Dancing with the Stars 4, March 19: Footloose

Welcome to another season of Dancing with the Stars! As always, it is my pleasure to watch this little gem and then recap all of the action for you. Just remember that I don’t do windows and I don’t like undeserving goobers. My faithful and furry companion Yoko is by my side, so we’re set. On with the show…

Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris welcome us to the program. Right away, the professionals do a group dance to “Ballroom Blitz.”

Next, Tom introduces the stars. I’ll hold my comments for now. He then informs us that the scores from tonight’s show and next Monday’s program will be combined; therefore, the first couple won’t be eliminated from the competition until next Tuesday. You can do something else with your Tuesday evening this week.

Dancing first are Cheryl Burke and Ian Ziering. Ian says that he’s doing this for his parents. During his practices with Cheryl, Ian comes across as a perfectionist. Cheryl points out that he does know how to have fun though.

They are performing the cha cha cha to “Mony Mony.” As always, Cheryl’s choreography is fantastic. And for the first dance of the season, Ian does a great job. He seems to enjoy himself despite starting off a little on the stiff side.

Len Goodman explains that the cha cha cha should be fun, contain interplay, and demonstrate hip action. He feels that Cheryl and Ian did a great job. Bruno Tonioli notes Cheryl’s choreography and then suggests that Ian see a Chippendales show; he wants more bump and grind from Ian. Hey, now! Carrie Ann Inaba explains that she was worried about Ian at first; however, she feels that he didn’t over think things and as a result did a terrific job.

Samantha asks Ian one of her pointless questions. He mentions that this is the first time since he was a baby that he had to step out of his shirt. (For anyone who missed it last season, we learned that the men’s shirts are sewn into their underwear.)

The judges are ready with their scores. Everyone gives the couple a 7. Cheryl and Ian have 21 points.

Up next are Paulina Porizkova and Alec Mazo. This is one hot couple! Paulina says that she is klutzy. Alec says that he’s excited to be back on the show. He tells Paulina not to question the system. She explains that that is what is said in communist countries. Not only is this a hot couple, but it’s as funny as pudding on a roof, too.

They are doing the foxtrot to “Too Darn Hot.” Ha! I’m not blown away by the dance, but I think that it’s because I’m not a fan of the foxtrot. In any case, Paulina’s lines are good. I’m sure that with some practice, she will begin to really show her lines. She’s almost six feet tall, so she has a lot to offer.

Len says that he looks for gliding, and steps together and apart during the foxtrot. He says that Paulina has beautiful arms, but that she must work on her posture. The audience boos him. Carrie Ann also notes Paulina’s beautiful lines, but says that she has to figure out how to fit together with Alec. Bruno feels that Len and Carrie Ann are grumpy, and claims that the routine was simple and effective.

Carrie Ann and Len give the dance a 6, while Bruno gives it a 7. The couple has 19 points.

Karina Smirnoff and Billy Ray Cyrus are ready with their performance. Billy Ray refers to himself as a lead-footed hillbilly. I love it! Karina states that Billy Ray lacks confidence. He looks quite uncomfortable during practice. If my mom is watching, I’m sure she’s telling him to pull his hair out of his eyes.

They are dancing the cha cha cha to “I Want My Money Back.” Billy Ray makes a few missteps and still looks uncomfortable. He seems to have fun, though. I’m not sure about the routine; I don’t think the judges will like it. I also don’t feel that it includes the elements that Len mentioned earlier in the show. At the end of the routine, Billy Ray pulls off Karina’s mullet. Unfortunately, it gets stuck and doesn’t come off as easily as it should have.

Carrie Ann says she doesn’t know where to begin. Basically, she states that the dance wasn’t a cha cha cha. Bruno can’t critique the dance because he too says that it wasn’t a cha cha cha. Len comes out and calls it a hoedown. The crowd boos.

Carrie Ann gives the dance a 5. Bruno and Len give it a 4. Karina and Billy Ray have 13 points.

Up now are Leeza Gibbons and Tony Dovolani. Leeza says that she’s the oldest woman on the show. She screams when she first meets Tony. She says that Tony has already become her therapist. Tony believes in tough love and won’t take it easy on Leeza.

They’re ready to do the foxtrot to “Strangers in the Night.” Leeza can really lift her leg well for an older woman. Nice! The couple is elegant and has great chemistry. Even though the routine isn’t complicated, it is well choreographed and executed.

Bruno says that Leeza danced like she was at the rim of the Grand Canyon. He tells the audience to stop booing. Len states that technically, the routine was excellent; however, he does point out Leeza’s nervousness. Carrie Ann tells Leeza to let loose. Perhaps they should have this competition in Cancun.

Leeza tells Samantha that she talked to Tony’s wife, so she knows how to handle him. Thank goodness the judges are quick with their scores. Samantha’s backstage interviews are already up my last nerve.