Dancing with the Stars 2, February 2: Where's the Dog?

Previously on Dancing with the Stars, the couples tackled the paso doble and foxtrot. After the votes were tallied, the end finally came for Ashly DelGrosso and P. Miller. Tonight, our hoofers are dancing the samba in addition to a group salsa. I’m expecting a lot of performances that are muy caliente!

Before the action begins, I’d like to address a question that Brenda, a reader of RealityNewsOnline, asked recently; she wants to know what the judges and I mean when we talk about a dancer’s lines. Basically, this refers to the person’s body and its extension or stretch. To say that someone has powerful lines means that the dancer is totally extending his or her body. Watch Stacey Keibler for an example of a celebrity dancer who has wonderful lines; when she lengthens her arm, she does so from shoulder to fingertips. Lines are also important in other professions including fashion design, photography, and architecture to name a few. I don’t want to be accused of stuffing my article with filler the way ABC does with this show, so with that, I will conclude the lesson.

As the show begins, we’re treated to a shot of the disco ball trophy. Exquisite. Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris welcome us and introduce the dancers.

Several minutes into the program, we see our first bad camera shot as one cameraman walks in front of another one. Hey, at least he can say he was on national television.

The first couple to perform this evening is Stacy and Tony Dovolani. She explains that she wants to get into character the way Drew Lachey did the week before with his thrilling performance. Tony takes Stacy to a samba bar so that she can see the moves she is expected to make. Stacy says that tonight, “it’s time to turn it up.” She also says that her butt tickles when she shakes it.

They are dancing to “Bootylicious” and just as expected, there is a lot of butt shaking. Stacy looks extremely poised when she dances, despite making several small errors. I also notice that Stacy and Tony’s moves are smoother when they are apart than when they are touching. Overall, the dance is energetic and entertaining.

Tom introduces the judges. Len Goodman explains that the samba should be fun and include fantastic hips. Len is speechless over the couple’s performance; he says it was sultry and sexy. Carrie Ann Inaba gives the couple a standing ovation and says that Stacy is better than some of the pros. Bruno Tonioli exclaims that she is a weapon of mass seduction. Honestly, that’s what he said. I wonder if he works on excerpts and analogies all week long. Needless to say, the judges loved Stacy and Tony’s performance.

The judges are ready with their scores. All three give the couple a perfect 10 for a total of 30 out of 30. I’m sorry, but the performance was not perfect; there were obvious mistakes. Also, last week, Len said that he only gives a 10 when there are no errors. There is no way he can justify giving Stacy and Tony a 10 then. If the judges keep doing this, they’re going to find themselves in the Reality TV Hall of Shame… again.

Now it’s time for a professional demonstration of the samba and another explanation of the dance’s elements. We’re also reminded of Len’s pod cast.

Next up are Edyta Sliwinska and George Hamilton. George realizes that tonight, he has to do more footwork. We see him try to slide Edyta between his legs during practice. She eventually takes him to the zoo to inspire and help him. He seems to be fascinated by the monkey. Back in the dance studio, he says he smells a rhinoceros.

They are performing to “Conga.” Despite what he says, he still has a prop; it looks like a magician’s wand. He is obviously trying to throw in more footwork, so he is to be commended for his effort. There is also a lot of hip action, but of course, most of it comes from Edyta. George is trying to keep up though. Unfortunately, the dance isn’t as fast-paced and energetic as Stacy and Tony’s, but it is enjoyable in its own way.

Bruno compares George’s dance to fruit cocktail. He also says that he managed to do his trick again. Len says that George is dancing for joy. Carrie Ann says that he is a fantastic performer and his footwork is better; there was more of it too.

All three judges give Edyta and George an eight. Their score is 24 points.

Backstage, George talks about props and being done with them. He then pulls out a banana and begins to eat it.

Lisa Rinna and Louis van Amstel are up next. Lisa can’t believe that they were in second place last week. Louis tells her that they won’t be going to the spa because they have to work hard this week. Her husband Harry Hamlin and their children stop by the dance studio. Later on, Lisa and Louis go for a run on the beach. She points out that while Drew and Stacy are only in their 20s, she is 42; I think she looks fantastic!

Lisa and Louis are dancing to “Le Freak.” Their opening is very sexy. As the couple moves around the dance floor, I spot jazz hands. Leave it to Louis. In addition to shimmying and a few disco moves, Lisa also extends her leg in a way that most 42 year-olds would not dream of doing.

Carrie Ann says that the performance wasn’t a samba; it was more like a disco. Bruno argues with her and takes a fit. She then says that Lisa is performing well. Bruno says that Lisa was gorgeous and luscious. I once described a pear that way. Len tells Carrie Ann that he can’t agree with her because the performance was a proper samba. Lisa screams like someone who just won the bingo jackpot.

Carrie Ann gives the performance a seven while Len and Bruno give it a nine; Lisa and Louis have 25 points. Now I’m annoyed; how can Carrie Ann give George an eight and Lisa a seven? I smell favoritism. Also, I believe that Louis choreographed the performance, so even if this wasn’t a samba, it shouldn’t be reflected in Lisa’s score.

The next performance is from Tia Carrere and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. We’re reminded that they were in the bottom two last week. Maksim says that Tia’s thinking so much that a vein is popping out of her head. She says that she has to be sexy tonight. She practices with a broom.

The duo is dancing to “No More Tears.” The dance starts out slowly and then picks up as Maksim pulls off the long train on her dress. He also encourages the crowed to get into the dance. I don’t think there is enough hip action in the routine for a samba. Tia also makes some obvious mistakes, but she seems to have fun.

Len says that they were in Baltimore and not Brazil. Also, he only enjoyed the middle of the performance. Carrie Ann agrees with him. Bruno says that Tia’s a natural. Comments are also made about the choreography. Again, I have to question why Tia is held responsible for mistakes the judges allege are in the choreography. I fear that Tia isn’t long for this competition; I hope I’m wrong though.

Carrie Ann and Len give the couple a seven; Bruno gives it an eight. Tia and Maksim have 22 points.

While she’s being interviewed, Tia mentions a babushka. Yeah! Those of us from the Pittsburgh area appreciate the babushka.