DWTS Week 6, 10-27-08

Morning Everyone:

Before I do my ‘review’, I have news….There’s a ‘new baby’ in the house!  My son and his wife had a beautiful son named Alexander Martin.  I’m flying down to where they live later this week…can’t wait to hold him!

OK, back to dancing.  Last night was VERY exciting for me because Michael Flatley was a guest judge…and may I say, that he looked mighty fine!  He was very generous with his comments and scores.  Tonight he will be doing a dance # from his latest show.

Tonight there will be a ‘group’ dance at the end.  Hip Hop number.

First up, we have the regular competition.  This is gonna be tough because these poor kids have been dropping like flies!  Brooke Burke has a bad foot which she shouldn’t be dancing on and Julianne has to have her appendix out today (as well as ovarian cysts).  Hence, the stomach aches she’s been having.  Of course, she is soo funny.  She says, “I’m having my appendix out tomorrow but I’ll be back next week.” Tom says that only Julianne would be that optimistic.

Let’s get to the dancing.

1.  Mo and Cheryl will dance a Viennese Waltz.  I personally don’t see this going very well because Mo hasn’t danced slow since the first week when he did a Foxtrot.  Let’s see how Cheryl choreographs it. – The costumes are very elegant and Mo tries to ’slide’ across the floor but it just ain’t happening!  He’s a little stiff.  Good try though.

MF:  Unbelievable.  It was slow and graceful. Sweeping moves.  Couldn’t be better.

CA:  Your posture was better but there’s still no chemistry between you two.  You have to work on it.

Bruno:  Sweeping, graceful..?  I think not.  You started out like a smooth surfer and then became one with no water under him.

Judges:  7-7-7 = 21  (chicken dinner..whatever that means)

2.  Lance and Lacey will dance a Jive.  Last week they didn’t do too well and Lance fell.  This week they’re hoping to do much better.  Lance has a jacket on that says, “Sir Dance A Lot” on it (from Len).  Reminds me of Joey’s flashy jackets….speaking of which, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick (from NSYNC) come to visit Lance and Lacey and try to help him ‘loosen’ up and enjoy himself.  -  Well it worked because they came out of the gate in high gear and boy did they dance well.  It was just awesome for me and I couldn’t be happier for Lance.  Loved the 50s costumes too.

(Tom says, “I smell comeback!”)

Bruno:  Lance is back on track.  Confident – you got it; flaunt it!

MF:  Confidence – you came out smokin’ very well done.

CA:  I’m screaming here!!!!  Amazing….

Judges:  9-9-9 = 27  (great score)

3.  Susan and Tony will dance a Mambo.  Now Susan has been told to loosen up every week so Tony decides to take her to a club where some of her AMC people are and Cameron takes her on the dance floor and shows her how to loosen up.  Let’s see if it worked…..Not really.  She started out well enough but tightened up, to me.  Tony tries to help her out but she goes right back to the stiffness.

CA:  Last week’s criticism was hard for you.  But this week you, broke the box.  Well done.

Bruno:  Finally you loosened up but your timing was off.  But you were more firey this week!

MF:  You are the epitome of elegance and grace.  Intoxicating. Good job.

Judges:  8-8-7=23  (fair)

4.  Next is Derek and Brooke (poor Brooke has a disrupted tendon and the doctor told her she should stay off it for at least a week).  Of course Brooke says there’s no way…she’s gotta dance!  They will dance a Rhumba and will be interesting to see what Derek comes up with for dance steps. – Well no one should doubt Mr. Hough cause he certainly did his job.  It was smoldering hot and, even though she didn’t dance much, she really didn’t have to.  Excellent job.

MF:  Brilliant, you took my breath away.  Lovely, intoxicating.  Loved the way your eyes locked with Derek’s.  I want to look for higher scores than I’m allowed to give you!  (Tom says…better not be a 9!)

CA:  This was not your best dance but we understand why.  Your injury held you back and your steps looked awkward.

Bruno:  Smoldering but under par.  Next week you’ll do better.

Judges:  8-10-8 = 26 (Bruno is surprised with Michael’s 10 but Derek is ecstatic…wants him there every week…so do I!!!)

5.  Cloris and Corky are going to attempt a Cha Cha Cha this week.  She always gives him a hard time so he called her ‘ex’ that she’s still good friends with to come in and help him out.  She listens to him.  (by the way…I didn’t realize Corky is only 47.  I would have guessed older) Well I gotta tell ya…I luv Cloris but it’s definitely time for her to ‘leave the dance floor’.  She’s now going to start cutting into the much more talented dance duos and it won’t be fair to keep her another week.  Just my opinion.

Bruno:  Cloris, you are the only person I know in the world to call that a Cha Cha Cha and ’sell it to the crowd’!!  People buy into it.

MF:  Cloris, my dad told me to be very kind with you in scoring.  You are a legend and an inspiration to older people everywhere.

CA:  Well Cloris all I have to say is, last week we lost a truly talented dancer in Toni Braxton.  Hopefully that won’t happen this week.  I love you…but you can’t dance.

Judges:  5-5-5 = 15  (end of the road for Cloris!)

6.  Julianne and Cody will dance a Samba – Julianne amazes me every week and, even though she’s dancing in pain, she managed to come up with a very difficult routine.  Cody looks good and is improving each week.  Good Job.

CA:  It was an intense Samba.  I liked it.  Cody you improve each week.

