Who will survive the cut tomorrow night? As much as I love Niecy, she may just not make it based on her performances. Chad as well. BUT–who knows?? Last season I wished and hoped (and voted) and got my “dream finals”. Anything can happen with a big enough fan base holding their phones in their hands.

This week the stars learned two whole routines with their pros. Tonight was split up into the Ballroom round and the Latin round. The Latin round was to have it’s own slant: the couples drew decades out of the hat to see how they had to theme their Latin dance: 50s, 60s, 80s, 90s and Future (why no 70s?).

Each of the pros sized up each of the stars in segments before the rounds. This was great, I thought, and seemed candid and sometimes a bit harsh with the truth. What was great to hear from the pros mouths was not only notes on technique and precision, but heart, enjoyment, emotion and connection. I like hearing the pros opinions, and this is a segment that you would probably have not seen the first few seasons. The pros are now stars in their own right, and their opinion matters.

Tonight the dancing for most of the couples seemed to be a “two steps forward, one step back” kind of round. Last week was really fabulous all around, but this week seemed to lack a bit.There were three absolute standout dances this evening, and two of them were from the same couple. While everyone worked very hard, I’m going to focus on these three.

Even though they were in the bottom two last week, Erin and Maks’ Argentine Tango really sizzled. And yet Another dress that I’m totally stealing for my tango. The leap and catch off the stage into the upside-down extention was truly dazzling. Beautiful lines and very passionate hold. She just needs to stop making that funny pursing-thing with her lips to approximate anger. I know she’s capable of real emotion, huh? One thing for sure, those two are really good at the double-entendre (“Just jump on me woman!”).

I’m pretty sure we’re in for three more weeks of Nicole completely freaking out about every dance during rehearsals. If I were Derek, I would be pulling out my hair. Nicole, Nicole, Nicole. Let yourself off the hook puh-leeze. We get it that this is not easy for you. And we totally get that you want it to be good–perfect. And you care–LOTS. Bonus points, baby. Just check out this light, funny, charming and cute Foxtrot, full of chemistry and excellent precision dancing.

So that’s the first two stand out dances for me tonight. The second round, the Latin “decades” round is something that I can’t quite fathom and I’m wondering if the execs should just chuck it. I can’t remember it working that well last year, either. I just don’t think that trying to “force” a specific dance into a specific time period just doesn’t actually work. Well, Chad’s seemed to work. But then–a stroke of genius.

When Nicole drew 50s from the hat, Derek stood there, dumbfounded. How in the hell were they supposed to meld the 50s with the Paso Doble? It wouldn’t work. I had an idea that they could do it like the “cool beatniks” in all black and shades, that might work. But what they came up with was just pure brilliance, and at the same time revived the usual tired and overwrought dance that is the Paso.

So it was an interesting night to say the least. And the couple that originally I did not embrace for being a ringer are now fully in my heart. Will my underdog favorite make it into the semi-finals and beyond? We’ll find out tomorrow on the Results show (cross your fingers)!

May 3rd, 2010 by soullldiva

I have to say, this was a pretty darn exciting night on Dancing With the Stars–and the Finals are only three weeks away! This week along with their individual dances the stars and their partners had to team up for the “Cha Cha Challenge” and put together group dances to wow the audiences and get an extra possible 30 points to add to their score.

Erin and Maks are up first with a pretty fancy and cute quickstep–in hot pink, no less. Her dress looked pretty dazzling. Oh, and Maks always looks fiiiiine. Their quickstep was fun and engaging, this is never an easy dance to make look great. I just wish in rehearsals they would stop nagging each other, it’s getting old. Len Goodman declares it’s Erin’s best dance to date. Judges’ Scores: 9-9-9

Chad and Cheryl pull out a pretty interesting Waltz this week. Chad gets an extra bonus with Tony Develani coming in to coach him, lucky him! However, they both look like they’re dressed for a Rumba as the music starts. But Chad comes out leading with grace and finesse. This is I think technically his best dance so far, aside from the Tango last week. But the Waltz is a whole other ball game and he really did well. Judges’ Scores: 8-9-8

