Dancing with the Stars recap: The Top 13 and the "sexiest night of the season"


Kinda shooting their wad early, aren't they?

I'm not sure I'd bill the 3rd week of competition (out of about 10 more to go) the sexiest it's gonna get. But hey, they've been doing this a while, maybe they know something I don't?

So yes, it was Latin Week at Dancing with the Stars, and couples were going to have to tackle the the romantic, sensual Rumba or the sexy, sizzling Samba. Whether they have to get their hips moving slow and sensual or fast and furious, it tends to be tough for the celebs, particularly the guys. But they made valiant efforts!

1. Mark and Lacey kicked off with a Rumba.
My first reaction was that he didn't do much. She danced around him (which is fairly typical of what the male celebs get to get away with). but I must confess: I was so transfixed by Lacey's ugly ugly shoes to notice much about the dance. They were seriously unflattering to her legs, I'll just say that. It was so transfixing that we went and watched the dance over again, and that's when we actually saw that he was doing some moves, but they were a little too sharp and too hard for the Rumba. Bottom line: I think he'll be safe, but it wasn't a great week for him.

2. Joanna and Derek danced the Samba.
This was a hard routine, so when she carried it off...particularly with sharp arms and good hip action...it was impressive. However, her weakness is, well, her weakness. Her last pose was terrible, and at other times it was clear she was losing her stamina. Bottom line: She's generally really good, so I don't think she's at risk...but pretty models tend to go early, so she'll need to step it up.

3. Mya and Dmitry danced the Rumba.
Well, as I said when this wrapped up: Can't argue with that. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Mya is a ringer. Seriously, three weeks in, only a ringer could exhibit such flexibility and musicality and aptitude for tough choreography. Bottom line: She's safe.

4. Melissa and Mark danced the Samba.
She made a good effort, but much of the time she seemed stilted and wore the furrowed brow of concern. Bottom line: I fear she's at risk with this performance.

5. Louie and Chelsie danced the Rumba.
OK, I guess they're a cute little couple. And he does remind me of the Breckin Meyer character in Clueless. But I thought this was a bit overrated. Chelsie was amazing...she always has the best legs/hips, but that mean t she overshadowed him a bit too much. Also, the choreography was a bit frantic for my taste. (I know, I sound like Len.) Bottom line: They do have chemistry, and I do think they're safe.

6. Debi and Maks danced the Samba
Game over. She looked really confused and concerned the entire time. I don't think she did enough to escape being in the Bottom Two again. Bottom Line: Further, I think time might be up for Debi! Sure, there are a couple of couples who deserve to go home more, but I don't think she's pulling in the votes.

7. Donny and Kym danced the Rumba/
It was brave of Kym to give Donny a solo and shine the spotlight right on him, but he didn't step up to the challenge and commit with his hips. He was OK, but this was the first time he couldn't rely purely on his performance charm, and he was not as good as the first two weeks. But a good effort...and if he only brought the looseness he exhibited right *after* the performance (in that weird performance with Bruno, wha'?) it would have been even better. Bottom line: Do you need to ask? He is safe.

8. MIchael and Anna danced the Samba.
Oh dear. When he could just groove freestyle, he had some moments. But mostly, this was very constrained and not very good at all. Bottom line: Oh, if he weren't a famous football player, he'd be bottom two for sure!

9. Natalie and Alec danced the Rumba.
I agree with Carrie Anne, I really like Natalie. Mostly she has the most beautiful body. Long, lean, strong but not scary skinny. Great lines, and great potential. Sometimes her face looked a little embarrassed to be doing this sexy dance, but otherwise I thought she did a pretty great job. Bottom line: She's safe.

10. Chuck and Anna danced the Samba.
This was not his dance at all. He had no looseness or action in his hips at all. He may have worked very hard, but it was pretty bad. Now, just like Michael Irvin, Chuck seems like a "sports" guy who will be cut a lot of slack. So. Bottom line: I think he should go, but he will be safe.

11. Aaron and Karina danced the Rumba.
This had really good moments, but he was a little over the top. And he was more focused on the audience than on his partner. Not only that, but he doesn't have a lot of upper body strength, so he seemed like sometimes he was going to not be able to support Karina with some of the tricks. Bottom line: Despite those weaknesses, he has a lot of advantages, and I think he'll be safe.

12. Tom and Cheryl danced the Samba.
Call me crazy, but I don't enjoy watching someone injure themselves to be on a reality talent show. It made me uncomfortable...especially when he was swiveling his hips. Although I'll admit the discomfort at that point wasn't about his broken feet. But broken feet aside, this was pretty bad...I mean he was counting out loud throughout the beginning. That's just wrong. It was also a really slow, leisurely samba through most of it. Bottom line: Should be at risk, and if everyone felt as uncomfortable as I was watching him dance through the pain, they may want to put him out of his misery.

13. Kelly and Louis danced the Samba.
Ooh. how she has lost her confidence and verve. She was looking so worried, looking at her feet, looking blank. Not good. I think she'll still get that underdog vote, but people may only stick with her another week before they get tired of her unconfidence. Bottom line: She might even be at risk this week!

Bottom line for the Bottom Two:

Lots of people were not so good, and only a few were great. That means a lot of people are at risk.

I think the bottom two should be:
Michael and Anna
Chuck and Anna

...with Michael and Anna going home.

but I think the bottom two might instead be:
Debi and Maks
Tom and Cheryl

...with Debi and Maks going home.

But what did you think?

Posted: Tue - October 6, 2009 at 04:30 PM       EmailFeedback

©