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- TV Recap: Dancing With The Stars - Season 9 - Episode 7
TV Recap: Dancing With The Stars - Season 9 - Episode 7
- By Aubrey Ward III
- Published 11/5/2009
- Reviews
- Unrated
Aubrey Ward III
I'm just a regular guy that loves watching movies and talking about them. I feel it's my duty as a world citizen to detect cinematic "bombs" so you don't have to. I'm no cinemaristocrat but if I think a film is worth spending money on I'll tell ya. If it's not fit to be used as a doorstop I will certainly tell ya. And remember to always rent first before buying.
View all articles by Aubrey Ward III
Last week we bid bye bye to Melissa Joan Hart and Louie Vito. Ms. Hart started out very stiff but her Week 4 Charleston helped her to loosen up and stay that way. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep her in the game. As for Louie, I heard that during the Week 6 results show he dropped his pro partner, Chelsie Hightower. Ouch. As cute as they were together Louie & Chelsie seemed kinda awkward from the start. It was time for him to go.
Week 7 had the rest of the couples doing the Salsa, Foxtrot, Rumba, Quickstep, Samba or Jive. The second segment of this episode included another group dance where the couples were split into two teams to perform two separate team dances. The stars designed the costumes worn in the first segment of the show.
Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova – They won over the judges with their Waltz but still ended up fighting for their survival in a dance-off with Louie & Chelsie. Michael & Anna triumphed to dance a Foxtrot this week. Dressed in purples of various hues the couple delivered another solid dance that showcased Michael’s grace and excellent posture. He cradled Anna to his chest like a genuine sweetheart as they pranced around the dancefloor looking oh so debonair. Then they ended with a synchronized seat on the stage steps as Anna fans Michael while Michael offers her a faux glass of lemonade. Very pretty. The
Judges Say: A few little missteps here and there and here but overall a beautiful looking performance just like last week’s Waltz. Mr. Irvin just continues to improve but Bruno warned Michael to keep that butt in. I guess Michael should use a quarter next time?
Aubrey Says: Like Aaron I think the reserved dances like Waltz and Foxtrot help Michael to focus. His strength is his holds, playing the gentleman, and he’s not the stick in the mud that was in the beginning. His footwork has improved over the weeks. But when compared to stronger contenders like Donny Osmond or Mark Decascos I can’t say I’m confident Michael will make it to Week 8 unless his fans save him again.
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson – Their Jitterbug scared the judges a little. Kind of a shock to us all since the couple has been the one of the judges’ favorites since Week 1. The two returned to form with a high energy Quickstep that brought the audience to their feet as usual. Oh, and I wonder what Donny was thinking when he dressed Kym up in that interesting gown with the venetian blind-like top. Vewy intewesting.
The Judges Say: Good but not great. They noticed some stumbles but were awed by how Donny’s natural showmanship smoothed over the rough parts.
Aubrey Says: I agree. If Donny did stumble or miss a step I missed it because the charisma from both he and Kim was so hypnotic that Donny could’ve slip on his bum and I would’ve thought it was part of the act.
Mark Decascos & Lacey Schwimmer – Mark & Lacey have an awesome synchronicity. So when Lacey had to bow out due to illness Tony Dovolani came in to teach Mark the basics of the Samba. Eventually, Anna Trebunskaya got signed on to be Lacey’s substitute and Mark tried to nail down his routine within 48 hours. I was thrilled to see Anna again and it seemed like Mark was able to gel with her better than I expected. I do wish they’d stop making him do those flips, though. We get it, he’s athletic, but can he dance? That’s the real question.
The Judges Say: They expressed their sympathies for his plight. Losing his regular partner, getting a new partner and having to learn a routine at the last minute were unfortunate obstacles. It was a worthy effort but not his greatest performance.
Aubrey Says: I thought the dance was okay. Like when Joanna subbed with Maksim on Week 5 Mark didn’t show any kind of awkwardness around Anna. They looked like they had been dancing together since the beginning. But yeah, the choreography wasn’t as tight as usual. He should be safe, though, based on his impressive track record thus far.