Bruno:  You have no bounds; you’re like a puzzle even though it’s a wooden one.  That was NOT a Samba it was a Pasa Doble.

MF:  Good moves, you’ve got what it takes but it was not your best night.

Tom tells us that, if Julianne does not return next week, Edyta will be dancing with Cody.

Judges:  8-8-7 = 23  (fair enough)

7.  Kym and Warren will dance a Rhumba.  Luv Warren.  He says he’s excited cause Brooke’s ankle is causing her not to dance too well.  He figures this is his week to ‘pounce’ and move ahead.  (of course, we know that Brooke and Derek got a ‘10′ from Michael!!!!).  -  Warren looks like he’s taken a few pounds off since starting the competition.  Good for him.  This is not his best routine.  Not enough sexiness!

MF:  Very entertaining.  Want to see more dancing.  It was smokin.

CA:  Thought it was very sexy (of course we all know she LOVES Warren…which reminds me, did you see the pics to Carrie Ann when she danced with Madonna years ago?  Go to:  www.extratv.com to see her and others from the pros!).  It was emotional.

Bruno:  You have that knack of getting into character with each dance that you do.  Your footwork wasn’t the best tonight.

Judges:  8-9-8 = 25 (boy these dancers must LOVE Michael!)

Now they have the ‘old school’ hip hop routine which is choreographed by Shotyne.  Cloris brings in a huge boom box!  I’m gonna miss her.  The whole group learns the routine and then each duo gets to do a solo.  I thought Lance and Lacey did the best job.

Tomorrow night we have Michael dancing, Missy Elliott with the Pussycat Dolls, and the younger kids will compete for the last spot in their leg of the competition.

Talk to you then.  Joanie/Grandma

DWTS – 5th Week – 10/20,21

Hi Everyone:

Monday night found us New Englanders watching the pregame talk show for the PATRIOTS so DWTS wasn’t on until like 2AM.  I taped and then watched when I got home last night…then watched the Results Show at 9.  I’m DWTS on ‘done’ this week!

The 8 couples will be dancing 4 different dances.  The Hustle, Salsa, West Coast Swing and Jitterbug.  Some of these pros have never danced these dances before (told ya I was strung out on Dancing…sorry if I sound like I’m babbling this morning!) so it should be interesting to see how they do.  Another thing, 2 couples will ‘compete’ against each other with the same dance.  OK, let’s get started.

First up will be Lance and Lacey who will dance a West Coast Swing.  Lacey’s dad is the “Champion” of this dance and came in at rehearsal to help Lance loosen up.  Of course, this is Lacey’s ‘big’ dance that she’s won in competition before.  Well, the dance was a lot of fun but Lacey seemed to ‘overdue’ her moves and kinda overshadowed Lance.

Len:  You proved last week that you can dance.  Now Lacey, I know this is your dance but you’ve got to let Lance do more moves.

Bruno:  In spite of stumbling, you still need to dance more.

Carrie Ann:  Lacey, great job.  Please show more of Lance next week.

Judges:  7-7-7 = 21

2.  Toni and Alec will do the same dance.  Toni is such a beautiful girl but she just has so much trouble with some of these dances.  She’s got another ‘hot’ outfit on again tonight.  It was OK; not as good as L&L.

Bruno:  Slinky, sexy, Kinda ‘over did it’ with the Michael Jackson moonwalk.

Carrie Ann:  This dance was very hard to do but you overdanced it.

Len:  It’s just not happening.  You’ve got to ‘regroup’ next week if you come back.

Judges:  7-7-8 = 22  (one point ahead of L&L!)

Tom tells us that Len Goodman’s schedule is so busy the next few weeks that he will be taking time off from the show.  So next week’s guest judge will be….drum roll please….MICHAEL FLATLEY!!!!!  OMG, I can’t wait…..LUV Michael.

A few people clap for Len and Tom says…”There’s your fanbase!”

3.  Susan and Tony are going to tackle the Hustle.  Susan says she remembers Studio 54 in the 70s and danced the Hustle back then.  Now we all know that she’s ‘close’ to 60 and in great shape but she dances like she’s got a POLE in her backside.  The girl cannot loosen up.  I don’t see her lasting much longer. Fanbase or no fanbase!

Carrie Ann:  It was fun and you’re a real trouper because I know you have 2 broken bones in your ankle but you look like you’re in a glass box half the time.

Len:  Tony treats you like a China doll.  WOW me!  Get your bloody knickers off and spin ‘em out!

Bruno:  It didn’t look like a Hustle to me.  It was a bit ‘precious’.

Judges:  7-7-8 = 22

4.  Warren and Kym will also dance the Hustle.  WOW what a difference this couple is compared to Susan and Tony.  They are loose and boy the steps that Warren is doing.  He’s terrific.  Hot outfit too!

Len:  That’s what I’m talkin’ about!  Well done.

Bruno:  You know how to FUNK!

Carrie Ann:  Great moves – fun.

Judges:  8-8-9 = 25 (3 points ahead of T&S…should have been more)

5.  Now we have the ’star’ of the show, Cloris and Corky will dance a Salsa.  Every week Corky gets her into the ‘character’ of the dance.  This motivates her to ‘act’ out the number.  This week she said he told her to be a ’skanky ho’.  She is too funny.  Actually, they did pretty good on their moves.  She amazes me every week…82!!!

Bruno:  The ole’ girl can still turn the trick!  You DID the Salsa.

Carrie Ann:  I love you.

