Dancing with the Stars 3, September 19: Illegal Moves

Last week on Dancing with the Stars, the celebrities and their professional partners performed together for the first time, and Elena Grinenko and Tucker Carlson were done in by the cha cha cha. Tonight, our couples are performing either the mambo or quickstep. We have a lot to do and cover, so let’s get started!

According to www.usatoday.com, an average of 20 million people tuned in for the premiere of the show. So far, this is the program’s third largest audience. (Only the finales of the first two seasons pulled in more viewers.) If you are watching, then congratulations on making the show a success.

After our standard introductions, Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris welcome us to the program. Tom then explains that the judges expect to see clever arm movements, fast steps, and rhythmic hip action in the mambo. Samantha tells us that in the quickstep, the dancers can perform 100 steps in a minute. She also says that the judges look for the Charleston, the chassé (meaning the feet chase each other), and powerful runs during the dance.

Performing first tonight are Willa Ford and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. We’re reminded that Willa was praised by the judges last week, but that she didn’t get a lot of love from the viewing audience. While practicing, she explains that she and Maksim fight. We even see him make her cry. He then says that he doesn’t like having plants in the practice area with him; they tend to get hurt.

They are dancing the mambo to “Shake that Thing.” The performance is very sexy and there is indeed a lot of hip shaking. Willa appears to enjoy herself throughout the performance. Did the judges enjoy themselves though?

Len Goodman tells Willa that she can mambo. He then says that Maksim’s choreography was great. Bruno Tonioli says that Willa is “almost too hot to handle.” Hey, now! Carrie Ann Inaba states that Willa sometimes got ahead of the music. Willa agrees with the assessment.

Carrie Ann gives the couple a seven, while both Len and Bruno give them an eight. Willa and Maksim have 23 points out of 30. We’re off to a good start.

Next up are Ashly Delgrosso and Harry Hamlin. Harry explains that he needs to dance tonight with his heart instead of his mind. For that reason, Ashly has a laughing yoga instructor work with Harry. They literally laugh while doing yoga. It seems strange, but apparently, it works for Harry.

They’re dancing the quickstep to “Lust for Life.” Instantly, Ashly and Harry’s movements mesmerize me. It is apparent though that Harry is thinking a lot and trying not to trip. I can’t say I blame him though. He does a nice job despite missing a few steps. Hopefully, he’ll be able to stay in the competition another week so that he can continue to dance and improve.

Bruno tells Harry that he did well and that he kept his hold the entire time. Len says that keeping the hold is the most difficult thing to do, but that Harry did it well. Carrie Ann tells Harry that he shows he has what it takes. Harry’s wife, the adorable Lisa Rinna who is sitting in the audience, is pleased with the judges’ comments.

All three judges give the couple a seven. Ashly and Harry have 21 points. She is proud of him and thrilled with his dedication.

The next couple to perform is Monique Coleman and Louis Van Amstel. Louis explains that the judges were right last week when they said that he and Monique lacked chemistry. To help develop some, he takes her on a gondola ride. Monique explains that the ride will help improve their friendship and the friendship will help their chemistry on the dance floor.

They have selected “Bop to the Top” for their mambo tonight. The performance is very energetic. Monique and Louis perform a lot of intricate moves and twists. At the end, she does a split. The routine is very satisfying and solid.

Look, there are Monique’s co-stars from High School Musical. Woo hoo!

Carrie Ann says that Monique and Louis had chemistry tonight. She also says something about being hot, young, and wild. Len say their performance was a knockout. Bruno says that Monique is bringing sexy back.

Len gives the performance an eight while Carrie Ann and Bruno each give it a nine. Monique and Louis receive a total of 26 points.

I have some very exciting news that I’d like to share with you. In the time-honored tradition of fellow RNO recapper Phil Kural (America’s Next Top Model connoisseur), I’m officially making one of the dancers MY dancer! Yes, you read it here first! The lucky recipient of all this love and affection isn’t the “celebrity” half of a couple though, but rather a professional dancer. With no further ado, I’d like to introduce you to… MY Louis! The first time he appeared on Dancing with the Stars, I didn’t get a good vibe from him. I didn’t like his hair and he troubled me. However, during season two, I noticed the kindness he showed toward his partner Lisa Rinna and it moved me. People take competitions so seriously, yet while Louis did his best throughout the season, he focused on something more important and that was the genuine friendship he was developing with Lisa and her family. It’s also a joy to see someone get something from his art other than a paycheck. He’s inspiring and tender, and for those reasons, he is now MY Louis!