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin – Len chewed out the couple for being too theatrical and using too many gimmicks and tricks in their dances. That didn’t stop Mya & Dmitry from putting on yet another splashy performance. Thanks to some tips from Cloris Leachman the couple attempted to infuse their Foxtrot with the glamour of 1940s Hollywood complete with a silhouette screened opening and ending.
The Judges Say: Bruno and Carrie Ann loved it. Len wasn’t too thrilled. While the other two judges enjoyed the show Len thought the couple still relied too heavily on props and stunts instead of straightforward hoofing.
Aubrey Says: I feel a little guilty for voting for Mya because I still feel she is too close to pro for a competition like this but I was impressed enough to dial that phone for Mya & Dmitry. Their Foxtrot was classy and nostalgic; like something from a Broadway revival. They work very well together and they are as likely to be voted off as Wolverine is to sign up for gender reassignment surgery.
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff – Step one was to avoid the bottom two for a third week in a row and they did. Step two was to develop a routine that would continue to rebuild the couple’s high scoring image. After some exercises to help Aaron quicken his feet the two prepared to show a Jive that would win over the judges, make the audience love them again and silence the haters. Aptly set to Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Going To Take It” Aaron was in an incredible zone with fast yet precise footwork. He finally learned how to funnel his energy through a direct current rather than having it whip around like a live wire. It was just, in a word, like “Whoa!”
The Judges Say: Great. Even Len was impressed. Carrie liked the outfit choice. Aaron was awarded with two “10s” and a “9”.
Aubrey Says: I agree that he can be a little much with the mini-tantrums and teary-eyes but there’s no denying that Mr. Carter is a capable dancer. I thought that the faster dances were his Achilles’ heel because he couldn’t control his steps. That’s why the Waltz and Tango seemed better suited for him because those dance forms forced him to concentrate and focus. I dunno if it was his work in the gym or what but his Jive was fast but not wild, it had pizzazz but it wasn’t all over the place. If he’s in the bottom two this week there had better be a recount.
Kelly Osborne & Louis van Amstel – Well, I didn’t like the behind-the-scenes moments showing Kelly & Louis bickering in the studio. The two have been such a joy to watch on and off the dance floor. They’re both quirky and wacky and fun spirited and seeing them together is so refreshing. Basically, Kelly freaked because Louis took off the kid gloves and made it clear that Week 7 means cranking up the difficulty level up a notch. He wants to stay and in order to stay they have to dance as good as the high scorers. I had to agree with him though I hated seeing Kelly upset by the tone switch.
So, Louis comes out in these fabulous blue fringe pants and Kelly is a blue flame with her mini number.
The two perform a really lively Salsa. Technically, it wasn’t flawless but very ambitious. Kelly was wrapping her leg around Louis’ waist and he was dipping her and then they were shaking what their mamas gave them and oh it was like out of that terrible ordeal in the dance studio was born a gorgeous and fun performance.
The Judges Say: Loved it. Bruno loved it so much that he got on the desk and shook his own caboose for everybody. It stunned Louis all the way to the other side of the studio. I’m sure he’ll regain his eyesight by next week. All complimented Kelly for getting over her “beige” period and taking that Salsa by the horns and conquering it.
Aubrey Says: The judges said this was Kelly’s best dance yet. Personally, I still love her Week 1 Waltz & Cha Cha and Week 4’s Cabaret inspired Charleston. But, yeah, she was very much “on” with this week’s Salsa. I was thrilled that she allowed Louis to stretch her skills because the man knows how to choreograph. Ms. Osborne just needs to trust him, do it, and she could make it to the trophy.
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough – Okay, if there’s something I would tell you to purposefully miss on this week’s DWTS episode it would be Derek & Joanna’s campy skit where Derek tries to clumsily seduce the lovely Ms. Krupa (aka the recently engaged Ms. Krupa) so as to deliver a more believable Rumba. The skit was as corny as the Orville Redenbacher festival but the dance was lovely to watch. As usual, Joanna and Derek delivered a technically and emotionally strong performance. They’re a strong duo and Joanna is a strong dancer.