Len:  You’re the first perfon older than me on this show (he’s 64).  You were hotter than a chili pepper.  Well done.

Judges:  7-7-7 = 21

6.  Mo and Cheryl will also tackle the Salsa.  Cheryl has never done this dance before so it’s pretty difficult for her to try and teach Mo moves that she doesn’t know herself.  She became very frustrated and was like a drill sargeant with him.  Well, guess what, it worked cause he danced his buns off.  Great moves.  Cheryl certainly knows how to teach her partners…tough gal, but good choreographer!

Carrie Ann:  She called Mo over and hugged him.  Good job.

Len:  We’re pussycats compared to Cheryl!  Well done.

Bruno:  She scared you into a great dance.  That back bend was great.

Judges:  9-9-9 = 27!!!  Good for them.

7.  Derek and Brooke are going to try and do a Jitterbug.  Now Derek was so lost on this dance that he had to ‘look it up’ on the internet.  He came back with instructions for him and Brooke and she was not comfortable with this!  She shouldn’t have worried cause they were SO GOOD!  They danced to Don’t Be Cruel and channeled the 50s with their hair, outfits and moves.  VERY well done.

Len:  Love the 1959 hair.  I had that myself back then!  Brooke, every week you tackle the dance given to you and do a great job.

Bruno:  SO vigorous.  Like American Graffiti.

Carrie Ann:  AMAZING!!!

Judges:  10-9-10 = 29!  (Len says later that he couldn’t see giving a 10 for a Jitterbug.  Obviously Bruno and Carrie Ann disagreed!)

8.  One more couple to go….Derek’s sis, Julianne and Cody will also tackle the Jitterbug.  This was a great dance for Cody cause he could throw himself all over the place.  Love the outfit on Julianne making her look like Lucy Ball.  The dance was exceptional.  Julianne, to me, is the best we’ve got…even though Derek is a ‘close’ second!

Bruno:  You are a FIREBUG!  Energy, slapstick, Acting, YESSSS

Carrie Ann:  Best suited dance for you Cody.

Len:  Fun, Entertaining.

Judges:  10-9-9 = 28  (one point behind Derek and Brooke!!!)

So there you have the dance competition; now let’s get to the RESULTS.

———————————————————————————–

So now we have the Judges talking about the 4 dances and the couples and that most did very well.  Then they did a quick recap (talking).  Tom asked Len which dance he would like to see again and he said that it was definitely:  CODY AND JULIANNE!  She’s sheer genius!  Judges and the audience gave them a standing “O”!!!

Brian Setzer and his orchestra played a number with Louis and Karina dancing.  Brian’s getting a little ‘old in the tooth’!  Still it was fun.

OK, let’s save 2 couples:

1.  Warren and Kym

2.  Cloris and Corky (thought so)

(I switch to QVC and Dennis Basso is on selling his beautiful coats.  The guy cracks me up..he sounds exactly like Harvey Fierstein!!!)

Now we’ll have the ‘kids’ competition.

1.  Anthony and Melissa will dance a Jive.  Boy they are so good.

2.  Mitchell and Maria will dance a Pasa Doble.  Another great dance.

Judges choose Mitchell and Maria who will compete in the finals.

Macy’s is going to present a spectacular dance sequence that they have been working on for six months.  It will take us from the 30s, 60s, 80s and the future.  The 30s looks like the Nicholas Brothers type dance; the 60s is James Brown; the 80s is poppin and it is fantastic and the future is robotic arms, etc. which is very inventive.  Very ambitious but it worked!!

Let’s save two more couples (that is, like Tom says, after the Sequin Trash talkin’ from the couples!)

3.  Cody and Julianne

4.  Mo and Cheryl

Commercial:  DWTS video game.  Now that’s an exercise program!

It’s 9:55 so we’d better get movin’ on who’s goin home:

4 couples left….two saved and two in the bottom 2

5.  Toni and Alec – Bottom 2

6.  Brooke and Derek – Safe

7.  Lance and Lacey – Safe

8.  Susan and Tony - Bottom 2

OK, so we have Toni and Alec and Tony and Susan…who is going home?  Scary music, lights flashing…..it’s TONI AND ALEC.  No surprise there.

So there you have another week of DWTS.  You notice I don’t say much about Samantha…not much to say.

See you next week when I will be BREATHLESSLY waiting the entrance of Michael Flatley!!!!

Take care.  Joanie

DWTS – Results Show – 10/14/08

Hi Everyone:

Well, the Sox lost…big time…last night.  Tomorrow night is IT.  Yes, they’ve come back before being 3 and 1 but, ya know, I think these Tampa Bay guys are gonna beat us.  For a team to come from last to first in a season is phenomenal!  Kinda reminds you of…oh, let’s see…THE BOSTON CELTICS!!!

OK, let’s get to the Results…like this is gonna be a ’shocker’!!!

First we have the recap of the night before.  Tom is VERY funny tonight.  He turns to Len and says, “THANKS Len…thanks a lot!  Because of YOU, Brooke will now show up covered from head to foot!”

Tom asks Len to choose a couple from the previous night who the judges would like to see dance again…this one was a surprise to me.  I thought they’d choose Brooke and Derek; instead it was Lance and Lacey.  Cool!  Good dance.  great moves.  Watch this couple!!!!

Now we have SEVEN BROTHERS, who are shirtless (Len must have been having a heart attack!) come out and do a flamenco dance with the clicking of the heels and the stomping of the feet.  Reminded me of a Spanish version of Riverdance!  Only not as good (LOVE YOU, Michael Flatley!)

