Cloris was the sixth contestant voted off this season (Misty was a casualty of injury). It was time for her to leave but it’s been a great ride! Her cha cha cha this week contained no actual Latin dance steps and that was certainly reason enough to give her the boot.

 

The controversial part of the show was judge Carrie Ann. She said it was unfair that Cloris was still there while someone ‘talented’ like Toni Braxton had gone home. Beyond being ignorant, Carrie Ann’s comment was flat out wrong. It was entirely fair, in a show that is partially judged by the fans, that the most entertaining contestant made it far into the competition. Cloris is an inspiration to people all over the world. She’s also the most pedigreed entertainer ever on the DWTS stage. She’s won an Oscar! The judges shouldn’t be allowed to chastise in an attempt to sway the audience’s vote. That’s unfair.

 

It was also wrong to subject us all to the Lord of the Dance. He is a frightening specimen – I won’t say human as I’m not sure he is. It was particularly hilarious to hear him monotone to Warren the importance of character and soul in dance. The man had one facial expression the entire two nights! His solo number on the results show sure had a lot of fire and dry ice. Could the special effects be a distraction from the immovable face? It doesn’t matter. Robots masquerading as dancers are scary any way you look at it.

 

Back to the dancing. The show started off with a stiff Maurice. He became more fluid as the dance wore on but he appeared to be walking at some points. This is a dance competition. He just doesn’t have what it takes. Warren said it best during the group hip hop routine’s rehearsal: ‘Maurice has his own style. I’m not saying it’s good’.

 

Lance was up next and he finally took charge. He was light on his feet. He showed off his personality. He did that amazing handspring. He climbed to the top of the leader board. Now if he could just stop singing along…

 

Susan loosened up. A smidge. Just because she ‘roared’ at the end of her dance doesn’t mean she’s left her safety zone. There is nothing animal in the way she moves so the end came off as fake. Fitting. (I will stop making fun of her plastic surgery when she’s voted off the show.)

 

Brooke came out and showed what it is to dance with your whole self. The judges were criticizing mistakes that just weren’t there. She is also inspirational. She has four kids, one of whom was born this year. She finds a way to balance home, rehearsals and maintaining that amazing body.

 

While Brooke and Lance battle with their amazing dance skills, Cody and Warren are in a battle of personality.

 

Cody came out this week focused and in character. He is all limbs but managed to make that work for the sexy samba. He actually looked like a man. The dance was intense. It may have been too dark for the style but it was refreshing to see the scattered boy play up to his potential. The entire behind the scenes schtick will win him votes. Instead of annoying, Cody has toned it down to become endearing. He’ll earn sympathy votes too as his partner Julianne left the show to have surgery.

 

Warren also has some dance skill. That made his partner Kym’s choreography baffling. Warren sat or stood the entire dance. He barely got to show his moves. He did show that he has hands like dead fish. Of course, he did it all with such panache he still landed in third place. He uses every opportunity the camera is on him to court votes with his sunny disposition. You can’t help but smile when he cracks a joke or makes a funny face. Plus he works so hard to improve. He’s gaining new fans every week.

 

Warren’s performance in the group hip hop routine helped him out too. He was able to keep up with the pros in the synchronized bits. Cody kept up but looked like the Revenge of the (Hip Hop) Nerds. Lance blended in so well with the pros that I didn’t know which one he was until his solo. Brooke did all the moves but with none of the flavor so important to the genre. Susan watched everyone else’s feet. Maurice showed off his unique ‘style’. Cloris mugged for the camera. She couldn’t keep up with the pace of the dance.

 

Ultimately, Cloris couldn’t keep up with the pace of the show. She gave it her all. She made us laugh. In the end, it is still about the dancing and the audience did the right thing by finally voting her off. That’s not to say she won’t be missed.

 

Who will be voted off next: Susan

Who should be voted off next: Maurice

 

Who will win: Brooke

Who should win: Lance