Dancing with the Stars 3, September 12: Chemistry

Welcome to season three of Dancing with the Stars! Tonight, as the competition begins, I’m confident that we’re going to be treated to a lot of sexy moves, toe-tapping music, and shots of the disco ball trophy. If you haven’t done so already, check out our preview article. Otherwise, on with the dancing!

Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris welcome us to the show, and introduce the couples. They also mention that the celebrities have been practicing with their partners for only six weeks. I’m sure that no matter what happens, we’re going to be impressed with what they have accomplished so far.

Performing first tonight are Edyta Sliwinska and Joey Lawrence. Joey mentions that it has been 23 years since he last danced in front of anyone. Edyta tells us that her moves are inspired by animals and are very exotic. She’s excited about dancing with him because he’s younger than George Hamilton, who was her partner last season.

They are dancing the cha cha cha to “I Like the Way.” Joey is wearing a sleeveless shirt and it frightens me. Honestly. The dance isn’t crisp, but it is lively and enjoyable. It is also quite sensual. Prrrrrr. Even though they haven’t been dancing together very long, Edyta and Joey have chemistry.

After the performance, Len Goodman explains the cha cha cha to us. He says that it should involve a lot of hip action and interaction. He liked the routine, but suggests that Joey work on his hips. Bruno Tonioli says that the performance was sexy. He too feels that some hip work is needed. Carrie Ann Inaba states that Joey is a powerful performer and he should work on his arms.

The scores are ready. All three judges give the performance a seven. Joey is pleased with his score of 21 points out of 30 because it means that there is room for improvement. Next, Tom points out that the judges were booed during Joey’s critique and the show has only been on for 10 minutes. This is going to be a great season.

Next up are Sara Evans and Tony Dovolani. Sara tells us in an interview that a car hit her when she was a little girl and broke both of her legs. Tony says that he is a lion and the woman (Sara in this case) is a lioness. I should have saved my purring until now! Tony is impressed with Sara’s focus.

They have selected “Mandy” to dance the foxtrot to tonight. The dance is romantic and dreamy, but Sara seems like she is concentrating too much. There is some nice interaction between the two though.

The judges are ready with their feedback. Len explains that the foxtrot is romantic and that the couple should glide across the dance floor. He says that Sara and Tony were great, but there should be more gliding. Of course, there is more booing. Bruno says that Sara goes from Jackie O to Barbara Bush. He then tells the crowd to shut up as it boos him. Finally, Carrie Ann says that Sara looks nervous and should let go. This translates into a five from each of the judges for a total of 15 points. Sara says that she is disappointed, but will try to do better the next time if she is not eliminated tomorrow night.

The next couple to hit the dance floor is Elena Grinenko and Tucker Carlson. We see a shot of Tucker’s chest. Hide that thing, will you? Elena says that her dancing is sexy. She’s also explains that she’s going to take a fun, laid back approach with Tucker since that seems to be what works best for him.

Elena and Tucker are dancing the cha cha cha this evening to “Dancing in the Streets.” The dance starts off with Tucker sitting in a chair and him losing his bow tie. Throughout the performance, he doesn’t seem to do much. He basically twirls Elena and talks to himself. He appears to have fun though.

After the dance, Carrie Ann is laughing so hard that she can’t give her critique. She points out that Tucker obviously had a good time, but didn’t dance much. Len says that the problems began when Tucker stood up from his chair at the start of the routine. He then says that Tucker is a natural and will do much better with some of the other dances. Bruno refers to the dance as an awful mess. Boy, the judges are hitting hard and early this season.

After a quick break, the judges are ready with their scores. Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno give the performance a five, four and three respectively for a total of 12 points. Of course, Bruno has to refer to the dance as an awful mess again. Tucker doesn’t care though. He claims that he will win Bruno over.

Monique Coleman and Louis Van Amstel are ready with their performance. Monique explains that she started out as a dancer, but ended up focusing on her acting instead. She says that she can krump, but that ballroom is new to her. Louis says that he was a rebel and wanted to push the boundaries on the dance floor. I love Louis. Monique explains that Louis is pushing her. We see her crying and Louis comforting her. I love this couple already.

They’re performing the foxtrot to “Baby Love.” The dance is playful and romantic. The couple covers the dance floor throughout the performance. Monique seems a bit stiff, but I’m sure she will relax over time. Just think back to Kelly Monaco and what she was able to do after weeks of performing.

Bruno refers to Monique as a dream girl. He also gives her advice on pointing her feet. Carrie Ann says that Monique’s shapes are beautiful. She also states that she “over danced” it with her face though. Len agrees and says that her arms are lovely. He doesn’t see the chemistry though, so he tells Louis to take Monique out to dinner. He then reiterates this by saying that they had the chemistry of an autopsy.

After Samantha interviews the couple backstage, the judges are ready with their scores. Ca

Let me interject a thought here. Earlier tonight, I received a message from Sonya, a RealityNewsOnline reader. She explained that Monique will probably receive a lot of votes from the “tween” crowd. I hadn’t considered this before, but Sonya makes a great point. Up until now, there weren’t many celebrities on the show that appealed to this demographic. Also, the Disney Channel is promoting Monique’s appearance; that will certainly help her as well.

Performing for us next are Cheryl Burke and Emmitt Smith. Emmitt gives us a rundown of his football success. He also explains that he is amazed to be working with last season’s champ. During practice, Cheryl and Emmitt tease one another, but have fun. This is another couple that will be enjoyable to watch.

Tonight, they are dancing the cha cha cha to “Son of a Preacher Man.” Wow, the routine is enjoyable and energetic. Cheryl’s dancing is crisp, but for being a big man, Emmitt does a great job too. I give Cheryl credit for choreographing a fun performance and I give Emmitt props for giving it 100%. The crowd loves the dance and so do I! Cheryl and Emmitt get a standing ovation.

Carrie Ann calls Emmitt over to her and shakes his hand. She says she loved his performance. Len says that the dance was a joy and that Emmitt was great. Bruno tells the couple that for the first time tonight he wanted to join in on the action.

Each judge gives the routine an eight for a total of 24 points. It is certainly well deserved and Emmitt says that Cheryl did a wonderful job training him.