On Monday, September 19, 2011, Season 13 of “Dancing with the Stars” featured a unique cast of characters, including descendents of music royalty, a hero, someone who made us scream, reality stars, athletes and recognizable ladies of television talk. Personally, I had no real expectations from any one of these people impressing me with their footwork. Surprisingly, a few people I had mentally written off as duds did well.
In the Lead
Chynna Phillips, Wilson Phillips front woman and child of Mamas and Papas John and Michelle Phillip, received a 22 for her Viennese waltz with Tony Dovolani. I was surprised at how well she did for a first week. Of course, Tony’s and her extra white smiles blinded the audience. She’s one of my picks for the finale as of now.
J.R. Martinez was burned while serving in the Army, driving his truck over a landmine. He became an actor, playing on the soap opera “All My Children.” He danced with finalist Karina Smirnoff. They did a Viennese waltz with a few challenging moves. It actually was good. I don’t think he’d be voted off the first wee anyway because of his story. The couple tied with Chynna & Tony for the lead.
Hope Solo, U.S. soccer team goalkeeper, performed the Viennese waltz with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Solo claimed that she had no rhythm, but she danced a respectable Viennese waltz. If she follows the judges’ suggestions and becomes more elegant, she could be a finalist. The couple earned a 21 for their efforts.
Ricki Lake danced the Viennese waltz with Derek Hough, two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champion. Derek knows how to bring the best out of his partners, much like other champions Cheryl Burke and his sister Julian Hough. It was a basic Viennese waltz with technique and style. I expect them to make it to the semifinals once Ricki gets her footwork together. The judges gave them a 20.
The Middle is Anyone’s Game
Kristin Cavallari of “The Hills” had a little bit of rhythm, I have to say. She danced with Mark Ballas. You could tell she was nervous, but if I had to pick a possible finalist, she would be the one. Bruno gave us a foretaste of upcoming nonsensical statements. I don’t like reality stars, but I may become a fan of hers if she keeps improving on the dance floor. Of course, she could suffer the same fate as her fellow “Hills” alum, Audrina Patridge. Kristin & Mark earned a 19 for their cha cha cha.
David Arquette was the refreshing surprise of the night. I expected goofiness and for him to joke around. David danced with reigning “Dancing with the Stars” champion Kym Johnson, performing a Viennese waltz. At times, he looked like a high-school kid trying to dance to feet painted on the floor. Other times, he seemed to have the steps right. Courtney Cox and his daughter Coco cheered him on the audience. It was good to hear that he’s been sober for eight months. David & Kym earned a respectable first-week score of 18.
Carson Kressley danced a cha cha cha with Anna Trebunskaya. It reminded me of a 1970s disco movie. It was really entertaining and fun, but he needs to work on technique a little more. He could be a contender for the prize, though. We have to see Carson do the elegant dances to be score. Some people are just better at fast dances. The couple earned a 17, a number that could put dancers on the border of elimination.
Chaz Bono, known as the child of Sonny and Cher, tied with Carson, earning a 17 for the cha cha cha. Whoever made the couple choices picked the right professional in Lacey Schwimmer; she seems to work well with quirky and unconventional stars and people who may not be in the best shape. I was surprised that their cha cha cha wasn’t as flatfooted as I expected.
Rob Kardashian, better known as the brother of Kim and Khloe, got one of the best dancers of the show’s entire run, two-time winner Cheryl Burke. They performed a Viennese waltz, earning a 16. Although Rob was a little stiff, he actually looked like he has potential. He had that look of someone counting in his head. Like Len said, “I’m not impressed, but I’m not depressed.”
Nancy Grace danced with “Dancing with the Stars” newcomer Tristan McManus, tying with Rob & Cheryl. During the rehearsal, it was funny hearing Tristin tell Nancy to be sexy. Of course, their dance started with homage to her job as a journalist. Nancy surprised me. Grace did well for a first dance. The shot of her twin girl picking her nose was priceless.
In Need of Salvation
Elisabetta Canalis, better known as one of George Clooney’s old girlfriends, is a model and well-known Italian television personality. She danced the cha cha cha with Val Chmerkovskiy, the little brother of “Dancing with the Stars” veteran Maksim. She seemed like she was posing for a model shoot at times. The couple earned a 15 for their dance. If she could drop the model quirks, there’s a chance for her to win the voters over.
Ron Artest said he joined the cast because his four-year-old daughter, a cancer survivor, asked him. His professional partner Peta Murgatroyd began her first season on “Dancing with the Stars.” They opened the show with the cha cha cha. It was stiff and lacked technique. At least, they looked like they were having fun. Hopefully, Ron will loosen up if he avoids elimination. The judges gave them a 14 for their effort.
Conclusion
I admit that I had no interest in the people chosen for Season 13 of “Dancing with the Stars.” I started viewing the first show with a negative attitude; however, some of the new cast members surprised me. I usually make predictions of who I think will be eliminated. I don’t know who will because I don’t know who may have grabbed the voters’ attention. If I had to make a guess though, I’d say Elisabetta Canalis because she is the least known in the United States.
Leader Board
Chynna Phillips & Tony Dovolani 8 7 7 = 22
J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff 8 7 7 = 22
Hope Solo & Maksim Chmerkovskiy 7 7 7 = 21
Ricki Lake & Derek Hough 7 6 7 = 20
Kristin Cavallari & Mark Ballas 7 6 6 = 19
David Arquette & Kym Johnson 6 6 6 = 18
Carson Kressley & Anna Trebunskaya 6 5 6 = 17
Chaz Bono & Lacey Schwimmer 6 5 6 = 17
Rob Kardashian & Cheryl Burke 6 5 5 = 16
Nancy Grace & Tristan McManus 5 5 6 = 16
Elisabetta Canalis & Valentin Chmerkovskiy 5 5 5 = 15
Ron Artest & Peta Murgatroyd 5 4 5 = 14
Source:
http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/index