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.

The next duo to dance is Lisa Rinna and Louis van Amstel. Lisa has a breakdown during practice. Louis seems to understand her emotions. Lisa then says that it is time to have fun again.

They perform the jive to “Jailhouse Rock.” Lisa executes a lot of moves that are sharp, but could be sharper. The dance also features continuous footwork; it is extremely energetic. Lisa seems to be enjoying herself tonight; I think this is my favorite performance by Lisa and Louis so far in the competition. Toward the end of the dance, she goes into a split. Excellent.

Our judges are ready to critique the performance. Bruno says that Lisa is in the zone. She controlled herself well and had great timing. Len explains that he loved how the performance developed from simple jive moves to those that are more complex. Carrie Ann says, “Your body looks amazing.” Of course, Tom replies with, “Thanks.” She then says she loved the performance. With that, Carrie Ann and Bruno give the performance an eight while Len gives it a nine. Lisa and Louis have 25 points.

Backstage, Samantha asks Lisa how she did it tonight. Lisa points to her chest and says she brought the girls. She then pulls a picture of her daughters out of her dress. Oh, she meant those girls.

The next dance is from Stacy Keibler and Tony Dovolani. Stacy explains that her long legs may hurt her performance tonight. We also see Tony become very frustrated with Stacy. She mentions something about wrestling moves at the end of the performance.

They’re dancing the tango to “Cell Block Tango.” During the routine, Stacy holds herself very well. They both demonstrate sharp head snaps. You can really see the emotion on their faces; this adds to the performance. In keeping with the theme of the music, Stacy puts her hands around Tony’s throat as if to choke him. It is an enjoyable dance.

Len says that Stacy’s tango was great, but she should have shown more emotion during the dance, not just at the end of it. What? I saw a lot of emotion. Carrie Ann agrees (with Len, not me), but also says that Stacy’s lines are beautiful. Bruno declares that Stacy’s lines are the best. Each judge scores the performance with a nine. Stacy and Tony’s final score for the evening is 27.

Ashly DelGrosso and P. Miller (or P as I like to call him) are set to perform. P tells us that he isn’t arrogant and Ashly agrees. She hopes that everyone can see the softer side of P tonight during the jive. Ashly takes P to the basketball court to show him the similarities between the game and dancing. Before their performance, we see Ashly and P backstage; they both have on matching baseball caps (with their initials). I think it’s wonderful that Ashly is reaching out to him.

They dance the jive to “Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting).” P looks uncomfortable on the dance floor. He does a few moves, but they aren’t sharp. He is trying though. He also is heavy on his feet. At the end, to encourage (not discourage) the couple Tom says, “Holy crap!”

Carrie Ann states that P gave it an effort, but there weren’t enough jive elements in the routine. Bruno says it simply wasn’t a jive; the crowd boos him. Len says that the world isn’t ready for P’s version of the jive, and that it is time for him and the show to part. I think that was too harsh; you can give someone a critique, but you don’t have to be unkind about it. Carrie gives the performance a six while both Len and Bruno give it a four. The couple’s total score is 14 out of 30.

I have something to say to Len: One thing is for sure, if you want to keep someone in the competition, abrasively criticize that individual. People at home will definitely vote just to keep him or her around for another week. Ask Simon Cowell.

The last couple to dance tonight is Tia Carrere and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Tia says that she’s happy she was not in the bottom two last week. We see her tango from “True Lies.” Maksim tells us that Tia is pushing herself harder than anyone else is.

Tonight, they are performing the tango to another customary tango piece. (Sorry, that’s the best I can do.) The routine starts out very playfully. Like Giselle, Tia looks the part. I give Maksim credit for choreographing a great dance. Even though I’m not a fan of the tango, this performance was enjoyable; it wasn’t boring or predictable. Also, Tia could have some great lines, but she needs to extend herself.

After the performance, Bruno says, “Wow!” I think he summed it up nicely. He even mentions the wonderful choreography. Len talks about flowers and then says that the dance was beautiful. Carrie Ann tells Tia that the routine gave her goose bumps. Carrie Ann and Bruno give the dance a nine; Len gives it an eight. Tia and Maksim’s score is 26.

Samantha burns off the last few minutes of the program by talking with Tia and Maksim. She tells Tia that she looks great and asks how much weight she has lost since starting the show. Tia says she has lost over 20 pounds so far. I think she looks fabulous.

At the end of tonight’s performances, Cheryl and Drew, and Stacy and Tony are tied for first place; Ashly and P are in last. Will your favorite celebrity dancer remain in the competition? There are no guarantees, so make sure you vote. Afterward, tune to RealityNewsOnline for a complete recap… filler-free!

Jill is an east coast mama who loves sharks, zombie movies, and reality television. She welcomes your comments about these and other subjects, and can be reached at jilljones@verizon.net.

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