Nicole and Derek also do a Waltz this week, to the sappiest song in creation, “You Light Up My Life”. But what a Waltz it is, very standard and traditional, with difficult choreography. Derek always knows how to wow. This was so pretty and graceful. The judges were very picky with her, even after Carrie Ann declares that she’s the best dancer they’ve ever had on the show. I guess the better you are the pickier they can be (that’s usually the way it is). Judges’ Scores:9-9-9

Pam and Damien are up next with their Waltz. And I’m super disappointed in this, it’s just unfortunately…boring. I feel like shaking my finger at Damian for not challenging her more, she’s so up to it. Too bad. Judges’ Scores: 8-8-8

Niecy and Louis are next and I have to say that if Niecy doesn’t make it to the finals I am SO going to miss her comic relief and light-heartedness. The show really needs it when the stars tend to take things too seriously (when you’re invested in something that makes you vulnerable it tends to make you serious, folks). This week they do a Quickstep. Mid-rehearsal Louis gets caught texting Kelly Osbourne and Niecy lays claim to her partner, telling him to put down the phone. Niecy is light, quick-footed, smooth and full of mirth in this fantastic dance. Plus she looks absolutely gorgeous (as she always does). Well done to the both of them on her best dance so far. Folks, let’s keep her out of the bottom two! Niecy is so excited about continuing to dance. Judges’ Scores: 9-8-8

Evan and Anna do the only Argentine Tango of the evening, and they are working super hard with him to not “submit” to the woman in this dance. He has to be sharp and not lyrical. Anna is demanding perfection from him and as an Olympic gold medalist, he can deliver. They do their Tango to “Bust Your Windows”, which is a fabulous choice with the tango thump behind it. Anna wears the most awesome dress ever that I am stealing when I do my Tango with my hubby. Love the black/gold sparkles in the stripes on the top into the velvet short, angled skirt and the big flowers at the hip and the side bun. Really stunning! Evan pulls out all the stops and turns in an amazing performance, full of force, passion, power, aggression and sex. Great chemistry between these two and a hot Argentine Tango. Judges’ Scores: 10-10-10!

Next up are the team cha cha cha dances. I have to hand it to the teams, these were really fantastic this year, and measurably conducted more professionally than last year. Plus, they waited to do this until there were 6 couples instead of 7 and have lop-sided teams. Dancing in teams like this is so hard, especially dancing in synch, much like singing in unison is so hard. If you’re off a little bit everyone can see it. You could really tell that the teams enjoyed working together and it also showed in their performances.

First was team GaGa: Nicole and Derek, Pam and Damian and Chad and Cheryl. This is great and for Nicole’s first cha cha, she hits it out of the park. Chad is super good as well. Pam unfortunately looks a tad lost, like she couldn’t remember her steps. Overall, this is a sex-y dance with 6 really sexy people. Judges’ Scores: 9-9-9

Last was team Madonna: Niecy and Louis, Evan and Anna and Erin and Maks. They get to do their cha cha to “Holiday”, which is a party song if there ever was one. And the costumes! I had to laugh out loud at the Madonna circa 1984 look with lace, bustier and bows. Really super fab, and so different on each girl. My pick for the winner is absolutely team Madonna for sheer fun, great moves and even better concept. Well done to them. Judges’ Scores: 8-8-8 (boo)

What an exciting night! Who has to go home tomorrow? I don’t want to see anyone go home… Tune in tomorrow!

April 27th, 2010 by soullldiva

A lot of the ladies on my forum that I chat with said last Tuesday night: “Ding dong, the witch is dead”. And with that, my least favorite contestant of all time left Dancing With the Stars. She goes on to her new TLC show where she gives people relationship advice. Hmm.

OK–ONWARD. And all of those stars that are left are real contenders for the semis and finals on season 10. Tonight are two dances, one tough and the other even tougher. The Samba and the Argentine Tango, which is my all-time favorite ballroom dance. So I will be tough tonight.