Tom says, “Well there you have it.  7 guys with 6 packs!!!”

OK, let’s start saving couples…first 2 saved:

1.  Susan and Tony

2.  Lance and Lacey

We’ll also announce the first couple in the Bottom Two tonight…it’s Rocco and Karina…..really?

We welcome back the ‘Ballroom Kids’ and have the first two to compete.  The first duo, Mitchell and Jessica dance the Cha Cha and are terrific.  The second duo, Kirill (now that’s a name!) and Hannah will dance a Samba and boy are they smooth.  They wind up moving forward in the competition.

OK, let’s see….more time to kill until 9:54, so let’s have NE’YO(?) sing his big hit song, CLOSURE.  I like this song and notice that he has his own dance crew with him and he can certainly keep up with them.  My only question is this:  DOES HE NOT SOUND EXACTLY LIKE MICHAEL JACKSON OR WHAT??????  Just sayin’

Tom mentions that next week, the Top 8 will dance one of four new dances to the show.  Let’s hope it’s an entertaining time for all.

OK…hey, it’s 9:54, let’s get this show over with:

Let’s name ALL the couples left who are moving on:

3.  Brooke and Derek

4.  Cody and Julianne

5.  Toni and Alec

6.  Mo and Cheryl

This leave Corky and Cloris as the other couple in the Bottom 2.

Oh dear….who will leave the building stumbling and bumping tonight?

Why it’s Rocco and Karina!!!!  OK, Cloris, you’ve got a one week reprieve.  Looking into my ‘foggy’ crystal ball, I see you heading out of the building next week!!!

Talk to you then.  (speaking of ’shocks’ I read that Madonna and Guy are going to divorce.  With any luck she’ll hook up with AROD…now that’s a couple for ya!!!)

Joanie

DWTS – Week 4 – 10-13/08

Morning Everyone:

Before I give my review of last night’s show, I just wanted to give you a ‘tad’ bit of news.  Lisa Marie Presley and hubby have welcomed twin girls this past weekend.  They were born “C” section on 10/7 and are named Harper and Finley.  All are doing well.  Wonder if either will have Grandpa’s ’singing’ genes!  We all know that Lisa Marie was lacking in that department….

OK, DWTS – Week 4 – tonight we are going to see a Samba or Tango.

Because Misty May Trainor left last week, all the votes for the remaining 9 couples will carry over to this week.  We will combine the 2 and that’s where they will stand at the end of the night.

First up is Mo and Cheryl who will dance a Samba.  The song is from the 70s, “That’s The Way I Like It” which is very catchy.  Costumes were also very 70s (Mo with the big hair wig!).  Steps were good; overall it left me lacking though.  Wanted to see more.  Too much posing by Cheryl.

Len:  It was fun – good job – refine everything

Bruno:  Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Brown!  In and out of the Samba 1/2 good and 1/2 bad.  Watch the steps.

Carrie Ann:  Was hoping for more progress this week and didn’t see it.

Judges:  6-7-7 = 20  (forgot their score from last week)

2.  Cody and Julianne will dance a Tango.  He’s been working very hard to learn these steps.  Love the slick back hair.  Whoops!, he missed a few steps in the dance.  Actually he kept catching on Julianne’s pants…not his fault.

Bruno:  MoJo = Yes, confident, masculine, still a work in progress.

Carrie Ann:  I agree. Ya gotta go for the dance more.

Len:  You are a boy turned into a man (which Cody LOVED to hear)

Boy Wonder – Best Dance for far for the 2 of you.

Judges:  7-8-8 = 23

3.  Here’s Toni and Alec to dance a Samba (whoa is her costume skimpy!!! – She looks uncomfortable in it too).  Alec gets her to do a few moves that he hasn’t used with any other partner and it works.  It’s a very good dance, right moves.

Carrie Ann:   You are a sensual couple but work on your shoulders.

Len:  Right balance of steps with the choreography.

Bruno:  Sugar N Spice – You shook your booty!  Loved it.

Judges:  22 plus 22 from last week gave them a 44 (I have to confess that I was in and out of other stuff while watching last night…)

4.  Cloris and Corky will dance a Tango.  Cloris looks lovely tonight.  No gimmicks, just a very pretty gown and terrific makeup and hair.  AND the dance wasn’t bad either.  They did a very good job.

Len:  “If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I never would have believed it!”  The Tango is a dance that you act and you certainly did that and more.

Bruno:  You’ve turned from the Grandma from Hell to the Grand Duchess.  AND…look at those legs.  What extensions (with that Cloris throws her leg up on Corky’s shoulders!)

Carrie Ann:  I underestimated your talent. Very well done tonight.

Judges:  8-7-7 = 22 plus 16 from last week – 38 points

5.  Rocco and Karina will attempt a Samba.  Remember that, if we had an elimination last week, Rocco would have been the one going home so he’s gotta ‘bring’ it tonight or else!!!  They’ve got a great song to dance to, “Go To Rio” by Peter (his last name escapes me) which is very catchy.  Thought they were much better this week and that Rocco tried very hard to do the steps.

Bruno:  I like you but you don’t have a musical bone in your body.

Carrie Ann:  Dancing is still lacking…

Len:  You had fun with it and that’s what counts.  Well done.

Judges:  6-6-6 = 18 plus 19 from last week = 38 points (looks like it’s either Rocco or Cloris to be eliminated tomorrow night!?)