The Judges Say: Except for a little stumble where Joanna was wobbly on one of the poses the Rumba was a hit with the judges.
Aubrey Says: Oh, she’s a shoo in. I could see her and Mya being the last two females standing unless Kelly pulls an upset. But even with the little errors Ms. Krupa’s performances overall have been “10” quality. It’ll be hard to knock her out of the competition.
Group Dance: Team Paso Doble
Aaron & Karina, Mark & Lacey, Michael & Anna, and Mya & Dmitry switched from competitive mode to teamwork mode in an effort to create a high scoring Paso Doble experience. Rehearsals started out a little rough but Michael Irvin used his experience in the locker room and on the field to unite his team under “one heartbeat”. And then of course the team had to deal with Lacey stepping out and Anna Trebunskaya stepping in. Plus, Mya was the only star woman on the team so she had the pressure to not only perform well but to perform as well as the female pros dancing alongside her.
It was a brilliant looking showcase with Aaron, Mark, Michael and Dmitry letting their male prides flourish like bushy lion’s manes and the lovely ladies oozing with sensuality and strength and Mya blended right in with the pro ladies. I was especially impressed with the star men because they had to really perform together. They were doing these formations and things. I swear they looked like the male pro dancers at times. The group then split up to perform their solo spots. Michael was a little stiff. The Paso Doble is not his strength but he was going for it and didn’t kill the tempo. Mark & Anna looked much more cohesive in this dance than in their previous Samba. Aaron looked great and Mya was on key as usual. Then the couples regrouped together for the flashy finish. It really felt like the essence of Spain was on that floor during that routine.
Group Dance: Team Tango
Three couples means less egos to get in the way of the creative process but it also means it will be easier to catch errors and missteps. The decision was made to let Kelly & Louis start with Donny & Kym in the middle and Joanna & Derek to finish. I think there was a little concern about Kelly with the Tango since her first bout with the dance on Week 2 didn’t go so well. This was the chance for her to redeem herself on that one. And then Donny would once again have to revert back to his hot Latin persona “Donny Darko” (thanks, Bruno).
Like the first team the couples came out and performed together. I loved the moment where the three women paw over Donny. They felt it would be keen to have Donny have a little extra moment because he’s the only star male on the team. Well, it was definitely an amazing moment and thankfully neither Donny or Kelly giggled. Oh yes, I have to gush about how gorgeous and fantastic and fiery Kelly looked and moved on that Tango. She didn’t just erase her bad Week 2 Tango…she friggin’ obliterated it. Donny worked his dark magic to maximum effect and Joanna was pretty darn flawless. She did not wobble or fall down. And then they came back together to finish the spectacular piece.
It was a tough call since both group dances were so impressive and such a colossal improvement over that wacky Hustle dance a couple of weeks back. The judges decided to award the blue ribbon to Team Tango.
Since I wasn’t able to publish this thing until 11/5/09 I am able to report that Michael Irvin & Mark Decascos were the casualties of this week’s double elimination. Michael fought hard and should get a special award for showing so much determination and commitment to the competition. I think Michael & Anna were a charming duo and they should be proud they lasted this long.
On the other hand, I am miffed that Mark Decascos was let go this week. I felt he handled his obstacles very well. Obviously, the public thought otherwise. I imagine Lacey kicking herself for being sick. Anyway, I think Mark was incredible on the show. His partnership with Lacey Schwimmer produced some amazing routines. It was a joy to watch them dance though I could’ve done with one less backflip or flying kick.
We are now down to two men (Aaron Carter and Donny Osmond) and three women (Mya, Kelly Osborne and Joanna Krupa). We’re practically down to the wire now so the pressure is fever pitch now. It could go in so many ways.
I’m a little worried about Ms. Osborne because she is a charmer but technically Mya and Ms. Krupa have the edge. So, if Kelly completely absorbs Louis’ steps she has a chance but if she loses her nerve again the other two ladies will tango all over her.