Jake and Chelsie seem to have stumbles frequently, and this week was no exception. I have to give it to him, he sure knows how to recover and there is nothing like a big stumble in your dance to bring you completely out of it, and it’s a challenge to finish (another Tom Bergeron moment: “I hope you enjoyed our salt in the wound slow motion replay”). Pretty good on the Samba, which I think is one of the toughest dances to look good in. Judges’ Scores: 7-7-7

Next are Evan and Anna, who also have the Samba. More Hips, More Hips! More hips because Anna will smash your head to the ground if you don’t! Ouch, man. He was so lucky he’s okay, I would not have wanted my neck torqued that way. Their Samba is super good, and Evan even does the Samba rolls well, which are super hard. These two have great chemistry together as well. Bruno gets on him for his lines being too lyrical for the Samba. Carrie echoed him, and Len said it was his worst dance. Bah Humbug, geez!! Judges’ Scores: 7-7-7

Niecy and Louis are the first Argentine Tango of the night. And she asks “Has anyone ever done a funny Argentine Tango?” I want Louis to bust her butt on technique so she gets better scores. He does not disappoint, and I hope it can translate to the dance floor. Good girl on the develope! Keep the cookie away from her, Louis! I thought she worked hard and they did a great job, big improvement. Carrie thinks she’s in the zone, Len thought it was great and Bruno wanted her to stay away from his lunchbox. Judges’ Scores: 7-7-7

Erin and Maks bicker like a married couple (oh, right), and he begs her to stay out of her head and just dance. Please do! I’m trying to figure out what the heck she is wearing and my husband says as he walks across the room: “when are you getting pasties like hers?” My friend who was visiting swore they were going to rip off that feather tutu and it just never happened. Maks’ sleeves and shirt came off, though. Thank you Maks. I thought their Samba was decent, but a little forced. And oh boy, Len did NOT like the non-proper Samba and Maks talked BACK! I have never seen that from a pro before. Whew! Judges’ Scores: 9-7-9

Chad drags Cheryl back to Cincinnati for the Bengals draft party in order to get energized. After they get back for rehearsals, Cheryl tells Chad to manhandle her in the Argentine Tango. She really wants him to lead. He’s strong and forceful and his steps are more precise this week. He’s worked hard and it shows. But IMO Cheryl is still leading. The only partner I think she didn’t lead with was Gilles Marini (ooh, Gilles). Judges’ Scores: 8-8-8

I’m not sure what Nicole’s deal is, but she is over over over analyzing everything and driving Derek crazy. Just dance girl, because you can. Their Samba is the partiest, sexiest, gyratingest samba I’ve ever seen. They do a fantastic job of really engaging the audience and it seems like Carnivale is happening in the soundstage. No more insecurities for Nicole, baby. Len grinds them for not having any voltas or botafogos, two essential moves in the Samba. Judges’ Scores: 9-7-10

My underdog favorite is next, Pam and Damian, doing the Argentine Tango. Pam is such a trooper and a pro, she’s been in the bottom two the last two weeks after great dances, and she just presses on. She looks great in a brunette wig and really looks like Raquel Welch, although Bruno calls her Angelina. They dance really great and do some awesome lifts. Every once in a while she looks slightly awkward on her feet, but it doesn’t affect her character. This chick really knows how to act the dance and carries it over to the interviews (“I like being on top”). Some may say that the sexy is just second nature to her and big deal. But I say that it takes skill and style to use it in the dance and make it work. And while she borders on overly bawdy sometimes, she always manages to keep it clean and put a really great humor spin to it. Judges’ Scores: 7-7-8

The Swing Dance Marathon is new, and I love that they have integrated these more realistic style heats into the show. This is what dance competitions look like. Many couples out on the floor, where anything can happen and elbows and ankles do fly. The spectacular thing about Swing is the lifts (“ooh mother of sweet baby air!” exclaims Nicole), they are always fun to watch. Chad seems to think he can strategize his way through this with x’s and o’s and while that’s cute, I don’t think so.

All the couples look so adorable in their bright colors. The guys wear suspenders and the girls halter dresses and spectator pumps. Much fun ensues, and it’s super cute. But the couples are eliminated one by one until they are down to the winners Nicole and Derek (didn’t he win last year in the Mambo Marathon?). They get to add a whole 10 points to their Judges’ Scores for the evening.

Who will be eliminated tonight? I’m biting my nails in anticipation…

April 19th, 2010 by soullldiva

Tonight on Dancing With the Stars they are continuing with themes and rolling out “Movie Night”–a theme with great possibilities. We’ve already seen The Mask from Julianne and Helio, and Star Wars from Kym and Joey (seasons 5 & 4), which were absolutely unforgettable. Can we hope for some more unforgettable dances tonight? I really hope so!

