If you’ve followed my blogs since I started writing about “Dancing With The Stars” several seasons ago, you know that I have a love/hate relationship with the theme weeks – particularly the “Most Memorable Year” week. When you have someone opening their heart, especially about some deeply personal stories, it’s hard to pick apart a routine based on that experience. Monday night was no exception, and a few dances had me watching in tears.
This week was yet another time thought that I found myself growing irritated with the judges. Their scoring continues to remain inconsistent among the various celebrities. There are some that are deserving of their scores. Others I feel are being scored too low, and others are being scored higher than I believe they should, especially since the judges frequently mention that they have to hold everyone to the same standards. That obviously isn’t the case.
Nastia Luikin (Argentine Tango) – Nastia is a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor. From the start I knew that she would bring grace and technique. The fact that she is paired with Derek is simply a bonus. This week was no exception. Her movements were beautiful, and the lifts were phenomenal. I can’t complain at all other than the factor that Len seemed to doc a point or so from her because of choreography. Judges’ Scores: 9-8-9-10
Michael Sam (Rumba) – There’s something about Michael that I have adored through this competition. I love the way he presents himself. There were parts of his Rumba that were beautiful. As long as I didn’t watch his feet it was good. The rest of his body was on point, as was his character. Judges’ Scores: 7-7-8-8
Riker Lynch (Tango) – I was really mixed with Riker’s performance. On one hand it was a good dance. On the other hand it was really hard to follow. The fast pace of the song, on top of the set design, had my eyes darting around to keep up. It was just all a little too much for me. Judges’ Scores: 8-8-9-9
Robert Herjavec (Waltz) – Robert has truly become one of my favorite dancers this season. Every week he surprises me a little more. This week was definitely no exception. His Waltz was simply beautiful and it was a perfect tribute to his mom. Even without knowing his story, though, it was a phenomenal performance. If he has the fan support, he could definitely walk away with this competition! Judges Scores: 8-9-8-9
Chris Soules (Rumba) – As much as I like Chris, I really wasn’t feeling his Rumba. His movements didn’t flow and there was no connection. That alone was something that the judges complained about, and I actually agreed with them on. I have a feeling that Chris’s time in the competition is dwindling. Judges’ Scores: 7-6-7-7
Patti LaBelle (Jazz) – I’m going to start this one with saying I have absolutely nothing against Patti, and I truly do enjoy watching her. It was nice to see her step-up the amount of dance steps in her routine. What bothered me was that the judges did little more than praise her for her performance. If you watched her footwork, though, it wasn’t that good. Had that been another celebrity, the judges would have torn them apart. Now don’t get me wrong, I give Patti huge props for these performances given her age, but when the judges say they have to hold everyone to the same level – this is proof they aren’t. Judges’ Scores: 8-7-7-8
Rumer Willis (Waltz) – I’m honestly starting to question what else Rumer has to do in order to get a 10, because this was another stellar performance. Along with Robert, Rumer is one of my favorites this season, and this was a beautiful dance. Once more, though, Len had a complaint about the choreography… feeling it was too contemporary. Judges’ Scores: 9-8-9-9
Suzanne Somers (Foxtrot) – Suzanne’s “Three’s Company” themed dance was really quite adorable. Although her character always annoyed me on the show (I preferred the seasons with Priscilla Barnes as Terri) this was a great tribute, and it was one of her stronger dances. I’m still of the opinion that she won’t hold out much longer, but I enjoyed this dance. Judges’ Scores: 7-7-7-7
Willow Shields (Contemporary) – I have to make a confession. I haven’t seen the “Hunger Games” movies, and I haven’t read the book. This performance probably would’ve had more impact on me if I had. Nonetheless, I know enough of the movies to appreciate the theme of the dance, and even quickly email Jennie Montgomery to inform her she HAD to watch the performance. This is probably one of the strongest performances Willow has had in my book. I think that partially had to do with the fact that she could tap into the character so easily, but that does not diminish the talent that she showed from a dancing perspective. Judges’ Scores: 10-9-10-10
Noah Galloway (Contemporary) – I struggled with tears while Noah explained the year he would be remembering in his dance this week, and within the first few strains of the song I was fully crying. Every week I say this, and every week I mean it with my whole heart – I have so much respect for him. His strength, both emotionally and physically, is mind-blowing. And this dance was truly one of his best. Contemporary suits him well, given some of his limitations. Judges’ Scores: 8-8-8-8
It was sad to see Michael be eliminated this week. Although I had a feeling that he wouldn’t last past the halfway mark, I really didn’t want to see him leave already. Once more it is proof of how much fan support matters in this competition.
As for who will be the next to go – that is a really big toss-up. So far this season eliminations haven’t gone as I thought. Chris is once more at the bottom of the leader board, but Suzanne is only one point ahead of him. I think it could easily go either way, or we could be surprised by watching someone like Riker go. It pains me to say it, but I’m going to go with Chris for the next elimination.
Let me know your thoughts, and check back each week for my thoughts on the show. You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.
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