Aaron has been on a rocky ride. He started up then fell into the valley and ended up riding the car back up the hill. If he can stay in control like he did this week then I imagine Aaron surviving. But Donny hasn’t had a bad week yet. Have all his dances been flawless? No, but since Week 1 Donny has been consistently producing some high scoring work.
I dare not predict because anything can happen. Mya could fall on her rump or Donny could drop Kym on her head. I think everyone has a fair shot but going by previous performances I would take a guess that the final battle would come down to Donny and Joanna. As usual, we shall see.
DWTS Season 9 Stars & Pro Partners, Episode 7
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Kelly Osborne & Louis van Amstel
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova
Mark Decascos & Anna Trebunskaya (substituting for Lacey Schwimmer)
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff
Week 7 had the rest of the couples doing the Salsa, Foxtrot, Rumba, Quickstep, Samba or Jive. The second segment of this episode included another group dance where the couples were split into two teams to perform two separate team dances. The stars designed the costumes worn in the first segment of the show.
Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova – They won over the judges with their Waltz but still ended up fighting for their survival in a dance-off with Louie & Chelsie. Michael & Anna triumphed to dance a Foxtrot this week. Dressed in purples of various hues the couple delivered another solid dance that showcased Michael’s grace and excellent posture. He cradled Anna to his chest like a genuine sweetheart as they pranced around the dancefloor looking oh so debonair. Then they ended with a synchronized seat on the stage steps as Anna fans Michael while Michael offers her a faux glass of lemonade. Very pretty. The
Judges Say: A few little missteps here and there and here but overall a beautiful looking performance just like last week’s Waltz. Mr. Irvin just continues to improve but Bruno warned Michael to keep that butt in. I guess Michael should use a quarter next time?
Aubrey Says: Like Aaron I think the reserved dances like Waltz and Foxtrot help Michael to focus. His strength is his holds, playing the gentleman, and he’s not the stick in the mud that was in the beginning. His footwork has improved over the weeks. But when compared to stronger contenders like Donny Osmond or Mark Decascos I can’t say I’m confident Michael will make it to Week 8 unless his fans save him again.
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson – Their Jitterbug scared the judges a little. Kind of a shock to us all since the couple has been the one of the judges’ favorites since Week 1. The two returned to form with a high energy Quickstep that brought the audience to their feet as usual. Oh, and I wonder what Donny was thinking when he dressed Kym up in that interesting gown with the venetian blind-like top. Vewy intewesting.
The Judges Say: Good but not great. They noticed some stumbles but were awed by how Donny’s natural showmanship smoothed over the rough parts.
Aubrey Says: I agree. If Donny did stumble or miss a step I missed it because the charisma from both he and Kim was so hypnotic that Donny could’ve slip on his bum and I would’ve thought it was part of the act.
Mark Decascos & Lacey Schwimmer – Mark & Lacey have an awesome synchronicity. So when Lacey had to bow out due to illness Tony Dovolani came in to teach Mark the basics of the Samba. Eventually, Anna Trebunskaya got signed on to be Lacey’s substitute and Mark tried to nail down his routine within 48 hours. I was thrilled to see Anna again and it seemed like Mark was able to gel with her better than I expected. I do wish they’d stop making him do those flips, though. We get it, he’s athletic, but can he dance? That’s the real question.
The Judges Say: They expressed their sympathies for his plight. Losing his regular partner, getting a new partner and having to learn a routine at the last minute were unfortunate obstacles. It was a worthy effort but not his greatest performance.
Aubrey Says: I thought the dance was okay. Like when Joanna subbed with Maksim on Week 5 Mark didn’t show any kind of awkwardness around Anna. They looked like they had been dancing together since the beginning. But yeah, the choreography wasn’t as tight as usual. He should be safe, though, based on his impressive track record thus far.
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin – Len chewed out the couple for being too theatrical and using too many gimmicks and tricks in their dances. That didn’t stop Mya & Dmitry from putting on yet another splashy performance. Thanks to some tips from Cloris Leachman the couple attempted to infuse their Foxtrot with the glamour of 1940s Hollywood complete with a silhouette screened opening and ending.
