Last week’s double elimination sent Melissa & Louie packing.  This week, the remaining 7 face another double elimination.  My prediction?  It’s either Michael, Mark or… unfortunately Kelly.

This week’s dance-off included individual dances and the group dance competitions.  The teams:  Team Tango vs. Team Paso.  After the individual dance performances, the 7 couples were split into these two teams.  By far, Team Tango, consisting of Donny/Kym, Kelly/Louis and JoAnna/Derek won that competion.  Their performance SMOKED over Team Paso’s.  Although, for the most part, Team Paso did a decent job.  Perhaps if Karina and Lacey had stopped arguing and worked as a team, they would have had a better shot at winning.  Overall, it was a fun dance-off.  Team Tango beat Team Paso 28-24.

One last thing… how totally ridiculous is it that Mark & Derek are shamelessly promoting their singing careers by performing on tomorrow night’s elimination show in their band “Ballas Hough.”  God… how NON-CREATIVE is that?  Ballas Hough.  PAHLEASE!  Thank Goodness it’s my birthday so that I will be having margaritas on Tuesday night instead of watching that performance!

Here’s my nagging  and praising for this week’s couples:

 I saw a vast improvement in Aaron’s performance this week.  The rehearsal video led me to believe that he wouldn’t be able to tackle the footwork.  But, he surprised viewers and did a fantastic job.  By far, this Jive was his best dance yet!  Bruno agreed with my thoughts on this and remarked on Aaron’s ability to kick fast.  Carrie Ann said, “You’re like a little roadrunner!”  But, then she mentioned something weird that happened in the middle of the dance.  Tom Bergeron chimed in that the weird thing in the middle is “called Len.”  Despite the remarks on Len’s oddness, he told the couple, “That had enough energy to light up Hollywood!” 

Scores: 9-10-10 – Total 29 + Team Dance 24 pts = 53 Total. 

Donny Darko reappeared tonight with the best attitude in place.  There’s one thing you can definitely say about this guy… he has an amazing work ethic.  He never gives up.  It seems that he always maintains a positive attitude about challenges.  What more can America ask for?  In tonight’s Quick Step, he had several mis-steps.  Despite them, not to mention the lack-luster posture, he pulled off a decent dance.  It certainly wasn’t his best performance, but I find that it will be enough to keep him in the running towards the semi-finals.

Scores: 8-8-8 – Total 24 + Team Dance 28 Pts = 52 Total

Their rehearsal video for the Rumba has way too corny, however it was simultaneously entertaining and “cute.”  It was a spoof on Derek’s fantasy about being with JoAnna.  He tried to get JoAnna to create chemistry by telling her that during the rehearsals for this dance, there is no fiance.  Rather, it’s just the two of them.  But, she obviously sees him as a bit of a goof-ball and never really was able to develop that kind of believable chemistry with him during their performance.  Despite the obvious lack of chemistry, their dance was technically good… almost too good.  JoAnna looked precise, yet stiff.  She also had a stumble and apparently was concerned about their location on the dance floor during one part where she looked worried about hitting the audience with her feet and pulled her legs in.  Carrie Ann thought it was fantastic, Bruno called her a “Love Goddess.”  I thought it was good… but, it didn’t excite me.

Scores: 9-9-9 – Total: 26 + Team Dance 28 pts = 55 Total

In costume design week, Kelly gave payback to Louis by giving him the most ridiculous pants.  They were the shimmy ones that the girls wear with the rows of tassels.  He looked like a total  fruit-cake.   They had the Salsa this week and Louis just drilled Kelly in rehearsals.  She displayed her typical drama scene and cried too much.  But, whatever it was that he did… it paid off.  This week’s performance had markedly improved over last week’s.  Even though she appeared to lose balance during the dance, the judges agreed that she had improved.  Carrie Ann pointed out that she was unafraid of the dance.  Len did praise her improvement, however cautioned her, “All aspects of your dance need to come up a notch and Louis is right to push you.”

There’s no crying in ballroom, Kelly!

Scores: 8-8-8 – Total: 24 + Team Dance 28 Pts = 52 Total

Our Little Lacey was sick this week.  So, Mark ended up performing with Anna (from Anna and Chuck Liddell).  Overall, my thoughts on the dance:  weird, not fluid, no emotion.  I do feel for Mark in that he only had 48-hours to grasp the dance.  But, this 48-Hour dance needed another 48 hours!  For sure!  Lacey’s absence may be the end of Mark’s time on the show. 

Solid Scores: 6-7-6 – Total 19 + Team Dance Off = 52 Total

Michael and Anna have improved.  For real!  In their FoxTrot, there was very good rise & fall.  Their performance was polished and, honestly, rather entertaining.  Good for you, Michael!  Now, I wouldn’t write home about it, yet it was another marked improvement over prior weeks.  Bruno told the couple that their musicality had improved (I agree).  There was some light-hearted discussion about Michael’s costume-designing ability.  He gave all the credit to his kids and Barney (hence, the purple…). 

Scores: 8-8-7 – Total 23 + Team Dance 24 Pts = 47 Total.

I just don’t understand why Len-Poopy-Pants is so tough on Mya and Dmitry.  They are clearly the strongest couple and yet Len just continues to nit-pick them to death.  They had the FoxTrot and did this neato black and white thing at the beginning and the end.  But, Poopy Pants didn’t like it and thought that their routine had “too many gimmicks.”  Bruno told Mya, “You dance like an angel!”   Carrie Ann responded to Len’s criticisms by saying, “Len is off smoking crack!”  Touche, Carrie Ann!

Scores: 9-7-9 = 25 Pts + Team Dance 24 Pts  = 49 Total  

 Tuesday, November 3rd:  The Results Show Will Be Aired on ABC

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