Dancing with the Stars 2, January 19: Jive Dancin'

Last week on Dancing with the Stars, our couples tackled the rhumba and quickstep. The final scores were tallied, and Tatum O’Neal and her partner Nick Kosovich were eliminated from the competition at the end of an excruciatingly long results episode (i.e., filler).

Before we more on to tonight’s action, I want to thank Mary Jo and C. Brian for correcting something I stated in my previous recap. I thought that judge Len Goodman had compared Tatum to a truffle, but he actually said she was like a trifle. That makes more sense considering he used words such as fruity and spongy. As I told Mary Jo and C. Brian, I have a difficult time understanding the judges when they speak at the same time, so I obviously misheard what was said. I just hope that they don’t describe anyone tonight with the word “Venus.” If I misunderstand that… whoa!

Also, I’d like to thank my esteemed editor David Bloomberg for covering the results show for me last week. Because of him, I had a much-needed extended weekend!

Tonight, Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris welcome us and introduce the couples. All I can think of is that I want to be on this show (even though I’m not a celebrity or professional dancer) just to wear the dancers’ dresses.

The first couple to perform tonight is Anna Trebunskaya and Jerry Rice. Jerry explains that he has won over the crowd, but now he has to do the same with the judges. He also tells us that he couldn’t watch the NFL playoffs because of practice. Anna has him run through some moves including jumping and shimmying.

The couple is dancing the jive to “Do You Love Me.” The routine is very playful and theatrical, but Jerry stumbles a bit at the start. He also focuses on Anna during the performance. While that doesn’t sound like a bad thing, it does make him look stiff. All of that is forgotten as he shakes his butt. I love ballroom dancing! Overall, I don’t think the performance is great, but it was a nice effort.

After the performance, Len explains that in a jive, he wants to see speed and energy. Unfortunately, he calls Jerry “geriatrics” and says the dance was slow. Carrie Ann Inaba says that Jerry let go and had fun. She would like to see more footwork though. Bruno Tonioli says that Jerry’s footwork was not sharp enough and he was off of the beat. Carrie Ann says again, “He had fun.” I’m glad someone is in his corner.

Backstage with Samantha, Anna and Jerry receive their scores. Carrie Ann gives the couple a seven while both Len and Bruno score the performance with a six. Anna and Jerry have 19 out of 30 points.

Next, Giselle Fernandez and Jonathan Roberts are ready to dance. Giselle is going from Rosarita to Rocky. She tells us that she doesn’t have the fan base that some of the other celebrities have, so she has to work hard. Awww, don’t worry, Giselle; people like you. Jonathan blindfolds her during practice so that she doesn’t think too much.

They’re performing the tango to typical tango music. I have no idea what the song is called. If anyone recognizes it, let me know. Giselle certainly looks the part. Her moves are crisp and she has some excellent lines although they could be extended a bit more. Technically, the performance is great, but it doesn’t thrill me. It may just be that I’m not a fan of the tango.

Len says that he is looking for passion and dramatics in the tango. He feels their performance had it all. Carrie Ann reminds the couple that there are to be no lifts in the performances. I guess they weren’t told this ahead of time. She then says that the performance was good, but not special; Giselle is missing flair. Bruno agrees and states that there was too much rigidity. He then argues with Len. The couple receives a seven from both Carrie Ann and Bruno, and an eight from Len. Giselle and Jonathan’s final score for the evening is 22 points out of 30.

Before we move on to the next performance, we see a professional example of both the jive and tangos. Fun. Tom tells us we can download Len’s pod cast if we want to learn further about these dances. More fun.

Up next are Cheryl Burke and Drew Lachey. Drew tells us how disappointing it was last week to be in second place rather than first. Cheryl explains that you have to take breaks and have fun from time to time. The pair does just that.

They perform the jive to “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Drew’s moves are very crisp. It is a fun performance that is very well executed. They have a difficult move at the end where he picks her up, wraps her around his waist, puts her through his legs, and then ends up on top of her. Amazing.

Bruno says, “The rocket man keeps flying high.” He also commends the music selection. Len says that Drew has set the standard for all of the guys on the show. Carrie Ann states that she agrees with both Bruno and Len. She then reiterates that they are not to do any lifts. Why weren’t they told this before the competition began? All three judges give the performance a nine for a total of 27.

Edyta Sliwinska and George Hamilton are next to perform. He takes to the street to ask people to vote for him. One young person has no idea who he is. Edyta says that he has to bring himself into the tango tonight.

The couple performs to a standard tango selection. Again, I have no idea what the name of it is. (Just pick your favorite tune and hum it while you read the recap.) George has a dramatic look on his face during the performance, which is another element of the tango the judges want to see. He has some moves, but not a lot; I’d like to see more dancing. Overall, it is a safe performance. The highlight for me is George’s penciled-in mustache.

Carrie Ann says George is charming, but that he has to do more holds. Bruno tells George that he is “the master trickster.” (Would that make him Master T?) Len points out that George is the only male celebrity doing the tango tonight. He then says that he should maintain his holds.

George later mentions a turf war with P and begins to speak Spanish. Giselle offers to translate: Vote for Giselle and Jonathan! It’s nice to see the stars interacting more with one another this season and enjoying themselves.

The judges are ready with their scores. Carrie Ann and Len both award the duo with a seven; Bruno gives it an eight (for entertainment). Edyta and George have a score of 22 out of 30.