6.  Susan and Tony will dance a Tango.  In order to get her in a fiesty, Tango mood, he had to have her channel Erica Kane.  He even got a walkon on the show…funny!  She certainly tried very hard and looked lovely.  Tony had some very flattering dance steps for her to do.  Still think she’s too ladylike in some of these dances.

Carrie Ann:  You brought it tonight.  You were like moving Art…

Len:  It had drama, passion, excellent.

Bruno:  You showed us you could be a ‘tough broad’ – finally!

Judges:  8-8-8 = 24 plus 21 from last week = 45 points

7.  Brooke and Derek will dance a Samba.  I still think this is the couple to beat.  Derek was very funny this week and the steps he gave to Brooke to learn were very hard and very sexy.  I couldn’t stop watching to put down my thoughts…  It was excellent.

Len:  It was a hight standard dance that went a little erotic for me.

Bruno:  You are a sexball Queen.  I need a smoke after that dance.

Carrie Ann:  You have athleticism, beauty, moves…

Judges  9-8-9 = 26 plus 28 from last week = 54 points

8.  Lance and Lacey will dance a Tango.  Thought they did a very entertaining and good job.  Costumes were Halloweenish.

Bruno:  Quirky, gothic BUT it was a real Tango!  Good job.

Carrie Ann:  You haven’t quite shined until tonight.  Excellent

Len:  You are “Sir Dancelot”  (Lance loved this name!)

Judges:  9-8-9 = 26 plus 22 points from last week = 48 points

and last, but by far, not least:

9.  We have Warren and Kym who are dancing a Samba.  I just love Warren.  Do you notice how he gets up on his ‘tippy toes’ every week.  The man has rhythm oozing out of him!

Carrie Ann:  You make me laugh each week.  You did lack a little quality over last week though.

Len:  You smile, bring joy to your dances but I agree with Carrie Ann.

Bruno:  You are the “Big Easy” but you took it too easy tonight.

Judges:  8-7-7 = 22 plus 25 from last week = 47 points total.

I think I heard Tom say that next week the group will be dancing one of 4 new dances, West Coast Swing, Jive, or two other dances.

So we’ll see who will go home tonight.  My money is on Rocco.  Keep Cloris just one more week!

By the way, don’t forget that Eli Stone is on tonight after DWTS.  Great Show!!!  (and…let’s hope the Sox win tonight!)

Talk to you tomorrow.  Joanie

DWTS – “Results” Show – 10/07/08

Morning Everyone:

I’m a little late doing my review today but I’m here now!

Last night was a little different because Misty May Traenor is no longer with the show…she had surgery yesterday and is doing fine.  (as is Tom Brady of the PATRIOTS..just thought I’d throw that in there…)

OK, we start off the evening with a recap of last night’s dances.  Instead of Len choosing which dance we should see again, because Misty and Maks (pant) didn’t get a chance to do their Jive, Maks and Edyta will do it for us now.  I was hoping Maks would show us his chest one more time but, instead, he gave us a little ‘booty’ call!  Great dance; lots of fun.  We’ll miss him….

Now, let’s save Two Couples:

Brooke and Derek

Cloris and Corky (guess she won on her ‘personality’ again)

Kool and The Gang sing CELEBRATE (bringing back some ole, good memories!) – They had their own dancers with them.

We now focus on the Top 9 and what they do to get ready for the show each week and their other activities.  (in other words…filler)

Let’s save another couple:

Mo and Cheryl (they deserved it after last night’s dance)

Here’s the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.  Boy are they terrific!  They dance to a medley of Thoroughly Modern Millie songs.

Next we have Jennifer Hudson (yaaaa!) singing her new single SPOTLIGHT from her self titled CD.  She looks terrific.  Jen will always fight the weight but she looks healthy and I LOVE the engagement ring!  Song ain’t bad either.  Derek and Julianne dance to the song.  Afterwards, they go up on the stage to say Thank You.  Either they’re small or she’s big…cause she towers over Julianne!

Now we’ll talk with 3 choreographers that work on the show designing the dances each week.  David Scott, Brian Freedman and Travis Payne.  I’m guessin’ they’ve worked on So You Think You Can Dance too.

Next up is a segment which shows how truly tough this sport is.  All the injuries the dancers have had over the seasons.  I think Derek has had the most!

Let’s save another couple:

Warren and Kym  (good choice)

Toni and Alec (nice to see she’ll dance another week)

We now have 4 couples left and it’s 9:54 so here we go.

Tom says, “Because Misty May is no longer in the competition, we are NOT going to eliminate anyone this week but we ARE going to tell you who got the fewest votes and would have gone home if there was an elimination.

Cody and Julianne – Saved

Lance and Lacey – Saved

Susan and Tony – Saved

which means that Rocco would have been eliminated tonight.  He’ll have to work EXTRA hard next week because all the votes from this week will count for next week too.

So there you have another week of DWTS.  Don’t know what next week’s dances will be but I’m sure it will be fun.

Now I’m going to try and watch some of the Debate to see if either Barack or John has a ‘clue’ on how to help us out so that the economy doesn’t completely go down the tubes!

Talk to you next week.

Joanie

DWTS – Week 3 – 10/06/08

Good Morning Everyone:

The ‘frost is on the pumpkin’ up here in NE!  Then it gets a little warmer in the afternoon.

The Red Sox beat the Angels, 3 games to 1 so we are now going to face Tampa Bay on Friday in Florida for Game 1 of a 7 Game series.  I just think of it as one step closer to playing Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers in the World Series!!!

