Jive Talking and a Musical Surprise
J.R. Martinez, Karina Smirnoff (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)
Hi Everyone!
Last night’s Dancing With the Stars” was called “Instant Dance Night.”
The couples had to learn two dances last night: Their required routine and the instant dance, which was the Jive. But here’s the catch: They didn't know what song they would be dancing to, instead the couples had to pick their song out of a hat. Then they had to fit the routine to the song choice.
First up was Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke. Their first dance was the quickstep to A Ha’s “Take on Me.” He did a pretty good job, some stumbling of the feet, but, all in all, he did a decent job. For the surprise song, he had to dance the Jive to Hall Oates’ “Maneater.” Another pretty good job. I’m surprised. He may make it to the finals.
Cheryl Burke, Rob Kardashian (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)
Hope Solo and Maks Chmerkovskiy’s first required dance was the Quickstep. This time, it looked like she came to dance a little. She had a few missteps during the performance. But even I have to say, not too bad. Then they performed the Jive to Avril Lavigne’s “The Best Damn Thing.” Again, I have to admit she was good. Still not my favorite.
I did notice some damage control was going on with Maks and Hope. He was a nicer man to her, there was not so much tension. I’m guessing Mr. Chmerkovsky probably did some apologizing to the powers that be, who were probably getting bad press from the viewers. They wanted to make a more likable Maks. So they decided to have Hope join Maks and his family for dinner.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Hope Solo (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)
RickiLake and Derek Hough performed a beautiful Waltz to Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman.” What can I say? The set looked great and she looked beautiful. Her movements were smooth, effortless looking and graceful. For their instant Jive they danced to Wilson Pickett’s “Land of a Thousand Dances,” which I thought was the best song for the Jive. Another good performance. They are definitely not going anywhere.
Derek Hough, RickiLake (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)
Nancy Grace and Tristan MacManus performed the Tango for their first dance. She looked dead to me. She was stiff with a stoic facial expression.
Did you see during rehearsal when she had the nerve to tell her partner Tristan that she works so hard taking care of the twins (as if she doesn’t have help) and a demanding job?
She told him he doesn’t have a job. EXCUSE ME? You mean to tell me hauling her around with that attitude on the dance floor is not a JOB?
For the second dance, they had to dance the jive (which she did once before, BADLY!) to “Upside Down” by Paloma Faith.
People, send this ungrateful lady (and I use the term loosely) HOME!
Nancy Grace, Tristan Macmanus (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)
The best dances of the night belonged to J. R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff. Their first dance was a very smooth and artistic Waltz, with great lines and movement across the floor. Then they came back with the instant Jive dancing to “Tutti Frutti,” by Little Richard (the REAL architect of Rock Roll)
They blew the roof off of the place. It was Hot! Hot! Now, that’s how the Jive is supposed to be performed: Lots of energy, good foot work, rhythm and bounce.
They received perfect 10s on both routines. This man is definitely going all the way!
My prediction for the couples in jeopardy: Nancy and Tristan (although through no fault of his) and, despite the attempt at reputation reform, I’m going to stick with Hope and Maks.
Until tomorrow, keep on dancing!
