ANNA 101: DANCING WITH THE STARS WEEKLY REVIEW

Read what junk I think about this week’s performances and add to the thoughts…HERE!

RECAP, OPINION & SPOILERS: DANCING WITH THE STARS (DANCE 2)

Nathan Fillian was in the audience (from Serenity and Waitress and the show that follows this); and he didn’t look happy to be there.  Okay, here’s dance number two before the first elimination.  Let’s see how they do tonight.

Um…first up, where’s Steve-O?  He is missing.  Oh-no, he’s injured…friggin A!

HOLLY MADISON AND DIMITRY> Quickstep.

• Intro Video Comments: Wow, during the promo for them they are like total opposites and pretty awkward socializing with each other.
• Fashion: Dimitry looks dashing, and her purple gown is very classy (such a step up from her Playboy persona).
• Dancing: Lots of energy, very eager effort, although she looks like she’s trying to keep up with Dimitry, but a bit much on the hopping/bopping though which they’re going to get flamed for.  It was actually nice, but she needs to do something with her facial expressions too.
• Random Thoughts: She’s still doing that annoying nervous laughter during judging – STOP IT!!!!!!

JUDGES’ SCORES: 18 (Ooh, 6-6-6 the mark of the beast!!!!!)

DAVID ALLEN GRIER AND KYM> Salsa.

• Intro Video Comments: Very funny impersonation of Bruno, thank you for that (“He needs subtitles.”)  He’s really intense to work with though, and I think he’s a bit of a perfectionist if not a masochist!  He’s working hard though.
• Fashion: Cafe au lait ruffled shirt.  Um. Okay.  Kim looked pretty in a cafe au lait dress.
• Dancing: A bit more hip action needed for the salsa, and it is a hard routine.  I’m worried, I think he’s going to get flamed because he was a bit off, but not sure what…may be rhythm wise?  Can’t figure out what’s off!
• Random Thoughts: Lots of facial expressions, again.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 17 (The judges were really harsh on him, that’s a tad low.)

DENISE RICHARDS AND MAXIM> Quickstep.

• Intro Video Comments: She’s taken her meds this week.  Yea!!!
• Fashion: Maxim, always handsome.  Denise looking nice in a white two piece – where the skirt looks like it should come off at any moment.
• Dancing: Much better this week but a fairly bland performance from her.  She needs to watch her arms and there were a few footwork issues but overall, it was an improvement from last week.  Maxim’s entry move was fun (slide).
• Random Thoughts: She just pinched Tom Bergeron’s butt, at Maxim’s suggestion – which is exactly what his former partner, Melanie Brown (Scary Spice), used to do.  Funny.  I do hate that sometimes when she smiles, she looks vacant.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 21 (I concur.)

BELINDA CARLISLE AND JONATHAN> Salsa.

• Intro Video Comments: She took the judge’s criticism very seriously and to heart.  Toughen up sweetie.  If they put go-go moves in with the salsa, she’s going to get torched.
• Fashion: I love the color blue/turquoise, but the outfit/dress isn’t highlighting her weight loss (sadly).
• Dancing: Wow, can I say stiff and awkward?  Hips, hips, hips – that is very important in the salsa but they were missing, big time.
• Random Thoughts: I loved that Tom gave Bruno a “1″ for his demonstration.  Thank you.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 18 (Ooh, 6-6-6 the mark of the beast again, and frankly, about right.)

TY MURRAY AND CHELSEA> Quickstep.

• Intro Video Comments:  One of my co-workers thinks he’s sweet, but I think he a bit stiff and socially strained; not a bad guy, just…I dunno.
• Fashion: Love a man in tails, and Chelsea’s outfit looks really nice and floral (I miss spring).
• Dancing:  Ty is doing soooo much better with ballroom dances, which I suspected he would.  His stiffness will actually pay off in these dances where frame is important.  He actually did a very nice job tonight and I’m really glad because I like Chelsea!  He really did well with his footwork and the quickstep is a tough/fast dance too!
• Random Thoughts: Is Ty Murray’s Mom also David Letterman’s Mom?  They look alike!

JUDGES’ SCORES: 20 (Good score, surprised by Len’s 6 though.)

SHAWN JOHNSON AND MARK> Salsa.

• Intro Video Comments: Mark is such a dork (in a sweet way).  Per Shawn, she’s going to have a hard time shaking her booty.  Come on, Shawn!  Shake it, shake it, shake it!!!!
• Fashion: Mark is shirtless, and Shawn is tropical.
• Dancing: Her turns are stunners (amazing spotting), and her kicks are stunning, but she’s so conservative with her hip action, which she warned us might happen.  In generally, I really liked her performance – she really sold it with her energy and her cute-ness.
• Random Thoughts: Bruno says she needs to be more “note-y”?  Um okay.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 24 (Well deserved, imagine what the score would be if she shook that booty more!)