OK, let’s talk dancing.  We heard yesterday that Misty Mae Trainor hurt her ankle/heel last Friday while rehearsing with Maks for Monday night’s competition.  Unfortunately she and Maks are now out and HOPEFULLY they will NOT bring back Kim Kardashian to take her place.  It didn’t seem like that’s how it was going to happen this time.  They just went with the 9 remaining couples.  (if they bring anyone back, you’d think it would be Ted McGinley who did a decent job with the 2 dances he performed and who has a ‘passion’ for this show!)

Anyway, tonight the 9 couples are going to dance either a Viennese Waltz or the  Jive.  Should be fun.

First up this week will be Susan and Tony who will dance a Jive.

Susan tries very hard but looks so fragile.  Tony is patient with her and it is an adequate dance.  Love the outfits and the song, Why Do Fools Fall In Love”.

Len:  This is a tough show for you with everything you have going on and you did and good job, keeping constant with your steps.

Bruno:  You got it right tonight.  More energetic.  Need a little more heat.

Carrie Ann:  I commend you but you look so timid to me out there.  Be more confident.  (Len said she certainly didn’t look timid when she was ‘eyeing’ him!)

Judges:  7-7-7 = 21

2.  Lance and Lacey will dance a Viennese Waltz – now Lance isn’t too crazy about this cause he’s more a fast step kinda guy.  Plus they have decided to follow the ‘rules’ for a change and hope to please Len.

This was another good dance for them (one of my fave couples).  They tried to be very traditional.  Now…come on Len…give them a good mark!

Bruno:  Lance and Lacey – prim and proper.  The cast of COCOON would be proud.  You did seem a little labored during the steps though.

Carrie Ann:  Fantastic.

Len:  You were flat footed, positions were poor…however, it was the best dance from you two so far.

Judges:  8-7-7 = 22

3.  Mo and Cheryl are up next and they will dance a Jive.  The song is Rock Around The Clock and Mo has a jacket on with a big clock decal on the back..  This was an excellent dance for them.  They really got to show that they are improving.  Good steps. (of course, Cheryl had Mo jump over her from the stage…her ‘trademark’ from season to season).

Carrie Ann:  Wild, untamed best..full throttle – good job.

Len: You moved around the floor really well.

Bruno:  You can rock when you want to!  You were focused tonight.

Judges:  8-8-8 = 24  (good score!)

4.  Now we have Rocco (the Chef) and Karina (Mario’s exBFF) who will dance a Viennese Waltz – Rocco was having trouble getting the steps and loosening up so Karina blindfolded him and it worked.  They were smooth in rehearsals…not so much in the dance itself.  Good try.

Len:  I thought you were eloquent, but get overexcited.  Good Job.

though.

Bruno:  You should have kept the blindfold on.  You looked like a lump of mashed potatoes out there.

Carrie Ann:  I thought you were the most improved couple tonight (?)

Judges:  7-7-6 = 20

5.  Here comes the 300 lb. “twinkletoes” himself..Warren and Kym who will dance and Viennese Waltz.  Warren was having a lot of problems with this dance because of the slowness.  But he listened to Kym and they were just terrific.  Another good week…another fave couple.

Bruno:  Big, Smooth, Beautiful.  You get into the character each week.

Carrie Ann:  I think I’ve got a crush on you!  Gorgeous, sweet.

Len:  I didn’t think you could do this dance and you proved me wrong.  You were smooth and you give those skinny people out there a run for their money!

Judges:  9-8-8 = 25  (well deserved)

6.  Now we have Cody and Julianne who will dance a Jive.  Julianne has a lot of trouble each week keeping Cody in focus (the kid is all over the place!)  This week she calmed him down and made him do the steps correctly and it paid off.  They did a good job.  Her outfit was adorable.

Carrie Ann:  Good energy – Could see you counting though.

Len:  Thinking of the steps and counting didn’t bother me too much.

I thought it was 1/2 good and 1/2 bad though. – You kept repeating yourself.

Bruno:  I, for once, agree with Len.  Too much twinkling with the legs.

Judges:  7-7-7 = 21   (another chicken dinner!)

Now…when Samantha was interviewing Cody (if you want to call it that), she asked if he was getting any emails from ‘older’ women.  The 18 year old, used his ‘manly’ voice and said, “As a matter of fact, I’ve been getting quite a few.”  (In the background you could see Cloris lurking right behind Cody….ready to pounce…it was very funny and everyone had a good laugh).

7.  Now we have Toni and Alec who will dance a Viennese Waltz.  Boy her outfit must be hard to dance in; it looks like Marie Antoinette is competing!  After watching the dance, and not caring for what they did, Carrie Ann explained to everyone that ’she got it’.  Because, back in the day, the Waltz was described as scandalous!  OK…but I still didn’t like it.

Len:  If it’s not broke; don’t fix it!  No gimmicks please.

Bruno:  You took a huge risk tonight.  You don’t need to overproduce

Carrie Ann:  I liked it; I got it.

Judges:  8-7-7 = 22

8.  OK Folks… here she comes…it’s Corky and Cloris time and tonight they will ‘attempt’ a Jive.  God love her; at 82 she certainly moves well.  She is a very funny lady.  (remember her on the MTM show years ago?  She always gave us a laugh).  During the dance, while going under Corky’s legs for like the 3rd time, her wig came off but she kept right on going.  I don’t know if she’ll last another week (I think she could edge out Rocco).  I’d like to see her…one more week!  I don’t want to see her go forward and bump one of the better dancers.

