Yes, I'm a week behind. Story of my life.
While this wasn't the best first episode of a new season, it was a solid beginning. As usual, there were one or two stand-out performances, a couple of terrible ones, and the rest were decent for their debut dances. Here's my quick re-cap:
My Two Favorites:
Wanya Morris and Lindsey
Wanya is from the 90's R&B group Boyz II Men. They danced a cha cha to the Boyz II Men hit "Motownphilly." I was highly entertained, and so was the audience! There was enough cha cha content in the dance to make Len mostly happy (welcome back Len!) and enough comedy to make the routine super fun as well. Bruno praised his "suave and swagger." The pair triple tied for high score of the night with a 23.
Nyle Dimarco and Peta
Nyle is a winner of America's Next Top Model, and the second Deaf person to be a contestant on DWTS (Marlee Matlin was the first). They performed a H-O-T cha cha. Caliente indeed! Bruno was so overcome he had to run over and touch Nyle. I know he wasn't the only person there who wanted to. They tied with Wanya and Lindsey and another team for the highest score of the night.
My Two Surprises:
Paige Van Zant and Mark
Paige is a pro fighter. I've never heard of her, but when you think of a female fighter, you don't think of dance ability. But Paige coped very well with her foxtrot. She had good flow of movement, and looked feminine and pretty in her costume. She just needs to work on her timing, and she could be a contender. She received a solid 21 for the night. I do have to ask, though, "What was up with Mark's hair?" :-)
Jody Sweetin and Keo
Hallelujah, Keo may finally have a good one! Jody, from "Full House" fame, was a surprise because she was so nervous and full of doubt in her behind-the-scenes package. To draw a tango in the first week is not easy, but Jody looked fierce and kept a good frame. Carrie Ann was impressed, and so was I. She and Keo received a 20 for the night.
The Best of the Rest:
Ginger Zee and Val
The Good Morning America weatherwoman has an energetic personality and put a lot of pizzaz into her jive. I was actually less enthusiastic than the judges about it, because I don't think she did enough kick and flicks, and I thought her timing may have been a hair off. But it was a fun routine with very good energy. Ginger and Val were the third team to receive a high score of 23.
Middle of the pack:
Two football players, Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers (dancing with Sharna) and Von Miller from the Denver Broncos (dancing with Whitney) both earned scores of 21 for the night. Antonio's quickstep was wild and almost on the edge of recklessness, with a lot of time out of hold. Von's foxtrot was a solid performance, but not exactly memorable.
Kim Fields with Sasha
Kim, from "Facts of Life" and more recently "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" danced a sexy cha cha that was just a tad stiff and needed more hip action. She and Sasha have chemistry and look great together. But you know my rant is coming: WHY WERE THERE EXTRA DANCERS?!?! This is only the first episode of the season! They weren't the only team that included extra dancers, but I'll refrain from repeating my rant. Kim and Sasha earned a 20 for their dance.
Marla Maples with Tony
The former Mrs. Trump (and an actress don't forget!) danced an acceptable quickstep that was a bit overly flashy at the end. She looked fantastic, and the judges were impressed. Marla and Tony received a 21 for their dance.
And now for the rough ones:
Mischa Barton and Artem
I know Mischa's tango wasn't good, but I was aghast at Len's harsh comments. She was already nervous and disappointed in her performance, and then Len threw salt on her wounds. He made her cry, and that was so hard to watch. I hope she can come back next week and improve. Shame on you Len! Mischa received a painful score of 16.
Doug Flutie and Karina
Former football great Flutie danced a foxtrot to a Neil Diamond great. Unfortunately, the dance was terrible. Doug was way off, but he tried, and the crowd loved him anyway. Karina did most of the work, and somehow managed to keep her dress from being a heap of fabric on the floor. I swear, it was held together by one thread resting on her hip. Doug received the second lowest score of the night: a 14.
Geraldo Rivera and Edyta
Hooray, Edyta is back after a LONG absence! Unfortunately, her time on the show will likely be extremely brief. Controversial reporter / talk show host Geraldo was abysmal as a dancer. He called himself "The only Puerto Rican who can't dance" and then proved his point. He received a dismal 13 for that "dance."
"America's Favorite Dance Party is back!" (tm Erin Andrews) and I couldn't be happier!
librarianintx
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