Dancing with the Stars 4, March 19: Footloose

All three judges give the performance a 5. Leeza and Tony have 15 points. I can’t believe their score is that low. In my opinion, it was a much better routine than the score indicates.

Dancing next are Kym Johnson and Joey Fatone. Joey acts all wild and crazy. Kym reminds us that she danced with Jerry Springer last season, so she can deal with Joey. At Joey’s home, his daughter wakes him up when Kym arrives for practice. Cute. Kym claims that Joey’s nickname will no longer be “Fat One.” Tee hee.

They’re performing the cha cha cha to “You Should be Dancing.” Immediately, the routine takes off, and is fun and energetic. Joey’s microphone pack is hanging off of his back, but he doesn’t let it stop him. Also, his experience as a performer shows; he isn’t nervous and does a great job for week one.

Carrie Ann says that the competition just started with Joey. She also loves his sense of humor. Len says that the routine was really good. Bruno talks and talks; basically, he says that the couple did a great job.

Each judge gives the couple an 8. Kym and Joey have 24 points going into next week’s show.

Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy are up next. Hot couple alert! Maksim says that he doesn’t sugarcoat things. I sense that he and Laila will beat each other down eventually, but in a way that shows their respect and admiration for one another. She asks him if he can handle her and he informs us that he has met his match.

They are dancing the foxtrot to “How Sweet It Is.” For having the body of a boxer, Laila moves gracefully. The routine is stylish, smooth, and a pleasure to watch. Again, Laila looks great and this is only the first show of the season.

Bruno explains that the routine oozed sex appeal. Carrie Ann agrees with Bruno and says that Laila is strong and has great fluidity. Len tells Laila that her footwork and holds were great.

Carrie Ann gives the dance a 7, while Len and Bruno give it an 8. Laila and Maksim have 23 points.

Are you ready for some more dancing? I hope so because Edyta Sliwinska and John Ratzenberger are set to dance. John learns some Polish from Edyta. She’s stressed because they don’t have much time to practice together. John claims to not be worried by the situation.

They’re doing the cha cha cha to “Chain of Fools.” Their routine begins with John playing the guitar on Edyta’s stomach. I know a lot of people who would pay money to do that. John does a great job with the footwork and keeps up with Edyta. He also gets into the routine and has fun. For stepping in at the last minute and being older, he dances beautifully.

Carrie Ann says that the performance was surprisingly good. Len thought that the dance was going to be a disaster, but it was great. Bruno says something about a heel-lead problem. I roll my eyes because it is only the first night of the competition. Overall, though, Bruno enjoyed the routine.

Carrie Ann and Bruno give Edyta and John a 6. Len gives them a 5. They’ve earned 17 points this evening.

Next, Shandi Finnessey and Brian Fortuna are ready with their performance. Shandi says that winning the Miss USA pageant was the highlight of her life. Doesn’t she know that there is a disco ball trophy at stake here? Brian has Shandi squeeze his butt during practice. Is it just me or does he look a bit like Matthew Lawrence (Cheryl’s boyfriend)?

They’re dancing the foxtrot to “The Power of Love.” Right away, I think of what Tyra Banks tells some of the girls on America’s Next Top Model… this isn’t a pageant! Shandi exudes pageant in the way she moves and carries herself. She does a nice job, but she needs to work on her lines and extend herself. She also seems to look at Brian a lot for direction. I’m sure she will stop doing that after a while.

Bruno calls the couple Barbie and Ken. He tells Shandi that she smiles a lot and that she should point her feet. Carrie Ann explains that Shandi’s footwork needs work. Len claims that the routine was too aggressive.

Carrie Ann and Len award the couple with a 6. Bruno gives it a 7. Shandi and Brian have 19 points.

Dancing next are Elena Grinenko and Clyde Drexler. She is so short compared to him. Clyde doesn’t want to lose his nickname (The Glide) on the dance floor. Elena calls him a gentle giant. He is beaming as he talks about practice.

They’re performing the cha cha cha, and already, I’ve missed the song! Write to me if you know what it is; I totally zoned. Clyde’s footwork is excellent, but he doesn’t seem to know what to do with his arms. He’s lanky, but cute as he dances with Elena. The routine isn’t powerful, but I think Elena and Clyde need more time to get used to one another on the dance floor.

Carrie Ann says that Clyde can keep his nickname; however, he is shy with his dancing and needs to come out of it. Len calls the performance “charming.” Bruno wants Clyde to do more next week and use the floor.

Carrie Ann gives the couple a 6, while Len and Bruno give it a 5. Elena and Clyde have 16 points. The audience boos.

Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts are set to dance. Heather says that her dance background consists of going to the disco. Jonathan wants Heather to look as great as possible. During practice, Jonathan packs up Heather’s artificial leg for her. She stumbles a bit as they rehearse, but is a good sport about it. She wants to show others with disabilities that if she can dance, they can do it, too.

They are doing the foxtrot to “Cheek to Cheek.” The routine is sophisticated and beautiful. Periodically, Heather falters, but she does a great job overall. Her moves are smooth and graceful.