Dancing With the Stars 6, March 31: I Can’t Tell a Waltz From a Tango

Last week on Dancing with the Stars, Monica & Jonathan double-faulted and Kym & Penn couldn’t pull a rabbit out of a hat. As a result, both couples were eliminated from the competition. Tonight, the dancers take on the jive and tango, and I promise to stop it with the cheesy and obvious adages.

Tom and Samantha open the show. Julianne sports an auburn wig.

The first couple to perform this evening is Marlee & Fabian. Marlee says she and Fabian have the same sense of humor. The couple has fun, but when it’s time to get serious, they get serious.

They are doing the jive to “You May be Right.” Marlee does a nice job with the crisp, sharp moves. There are times when she and Fabian pause, but I’m guessing it is because they need a point to work from.

Len tells Marlee that her dancing was great. Bruno explains that Marlee’s arm passes could have been a bit better. Carrie Ann wants Marlee to work on her hands. I’m surprised that Carrie Ann didn’t say anything about the lift that the couple performed. Interesting.

Samantha talks to Marlee & Fabian backstage. I ignore her.

All three of the judges give the dance a seven. The couple has 21 points this evening.

Up next are Anna & Steve. During practice, Anna gives Steve a mask to wear so that he doesn’t catch the cold she has. She also has her husband Jonathan come in and work with Steve. Man-on-man tango is fun.

During the dance, Steve seems to slouch a bit. Unlike last week, he doesn’t have a goofy look on his face. The dance is fine. It doesn’t excite me, though, but that’s because the tango isn’t one of my favorites dances.

Steve says he needs a moment to prepare before he gets his scores. He puts a pot on his head and goggles over his eyes.

Carrie Ann tells Steve this was his best dance. Len agrees and calls the performance much improved. Bruno says something that I’m not able to interpret. I look to Yoko for help, but I forgot; she’s in bed asleep. She had surgery today to have a tooth pulled, so I’m on my own. My furry friend will be back tomorrow, though.

Once again, the judges all give Anna & Steve a seven for a total of 21 points.

Up now are Cheryl & Cristián. Cristián talks about how nervous he was during the results show. Cheryl wants Cristián to have fun, so the two of them go to Sea World and dance with a sea lion.

They are performing the jive to “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Some of Cristián’s moves are fantastic while others are a bit heavy. I think the jive would be one of the most difficult dances to attempt. He pulls it off, but I don’t think this was his best dance.

Bruno asks if Cristián is on rocket fuel; he delivered and brought the energy. Len says this is Cristián’s best dance. Carrie Ann thinks that the couple has what it takes to win. Wow, I must be off tonight.

Carrie Ann and Len give the dance an eight, while Bruno gives it a nine. Cheryl & Cristián have 25 points.

The next couple to dance is Karina & Mario. Karina travels with Mario during the week in order to practice. They work it everywhere, including airports.

They’re doing the tango to “Roxanne.” I’m digging the black and green clothing the couple is wearing. Mario looks very comfortable with the tango. Despite a few missteps, I’m very impressed with Mario’s dedication not only to this dance, but to the competition in general.

Len tells Mario he is disappointed with the tango. Carrie Ann says the dance wasn’t Mario. Bruno says the tango was strong.

Carrie Ann gives the dance a seven. Len awards it a six. Bruno gives it a strong eight. Karina & Mario have 21 points.

Ready to perform now are Shannon & Derek. Shannon struggles in practice, so Derek has her work on her kicks with kickboxing.

They are dancing the jive to “Goody Two Shoes.” I’m a bit bored with the performance. Shannon seems uncomfortable and hesitates on some of the moves. My boyfriend is thrilled with the dance, but he admits he was just looking at Shannon’s legs and not her technique.

Bruno loves the dance. Len calls the dance really good. Carrie Ann tells Shannon she’s fun to watch.

Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno give the dance an eight. Shannon & Derek have 24 points.

I hope you’re ready for more dancing because Julianne & Adam are ready to perform. Adam doesn’t want to let Julianne down. She wants him to stay lighthearted.