The Judges Say: Bruno and Carrie Ann loved it. Len wasn’t too thrilled. While the other two judges enjoyed the show Len thought the couple still relied too heavily on props and stunts instead of straightforward hoofing.
Aubrey Says: I feel a little guilty for voting for Mya because I still feel she is too close to pro for a competition like this but I was impressed enough to dial that phone for Mya & Dmitry. Their Foxtrot was classy and nostalgic; like something from a Broadway revival. They work very well together and they are as likely to be voted off as Wolverine is to sign up for gender reassignment surgery.
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff – Step one was to avoid the bottom two for a third week in a row and they did. Step two was to develop a routine that would continue to rebuild the couple’s high scoring image. After some exercises to help Aaron quicken his feet the two prepared to show a Jive that would win over the judges, make the audience love them again and silence the haters. Aptly set to Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Going To Take It” Aaron was in an incredible zone with fast yet precise footwork. He finally learned how to funnel his energy through a direct current rather than having it whip around like a live wire. It was just, in a word, like “Whoa!”
The Judges Say: Great. Even Len was impressed. Carrie liked the outfit choice. Aaron was awarded with two “10s” and a “9”.
Aubrey Says: I agree that he can be a little much with the mini-tantrums and teary-eyes but there’s no denying that Mr. Carter is a capable dancer. I thought that the faster dances were his Achilles’ heel because he couldn’t control his steps. That’s why the Waltz and Tango seemed better suited for him because those dance forms forced him to concentrate and focus. I dunno if it was his work in the gym or what but his Jive was fast but not wild, it had pizzazz but it wasn’t all over the place. If he’s in the bottom two this week there had better be a recount.
Kelly Osborne & Louis van Amstel – Well, I didn’t like the behind-the-scenes moments showing Kelly & Louis bickering in the studio. The two have been such a joy to watch on and off the dance floor. They’re both quirky and wacky and fun spirited and seeing them together is so refreshing. Basically, Kelly freaked because Louis took off the kid gloves and made it clear that Week 7 means cranking up the difficulty level up a notch. He wants to stay and in order to stay they have to dance as good as the high scorers. I had to agree with him though I hated seeing Kelly upset by the tone switch.
So, Louis comes out in these fabulous blue fringe pants and Kelly is a blue flame with her mini number.
The Judges Say: Loved it. Bruno loved it so much that he got on the desk and shook his own caboose for everybody. It stunned Louis all the way to the other side of the studio. I’m sure he’ll regain his eyesight by next week. All complimented Kelly for getting over her “beige” period and taking that Salsa by the horns and conquering it.
Aubrey Says: The judges said this was Kelly’s best dance yet. Personally, I still love her Week 1 Waltz & Cha Cha and Week 4’s Cabaret inspired Charleston. But, yeah, she was very much “on” with this week’s Salsa. I was thrilled that she allowed Louis to stretch her skills because the man knows how to choreograph. Ms. Osborne just needs to trust him, do it, and she could make it to the trophy.
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough – Okay, if there’s something I would tell you to purposefully miss on this week’s DWTS episode it would be Derek & Joanna’s campy skit where Derek tries to clumsily seduce the lovely Ms. Krupa (aka the recently engaged Ms. Krupa) so as to deliver a more believable Rumba. The skit was as corny as the Orville Redenbacher festival but the dance was lovely to watch. As usual, Joanna and Derek delivered a technically and emotionally strong performance. They’re a strong duo and Joanna is a strong dancer.
The Judges Say: Except for a little stumble where Joanna was wobbly on one of the poses the Rumba was a hit with the judges.
Aubrey Says: Oh, she’s a shoo in. I could see her and Mya being the last two females standing unless Kelly pulls an upset. But even with the little errors Ms. Krupa’s performances overall have been “10” quality. It’ll be hard to knock her out of the competition.
