Dancing with the Stars 5, November 19: Make the Right Choice

Welcome to the semi-finals of Dancing with the Stars! Tonight, the couples perform two dances (one ballroom and one Latin) of their choice. Let’s see who selects wisely and who falters.

First, I want to thank all of the readers who wrote in with their explanations of why the female dancers wear nude-color shoes. The general consensus seems to be the color of the shoe elongates the women’s leg lines. Two other opinions that were also represented were that by wearing the same shoes each week, the women can break them in over time instead of dealing with a new pair for each dance, and that the color basically goes with every character the dancers portray. Again, thanks to everyone for your help; I couldn’t write this article without you!

Tom and Samantha open the show. Derek looks like Sergeant Pepper.

Up first are Marie & Jonathan. Marie tells us that she needs to become more competitive. Jonathan stresses technique. Marie lands on her butt during practice.

They are performing the quickstep to “Good Morning.” Marie’s dress is beautiful and there is certainly more content in this dance than there has been in others; however, the dance isn’t quick enough in my opinion. I give Marie props though for doing this and being over the age of 32.

Len tells Marie she brings joy and entertainment to the show. Bruno compliments the couple on its content. Carrie Ann says that Marie didn’t miss a step.

Carrie Ann and Len give the dance a goober; Bruno gives it a nine. The crowd boos. Marie and Jonathan have 29 points for the ballroom round.

The next couple to dance is Mel & Maksim. Mel tells us that her schedule is incredible. While she and Maksim practice, the other Spice Girls stop by. One of them (I can’t tell them apart) tells Maksim that he has girl power.

They’re doing the Viennese waltz to “Somebody to Love.” Mel does a series of splits during the routine; it is fantastic. I think the dance would be more romantic without the singer squealing in the background. The routine ends with Mel planting a kiss on Maksim’s cheek.

Bruno says the dance was sexy; it’s the first time he’s seen a Viennese waltz done like that. Carrie Ann has chills. Len tells Mel that she’s going to be Queen B in reference to Queen, the band that originally performed “Somebody to Love.”

Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno give the dance a triple goober. Mel and Maksim have 30 points so far.

Jennie & Derek are ready with their first dance of the evening. Jennie talks about her frustrations. She takes her kids to Disney and surprises them with a dance in front of Cinderella’s castle with Mickey. Uh, I think I caught Mickey in my attic a few days ago; I’m sorry, kids.

They are performing the tango to “The Take Over, the Break’s Over.” Jennie’s moves are crisp and sharp. I don’t get the choreography, though; I don’t feel as if I’m watching a tango. The routine is quite energetic, though.

Carrie Ann feels that the dance lacked passion. Len disagrees and says this tango is better than the one Jennie & Derek originally performed. Bruno tells Jennie that she has guts to take on the dance.

Carrie Ann and Bruno give the dance a nine while Len gives it a goober. Jennie & Derek have 28 points.

I’m exhausted from ducking all of these goobers. Ease up, judges. Please.

The next couple to perform is Julianne & Helio. Helio surprises Julianne with flowers and balloons. He also introduces Julianne to Rascal Flatts. She continues to push him, though.

They’re dancing the foxtrot to “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.” The dance is beautiful and elegant. I’m actually mesmerized by the choreography and moves. Even though the routine is stylish, it still allows Helio to show off his fun side.

Len tells Helio he was fantastic. Bruno can’t believe that Helio never danced before. Carrie Ann comments on Helio’s technique and polish.

All of the judges give the dance a goober. After one round, Julianne & Helio have 30 points.

The producers show us clips of Len and the private dance lessons he gave to each of the couples. I’ll share the highlights with you:

• Len helps Marie with her hips; he wants to see more action.
• Len focuses on Helio’s feet. He comes close to smooching on Helio; it’s all in good fun.
• Len gives Jennie advice on her arms. She tells him he’s cute.
• Len tells Mel that she looks down too much. Mel acknowledges it.

Ready with their second performance tonight are Marie & Jonathan. They are performing the mambo. They both wear feathers. Eventually, they are torn off… thank goodness. Marie works her hips the way Len told her to. The dance features some fun moves, but there are some awkward ones as well. This has been my least favorite dance tonight.

Bruno calls the dance madcap. Marie squeals and shakes her booty. I’m uncomfortable. Carrie Ann tells Marie that she missed a few steps, but the dance was wonderful. Len points out Marie’s hips and how they came alive.

All three of the judges give the dance a nine. For their final dance, Marie & Jonathan have 27 points.

Up now are Mel and Maksim. They’re dancing the paso doble to “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” The dance begins with Maksim pulling Mel on a whip. Um, OK. Mel has the right look and demeanor for this dance. She totally works her cape and sells it. The dance ends with Mel & Maksim falling to the floor while giggling.

Carrie Ann is impressed by the dance. Len sings, “You can whip me if I misbehave.” He eventually says the dance was fantastic. Bruno says that satisfaction is guaranteed with Mel and that she’s a star.

Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno give the dance a goober. The couple has 30 points for their Latin dance.

The next couple is Jennie & Derek. They’re performing the cha cha cha to “Mustang Sally.” Jennie displays the right attitude for this dance. She gets into the moves and does an impressive spin at the end of the routine. My only suggestion would be for her to commit to some of the moves.

Len says Jennie was fantastic. Bruno calls Jennie yummy. Carrie Ann gets ghetto in a good way and snaps… a lot.