Bruno:  Whacky is an understatement for what I just saw.

Beyond comprehension.

Carrie Ann:  Speechless – hysterical.

Len:  You DID do ONE move pertaining to the dance.

Judges:  6-5-5 = 16

And….last tonight will be:

9.  Derek and Brooke who will dance a Viennese Waltz.  Oh boy, there was a rumble during rehearsals and they really went at it.  When the smoke cleared, they both apologized and concentrated on the routine.  AND…they did the best one of the night.  I thought it was just great!  Love Derek and Brooke is a wonderful dancer…when she listens to him.

Loved the song, John Mayer’s song about Mother’s be kind to your daughters…at the end, she went over and kissed her daughter. Sweet.

Carrie Ann:  My favorite dance of the season.

Len:  Best dance of the season.

Bruno:  Dazzling, beautful, great choreography.

(They were very smooth and glided across the dance floor…)

Judges:  9-10-9 = 28  (WOW! they got a 10 from LEN!  good job).

Before the show ended, Misty Mae came on, leaning on crutches and explained what happened last Friday.  They showed it and it looked very painful.  She ruptured her Archilles tendon.  It popped while doing a step and she’s gone for the season.  Maks came out to say BYE and all women out there had a ‘tear’ in their eye to see him go so soon.  Tom said that she is welcome to come back any season though and try again (I hope she does).

OK, that’s it for the Monday night competition.  Derek, Warren and Mo seem to be out front this week.  Rocco or Cloris could be dancing out of the building though.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Joanie

DWTS – 2nd Week – 09/29/08

Hi Everyone:

I’m doing both the competition and results at once because I was out of work Mon/Tue…miserable cold.

OK, let’s get started.  Monday night the dancers had to do the Rhumba or the Pasa Doble..both tough dances and they only had 3 days to learn them. As Len Goodman said, “I am fearing the worst and hoping for the best!”

First up is Toni and Alec who will dance the Rhumba.  Love the beige outfits; it looks beautiful with their skin tones.  Nice steps, smooth, sexy but there’s too much posing and not enough steps for me.

Len:  Surprised – good job – not much fluidity though

Bruno: Captured the sensuality of the dance.

CarrieAnn:  You move like you sing; however, you lifted your legs off the ground twice.

Judges:  7-8-8 = 23

Next up is:  Derek and Brooke who will dance the Paso Doble.  The outfits are very traditional as are the dance steps.  Derek knows to please Len!  Thought they did a very good job.  Derek’s great to watch.

CarrieAnn:  I was mesmerized.  You were just a hair off balance.

Len:  Aggression was good – you had control of the dance

Bruno:  Moments you were breathtaking.  This is something you were born to do.  Amazing how you could be so good in 3 days.

Judges:  8-8-8 = 24

Next couple is Rocco and Karina who will dance the Rhumba.  Rocco looks so good since taking off that extra weight!  Still think he’s kinda a momma’s boy though (not that there’s anything wrong with that).  Love the song they’ve got…You’ll Never Find – excellent choice.  Karina has a very understated dress that’s very pretty..feminine.  Rocco’s in black silk shirt and pants..  He really struggles with the dance moves.

Not much substance to the routine.

Bruno:  The stallion ran out of juice tonight.  It didn’t happen.

CarrieAnn: You have the natural material; you just weren’t swaying.

Len: There were more tears than cheers with this dance.

Judges:  5-6-5 = 16

Now we have one of my faves:  Lance and Lacey who will dance the Paso Doble.  Now you know they’re going to do it ‘their way’ and I give them a lot of kudos for that.  They are dancing to I Kissed a Girl and it was really cool.   Liked it a lot.  Ohhhh, Lance just kissed Lacey and said, “I liked it!”  Funny.

Len:  You’re trying to keep the ole’ boy happy and it’s not working.  You throw in a few steps for me and then go off on your own.

CarrieAnn:  Lance – you are clever – great job.

Bruno:  Always thrilling to watch.  Keep your own style going.

Judges:  7-6-7 = 20  (boooo)

Now we have Kim and Mark who will dance the Rhumba.  You’d think this would be a cakewalk for Kim with her ‘booty’…not so fast!  This girl, as pretty as she may be, has absolutely no rhythm or personality and leaves me cold.  Poor Mark.  I’ve got a feeling his season is ending.

Bruno:  You are colder that a Siberian bear.

Len: You have so much potential and you’re just awful.

CarrieAnn:  Watch the playback Kim.

Judges:  6-6-5 = 17  (very generous #s..I saw 4s and 5s)

Here comes Maks (pant, pant) and Misty Mae who will dance a Paso Doble.  They are dressed in black leather, looking very sexy.  Maks is extra hot tonight!  They’ve worked very hard these 3 days.  Maks must be sooo hard to please.  Misty Mae did very well.  Lousy song to dance to.  Love the flip at the end.  (Maks was actually apologizing for being hard on Misty Mae…Tom said to mark your calendar!!!!)

CarrieAnn:  You have such determination.  Ambitios routine – watch your shoulders.

Bruno:  You are like Xena the Warrier Princess out there.  Such energy, forgot a few moves but that’s OK).

Len:  Good attempty at the Paso Doble.  Focus more.  There were some loose connections.

