I'm calling success on Classical Week, even considering that the judges' behavior was borderline out of bounds. I'm hoping for a little more decorum next week.
That said, here's what we liked from Monday's performances.
Despite some timidity with her foot placement, I thought Petra adapted very well to Dmitry's wonderful Paso Doble choreography. Click here if the video doesn't play.
I thought Chris and Cheryl did a fine job of portraying music in their Paso Doble that started quiet and built in intensity throughout the dance. Click here if the video doesn't play.
I enjoyed the way Ralph and Karina interpreted the Romeo and Juliet story in the choreography for their Waltz. I thought it had real artistry. And I don't think I mentioned last night that their side by side spins were perfectly synchronized. Click here if the video doesn't play.
I loved the power and control Hines demonstrated in the dynamic Paso Doble he danced with Kym, and yet he still performed with charm and personality. Click here if the video doesn't play.
Dance of the night goes to Chelsea and Mark for their whimsical take on the traditional Viennese Waltz. The dance was fantastic. And I say this...if you don't want creative choreography that goes outside of the box, then don't ask a young choreographer with a reputation for doing exactly that to make a dance for a young Disney star using music from Harry Potter. The word "Duh" comes to mind, Mr Len Crankypants. Click here if the video doesn't play.
There were things to like about nearly all of Monday's performances, but I'll stop there at five encores.
Let's have a reminder of our leader board after Monday:
26 Chelsea and Mark
25 Hines and Kym
25 Ralph and Karina
23 Chris and Cheryl
23 Petra and Dmitry
23 Romeo and Chelsie
22 Kirstie and Maks
21 Ray and Anna
18 Kendra and Louis
And now we're ready for results!
But first, David Garrett leads off the show playing Walk This Way on his violin. And our Dance Troupe heats up the stage. That was excellent!
First results...Ralph and Karina are safe. Hines and Kym are safe.
The judges select the Viennese Waltz from Chelsea and Mark as the encore. Len clarified that he objected to a few of the steps in the choreography, but overall he thinks Chelsea is one of the stronger dancers with the potential to make the final. So I'll ask for those Cranky Pants back now. We can put them in the closet for later.
Jennifer Hudson is in the ballroom, performing Don't Look Down accompanied by Karina and Louis.
More results...Chris and Cheryl are safe. Romeo and Chelsie are safe.
The Macy's Stars of Dance performance features principal dancers from three premier ballet companies. The piece is from Swan Lake, created specially for DWTS. The featured dancers are Lorena Feijoo from San Francisco Ballet Company, Lorna Feijoo from Boston Ballet Company, and Jose Manuel Carreno from American Ballet Theatre. Beautiful.
Jennifer Hudson returns, singing Feeling Good. Damn, that woman can sing. And our pros can dance too. You know who I spotted on the floor? A couple of SYTYCD alums...Ashley and Ryan DiLello.
Final results...Kirstie and Maks are safe. Kendra and Louis are safe. Petra and Dmitry are safe. Chelsea and Mark are safe.
That means Ray and Anna are out.
I know Sugar Ray was a crowd favorite, and I know there's a lot of backlash against Kendra for her comments during Monday's show. But it looks like the fans are giving her a one time pass. And it looks like Ray's exuberance didn't translate to votes.
Sometimes that's just how it goes. I say this all the time...there's no telling how the fans are going to vote.
Tune in next week when our remaining pairs dance to patriotic songs about America, in honor of Patriot Day.
Later babies!
