Dancing With the Stars 5, October 29

Tom and Samantha welcome us to the program and introduce the couples.

The first couple to dance is Sabrina & Mark. Sabrina has a busy schedule. Mark goes everywhere Sabrina goes so that he can practice with her. She’s worried that she won’t remember tonight’s routine.

They’re doing the foxtrot to “I’m a Woman.” Sabrina didn’t need to worry about her performance; it turns out to be solid. It is flirty, yet sophisticated. Her lines are elegant, and she and Mark cover the entire dance floor with their moves. She has a few tiny and minor missteps, but overall, the performance is great.

Len calls the performance too aggressive and powerful. Bruno agrees with him and tells Sabrina to work on her finesse. Carrie Ann says that the men don’t know what they are saying. She even goes as far as to say that Len was way off on his comments.

Samantha talks to Sabrina and Mark backstage. At this point in the season, it’s time for me to only mention Samantha’s interviews when they are meaningful. This one isn’t, so let’s move on.

Carrie Ann gives the dance a nine; Len and Bruno give it an eight. Sabrina and Mark have 25 points.

The next couple is Jennie & Derek. Jennie explains that she still gets nervous when she dances. Derek wants the audience to see the Jennie that practices with him; she is fun and relaxed.

They are performing the mambo to “Mambo Baby.” Early in the routine, Jennie shakes her butt in Derek’s face; somehow, I wish you were here to see this! The routine has a lot of tricks in it; some of them are extremely intricate, but the couple pulls them off. Like Sabrina, Jennie makes a few mistakes, but they aren’t major.

Bruno tells Jennie that she has heat tonight. Carrie Ann says that Jennie let it all hang out. Well, technically, she didn’t because this is a family show. Len refers to the performance as exceptional.

Each of the judges gives the dance a nine. Jennie and Derek have 27 points out of 30.

Up now are Jane & Tony. Tony says that Jane can do all of the required moves of the jive. They perform at a naval base. Jane says that the sailors inspired her and Tony.

They’re dancing to “Modern Love.” Jane takes a few steps back figuratively and watches Tony a lot like she’s unsure of what she’s suppose to do. The dance also seems to be in slow motion. I do give Jane props, though; she can move well for someone who isn’t 32 years old. She also seems to have fun during the routine.

Carrie Ann compliments Jane on her vibrancy. She also makes a comment that sounds as if she didn’t enjoy Tony’s choreography. Len agrees and says the jive isn’t for Jane. Bruno wonders what is happening as he also agrees with the other judges.

Carrie Ann awards the performance with an eight while Len and Bruno give it a seven. Jane and Tony have 22 points.

Edyta & Cameron are ready to perform. Cameron says that his dance last week was hot. Edyta wants Cameron to have fun with the samba.

They’re dancing to a song that I don’t recognize. Help! Cameron begins by flipping and sliding across the floor. He and Edyta shake their hips a lot, but once again, I feel as if something is missing from the dance. It feels slow and bland. Cameron has a misstep at the end of the performance, but he still pulls off the last move, which is lying on the floor and holding Edyta over him.

Len says that the dance was good in parts, but that Cameron didn’t capture the spirit of the dance. Bruno tells the couple that too much of the routine was like a tribal dance. Carrie Ann felt that the dance was primal and she loved it.

Carrie Ann gives the dance a nine; Len and Bruno give it an eight. Edyta and Cameron have 25 points.

Backstage, Cameron mentions something about dancing in a thong if he makes it to the finals. I just thought I’d mention that for anyone who is interested.

Up next are Mel & Maksim. Maksim explains the rumba to Mel; it involves love and hate. In keeping with the theme, Maksim explains what he loves and hates about Mel. She refers to the relationship as a roller-coaster ride.

They are dancing to “A Woman’s Worth.” The dance is sultry and sophisticated. Mel shows off her lines. The routine ends with Mel on Bruno’s lap, and Maksim giving Carrie Ann a peck on the cheek. Prrrrr, Maksim can gimme more of his dancing!

Bruno calls the dance a cliffhanger. He also says that it was beautifully paced. Carrie Ann tells Mel that she was mesmerized by the dance. Len rhymes several words, but basically says he loved the dance.

The judges give the dance goobers. Mel and Maksim have a triple goober or 30 points.

Samantha says that the couple only practiced for six hours this week. Maksim explains that since they thought about the rumba, they did well. Oh, Maksim, you’re beautiful!

The next couple set to perform is Marie & Jonathan. We’re reminded of Marie’s collapse last week. I implore you to move on! Jonathan says that Marie feels like she let people down last week. He also works on her breathing techniques. He’s such a sweet, caring person!

They’re doing the paso doble to an instrumental piece that I don’t know. Marie works the shirt of her dance and has an intense look in her eyes. At one point, Jonathan throws her to the floor. Didn’t I just say that he’s sweet? He then drags her across the floor. The dance is entertaining, but I think it is simple compared to some of the others.

Carrie Ann says that Marie played it safe. Len compliments Marie on the dramatic start. Bruno says that the dance was slightly uncomfortable.

Carrie Ann and Len give the dance an eight. Bruno gives it a seven. Marie and Jonathan have 23 points.

The last dance of the evening before the group dance is from Julianne & Helio. Julianne wants Helio’s personality to show in his performances. Helio promises to dance more loosely.

They are performing the cha cha cha to “Get Up Offa That Thing.” What thing? The dance is groovy and fun. Helio seems to be relaxed and enjoying himself. I think this type of dance suits him well.

Len says that Helio has come back. Bruno calls the dance great. Carrie Ann says that Helio’s Latin booty worked overtime.

Carrie Ann and Bruno give the couple a nine; Len gives it a goober. Julianne and Helio have 28 points out of 30.

In preparation for the group dance, the producers show us clips of rehearsals. Everybody is protective of Marie; people get dropped; hilarity reigns like an iron-fisted ruler.

All of the dancers perform to “Rockin’ Robin.” Tony lifts Jane over his head. Maksim does the same with Mel. The best part, though, is when Sabrina flips Mark.

The judges do not score the dance; however, that does not stop them from giving their opinion. Bruno thanks everyone for making this season so competitive. Carrie Ann thanks the dancers for the legal lifts. Len comments on the camaraderie.

Tom and Samantha review the current standings. I throw my opinion in the mix because that’s how we roll at RNO.

I think that Jane & Tony have danced their last official dance together – that is, as far as the show goes; what they do on their own time is their own business, though. Do you agree? If not, who do you feel will be eliminated? Also, did you pick up on any of my song references in this recap? Tune in tomorrow as another couple leaves the dance floor and I reveal the answers to my song quiz. Reading RNO isn’t just fun; it’s also an adventure for the mind.

Jill is an east coast mama who loves Michael Kors, Bea Arthur, and reality television. She can be reached at jillcjones@zoominternet.net to discuss these and other topics.