"Dancing With the Stars" 2020 Nite 1 Recap Part 1

The ballroom is back, dance fans!

And with lots of changes.

A new host - Tyra Banks

A new judge - Derek Hough

And no audience (but with an audience track)

Also a new pro dancer - Britt

Let's get right into the competition. As I always say, I have never ballroom danced. I have watched the show every season, but that doesn't mean that I know anything. The judges are the experts. I like what I like, and I see what I see. Sometimes my comments and scores are aligned with the judges, sometimes not. So take what I say with a grain of salt. And here we go!

AJ McLean & Cheryl

Jive

Good energy, good kicks and flicks, good bounce, and good chemistry with Cheryl.

It was a good start to the show, but that’s all it was – just good. It felt too safe, except for the leap off the stairs, which I’m trying to figure out if he fell on. If he did, he made a nice recovery.

Derek – needed more jive action

Bruno – powerful, strong, needs to polish the kicks and flicks

Carrie Ann – needs to “dance out”

Scores: 6,6,6             My score: 6

Chrishell Strausse & Gleb

Tango

Distracting lasers and choppy camera footage likely worked in her favor. She looked lovely, but Gleb was definitely leading her and she was trying to keep up. The final move looked scary, like she wasn't ready for it. 

Turn down the fake audience - its too loud! Everyone is screaming over the screaming. 

Bruno - went wrong lost footing and posture

Carrie Ann - potential, but got knocked off your feet

Derek - pidgeon-toed

Scores: 4,5,4        My score: 5

Vernon Davis & Peta

Foxtrot

They had fantastic chemistry and I love the song, but his frame and footwork were atrocious. They were all up in each other when they were standing still, which was a few beats too long, but not enough body contact otherwise. Still, I see potential here.

Carrie Ann - potential but more to learn

Derek - so smooth, frame was good (?!)

Bruno - sizzling, light and stylish, attempted rise and fall

Scores: 5,6,6            My score: 4

Anne Heche & Keo

Cha Cha

They are going to be fun to watch. She looked lovely and so youthful. But I didn't see much cha cha content in this routine. The steps were choppy. It was a rough start, but hopefully she will improve. 

Derek - clean, neat but finish every step

Bruno - needed more hip action

Carrie Ann - precise, good tension

Scores: 6,6,6        My score: 4

Jeannie Mai & Brandon

Salsa

She is fearless! It was a very ambitious routine for someone with no dance experience. It felt rushed and chaotic at times, but I enjoyed it. She is infectious! I love her spirit! Not enough salsa content, but F-U-N!

Bruno - energizing, radiant, work on footwork and balance

Carrie Ann - even it out

Derek - work on your turns

Scores: 6,6,6            My score: 6

Jesse Metcalfe & Sharna

Quickstep

My least favorite dance; I don't know how to judge it. (Some would say I don't know how to judge any dance.) He had good speed and I think his footwork was good. It was fun to watch. He's still hot. :)

Carrie Ann - passionate, a little wild

Derek - leading man

Bruno - did well

Scores: 6,6,6        My score: 6

Skai Jackson & Alan

Tango

WOW! I thought the height difference would be tough to deal with, plus she is so young and the Tango is such a sophisticated dance. She blew me away! So sharp, so clean, great speed, her hand placement on Alan's arm was exquisite! Stunning performance, especially on night one! Go girl!

Derek - clean, flexible, great posture

Bruno - shining jewel, so mature

Carrie Ann - beautiful and exciting

Scores: 7,7,7        My score: 8

Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem

Cha Cha

The dances are so short - there isn't much content in them, but I did see some cha cha elements. Maybe cut down on the sometimes awkward banter with Tyra and have more time for dancing. Also, the camera work is terrible. I understand about social distancing (joke), but sometimes it seems like the camera is in another state. Anyway, I love seeing a contestant so excited about being on the show. Her energy and ability couldn't quite keep up with the tempo and pace of the song, but there is potential. 

Bruno - good foot placement

Carrie Ann - work on pointing feet

Derek - a little safe, needed more attack

Scores: 6,7,7        My score: 6

End of part 1

Note: sorry about the paragraph issues. I don't want a space between each line, but I can't figure out how to fix it.

librarianintx