STEVE WOZNIAK AND KARINA> Quickstep.

• Intro Video Comments: He’s so perky, and the black socks are killing me.  Now, they go to the doctor’s and there is the possibility of a severe fracture to his foot.  Karina is so sweet to him.
• Fashion: I’m terrified of his pink shirt, but Karina looks so much more wholesome than she did last week.
• Dancing: It was a fairly SLOW quick step, and he kinda missed Karina in the ending move.  Oh goodness, he’s so fun and happy but dancing is so lacking.   Sweet guy.  not a natural born dancer.
• Random Thoughts: Kathy Griffin is in the audience, did you know they apparently used to date?!  Who knew!? I kinda feel bad for Karina, she gets stuck with a lot of hard-sells lately.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 17 (A lot more generous tonight, which was nice.)

CHUCK WICKS AND JULIANNE> Salsa.

• Intro Video Comments: Could Chuck be less swivel-hipped?  When he’s trying he looks so silly.
• Fashion: Chuck si a man in black, and Julianne is apparently a tequila sunrise, who knew?!
• Dancing: Chuck’s holds are pretty off (especially seen in the turns), and it overall felt very flat for me because she did a lot of movement and he kinda stood there.  Plus, was there a lot of salsa steps in it actually?  I’m not so sure. Ugh.
• Random Thoughts: I’m so hoping they can weather the storm of being on this show together.  Yeesh.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 20 (I thought it was a tad bit generous.)

LAWRENCE TAYLOR AND EDYTA> Quickstep.

• Intro Video Comments: Pretty straightforward, he wants to do better.  Go man go!
• Fashion: Lawrence looks very dappyer, and I LOVE Edyta’s dress ahtough it’s so see-through.  LIke she can’t deal with that.
• Dancing: He really put his heart in to the performance and it looked like he had fun!  It was MUCH better than last week and it was difficult (choreography wise). I think Carrie Ann is going to flip over the lift at the end though.
• Random Thoughts: Carrie Ann didn’t mention the ending.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 20 (Nice leap in scores for him, which is awesome for them!)

STEVE-O AND LACEY> Salsa.

• Intro Video Comments: He’s taking a strange turn because he got low scores for being classy, so he’s heading towards stunts, which don’t go well with the judges (typically).   Apparently though, his back is hurting him though.
• Fashion: Prison style?  Hmmm…since he hurt himself, he’s being judged on his performance in dress rehearsal.  He did a flip at the end and landed directly on his battery pack.  Ouch.
• Dancing: Very, very low on salsa moves.  That’s going to hurt them big time.  I’m so afraid he’s going to be off the show, which make me sad because I really like him.
• Random Thoughts: I think Lacey is going to get a lot of angry comments from purists, because she doesn’t play by the rules.  Which for this show isn’t good, but for dance fever would be AMAZING.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 14 (Painful.)

LIL’ KIM AND DERIK> Quickstep.

• Intro Video Comments: Just remember Lil’ Kim, less hip-hop more high society.
• Fashion: Very nice red dress and hair, and Derik in tails.
• Dancing: It was a very fun dance, and she actually looked like she had a good time.  She did a good job with the choreography though, so I’m happy for them.  Way to go girl and very true to the dance style.
• Random Thoughts: I agree with the body contact issues.

JUDGES’ SCORES: 23 (Right on.)

MELISSA RYCROFT AND TONY> Salsa.

• Intro Video Comments: Glad they did a brief intro on her since she didn’t have one last week.
• Fashion: Tony looks weird in his outfit, she looks like she’s on Survivor: Sequin!
• Dancing: Good effort but her ballet sensibility is coming out a little too much in the latin dance, which might hurt her a little bit.  Still, she’s doing great with her partnering skills with Tony.  The salsa moves were there and LOADED, so I was happy about that.
• Random Thoughts: The most true salsa tonight. Can someone keep Bruno from drooling?

JUDGES’ SCORES: 26 (The nines were a bit much, but she deserves a high score.)

GILLES MARINI AND CHERYL> Quickstep.

• Intro Video Comments: He took his shirt off.  Go figure.
• Fashion: He looks good in a suit and I love the green of Cheryl’s dress and I finally got why he’s wearing the glasses (Superman).
• Dancing: He’s working hard out there and that song was not well suited for the quickstep.  It was a good try, but didn’t feel like a quickstep to me (music vs. style); but he did a great job form wise so I think he’ll do well.
• Random Thoughts: So, are they dating yet?  Sabrina Bryant is in the audience (she and Mark are no longer an item though.)

