“Dancing with the Stars” Monday night (October 17) continued with their theme weeks, this time being in the 1980s. Granted, the 80s had its moments in hideous fashion and hairstyles, but the music was certainly livelier. A new leader finally emerged on the DWTS leader board knocking the three-week champion off their perch. Some of the stars improved while others stayed stagnant in their performances. Starting off the show wasn’t the competition, but the girl group, The Bangles, performing a medley of their two hits “Eternal Flame” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.” They returned once again before the start of the second half of the competition with their first hit song “Manic Monday.”
Hope Solo
They danced the tango to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” that Len said was “too willowy.” One of the problems of dancing first is, if you don’t have a memorable dance, it gets lost in the shuffle. This was certainly the case with Hope and Maks. Hope’s ending didn’t make any sense. It simply was not well-executed. 24
Carson Kressley
Every week he brings a big smile to my face and makes me laugh. Even though they were the second couple out I still remember Carson and his performance, though technique-wise not so good, because he always stands out unlike Hope Solo being completely forgettable (except on the soccer field). Carson and Anna were channeling their inner-cheerleaders to Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” To say it was a mess is an understatement, but it was fun and entertaining in its own way. I agree with Anna when she said once he leaves “Dancing with the Stars” it will not be as exciting. Eventually Carson will have to go, but the jive was a difficult dance, so he should stay at least one more week. Sadly, they received the lowest scores of the night. 19
Nancy Grace
Speaking of cheerleaders, Nancy use to be one, but did not channel it for her rumba. She is doing decently, but needs to listen more to her partner. On the dance floor she shows no personality, unlike on her show “Nancy Grace.” The only thing I liked about their rumba was the song choice by Spandau Ballet’s “True.” 22
J.R. Martinez
When I read he was dancing the samba I got very worried, because it is a difficult dance due to its constant rhythm, especially for the male celebrity dancers. I need not worry about Jose Rene Martinez any longer. He literally nailed it from start to finish. Dancing to “Conga” by the Miami Sound Machine, which later became Gloria Estefan, was a perfect 80s song for the samba. Their costumes suited the dance to a “T.” Every time J.R. and Karina have taken to the dance floor I love seeing their mini production number. This time J.R. was playing the timbales while Karina was the show girl. Of course they received a rousing standing ovation, but was later disappointed they did not get all “10s.” At least they got one from Bruno. 28
Rob Kardashian
I’m glad to see he’s improving and his rumba was certainly better than Nancy Grace’s. It was nice for Romeo, who was on last season, to help him out in the rehearsal video. I like seeing when they go on field trips or some expert comes into the studio to help out the celebrity. Rob and Cheryl’s rumba was to Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” 25
Chaz Bono
Thanks to his dance partner Lacey Schwimmer; she invited her father to help Chaz out with his samba in the studio. Lacey’s father, Buddy Schwimmer, is also a swing dance champion. Once they got to the dance floor Chaz moved around more than ever before. Finally he seemed a lot more relaxed and at ease. Buddy’s efforts did indeed pay off. They had a cute opening where they are at the bar dancing to Kool and the Gang’s “Get Down on it.” 21
David Arquette
Not only has Rob Kardashian improved, but so has David. Before, I always thought he looked awkward and stiff, but he was totally in control Monday night. I loved their tango to “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. It was the right song to fit their 80s style punk/goth costumes. Slowly but surely David is peeling off the layers and showing his true talents. Please keep it up David and make this a real dance competition. David and Kym deserved higher scores. This was my second favorite dance of the night. 25
Ricki Lake
Ricki and Derek are no longer golden for the time being. It was due time for a new champion to take them off their throne. Out of the couples in contention for the mirror ball trophy they had the worst dance. Ricki’s costume was hideous, the worst I’ve ever seen on the show. Their foxtrot did not work at all to the Phil Collins song “Easy Lover.” That is more of a freestyle song than for the ballroom. For some reason they had an off night, which happens to us all. However, it was great seeing John Waters, the film director of the 1988 “Hairspray”, come to the rehearsal studio to visit Ricki. 24
Tuesday night’s results show will have Kelly Clarkson and country sensation, The Band Perry as musical guests. Unfortunately one couple will be eliminated. It is now at the point of the competition where the entertaining and popular, but who cannot dance, couples start going home. That means it could be Carson’s or Chaz’s turn. One thing I would like to see is Carson Kressley taking over Brooke Burke’s duties interviewing the couples after their dance. He would have everyone laughing (instead of cringing).
SOURCES:
Dancing with the Stars, ABC.go.com
Allyssa Lee, “‘Dancing with the Stars’ recap: ’80s Week,” LATimes.com
Ann Oldenburg, “‘Dancing with the Stars’ Week 5: Men take top spots”, USAToday.com