Dancing With the Stars almost goes from Broadway theatre to boxing ring

Broadway took over the Dancing With the Stars ballroom this week as the cast of the new musical Sister Act opened the show, and Broadway baby Kristin Chenoweth performed a couple of Broadway standards, accompanied by some of the male pros. But who knew a night of showtunes would turn into a verbal brawl? Find out which pro traded jazz hands for (metaphorical) boxing gloves in the recap …

Rob & Cheryl, Cha-cha: Rob got a nice pep talk from his mom during rehearsal. Their song, “Walk Like a Man,” is not really a Broadway showtune in my book. Rob showed some nice footwork and extensions but I didn’t see much cha-cha in his performance. Len said it was clean, precise, with good timing, but no rhythm, too stiff and starchy. Bruno thought Rob was adequate but had no impact or power. Carrie Ann felt it was not as great as last week, but Rob is showing more charisma. Score: 22

Nancy & Tristan, Foxtrot: Nancy accused Tristan of making the dance too difficult after she asked him too. However, Nancy finally loosened up, and she looked like she had a great time. It was a terrific routine that captured the essence of the dance and of the show, Spamalot, their song was from. Bruno called her Nancy Dance-alot, said she captured feel of the show and did a real foxtrot. Carrie Ann said she nailed it! Len thought Nancy had much more personality, however, was not good when in hold but he liked the razzle-dazzle. Score: 24, her first 9 and highest score so far.

David & Kym, Quick Step: David was nervous competing against Ricki and J.R. with the same dance, and he did a nice job, but seemed too contained and slow (for a Quick Step) after worrying about exuding too much energy. Carrie Ann said he lived up to expectations, but was a little out of sync in places. Len said it was a bit rough but fun, and David’s enthusiasm got the best of him. Bruno called David a live wire who got off on the wrong foot. Score: 23

Ricki & Derek, Quick Step: Ricki was also worried about J.R., but did a terrific dance, stayed in hold the entire time, and was sharp and fast but controlled. Len said Ricki proved her talent, and her legs moved so fast it took two bars for her body to catch up. Bruno pointed out her impeccable style, Derek’s outstanding choreography, and the interpretation of the music was beyond belief. Carrie Ann said it was quick, sharp, sophisticated, and beautiful to watch. Score: 29, her highest score so far.

Chaz & Lacey, Tango: I thought Chaz did a good job this week with some nice footwork, and sharp, precise movement. His problem once again comes in the holds when he really can’t get his arms around Lacey. Bruno called Chaz a cute little penguin in a dance that has to be dark and menacing, and the role didn’t fit Chaz. (Enough with the digs at Chaz’s size already, Bruno. The Ewok comment was bad enough.). Carrie Ann said it was the most aggressive Chaz has been, but the dance needs more content, and she saw the attitude Bruno seemed to have missed. Len gave Chaz props for getting through routine, said he needs tighter holds, but a good routine overall. Score: 19

Hope & Maks, Rumba: Not a good rehearsal as Maks told Hope that everyone but him had lost hope in her being a good dancer. All I saw during the dance was a lot of walking and posing, but when they danced it was good. Carrie Ann saw Hope relaxed and trusting in her sexiness, but she lost what they had in hold whenever they broke. Len was at a loss for words but hasn’t lost faith in Hope, there was too much heel lead because of the boots she wore, and it was her worst dance of season … then Maks chimed in and Len said half the fault was his, saying, “I’ve been in this business for nearly fifty years,” to which Maks replied, “Maybe it’s time to get out,” which led to Carrie Ann telling Maks not to disrespect Len, and Maks telling the judges to stop disrespecting him and the stars who are doing their best. Tom had to intervene so Bruno could give his critique saying Hope had a difficult song that required her to portray different emotions, but the rumba is a dance that never stops and she was too staccato. The war of words continued in the skybox as Maks continued his critique of the judges pointing out they seem to judge with a bit of a bias, giving good scores and comments for entertainment but criticizing others for a heel lead. We’ll see if any apologies are forthcoming on the results show … but this isn’t the first time Maks has mouthed off to the judges and had to tuck his tail between his legs afterwards. Score: 20

J.R. & Karina, Quick Step: J.R. was worried about Ricki, but he did a good job. However, I felt is was mostly running back and forth with a few jumps here and there and nothing near as good as Ricki’s dance. Len said J.R. came close to Helio’s quick step from years ago. Bruno said, “It’s a hit!” Carrie Ann said Bob Fosse would have been proud. Really? I didn’t see any Bob Fosse in that dance even if the song was from Chicago. Score: 29

The night also featured a group dance with everyone doing a 15 second solo with lifts! Ricki’s lift was complicated and clumsy, but Nancy’s lift was pretty darned amazing. Even in rehearsal she pulled it off, and it came off even better in the dance. The group dance wasn’t judged, which may explain why everyone seemed so at ease and happy while performing.

At the end of the night, Ricki and J.R. were tied at the top with 29, and Chaz was back at the bottom with 19. Unless Cher can pull off another Twitter miracle, I’m gonna have to say it’s finally Chaz’s time to go. Making it this far is great, but if he can’t do half of the dances because of the holds, then he’s got to be happy for what he has accomplished. What say you?

“If you panic, just do a jazz hand. It worked for me … well, oh, no it didn’t.” — Carson helping with the group number

“Welcome back to Dancing With the Stars. It’s Broadway Week, and it’s almost wrestling night.” — Tom, after the Maks & Len blow-up

“It’s a little early to be doing jazz hands, or should I say Chaz Hands?” — Lacey on the way to group rehearsal

“Everybody! Nancy Grace just did a lift!” — Karina in the group rehearsal

“Well, it’s been a night of hot dancing, great good humor, some heated words, and a lot of texting from the Kardashians.” — Tom

Clacked by Chuck Duncan
on Oct 25, 2011 @ 02:15 EST5EDT