Dancing with the Stars recap: The Top 4


Oh, America, what have you done?

Much as I don't think Lil Kim was going to win, I'm still a little peeved that she's gone...particularly because it was to save Ty. I'm just going to get all the bitter out right now about that, so that I can try to be much nicer below. Because, dudes, Ty may have improved a lot, but it doesn't mean he's approached even how good the other three in the top four were on week two. He's still stiff as a board (although not, I'm sure, light as a feather.) And I'm actually kind of over his whole "macho" cowboy manly man packaging to, BTW. Because doesn't he pretty much look like a younger version of Ross Perot? OK, I think I'm going too far. Let's get on to the recap.

Each couple danced one ballroom and one Latin, just like last week, so here goes:

1. Melissa and Tony

Their ballroom dance was the Quick Step. This was fun and frothy and lovely. And certainly entertaining. I can see why it didn't get perfect 10s. If we're being picky, I didn't actually see all the heel leads all the time that Len has been harping on her about. And it didn't have quite the effervescence of the my favorite DWtS Quick Step of all time: Julianne and Apolo's form a few seasons back. disagree that her soul wasn't in it, or that she doesn't look like she's having "fun"...but would agree that that "fun" doesn't seem to spill over into "joy". It's a big problem on American Idol too, by the way, when singers can't seem to infuse their singing with joy...or perhaps "passion" is really the right word that applies to singing/dancing both of upbeat and melancholy/dramatic pieces.

Their Latin dance was the Cha Cha Cha. This was very nice and very precise and accurate. Again, I felt that it wasn't the most dynamic Cha Cha Cha I ever saw, and it makes me start to wonder about Tony and the choreography. How far has he actually gotten in this competition...what's the highest he's ever placed? Because I'm trying to remember if he's made it this far before, and if not: Could it be that he doesn't come up with the kind of snazzy "crowd-pleasing" steps that would get a couple this far regularly. (Bonus points for recognizing my movie reference!)

Bottom line: Well, I hope to GOD they are safe for the final, but I tend to think if Ty is going to knock out anyone else that he in no way deserves to knock out, it will once again be on of the women.

2. Gilles and Cheryl

Their ballroom dance was the Waltz. I get that this was simple and lovely and very very well-executed. But where was the criticism that at this stage of the competition they expect more content? Because they hand out that criticism pretty freely, usually, and I thought it was really true about this. There were no great little details in this (as opposed to some of the other routines.) Yes, great to perfectly execute, but when it's so simple, is it still a 10? I didn't get the judges' raves, in other words. Or lack of complaints about lack of content.

Their Latin dance was the Salsa. This was really very good...better than their waltz, I thought. And yes, excellent hip action from Gilles :) Although, I might not have gone so far as Bruno did to say "Lil Kim is alive and well, and she's hiding in your pants!" Um, OK, hope his wife doesn't mind!

Bottom line: Oh, Gilles is beyond safe. And to think people thought his lack of fan base in the US would hurt him. You know why it didn't? Because he's actually also really good.

3. Shawn and Mark

Their ballroom dance was the Argentine Tango

See, this had the detail that Gilles and Cheryl's Waltz did not. Sure, you could say the Tango is a more intricate dance, but they had lots of quality and small details even when they were in the transition portions of the routine. As always, lots of difficulty. And as always, lots of sharpness and precision. I thought this deserved every 10 it got.

Their Latin dance was the Jive. I actually didn't love this for two reasons. She seemed a bit behind the beat at times...worse as it progressed and at the very fastest parts. And Mark continues to be annoyingly over-expressive. And you know I don't say that very often. Finally, I also felt this routine didn't have enough *dancing*, which I guess is exactly what Len meant when he said he wanted to see less jumping about and more steps.

Bottom line: LIke I said above: If America is CRAZY, and keeps Ty...it will be a woman who suffers. I hope it's not Shawn.

4. Ty and Chelsie

Their ballroom dance was the Viennese Waltz. Wow, this was really bad...worse than I expected it would be when it started. But his nerves seemed to get to him and by the end? Well, let's just say Chelsie is lucky he did not drop her on her ass during one of the spins. Look, he totally has improved. But his very best is never going to get past the level most people reach on week 3 or 4. He's plodding and stiff and has no grace or fluidity to his movements. Good posture should only carry one so far. In a dancing competition.

Their Latin dance was the Samba. So, you know, not a total joke at all. Which is NOT THE CRITIQUE YOU WANT TO GIVE DURING THE SEMI-FINALS!!!!! OK, I guess I didn't get all my bitter out up above. 'nuff said.

Bottom line: Do you even need to ask?

I think it will be Ty and Melissa in the Bottom 2, and I certainly think Ty can and should go home. Will he? Let's hope so. Enough is enough. You've had your fun, America, and I'm sure it was hard to warm to rapper/felon Lil Kim...I'm proud you did as much as you did. But now you've got a Dallas Coboy cheerleader, a gold-medalist and a fine, fine Frenchman. Isn't that enough for you? Isn't it!!??

But what did you think? :)

Posted: Tue - May 12, 2009 at 05:28 PM       EmailFeedback

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