Dancing with the Stars Recap: The Top 10...you know, they're all pretty likable!


But someone has still gots to go.

Last night the Top 10 took to the floor with two dances that call for drama and passion: The Argentine Tango and the Paso Doble. They ended up leaving me pleasantly surprised, and not really sure how eliminations are going to.

They also did a Hustle group number, which is better left unsaid. Mostly because of the unfortunate wig styling that the men, particularly, were subjected to. I mean, who could concentrate on the dancing when the men's heads were being attached by rabid furry animals?

So, how did they do with their dramatic solo dances?

1. Natalie and Alec did the first Paso Doble of the night. She's a tiny bit robotic, but she has a welcome precision and sharpness that many of the other celebs could stand to add to their list of attributes. The choreography seemed very difficult, and she acquitted herself with aplomb. Also, and I know I've said this before and sound a little stalker-y, but seriously: I want her body. She has this really long, strong, well-proportioned body. If I could look like anyone, I think it would be her. Body-wise anyway. Bottom line: I think she's safe.

2. Aaron and Karina performed the first Argentine Tango of the night. And I loved this choreography! It was hot and hard. And in both the dirty and non-dirty way! Aaron did a much better job this week, reining in his more over-the-top tendencies. He's got great lines when he strikes a post, but he does seem a bit unsteady on his feet sometimes...which is especially distracting with all the lifts this routine involved. Still, I really enjoyed this piece. Bottom line: I'm wondering if he was in the Bottom 2 last week because there was some silly tabloid stuff about Maks and Karina's break-up. Do any of you follow that? I'm dying to know, but refuse to click myself :) I hope he'll be safe this week.

3. Michael and Anna danced the Paso Doble. I've been thinking this guy should head home since the beginning, but I have to say he won me over last night y really throwing himself into this dance. He is strong and intense. He could extend his limbs more, but I bought it, I really did. Now, do I think he's going to land in the finals and be one of the better dancers? No. But Bottom line: I also don't think he deserves to go home tonight!

4. Mya and Dmitry danced an Argentine Tango, which I missed due to a TiVo malfunction. I don't even want to get into it, because it's been broken for ages, and *someone* was supposed to have fixed it or gotten us a new one by now...and no, we don't want the DirecTV DVR. We want an honest-to-God DirecTivo, and apparently we're in between having stopped selling the old ones and having started selling new ones since they reviied their partnership. However, without even seeing it, it seemed obvious that: Bottom Line: She's going to be safe. 'Cause she's a ringer.

5. Mark and Lacey danced the Paso Doble, and it was also pretty good. Mark is also very strong and adds these cool leaps. His hands were terrible last night, but I think he'll get by, despite the fact he kind of leaves me cold. Bottom line: He's likely safe.

6. Donny and Kym danced a sublime Argentine Tango. Yes, I said "sublime". It was great. Smooth, elegant. My only critique: Sometimes Donny looked like he was working a little too hard to lift the 99-pound Kym off the ground. BUt that was quickly forgotten when I was mesmerized by his blinding Osmondness. Bottom line: Oh, come on. Safe.

7. Louie and Chelsie danced the Argentine Tango. Yes, he's sort of adorable in an oh-I-want-to-put-you-in-my-pocket-(and-take-you-to-the-barbershop-for-your-very-first-haircut kind of way. But, oh. ma. gah. He can't dance. Seriously. OK, this heated up mid-way through, and he was able to keep a straight face...you know, so points for that. But he didn't do much...once again, Chelsie danced all around him. Bottom line: He oughta be at risk. He oughta be going home.

8. Melissa and Mark danced an Argentine Tango. Does no one else see her horrible bad posture due to slumped shoulders? I guess it kind of fit her characters for the Charleston, but not this week, no way. Melissa is good at the quick stuff that flies by, and she has excellent extension. But when they were actually dancing around the floor, it was stomp, stomp, stomp. And she also seemed to be fighting his lead. Bottom line: She'll probably still be safe, but 'm not won over.

9. Kelly and Louis danced the Paso Doble (to an Ozzie Osbourne song). Once again she swings between right on target and just a little off. She consistently got behind the beat. I also think she's better at the bubbly charming dances than these serious intense ones. In addition to that, this was a boring routine. Louis must have been a little too busy this week! Bottom line: She might actually be at risk.

10. Joanna and guest-pro Maks danced the Argentine Tango (because Derek was down with the flu). This was exceptionally sharp, quick and impressive, and she has very good feet...unlike many of the celebs. She did make a visible stumble, but I still thought it was very well done.

Bottom line for the Bottom 2:

I gotta think Louie and Chelsie will be there, perhaps joined by Michael and Anna. Although i think this is the week for an upset.

I hope Louie and Chelsie will go, but I bet it's someone surprising...and way more talented!

What do you think?

Posted: Tue - October 20, 2009 at 05:49 PM       EmailFeedback

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