DWTS: Salute to America

 

Tonight is the salute to America.  This is fine except one of the dances is the Samba.  A Latin dance.  Sometimes I think they don't really think these through.  The dances are:  The Fox Trot, Viennese Waltz and Samba and all must have an American theme.   They should have used:  The Quick Step, The Fox Trot and The Jive.

 

Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff 1-800-868-3408

 Ralph and Karina danced The Samba to "Sweet Home Alabama. "I'm from New York, Karina is from Russia and we are dancing the Samba to Sweet Home Alabama." His costume is a full on cowboy look complete with boots, big buckle and hat.  Clearly he is not comfy as a cowboy. But hey he looks good. Despite that, he puts on a good performance.

Len said by now we know who the contenders are. Week one you were there...another week no.  Last week yes.  This week it wasn't terrible but it was  not consistent."  He went on to say that Ralph lacked rhythm and needed to work on more of the quality.  Well I think he is wrong.  I think they had a huge challenge given to them.

Bruno said he could not disagree.  "We are looking at samba! We need to see fire down below man!  We want sex!  Give me sex man!"  Ralph gave him a wink and clicked his tongue. 

Carrie Ann chastises her counterparts, "Excuse me!  This is American week!  I tink that was a great entertaining performance!"  And hello dancing the SAMBA to Sweet Home Alabama????  Seriously?

Scores:
Carrie Ann:  8
Len: 7
Bruno: 7
Total: 22

Chris Jericho and Cheryl Burke 1-800-868-3409

Chris Jericho and Cheryl Burke have the Vianeese Waltz to America the Beautiful.  Another one that is not real easy to dance to if you ask me!  He wants an 8 from Len! They did good, but tonight he doesn't wow me.

Bruno said he is big yet graceful; strong with a delicate touch of elegance and a  sweeping sense of romance.

Carrie Ann said that in a weird way they have under estimated him.  She said his technique is amazing and that he could be a contender.

Len told him under no uncertain terms that he will give him an 8 when he deserves an 8.  He told him he was a little flat footed, but his hold and posture was good.  

Scores:
Carrie Ann:  9
Len: 8
Bruno: 9
Total: 26 (their personal best)

Petra Nemcova and Dmitry Chaplin 1-800-868-3404

Petra and Dmitry dance the quick step to Viva Las Vegas.  Now at least this one is a little more reasonable.  She does a lovely job.  A few missteps.  But otherwise lovely.  She is a sweet and genuine person.

Carrie Ann told her that she loves watching her, but noted there was a bit of a set back and some stumbles.

Len got boos before he even opened his mouth.  "I haven't said anything and your booing!"  He told her she has great potential and that she just has to work on the little things.

Bruno noted that this dance is very difficult and very fast. He said that her handling is a bit dodgy but the quality was very good.

Scores:
Carrie Ann:  7
Len: 7
Bruno: 8
Total: 22

 Romeo and Chelsie Hightower 1-800-868-3405

Romeo and Chelsie Hightower have the Foxtrot to "New York New York."  This is another one I think is an easier challenge.  Romeo dances this very well, but his arrogant attitude ruins even the best that he can do for me.

Len started by saying that he was not 100% happy.  Are you ever, Len?   He told Romeo he liked the control he had.

Bruno said it was full of swagger, spank and flavor!  "You maintained the style of the dance!" 

Carrie Ann reminded him of himself at week one being so resistant at week one to ballroom dancing.  How he said it wasn't cool...  "That was so cool!"

Scores:
Carrie Ann:  9
Len: 8
Bruno: 9
Total: 26

 Hines Ward and Kym Johnson 1-800-868-3403

Hines and Kym are given a bigger challenge of dancing the Rumba to "Proud to be an American."  Aside from several drops, slips and falls in rehearsal they did a fabulous job on the dance floor.

Bruno said he was an officer and a gentlemen.  "There was ease of moves, musicality and just enough sensuality to make the ladies swoon! Well played!"

Carrie Ann told him he made it look so easy and that he had the best hip action  she has seen in a long time.

Len said  wouldn't go that far, but  that there was ease and elegance.

Scores:
Carrie Ann:  9
Len: 9
Bruno:  9
Total:  27 (Personal best and top of the leader board)

 Kirstie Alley and Maks Chmerkoskiy 1-800-868-3411

Kirstie Alley and Maks have the Fox Trot to American Woman.  In an effort to improve their routine, Kirstie invited a "dance doctor" aka John Travolta.  It was lots of silliness and fun. Their dance was sassy and fun.  And by the shouts of the women in the audience, I am guessing...just guessing here that they were loving Maks in his leather pants.

Carrie Ann said that it was a different take on a foxtrot; that it was bold, ambitious and a little crazy. She added that it was magical and the best dance ever.

Len said it had attitude and the basic steps were there, but overall not his cup of tea. Well what is Len???  (On the results show he had a "Grumpy" mug!  Awesome.)

Bruno exclaimed, "American woman and a Russian gigolo!  I didn't know you were so dirty!"  He made some remark to Maks about price and Maks simply told him he was "expensive."  Needless to say, Bruno was pleased. 

Scores:
Carrie Ann:  8
Len: 7
Bruno: 8
Total: 23

 Kendra Wilkinson and Louis Van Amstel 1-800-868-3407

Kendra Wilkinson and Louis Van Amstel also have The Fox Trot to Yankee Doodle Dandy.  Ummm...okay.   During rehearsals, Kendra is recalling Carrie Ann's comment from last week that she is afraid of elegance.  Kendra has a blow out about this claiming she is not afraid and asks what does elegance have to do with it.  Is she serious? Sorry Kendra, but you need to go home and let the celebs who aren't whining continue dancing.  As much as I hate to admit it, she did good this time.  And to add insult to my own injury....their dance is the 1000th dance in the series.

Len told them he had good news. "You did much better than last week!"

Bruno said she was sweet as apple pie.  (I may never eat apple pie again) and that she was much more in character. He told her she was still thinking too much.  

Carrie Ann said that she completely disagreed and told her she was confident. And pointed out how last weeks comments helped her.

Scores:
Carrie Ann:  8
Len: 7
Bruno: 7
Total: 22

 Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas 1-800-868-3401

Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas danced the Samba to "Party in the USA" and in my opinion it was the best dance of the night.  There are dances that can make or break you.  This is the one that made her!

Bruno said it had the positive energy of America and the sizzle of excitement of Brazil!  He told her she is a good dancer.

Carrie Ann marveled at how well they danced together and were in sync.And called it a fantastic dance.

Len exclaimed, "Yum yum what a bum!  That was a party and not a tupperware party either!"

Scores:
Carrie Ann:  9
Len: 8
Bruno: 9
Total:  26

Going home this week:  Petra and Dmitry.  She said that Dancing with the Stars is  truly a life changing experience.  "My life is changed forever and I will take that with me and I am incredibly grateful for it."  We will miss you Petra!  See you at the finale!

Next week is "Guilty Pleasures"  Each celebrity will dance to a song that they secretly love but will not admit.  I can't wait!!