So a few dances in and everyone is doing fine, I’m just not very…excited. The scores are a little on the low-end as well. When will I sit up in my seat and my pulse quicken?

Here comes Erin and Maks! They’re doing their ode to Pulp Fiction, Uma Thurman/John Travolta and the Jack Rabbit Slim’s twist contest. Here is some fun, excitement and great dancing. I thought they did really well, even if there is a little too much cute bickering before in the rehearsals (but are they really dating? That’s the rumor…). They are basically saying there’s something going on, but being very coy about it. Judges’ Scores: 8-7-7

And surprise, surprise (for me), Jake and Chelsie’s tribute to Risky Business was also really fun and well done. I think Jake is a real underdog that might last a while more. I was delighted to see that he did the first 8 bars without pants–a true ode to that iconic image of Tom Cruise from the movie. Judge’s Scores: 8-7-8 (big improvement for him)!

Pam and Damien’s Quickstep to “9 to 5″ (from the movie of the same name) was amazingly cute and Pam is improving even more, every week. I felt that the dance itself had odd musicality with the song, but what do I know–pretty much nothing about the Quickstep. Oh, and Len blasted them for waiting to dance for 16 bars (big no-no in Len’s book). Judges’ Scores: 7-6-8

At this point with Kate (SAVE TONY!!), I am fed up and really tired of watching her. I have never felt this negative about a star on Dancing With the Stars before, and it brings me down, man, and I don’t LIKE being negative. The show would feel so much lighter without her (hint hint, America).

Nicole and Derek bring me back up to happiness with a truly amazing (and really really fast) Tango to “Pretty Woman” (from the movie of the same name). Their cute little comedic timing bits fit in really well with the lightning quick movements–and also made the slow moments matter even more. Super work from the two of them. Judges’ Scores: 10-9-10 (woo hoo)!

Finally Evan and Anna’s Rumba to “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” from Armageddon. FINALLY a Rumba costume that I actually like!! Let me tell you, Evan knows how to do lines and arms like nobody’s business. His hips are good, but could use a little more looseness, but I’ll take it. Gawd, I love that dress. Judges’ Scores: 9-9-9

I know I didn’t talk about everyone, but I just want to leave the other dancers be, especially since my favorite, Niecy hasn’t done well for the judges two weeks in a row. If you have a spare vote, she could use it!

Who will be eliminated tomorrow night?  Will Kate survive another week to whine more? Will underdogs Pam and Niecy stay out of the bottom 3? Let’s all tune in to find out tomorrow night on ABC.

April 6th, 2010 by soullldiva

Tonight on Dancing With the Stars, the judges submitted a NEW challenge to the stars and their pros: Telling a Story! This is so up my alley I can barely contain myself. Dance as a Story is MY BAG.

Whew! Let’s start the show.

Ooh! We get examples of the Waltz, the Paso Doble and the Quickstep from our beautiful pros, what the stars should aspire to do. And THERE’S Lacey Schwimmer! So fantastic to see her on the DWTS floor.

First up is Evan and Anna, doing the Quickstep to the “Hot Honey Rag” from Chicago. OMG the Quickstep is really a super, super hard dance and Evan did wonderfully. I didn’t see a tremendous story except in the very beginning. The lady kept the man waiting. But then they just danced. Ok, not an A+ in my book, but really great on the dancing! OH, and just to add to that: THEN we find out in the fishtank that Evan has two broken toes. Cripes boy, what a pro! Judges’ scores: 9-8-8

Before we go to commercial, they give us previews of what’s to come in the rehearsal rooms: stress stress stress, drama drama drama, tears tears tears. Looks like we’re in for it, folks!