JUDGES’ SCORES: 27 (Damn.)

FINAL THOUGHTS:

- I think that either Steve Woz Wozniak or Steve-O will sadly leave the show.  Wow…two Steves.

- Oh, and where was last weeks webisode of I <3 DTWS on People.Com?!  I love that show!

Who do you think is going home and why?

SPOILERS & OPINION: DANCING WITH THE STARS

Hello everyone…

It’s that time that Anna loves…Dancing with the Stars.  The Jim, puts up with it.  In fact, I’d say he’s more into Tom Bergeon’s witty retorts.  So, I’m going to blog week-by-week, my thoughts and opinions.  Feel free to comment and discuss.  I love this show.  I will say, without seeing anyone perform I’m already cheering for Steve-O (clean and sober and deserving of a new direction in his life), Lil’ Kim (she’s the hip hop version of royalty), David Allen Grier (cause he’s one of the funniest people around, and he has big um, um…breasteses – kidding), and lastly, Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple), because he’s part of what I’m typing on at this very moment.

Lil’ Kim and Derik Hough> Suprising and good first effort on a cha cha from Lil’ Kim.  Always enjoyed her music, just wish she had kept an earlier verison of her face.  Here’s hoping she has a good comeback from her time in prision, very suprised with her performance.  JUDGES SCORE: 21 (about right).

Belinda Carlisle and Johnathan Roberts> Waltz.  Former lead singer of the Go-Gos (80s super group), schlocky solo-hits “Heaven is a Place on Earth”, and my first husband’s first dream girl.  Struggles with her turns, and is a bit stiff.  Please point those toes too.  She looks nice, but I’m worried she’s using the same plastic surgeon that Priscilla Presley is using.  They look eerily similar.  Eh, not so hot.  JUDGES SCORE:  17 (a tad bit generous in my opinion).

Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska > Cha-Cha.  Former pro-football player and the fabu that is Edyta with her ever changing range of “minimalist-flag dresses/outfits”.  So, the big man fears looking like a fool…well, not looking foolish but looking a bit stiff.  Loosen up the joints a bit.  Not horrid footwork wise, but awkward looking.  Smooth it out and it’ll be much better later.  Um, he also looks like he’s going to burst into tears.  JUDGES SCORE:  16 (I felt it was about the same level as Belinda’s).

Steve-O and Lacey Schwimmer> Waltz.  Stupid risk taker of Jackass, checked into rehab for drug/alcohol addiction a year ago and is working to get his life back together – so already I admire his effort.  Practices look pretty scary, but I’m a big fan of Lacey because she’s a graduate of my other favorite dance show, So You Think You Can Dance.  Very silly chene turn arms, but overall much better than he looked in practice but awkward.  Just work on some technique please and you’ll do fine.  I don’t think the judges will be as kind or favorable.  He looks so much better clean and sober though!  Johnny Knoxville was in the audience and in support, which was very nice. I’m hoping that the family friendly folks can deal with the word Jackass being bantered around…chill out folks.  JUDGES SCORE:  17 (nicer than I expected).

Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke> Cha Cha.  The man famous for being the over-sexed and naked neighbor of Samantha in the Sex and the City movie, and the sweet and curvy Cheryl, whom I hope is not dating Gilles since I feel like she dates her co-stars somewhat.  Not bad, not bad at all and not exceedingly awkward.  Cheryl has also loost weight since last season, which I don’t think she needed to but hopefully people will shut up about it this season.  Very good first performance if you ask me, and a bit of “chemistry” going on between them so let the rumours fly!  I think he’ll go far this season, with women voters he’s very easy on the eyes.  JUDGES’ SCORE:  24 (very nice and well deserved).

Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough>  Waltz.  Country-music person (yawn – not a country fan, sorry), and the real-life boyfriend of her partner, the spunky Julianne Hough (aka, my father’s fantasy woman).  I like that she gets to share her first world with her significant other, but they could get so annoying if they focus on the mush factor – actually this dance lesson stuff is FABULOUS pre-marital counseling so good for them.  A bit stumbly with his footwork and not light on his feet much, but Julianne knows how to play up his finer points and hide some of the flaws.  Not bad, but the footwork needs help oh and no more weird strangle-turns.  JUDGES’ SCORE: 20  (a bit too flattering on the Judges side).

Two casualties interviewed in this season: Jewel and Nancy O’Dell – out before the first dance, so no onscreen drama.  So, who’s replacing them?  Like you didn’t know – because there’s been leaks all over the place?!

