'Dancing with the Stars' - 'Performance #9' Recap
(S10E18) It's been ten seasons of 'Dancing with the Stars' but the first time that all three contestants have a viable chance of winning. We get the first two of four dances to determine the winner, the final two will be performed tomorrow after the audience has voted.I'm a bit confused as to why some of the professionals had an opportunity to work with another choreographer for the freestyle. It felt like a slap in the face for the pros, especially Anna, to have someone come in and provide choreography. Ironically, both teams that used choreographers failed in comparison to Derek's choreography. If the professionals trusted in their own talents, we could have seen perfect 30 freestyles.
Round One: Redemption Dance
Erin & Maks - Samba - Bruno arrives to help Erin with the samba. Bruno wants to make sure that Erin is sharper. Erin and Maks start with some cute shirt removal jokes, but the two get into a traditional samba. Erin has definitely improved and lucked out with a song where the tempo is a little slower. The two end by dancing with the judges and both kissing Len.
Len thought that Erin has improved; the dance was full of energy. Bruno's head was shaking and was happy that her booty was shaking as well. Carrie Ann thought she improved by three notches. Score: 29 (10,10,9).
Evan & Anna - Viennese Waltz - Len came to help the Viennese Waltz with an emphasis on chemistry; he wanted to make sure Evan would stop and steal glances. Evan's long limbs look beautiful in slower more graceful songs. The steps looked very clean, his connection with Anna has improved miles. I loved the ending when Evan ran his fingers down the piano.
Bruno loved the fluidity, hold, and romantic connection. Carrie Ann saw that all the mistakes back in week one was gone and thought the dance was enchanting. Len thought Evan collapsed in certain movements, but did a wonderful job overall. Score: 28 (10,9,9).
Nicole & Derek - Rumba - Carrie Ann wanted to make sure that there was no hesitation, but also having vulnerability in the song. While Nicole maintained a very strong dance style, she oozed sex appeal this time around. Her leg flexibility came in hand for the performance. I actually liked the slight glimmers of a smile between dance movements as if they had shared a secret moment.
Carrie Ann loved how all the edges softened, but has to penalize them for the lift. Len loved the subtle movements of the dance, there was a lack of confidence in parts. Bruno thought there was sensuality mixed with the beauty of the performance. Score: 28 (9,9,10).
Round Two: Freestyle
Erin & Maks - Contemporary - Maks wants to make a sheer difference between them and Erin and Nicole. The couple decided to go with a lyrical style so they asked Mandy Moore ('So You Think You Can Dance' choreographer, not the actress/musician last seen on 'Grey's Anatomy') to help out. There's a lot of sofa and bed work, but not enough ballroom/Latin influences. The performance looked like it would have fit on 'So You Think You Can Dance,' but a knock-off version of something Wade Robson or Mia Michaels could have made. Maks' choices of lifts were very creative and daring. Overall, I was happy they decided not to go the hip-hop or disco direction.
Len thought they took a big risk, but he thought it was a mix of emotion and commotion. Bruno loved the drama of the performance. Some steps were pulled off well. Carrie Ann thought it was the perfect choice and Mandy Moore's choreography was well executed. Score: 26 (9,8,9).
Evan & Anna - Broadway - Anna has been getting a lot of advice from other people, but Evan clashes with Anna's choreography. Evan tries to play around with her choreo and Anna is upset. Bobby Newberry came to help resolve the differences. The couple goes with a very 'Footloose' inspired song, from the song to the choreography. The lift was a bit too unhinged were if Evan took one extra turn, either he would have dropped Anna or Anna would have gone flying. The side-by-side choreography needed a lot of help. The final lift sequence felt really unsafe and Anna landed perfectly.
Bruno thought it was a bit demented, he lost precision and slickness. Carrie Ann thought the performance was odd. Len thought it wasn't what either of the two wanted to do, but also not what Len wanted to watch. Score: 24 (8,8,8).
Nicole & Derek - Multi-dance Inspiration (Including Lindy Hop and Salsa) - The couple decide to go for high-intensity performance with lifts that have never been seen before. While I was a tad bit distracted by the shiny glitter of the outfits in the beginning of the performance, the dance was the closest to what I would hope to see in a freestyle. The lifts were innovative and the dance was intense from beginning to end. The side-by-side choreography was better than Evan's, but the following final lift was very sloppy.
Carrie Ann thought it was the freestyle everyone was waiting for. Len loved that there were many styles, but it was fun overall. Bruno thought they pushed the bar high, it was technically superb. Score: 27 (9,9,9).
Combined Scores
Erin & Maks - 55 (29 + 26)
Nicole & Derek - 55 (28 + 27)
Evan & Anna - 52 (28 + 24)
There are two more dances tomorrow, so if the scores stay pretty close, then Evan has only a little chance to catch up. The only way he can win at this point is if he is the leader in votes. After seeing the dances, my money has to be for Erin to win. Not only has she tied with Nicole, I think people would love to see the underdog manage to beat both Evan and Nicole.
I am a bit disappointed that the final episode wasn't two hours long and I really don't think that 'The Bachelorette' really needed to be two hours long. Either way, I'm obviously choosing to watch this finale tomorrow over 'American Idol.' Who do you think will win? Leave your comments below.

4 Comments