Dancing with the Stars Recap: The Top 11 dance the "forbidden dances"


Or one forbidden dance, and three that oughta be

Call me a curmudgeon, but how is the Lambada not really just like the Samba? And how is the Bolero not really just like the Rumba? And isn't the Charleston sort of a Foxtrot on speed (and with more kicks)? And don't get me started on the two-step.

In other words: Meh. Change is bad.

But let's talk about why:

1. The show kicked off with Chuck and Anna dancing the Two-step. Chuck is this season's Billy Ray Cyrus. Or Jerry Springer. Or [insert name of guy who stayed way to long because we as "trying".] I mean, come on. He just sort of stamps around. There is no dance quality. None. He should go home. It's that simple. Bottom line: Despite my ardent wishes, I'm not even sure he'll be at risk!

2. Melissa and Mark danced the Charleston. I'll confess I don't get why the judges went so crazy for this. Did no one else notice her bad posture and slumped shoulders? Was that considered part of her "character"? And did no one else notice she was totally winded at the end? I mean, yes, it was a big improvement for her, but it wasn't all that. IMHO. Bottom Line: Well, I guess she'll be safe, based on judges scoring alone.

3. Natalie and Alec danced the Bolero. Which seemed pretty much like last week's Rumba. She is a little awkward at transitions...she lacks a certain fluidity, but she has terrific lines (hard not to with that body) and very impressive flexibility. You could really see the effort there, and that combo of natural talent and effort will keep her around for a while, I think. Bottom line: Safe.

4. Aaron and Karina danced the forrrrrrbidden dance, the Lambada...and got totally crucified by the judges. A little disproportionately, I think. Sure, it was frenetic, but he has good basic moves and they did some really fun tricks. It did not seem fair that he would score as low as Chuck. Bottom line: Kind of feel like the judges have it in for them, and that might translate into weak voting too.

5. Mark and Lacey danced the Two -Step, and it didn't seem very country to me, how about you? Mark doesn't seem to have great rhythm. It's a shame because he's strong, and flexible, and does good kicks and leaps. But in between anything like that, he isn't really feeling the music. And it shows. Bottom line: Really? Do he and Lacey each and together have that strong a fan base? I keep feeling like his cold approach might eventually leave the audience cold too.

6. Kelly and Louis danced the Charleston. Although she had the occasional quick-step, this was cute. The low self-esteem is getting a little old, but that's just because I'm obviously insensitive and mean. Bottom line: I think she'll be safe again. If Sharon is in the audience, no one will risk her wrath :)

7. Joanna and Derek danced the Lambada. Joanna has fearlessness and good basic skills. And Derek has great choreography. But she does lack a little finesse, and it will hurt them if he doesn't whip her into shape. Her legs weren't really straight on the otherwise impressive repeated spins on the floor. Their last post was this close to falling apart. They are quick and sharp, but she's already at a disadvantage as an unknown supermodel, so he needs to work on her grace and elegance. Bottom line: I wouldn't be surprised if she is at risk for that latter "supermodel" curse reason.

8. Donny and Kym danced the Charleston. Well, what a gimme giving Donny the Charleston. It's completely up his theatrical alley. And no. I didn't actually mean that to sound dirty. This was full of charm, energy and dance authenticity. And blinding Osmondness, don't forget. Bottom line: What's not to love?

9. Michael and Anna danced the Bolero, and I confess: I thought Michael improved the most of anyone form last week to this. I believed his romantic intensity. He made a point of having strong arms. They had good chemistry together. And sure, yes, it was her dancing around him posing. But he posed pretty well :) Bottom line: Good poses or no, I think he'll be at risk again.

10. Louie and Chelsie danced the Two-step. And it was bad. If they escape the bottom 2 it will be due to adorable, pat-you-on-the-head cuteness only.He was stiff and just kind of walked around, while she two-stepped her way straight to CuteOverload status. He had no musicality whatsoever. Bottom line: Ought to be at risk.

11. Mya and Dmitry danced the Lambada.And it was, no surprise, really good. So my only comment really is: Jeez, take it easy on the body oil on Mya and her legs...a little glisten is nice. That much shine looks kinda dirty. Maybe that was the point, but I don't care. Icky. Bottom line: She's very safe. Hence me talking about her oily legs.

Bottom line for the Bottom 2:

If it were me, it would be:
Chuck and Anna
Louie and Chelsie

And Chuck and Anna would be going home.

I'm going to take a wild guess that the Bottom 2 will be:
Michael and Anna
Joanna and Derek

And Michael and Anna will go home.

What do you think?

Posted: Tue - October 13, 2009 at 05:24 PM       EmailFeedback

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