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.

Dancing next are Willa Ford and Maxsim Chmerkovskiy. Willa tells us that she is the bad girl of pop. Maxsim explains that he likes to make a woman feel like a woman on the dance floor. Whew! I stopped breathing there for a second.

They’re performing their foxtrot to “True.” The couple covers the dance floor throughout their routine. Willa does a nice job, but I’m not wowed by the dance. I think it is just the foxtrot (I’m not a big fan.) and not the couple. Let’s see what the judges think.

Bruno refers to the dance as an exquisite treat. He then tells Maxsim that he is a great teacher. Carrie Ann says that Willa was graceful. Len explains that their movements were fluid, but tells Willa that her feet are bizarre sometimes. The couple receives a seven from Carrie Ann and Len, and an eight from Bruno for a total of 22 points.

Karina Smirnoff and Mario Lopez are up next. We are treated to a shot of the cast of Saved by the Bell. Who didn’t see that coming? Mario is nervous about meeting Karina. He bugs her during practice because he is so hyper. She puts tape on his mouth. She tells him that Len will have a field trip if the routine doesn’t go well. After the interview ends, Tom giggles at her mistake. Maybe she should put tape on his mouth. They are performing the cha cha cha to “Walking on the Sun.” There is a lot of hip shaking; Mario seems to be a natural at it. The performance is fast-paced, flirty and fun. Karina and Mario get a standing ovation.

Len says that the dance was one of the best of the evening. Bruno asks Mario if he has batteries in his pants; I’m not even going to comment. Carrie Ann notes the sex appeal of the duo and says that this is the couple to beat. Len gives the performance an eight, while Carrie Ann and Bruno give it a nine. Karina and Mario have 26 points out of 30. Mario is obviously nervous; Samantha says his anxiety is quite cute.

Up next are Shanna Moakler and Jesse DeSoto. Did you know that Shanna was a competitive roller skater? Watch the show and you’ll learn these and other fascinating facts! Shanna acknowledges her divorce from Travis Barker and says that the competition is helping her through it. Jesse tells us that he was once an electrician and has only been dancing for seven years. He also explains that Shanna needs to focus more.

Shanna and Jesse are doing the foxtrot to “Saving All My Love for You.” Like the other foxtrots this evening, the performance is romantic. Shanna doesn’t seem light on her feet though. I think she’ll do much better though with a dance that is fast-paced and sexy. Bruno says that Shanna is pretty, but she closed up from time to time; she needs to sustain the performance. Carrie Ann states that Shanna has great posture. Len explains that he was expecting more from the couple tonight. The judges start to argue. This is great.

Carrie Ann gives the performance a seven; Len gives it a five; Bruno gives it a six. Shanna and Jesse have scored 18 points from the judges this evening.

Our next dancers are Ashly Delgrosso and Harry Hamlin. Harry explains that since his wife Lisa Rinna was on the show last season, he now wants to learn how to dance so he can dance with her. Ashly is excited to be partnered with Harry; she tells us that Master P, her partner last season, wasn’t into the competition.

Ashly and Harry are performing the cha cha cha to “Disco Inferno.” Like many of the celebrities tonight, Harry is outwardly concentrating too much. He shows potential though. I didn’t love the routine; it was missing the element of excitement.

Carrie Ann tells Harry that she had high hopes for him, but he was stiff; he needs to loosen up. Len explains that he was too mechanical. Bruno also states that he could tell Harry was thinking of nothing more than getting through the performance.

Carrie Ann rewards the couple with a five; Len and Bruno give it a six. Ashly and Harry have 17 points out of 30.

In the meantime, Samantha says that Harry has already put more hours into practice than Master P did all of last season. For his lack of dedication, Master P received a place in the RNO Hall of Shame.

Vivica A. Fox and Nick Kosovich are ready to take center stage. Vivica is so cool! I hope you don’t get tired of me saying that. Nick tells us that he is known as the James Bond of ballroom dancing. During practice, Vivica falls, but bounces right up.

Their song selection tonight is “I Just Wanna Make Love to You” and they will be doing the foxtrot. Vivica looks like a dancer; she is elegant and graceful. Her moves are somewhat sharp. Nick has included some fun moves into the dance, so this foxtrot is different than the others that were performed tonight.

Bruno tells Vivica that she is a bad girl. The words “spicy” and “dirty” also come out of his mouth. Len explains that Vivica sold the routine and he gives her a “well-done.” Carrie Ann states that the technique was lacking a bit, but that Vivica has “it.”

The couple receives a six from Carrie Ann and an eight from Len and Bruno. Vivica tells Samantha that she is happy to receive 22 total points. Samantha then shoves her microphone into Nick’s face. He has no idea what to say.

Dancing last this evening are Kym Johnson and Jerry Springer. Jerry wants to know if Kym lost a contest and got stuck with him. He then explains that he can do moves that require putting her on the floor, but she’s on her own when it comes to getting back up. I really hope that at some point in the competition, they work throwing a chair at someone into a routine.

They are dancing the cha cha cha. I have no idea what song they are using because I’m so captivated by the performance. The routine starts off with some nice footwork from the couple. Jerry also shakes his hips a bit. I can’t help but feel like I’m on a cruise ship though. Jerry ends the performance by tossing some money in the air and the crowd chants his name.

Len says that he was worried about Jerry, but he held his own. When Carrie Ann is finally able to compose herself, she says that Jerry forgot his choreography a few times, but he had fun and that certainly matters. Bruno says that Jerry’s moves were very endearing.

Kym and Jerry get a five from Len and a six from Carrie and Bruno for a total of 16 points. He seems pleased with the score and explains that his strategy is to stay vertical. With that, the first night of dancing ends and the scores run from impressive to less than remarkable:

Which couple will be eliminated first? Tune in to Dancing with the Stars Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST for the results and a special appearance by Tom Jones, and come back to RNO for all of your reality coverage.

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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