Next is Buzz Aldrin, who is hangin’ in there and promoting the space program, by gum! They have a story that could really be a tear-jerker; a daughter greeting her father back from war. Ashly his pro is so really sweet to him and just keeps him on the right track. He did a great job and he looked good. The judges try to be as kind as possible, but he knows that he’s not really that great and it’s all good. Judge’s scores: 5-4-4

Jake and Chelsie are up after the break, and they’re doing the Quickstep to “Walk Like an Egyptian”. What? Ok, gotta see if this can work. And there is stress in the rehearsal room. Frustration! Put it into the dance, folks. Seems like the frustration paid off, they do very well. Lots of props, too, which I thought they weren’t supposed to use. Anyway, they are super fast across the floor and the performance and storytelling is good. The judges pick at his frame and legs, which are a bit soft. Judges’ scores: 7-7-7

Nicey and Louis are next and they choose a story that is close to both of them (if I’m not mistaken, Louis is gay), a interracial couple falling in love in the 60′s, a time when in some places it was actually still illegal. This is a different side to Nicey, and very genuine and sweet. It affected her to put herself in the place of the role she was playing. ACTING! BRILLIANT! Louis did a fantastic job on choreography, and her ivory dress with the various panels really brought the most out of it during the spins. I felt that she was very graceful, even in the face of a stumble at the beginning. Their song was a world class duet from Billy Preston and Syreeta (“With You I’m Born Again”) and really added to the story. The judges really love Nicey, but were picky about the stumble and her technique, which she needs to work on. I disagreed with Carrie Ann that the story was confusing, and it didn’t have a happy ending. But that wasn’t the point of the story. I felt Nicey’s intoxication with a love that fills her heart, but the danger of knowing how society will react and possibly retaliate. She was super vulnerable, and Louis, too. This is first-rate dance as a story. Judges’ scores: 7-7-7

Mr. Ochocinco and Cheryl are next with the fiery Paso Doble, set to this fantastic song sung by Antonio Bandaras in the beginning of the movie “Desperado” (love it). Chad does pretty darn well with it (even after the rehearsal drama). Very powerful and dynamic. He really focused on Cheryl and wanted the girl. Great comeback from last week! Judges’ scores: 7-6-7

Miss Pam and Damien are next. They were the surprise in the bottom two last week, since she was such a crowd-pleaser. This week they’re back with the Paso Doble–their story is of a woman and the bull-fighter. She loves him, but she hates what he does as an animal activist (they are very cruel to the bulls in bullfighting). She looked fabulous and did a great job telling the story. She’s not just a blonde bombshell, that’s not all she can do. The routing seemed at times a little sloppy, but I think that was just her passion. She did great. Judges’ scores: 7-7-7 (lots of 21s tonight)

Aiden and Edyta are next and we see that even though he had a comeback last week, he was super nervous and actually vomited backstage (thanks ABC for blurring the gross stuff out). They are doing the Quickstep tonight and things are lighter for the two of them as they celebrate his birthday and his wife and beautiful 7 month old girl come in with cake (Edyta eats cake?). Their dance is pretty good, but I realize that I completely missed what their story was supposed to be. Len says that he was a bit careful, and I didn’t see that, but I did see his shoulders way up by his ears. I’m sure he’s nervous as hell, with a stomach to match. Judges’ scores: 7-6-7

Erin and Maks are next with a Waltz telling a story of trust: Erin has to dance over half of their waltz while BLINDFOLDED. It was pointed out to me by a reader that Erin actually does have prior dance experience, so I’m not looking at her in quite the same way this week, but she really is graceful. I thought it was a really beautifully done by both of them. Judges’ scores: 8-7-8

Kate and Tony are next with a Paso Doble done to “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga, a song that speaks directly to Kate, because they follow her wherever she goes. Kate can’t seem to connect with Tony for the passion and anger, and he calls in an acting coach. She sees a lot of emotion that is bottled up inside, and it needs to come out. Do we really want Kate Gosselin letting all her emotions out? Hmmm…During the dance she comes at Tony with intention and anger, but she steps around the floor like she has clogs on her feet. Not a lot of grace. Tons better than last week, though. Carrie Ann said it was “odd”. Judges’ scores: 5-5-5

Nicole and Derek have the Quickstep and their story is two sailors slacking off to “Anything Goes”. Nicole freaks out a little at the difficulty of the dance, she’s scared. The dance is A-MA-ZING. Really first rate. And I love that this wasn’t Nicole’s “Pussy Cat Doll” card. It was completely opposite of what she is used to doing. Super cute and technically hard as hell. And…not a Quickstep, according to the judges. Too bad. But true. Loved it. Judges’ scores: 8-6-9

And who will be the surprise elimination this week? Tune in tonight to ABC and find out! (then be like me and watch LOST, because you just can’t get enough suspense) ;o)