Tonight on Dancing With the Stars, they are celebrating the semi-finals with a Prince tribute night! There is no additional guest judge tonight; however, the stars will be performing two dances: one regularly scheduled dance and one redemption dance from their lowest-scoring dance of the season. Let’s see how the performances are tonight!
*WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD*
Elaine and Alan
Tonight, Elaine and Alan are first dancing a Foxtrot to “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” This week, she is looking to watch her shoulders when she is in frame, which I think looks really good. This dance was very smooth, and she was definitely into the song, although there was a lack of energy at the start of the dance. Still, the ending picked it up a little bit. The judges commented on how her dance was strong and solid, as well as floaty, but called her to push herself a little bit more when she performs. Elaine received three nines, which I agree with.
Alix and val
Next up, Alix is dancing an Argentine Tango to “Little Red Corvette.” This dance had beautiful legs and lines, and was so in sync with their partnering. This dance had a few elements that were a little bit odd, such as some of the kicks and the tilt move they had. The judges complimented how she was clearly blossoming and was the most improved in the competition so far. Derek said that she has the potential to go all the way in the competition, but to make sure she isn’t too tense when she is dancing. Alix received two nines and a ten, and I would give her a ten as well.
Whitney and mark
Whitney and Mark first performed a Cha Cha to “1999.” This dance was very precise and sharp, although they really need to stop adding twerking into her dances. I didn’t love all of the lip syncing and crazy faces, although this dance was very solid. Additionally, I love Mark’s choreography and content, which has also been complimented by the judges. They commented on how her technique and performance got better and better as the dance went on, although Carrie Anne thought she was focusing on the technique too much. They also complimented the level of difficulty, as well as her placement in this dance, pointing out how a Cha Cha can be risky to perform for the semi-finals. Whitney received a nine and two tens, and I would’ve given her a ten as well.
Dylan and daniella
Next up, Dylan danced a Tango to “I Would Die 4 U” for his first dance of the night. Dylan is trying to keep his butt tucked in his dances tonight, as that has been a common critique from the judges. I think he did a pretty good job of this, as his frame looked good. This dance was very sharp, which was impressive, although there were a few footwork mistakes. The judges pointed this out, as well as calling for him to feel the music more when he dances and to watch his heel leads. His improvement was commented on, as well as his sharpness in this dance. Dylan received three nines, which I agree with.
Jordan and ezra
Jordan and Ezra were next to dance this week, performing a Jive to “Raspberry Beret.” This dance had great energy and stamina, and I really liked the backwards stair walk, as that looked really cool. There were a few little mishaps and a few moments when they were out of sync, although this dance had a lot of other fun elements. The judges complimented her on her speed and spirit in the dance, but called for more attack in a jive and to watch the timing issues and mistakes. Jordan received three nines, which I agree with.
Robert and whitney
Next up, Robert and Whitney danced a Jive to “Baby I’m a Star.” This dance had so much energy, it was almost explosive, as well as some amazing, sharp legs. The jump at the start of this dance had some impressive air, as well as some other impressive lifts and tricks. It definitely looked like Robert was thinking about the choreography at some points, although he had a great performance. The judges complimented his footwork, as well as his clean, sharp, and fun dance. Derek commented that this was a great example of how someone should dance with their full body. This dance received three tens, which I agree with!
Redemption dances
For the second half of the night, the stars will perform another dance, typically, although not always, to a style they struggled with in the past. Let’s see how these second styles look!
Elaine and alan
Elaine’s last dance of the night is a Paso Doble to “When Doves Cry.” This dance looked really good for Elaine, although her upper body was looking a little bit stiffer than usual. The side-by-side elements looked good, although some moments were slightly out of sync. I loved the floor work and spin section as they were both very impressive. The judges commented on how her dance was so committed and showed how she left it all on the floor. They also said that this dance had proper technique and traditional, authentic Paso Doble elements. Elaine received three tens, and although this dance was good, it looked stiff to me, and I’d give it a nine.
Alix and val
Alix’s second dance of the night was a Viennese Waltz to “Purple Rain.” This dance lends itself to being a more emotional one, which is what Val mentioned in their package before the dance. This dance was a gorgeous one for Alix and Val, and I loved their backdrop and costuming. I also think that this dance had an excellent fluid quality and showed how much work Alix has put into this experience. I really enjoyed the section of floor work with the spins, as this was a complex move that they executed well. The judges complimented how passionate and graceful this dance was, as well as how much she has grown in both the competition and in life. Alix received three tens, which I wholeheartedly agree with.
Dylan and daniella
Next up, Dylan performed a Cha Cha to “Kiss” as his last dance of the night. I liked the introduction of this dance, as well as the much improvement in his hip range of motion. I didn’t like some of the choreography elements, like the air guitar or the ending pose, but this dance was one of Dylan’s best this season. The judges complimented his attack and musical connection, although they mentioned that his arms got a little bit small at some points. They also mentioned how sexy this dance was and spoke about his improvement since the beginning of the season. Dylan received three nines, which I agree with.
Whitney and mark
Whitney and Mark are dancing a Viennese Waltz to “Slow Love” to end the night. This dance was her most elegant and smooth dance she has had yet, and I liked how she showed more emotion in this dance. I also liked how much simpler this choreography was, as it worked a little bit better for showing her authenticity. The judges complimented how earnest she was in this dance, as well as how she has been putting herself out there. They have also complimented how immensely talented she is, as well as how in tune and smooth with the music she was. Carrie Anne pointed out one mistake she made, which resulted in her getting a nine and two tens. I agree with the tens, as this dance was my favorite of hers so far. Tonight was Whitney’s last dance, as she was eliminated. I think this is because the new season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives came out, and it was revealed that she had bad intentions for going back onto that show, but I am not upset at all that she is gone, as she was very cocky and unlikable.
Jordan and ezra
Next up, Jordan and Ezra danced an Argentine Tango to “U Got the Look.” This dance was very sharp and synchronized, and was easily Jordan’s best dance in this season. I love how intense this dance was, as well as the majority of her lifts, except for the one that almost dropped. The judges commented on her power and focus in this dance, as well as her amazing lines and smooth tricks. Carrie Anne mentioned how she doesn’t sacrifice who she wants to be for anything, which I agree with. Jordan received her first perfect score of the season, which I agree with.
Robert and whitney
For the last dance of the night, Robert performed a Viennese Waltz to “WOW.” This dance was really intense and well thought out, and pretty clean for the most part. There was one section that looked a little bit messy, but overall it was a very strong and masculine dance. The judges comments discussed his storytelling abilities, as well as how ferocious and commanding he was. Derek pointed out that his frame was a little bit iffy at some points, but he can’t wait to see what he does in the final. Robert received two tens and one nine, and I agree with the tens.
Next week, it will be the finale during Thanksgiving Break, so come back then to see my thoughts on the final dances and the winner!