Group Dance: Team Paso Doble
Aaron & Karina, Mark & Lacey, Michael & Anna, and Mya & Dmitry switched from competitive mode to teamwork mode in an effort to create a high scoring Paso Doble experience. Rehearsals started out a little rough but Michael Irvin used his experience in the locker room and on the field to unite his team under “one heartbeat”. And then of course the team had to deal with Lacey stepping out and Anna Trebunskaya stepping in. Plus, Mya was the only star woman on the team so she had the pressure to not only perform well but to perform as well as the female pros dancing alongside her.
It was a brilliant looking showcase with Aaron, Mark, Michael and Dmitry letting their male prides flourish like bushy lion’s manes and the lovely ladies oozing with sensuality and strength and Mya blended right in with the pro ladies. I was especially impressed with the star men because they had to really perform together. They were doing these formations and things. I swear they looked like the male pro dancers at times. The group then split up to perform their solo spots. Michael was a little stiff. The Paso Doble is not his strength but he was going for it and didn’t kill the tempo. Mark & Anna looked much more cohesive in this dance than in their previous Samba. Aaron looked great and Mya was on key as usual. Then the couples regrouped together for the flashy finish. It really felt like the essence of Spain was on that floor during that routine.
Group Dance: Team Tango
Three couples means less egos to get in the way of the creative process but it also means it will be easier to catch errors and missteps. The decision was made to let Kelly & Louis start with Donny & Kym in the middle and Joanna & Derek to finish. I think there was a little concern about Kelly with the Tango since her first bout with the dance on Week 2 didn’t go so well. This was the chance for her to redeem herself on that one. And then Donny would once again have to revert back to his hot Latin persona “Donny Darko” (thanks, Bruno).
Like the first team the couples came out and performed together. I loved the moment where the three women paw over Donny. They felt it would be keen to have Donny have a little extra moment because he’s the only star male on the team. Well, it was definitely an amazing moment and thankfully neither Donny or Kelly giggled. Oh yes, I have to gush about how gorgeous and fantastic and fiery Kelly looked and moved on that Tango. She didn’t just erase her bad Week 2 Tango…she friggin’ obliterated it. Donny worked his dark magic to maximum effect and Joanna was pretty darn flawless. She did not wobble or fall down. And then they came back together to finish the spectacular piece.
It was a tough call since both group dances were so impressive and such a colossal improvement over that wacky Hustle dance a couple of weeks back. The judges decided to award the blue ribbon to Team Tango.
Since I wasn’t able to publish this thing until 11/5/09 I am able to report that Michael Irvin & Mark Decascos were the casualties of this week’s double elimination. Michael fought hard and should get a special award for showing so much determination and commitment to the competition. I think Michael & Anna were a charming duo and they should be proud they lasted this long.
On the other hand, I am miffed that Mark Decascos was let go this week. I felt he handled his obstacles very well. Obviously, the public thought otherwise. I imagine Lacey kicking herself for being sick. Anyway, I think Mark was incredible on the show. His partnership with Lacey Schwimmer produced some amazing routines. It was a joy to watch them dance though I could’ve done with one less backflip or flying kick.
We are now down to two men (Aaron Carter and Donny Osmond) and three women (Mya, Kelly Osborne and Joanna Krupa). We’re practically down to the wire now so the pressure is fever pitch now. It could go in so many ways.
I’m a little worried about Ms. Osborne because she is a charmer but technically Mya and Ms. Krupa have the edge. So, if Kelly completely absorbs Louis’ steps she has a chance but if she loses her nerve again the other two ladies will tango all over her.
Aaron has been on a rocky ride. He started up then fell into the valley and ended up riding the car back up the hill. If he can stay in control like he did this week then I imagine Aaron surviving. But Donny hasn’t had a bad week yet. Have all his dances been flawless? No, but since Week 1 Donny has been consistently producing some high scoring work.
I dare not predict because anything can happen. Mya could fall on her rump or Donny could drop Kym on her head. I think everyone has a fair shot but going by previous performances I would take a guess that the final battle would come down to Donny and Joanna. As usual, we shall see.
DWTS Season 9 Stars & Pro Partners, Episode 7
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Kelly Osborne & Louis van Amstel
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova
Mark Decascos & Anna Trebunskaya (substituting for Lacey Schwimmer)
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff