Samba Surprise


Tom Bergeron, J.R. Martinez, Karina Smirnoff, Cheryl Burke, Rob Kardashian, Hope Solo, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Ricki Lake, Derek Hough (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)

Hi Everybody!

It’s SEMIFINALS! On “Dancing With the Stars” and each celebrity had to perform three dances—The Argentine Tango, Samba and Paso Doble—and a Cha Cha relay.

This episode packed in as much excitement as possible into two hours (although I think they could have done the show in one hour). To fill in the time, the audience got to see a little glimpse in the childhoods of the celebrities. Very endearing.

First, up to perform was Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Their first dance was the Paso Doble, which is the bullfight. She just couldn't get it together on this one. She tried to be so intense that she lost all sexiness and technique. Her second dance was the Argentine Tango, which wasn’t too bad. But she still looked awkward dancing in heels. It looked as if Maks was pulling her through the steps. She was also experiencing extreme shoulder pain, which required shots from her doctor. So, she was dancing on drugs. Still didn’t help.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Hope Solo (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)

Her third dance was the Cha Cha relay and she was voted 4th. So, I’m pretty sure she will be eliminated. (HOPE..fully!) Also, if you noticed, Maks stayed out of any controversy with the judges last night. He just agreed with a smile. Like Tom proclaimed, it’s the new Stepford Maks.

Next to perform was Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke. Well, watch out. This dark horse may come riding in and taking away the trophy. His Samba was the surprise dance of the night. He really did a great job. Finally, he got his rhythm together and shook his assets to victory. Then he performed the Argentine Tango, which also looked very good. Suave and debonaire with technique. SURPRISE! SURPRISE! He also won the Cha Cha relay. Has a very good chance on being in the finals. Who would of thunk?

Cheryl Burke, Rob Kardashian (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)

J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff performed the Paso Doble, which wasn’t one of his better dances. He just didn’t have the bravado or technique that is needed for that dance. Not bad, but sometimes there’s just a dance that doesn’t work for you. But he rebounded back with a very Hot! and passionate Argentine Tango with lifts. Great movement and technique. Lots of drama. He was also dancing on a bad ankle injury (but, no drugs!).

J.R. Martinez, Karina Smirnoff (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)

He came in 3rd in the Cha Cha relay. Of course! He will be in the finals. If not, OH BOY!

Last, but not least, was Ricki Lake and (Golden Boy) Derek Hough, who performed the Samba for their first dance. As usual, she did a very good job. Stayed on that rhythm and kept up with the footwork. She also looked great. For their second dance, they performed the Argentine Tango. Hot! Hot! Very sensual with very good lifts. What was funny is, in rehearsals she thought she was too heavy for Derek to lift.

RickiLake, Derek Hough (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)

There was also a special performance by the Argentine Tango masters Sandor and Parissa. Now, that’s how the Tango should look. It must have been a little intimidating to have to follow that performance.

Argentine Tango dancers and choreographers Sandor and Parissa (Photo by Adam Taylor/ABC)

Hope elimination night goes the right way. HOPE OUT!

Are you looking forward to the Muppets? We’ll have to wait until tomorrow night.

Until then, keep on dancing!