Cue that theme music...

It's our Final Four live from Hollywood!

 
That's right friends and neighbors!  We're down to four celebrities, and they are dancing for a spot in next week's performance finale.

First up, it's the Latin round.  And our celebrities must perform a solo within the dance.

Brandy and Maks dance Paso Doble.  This is an interesting costume choice.  They have elected not to put Brandy in a gown to emphasize the female role of cape in Paso.  I think that is a mistake.  The close fitting pants merely show that she's very week with her legs in this dance.  I don't find this to be one of her better efforts.  It felt sloppy and rushed.  The music didn't help.  And I didn't care much for Maks' choreography this week.  I think she attacked the dance, but it did not feel polished.  I'm disappointed.  I think she can do much better.  On the positive side, she portrayed a well defined character.  The story was dedicated to anyone who had been bullied.  But even so, I didn't feel that character was particularly appropriate to what I've come to expect from Paso.  Judges say 9's across for a total of 27.  I think that score is much too high.  Her legs seemed really weak to me and I just didn't like much about that dance.

Jennifer and Derek dance Cha Cha Cha.  She is so into this song and this style of dance.  Now she has to maintain the control and not let the dance get away from her.  Oh man!  This is so good.  The choreography is fun, flirty, and cheeky.  Now that was Derek at his best, bringing out the best in his partner.  She let go enough, and then held back enough so that the dance was completely hers.  Everything was connected.  The lines were outstanding.  Her technique was awesome.  Her solo was fantastic.  Her musicality was spot on.  It looked so effortless.  This was a complete performance.  The choreography had all the Cha Cha Cha elements and they were executed so well.  Judges say 10's across for a total of 30.  Wooooooooo!!!  And can I say it?  She is one HAWT MAMA!  That dress...YEOWSA Baby!

Bristol and Mark dance Paso Doble.  I wish they would stop calling her a teen activist.  She had a birthday; she's 20 years old.  How about just calling her an activist?  Now she's got the right kind of costume for this dance.  And she used it in her solo.  She's got the character and attitude.  I think she's doing well with this dance.  I think Paso favors her because it's a bit slower and it requires precision.  Bristol has always been precise and clean with her footwork, and that served her very well in this dance.  This was quite well performed.  Her musicality was solid for the style.  I think she definitely deserved the praise from the judges.  She really connected with Mark's choreography.  Judges say 9's across for a total of 27.  Well done my dear.

Kyle and Lacey dance Samba.  The party dance for the party kid.  This is going to be about having a ball, but keeping control of technique.  Love his solo.  He's really going for it too.  The kid can move.  Samba is his dance.  I'm really impressed by this.  Lacey's choreography was youthful, but also full of competition Samba elements.  And Kyle was up to the challenge.  He's so charming.  When he nails technique, he's got the crowd right on the floor with him.  That was really outstanding.  Timing, musicality, technique, control, excitement, and Samba hips...it was all there.  Judges say 10,9,10 for a total of 29.  Well done young man!  That score is well deserved.


Here's our leader board after Latin round:

30 Jennifer and Derek
29 Kyle and Lacey
27 Bristol and Mark
27 Brandy and Maks


Now let's have our ballroom round.

Brandy and Maks dance Argentine Tango.  I expect her to bounce back from what I thought was a sub par performance in the Latin round.  I liked their use of the steps at the top of the routine.  Yeah, I like this much better than the first dance.  The choreography is full of passion and she seems much more engaged in the dance.  That was outstanding.  Her lines were beautiful.  The dance was very sensual.  This style suited her right down to the ground.  It took advantage of all of her strengths.  It was passionate and authentic.  Maks' choreography was perfect for her, and she nailed her technique.  Judges say 10's across for a total of 30.  She definitely deserved that score.  Well done my dear.

Jennifer and Derek dance Waltz.  Can I just say that I absolutely love the way Derek choreographs Waltz when he knows he has a partner that can handle everything he wants to put in it?  This dance was stunningly good.  It made Pam cry.  It was beautiful, classy, elegant, sophisticated.  Jennifer put her heart right out there.  Len had the word...the dance was delicate.  But being delicate, it also had a gentle power to it that reached out and was so moving and special.  Judges say 10's across for a total of 30.  And that's a perfect 60 for the night.  Outstanding!

Bristol and Mark dance Waltz.  I didn't like the way this dance was staged.  I didn't like the black costumes.  The music was so haunting and dramatic.  It needed a special performance, and while I think Bristol danced reasonably well, I don't think she invested enough in the performance.  Mark took the music he was given and wove a very deep and dramatic story, but her face seemed blank rather than haunting.  That was not a fairy tale Waltz and I think a more accomplished performer might have been able to carry it off.  From Bristol, it was a miss for me.  I liked her first dance better.  Judges say 8,9,9 for a total of 26.

Kyle and Lacey dance Argentine Tango.  He has become such a strong leading man with Lacey.  He's attacking this Tango, but he is also controlling himself.  The music bothers me a little because it doesn't really feel much like Argentine Tango music.  But Lacey's choreography was excellent and Kyle really performed that dance.  I am so impressed by his progress.  He has managed this season to take his natural charisma and rhythm for dance, and channeled it with hard work to really master the technique.  Well done young man.  Judges say 10,9,10 for a total of 29.  Come on Len!  Throw that 10 paddle for the kid!

Here's our combined leader board:


60 Jennifer and Derek
58 Kyle and Lacey 
57 Brandy and Maks
53 Bristol and Mark


I can't predict it.  Clearly I think Jennifer had the best night, but Kyle was right there with her.  And while I think Brandy stumbled a bit with her Latin dance, she really came through in her ballroom.  Bristol isn't as accomplished as the others, but she clearly has the fans that are going to get out the vote.


If it weren't for Jennifer, our votes would go to Kyle.  But you know we have to get Baby in the finals.


You know the drill.  Tune in tonight for results.  Annie Lennox is in the ballroom!


I'll have encores for you tomorrow.


Later gang.