Judges:  7-7-7 = 21

Here comes: Mo and Cheryl who will dance the Rhumba.  Mo is having a hard time with the hips and doesn’t seem to be moving as well as last week.  I dunno.  It’s mostly Cheryl doing all the work.

Len:  You talk the talk but can’t dance the dance.

Bruno:  Mro. smooth to Mr. Rough and Klunky

CarrieAnn:  You were just too stiff.

Judges:  They got a 19 (I was channel surfing!).

Oh boy…here we go….it’s Cloris and Corky trying to do a Paso Doble.

She is so funny.  Didn’t crack a smile with this dance though.  Love the way she’s able to get down on the floor at 82!  Good for her.

Bruno:  Surreal – you start out like Gloria Swanson and I want more Ava Gardner.

Len:  Traditional dance solo – good try

CarrieAnn:  I miss the ole funny Cloris.  You were far too serious.

At 82, I hope I am 1/2 the woman you are!

Judges:  5-5-5 = 15 (needless to say..Cloris was NOT a happy camper!)

Here comes the 2nd oldest gal of the group:  Susan and Tony who will dance a Rhumba.  Now Susan was awful on night 1; very good on night 2; let’s see what she’s got for night 3.  She looks beautiful but, once again, too much posing and not enough steps.  I thought Tony would have give her more to do.

CarrieAnn:  It ws nice.  You had a rough nite.  With all the traveling back and forth (like Cameron did last year).  You were elegant/smooth.

Bruno:  Good Rhumba.  You’re still like the Virgin Queen though.

Len:  Tony exposed himself (not happy about that).  You acted the Rhumba.

Judges:  7-7-7 = 21 (once again, generous)

(did you know that Samantha Harris’s family originated KING RICHARD”S FAIR that takes place each year in October in MA?  Maybe that’s how she got her gig on this show…God knows it’s not her talent!!!)

Next we have Warren and Kym who will dance a Paso Doble.  They also have black leather outfits on but look more like the movie, The Matrix.  Once again, Warren amazes me.  For a guy who’s 300 lbs, he just dances sooo light on his feet.  They did a great job.  He feels the music.

Len:  Both of you looked good.  Very intense and excellent Doble.

CarrieAnn:  Filled with everything

Bruno:  Electrifying – music like on the freeway!  You’re size/feet; doesn’t matter.

Judges:  8-8-8 = 24

And last but not least we have Cody (Miley’s ex) and Julianne who will dance a Rhumba.  Julianne is having trouble controlling Cody cause he’s got a little ADD.  He can never focus for long and then he’s off doing something else.  They looked great and did a very good job though.  She’s a great teacher.

Bruno:  You are like a kid in the candy store.  Sell it properly.  You need more focus.

Len:  It was a tough night and you two did a great job.

CarrieAnn:  Innocent, attractive, age appropriate.

Judges:  7-7-7 = 21

OK…that’s it for the Monday night competition.

Let’s now move to Tuesday night’s Results Show.

Parts of this will be tough to watch cause Jessica Simpson is going to be on….

First of all there’s a recap of Monday night’s show.  Then the Judges have to pick a dance that they would like to see performed again.  This week they have chosen Warren and Kym’s Paso Doble (The Matrix routine!)

Let’s start the elimination process:

1.  Toni and Alec – Saved

2.  Rocco and Karina – Saved (a little bit of a surprise)

Jessica is going to sing now.  Think she’s put on a few lbs. since hanging out with Tony Romo.  That’s OK.  As long as she’s happy.  With any kinda luck, they’ll get married and she’ll ’stay home’!!!!

Think I’ll channel surf.

Let’s save two more couples.

3.  Cody and Julianne

4.  Derek and Brooke

Now we can an inside look at Bruno and Len’s schedule.  They do both the BBC version and the US version of DWTS so they find themselves in the air more than the ground!  Very busy guys.

Let’s do the Macy’s Stars of Dance (let’s not…back to channel surfing)

Oh Good…Jessica is back.  More of The Mentalist please.

By the way, that’s Maks and Cheryl dancing to Jessica.  (that’s why they were seen the night before out together….ya gotta remember, that they tape this show at 5PM so a lot of the guys and gals go out to dinner afterwards).

Tom now says:  We’ve chosen the style of dance:  JIVE and now we’ve chosen the song, Great Balls of Fire.  Next the fans have to choose which couple they’d like to see do it.

Let’s save another couple:

5.  Susan and Tony

Lot’s of talk in the Red Room by the couples.  Funnnn.

Let’s save two more couples:

6.  Warren and Kym

7.  Mo and Cheryl (another lucky week for Cheryl)

We now have 4 couples left and it’s 9:54 so let’s get to it.

8.  Lance and Lacy – Saved (no kidding!)

9.  Maks and Misty Mae – Saved

10. Cloris and Corky

…..which leaves none other than ‘booty call’ herself Kim and Mark who will be dancing out of the building tonight.

So there you have another week of DWTS.

On a personal note, I know we’re all very sad to have heard that Paul Newman passed away over the weekend.  He was such a great guy.  I remember seeing him in The Silver Chalice years ago (probably the worst movie he ever made!) but as soon as those steel blue eyes penetrated the screen I, like millions of others, was mesmerized.  And would be for many, many years to come.  I’ll never forget his interview with Barbara Walters when she asked him if he would ever think of cheating on his wife, Joanne.  He said, “Barbara, why would I go out looking for hamburg when I’ve got steak at home.”  What a guy!!!!

Talk to you next week.  Joanie