Holly Madison and Dimitry Chaplain> Cha Cha.  The “star?” of The Girls Next Door and former head-girlfriend of Hugh Hefner and recent ex of Criss Angel.  We’ll have to cut her some slack on this performance since she’s only trained for 5 days.  She’s the replacement for Jewel.  Dimitry is one of my favorites from So You Think You Can Dance history and was the man that the Jim’s Mom was like ” woo”.  She was stiff but alas, they’re going to judge her on what they see.  Not horrible for short notice training, we shall see where this goes.  The Judges are being very kind.  My only request, please Holly stop nervous giggling…it’s annoying.  JUDGES’ SCORE: 18 (woah, a tad generous me thinks).

Ty Murray and Chelsea Hightower> Cha Cha.  King of the Rodeo and husband of Jewel, I’m glad he’s not wearing a cowboy hat (I spoke too soon).  Chelsea is a fantastic dancer with some of the best legs in the ballroom business and another alumni of So You Think You Can Dance.  Wow, is he all over the place and nowhere good which sucks booty because I love Chelsea and she deserves a better chance this season.  I didn’t know his middle name was Awkward…or is it not?  The Jim actually left the room cause he couldn’t watch it.  Sadly, I think he’ll be an early casualty. JUDGES’ SCORE:  14

Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas> Waltz. The olympic gold medalist gymnast and youngest contestant on the show, ever. Paired with the sweet Austrailian nice guy.  Unfortunately, she reminds me of a past partner of Mark’s and (former flame – don’t rob the cradle Mark); that Cheetah Girl…can’t remember her name.  Suprisingly sweet waltz, need to work on her emotion (emoting), and comfort with chemistry.  Nice though…no complaints except for some obvious difficulty breaking herself from gymnast arms.  JUDGES’ SCORE: 23 (I think, I can’t remember – decent).

Steve Wozniack and Karina Smirnoff> Cha Cha.  The co-founder of Apple Computers and sweet, geeky, nerd guy.  Karina Smirnoff, the fiancee of Maxim!  Loved the fact that she doesn’t get his sense of humour, and I’m very hopeful that he’ll get a lot of votes from the mac-addicts like me.  He was pretty rough, but really played up his fun factor.  I think the judges are going to rip him, but I hope that he stays in to see where he can go/grow.  JUDGES’ SCORE: 13 (yeesh…hard).

David Allen Grier and Kym Johnson> Waltz.  Funny man, former In Living Color fabu-man.  Kym Johnson one of the sweetest and petite-est of the professional dancers.  Very smooth performance from the funny man and taking this very seriously, which I love seeing.  Only complaint is that think he needs to watch his facial expressions.  I loved this performance from him and am very hopeful about his progression in the series.  YEA!!!  Oh and was just reminded that David and Carrie Ann worked together on In Living Color (she was a fly-girl dontcha know!).  JUDGE’ SCORE:  19 (way lower than it should have been, that’s annoying).

Denise Richards and Maxim Chemerkovsky> Denise…not the biggest fan of the actress/model, but I don’t hate her.  Maxim is one of my favorite of the male professional dancers – love his cockiness!  Okay, she doesn’t need to be crying this early on can someone please give her a drink or an ativan?  She’s a little awkward and stiff.  Nice effort but frankly, not that good.  JUDGES’ SCORE:  18 (about right).

Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani>  Ugh…recent dumped diva of the last Bachelor series, and one of my favorite of the male professional dancers the sweetheart, Tony!  She’s Nancy O’Dell’s replacement.  Now, they only had 48 hours of practice so I don’t put a lot of weight behind this performance but we shall see.  Wow.  Color me surprised.  Um, is she a ringer? I can tell she’s had some dance training since she’s struggling with heal leads (always leading with her toes – one of my weaknesses when I transition into ballroom too). Um…nice extensions, lift (will get yelled at by Carrie Ann), but what a great first performance given she’s had so few hours of practice.  JUDGES’ SCORE:  23 (really good for 48 hours of preparation time).

Who I’m voting for tonight:

• Steve-O
• The Woz
• David Allen Grier

Who I think will go:

For pure dance skills: The Woz or Ty Murray

I Hope: Denise Richards (she should get back to the reality show).

Best Quotes of the Night:

Tom Bergeron to Steve Wozniak:  “If my Safari browser freezes…do I..?”

Bruno Tonioli to Steve Wozniak:  “You looked like a Teletubby.”

Tom Bergeron to Bruno Tonioli:  “Try getting a good spot at a genius bar after that comment.”

ALL QUOTES ARE approximations, I can’t exactly remember the wording…sorry. What do you think?