Cue that theme music...

It's encores and results!

We liked a lot about Monday night's performances.  But I shall endeavor to narrow down the encore selections.

The only thing that was really wrong with the Quickstep from Kirstie and Maks was stamina.  She got a little tired and lost her steps toward the end.  Other than that, it was delightful.  Click here if the video doesn't play. 



The Jive from Ralph and Karina was described as frenetic and slightly out of control, and I agreed with that assessment at first viewing.  But watching it back I think that it was jammed full of content, but still danced very well.  Click here if the video doesn't play.




We have a tie for dance of the night.  Our first choice is the Quickstep from Chris and Cheryl, which was completely charming.  Click here if the video doesn't play.





Our second choice for dance of the night is Quickstep from Hines and Kym.  The patterns they made were so intricate.  Click here if the video doesn't play.





Outstanding!  Right now, I'd say those are the four couples to beat, with Chelsea and Mark right on the cusp despite the lousy musical selection for their Jive.


Here's a reminder of our leader board after the two performances:


45 Ralph and Karina
44 Hines and Kym 
43 Kirstie and Maks 
42 Romeo and Chelsie 
42 Chris and Cheryl
39 Chelsea and Mark
37 Kendra and Louis 
36 Petra and Dmitry
34 Ray and Anna 
31 Wendy and Tony 
30 Mike and Lacey

OK.  Let's go!

Love it when our pros dance.  Along with some of our usual suspects, we had a few younguns.  More on them in a bit.


Results...Hines and Kym are safe.  Chris and Cheryl are safe.


The controversial Chris Brown is in the ballroom.  The dancing was really terrific.


More results...Ralph and Karina are safe.  Squeeeeee says Pam!  Kirstie and Maks are safe.  Chelsea and Mark are safe.


So the younguns.  They are described as six world renowned and award winning dancers and we call them the DWTS Troupe.  Cool eh?  Elena Grinenko leads the group of professionals who will perform demonstrations on the results shows this season.  I hope I get their names right.  We have Kiki Nyemcheck, Tristan MacMahon, Oksana Dmytrenko, sister and brother combo Nicole and Ted Volynets, and Peta Murgatroyd.


I'm going to like this Troupe.  The choreography for their number was by Jason Gilkinson.  I couldn't find that clip, but here is the performance that led off the show with our pros.  Maks choreographed this one.  Click here if the video won't play.





Back to results...Romeo and Chelsea are safe.


Chris Brown is back for another round of lip syncing and dancing.  I don't mind the lip sync so much, particularly if you're going to put on a full show with so much movement.  The kid has his personal issues...he doesn't get a pass for felonious assault of his girlfriend, or for the ridiculous display of childish temper a few days ago.  I appreciated the performance for what it was, but the young man needs to grow up and start being a real human being.


Results...Kendra and Louis are safe.  Petra and Dmitry are safe.  


Final results...Wendy and Tony are safe.  Ray and Anna are safe.


That means Mike and Lacey are first out.

I guess that was kind of inevitable.  He's a regional radio personality, so I don't think there were enough fans out there to overcome the fact that he wasn't very good as a dancer.  I think he could have improved given time.


We're off and running gang!  Tune in next week for story night in the ballroom.  Our couples will tell a personal story in dance.


Later!