Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Finale Results Show

I am SO happy I was wrong!
Laurie Hernandez is crowned the champion of Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars!
I am SO thrilled for her and Val!

The results show was just okay for me. I know I'm in the minority, but I didn't enjoy the Christmas theme. I missed not having a Dance Center segment. But I loved Maureen McCormick's super fan dance, the all male routine, Vanilla Ice singing and dancing to his own hit, and I always get a kick out of the rehearsal footage.

When it came to the fusion dances, I thought James had the easiest routine; the viennese waltz and foxtrot are two of his wheelhouse dances. Calvin had the toughest routine; the jive is hard for him because of problems with his feet, and the quickstep is one of the most challenging ballroom types. I was sad to see Calvin and Lindsay get eliminated, but I think America got it right to have James and Laurie as the final two.

I must admit that this was not one of my favorite seasons; I thought the level of dance ability was lower than  previous seasons. But I still adore the show. I was not happy to have Rick Perry and Ryan Lochte as contestants, but I don't see myself ever boycotting the show. I love watching people grow and learn and become dancers. I love seeing super fans live out their dreams, and others conquer their fears of dancing in such a public forum. I believe that the cast becomes a family every season, and they wish success for each other, even though it's a competition. I love Tom and Erin - their humor, and the care and compassion they have for the professional dancers and the celebrities as they journey through the season together. I even love cranky Len and wild Bruno. :)

I simply love watching people dance.

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Finale Part 2

Round Two: Freestyle!

Jana / Gleb
The freestyle dances are often about big production numbers / lots of theatrics, but Jana and Gleb had more than enough sparks with just the two of them. It was a passionate, beautiful, emotional routine, and it was like a metaphor for Jana's life - She was bound, and now she's free. They should be proud of that dance. It was poetry in motion. The lifts were wonderful too.
I saw Gleb's stumble on the replay, but not during the performance. I feel bad that they were so disappointed. It was a gorgeous dance. One stumble did not mar the routine.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9

Calvin / Lindsay
Mr. Happy!
How fun was that!
Easily the most personality that we've seen from Calvin all season. This was a big production freestyle routine, and it was a joy to watch. It had all the elements that I want in a freestyle: great dancing, exciting lifts and tricks, personality, innovative aspects (the conveyor belt / subway platform was way cool)
Touchdown Megatron!
I also loved how Calvin was front and center during 95% of the routine. He was the star, as he should be!
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10

Laurie / Val
I'll just throw out a bunch of adjectives:
fresh
joyful
youthful
vibrant
exuberant
playful
high energy
happy
enthusiastic
It played like part of a Broadway musical to me. I thought it was wonderful.  My only criticism is that there wasn't as much actual dancing as I think there should be in a freestyle. There was a lot of running around, going down a slide, spinning on a merry-go-round, some gymnastic moves. But it was a little short on actual dancing, and I'm surprised that the judges didn't mention that. I'm glad they didn't, and maybe they wouldn't agree with me. But I would think Len especially would say that it was slightly thin on content.
Bruno: "spirit of youth"
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10

James / Sharna
In nearly every season of Dancing with the Stars, the best freestyle routine usually results in the capture of the mirrorball trophy, regardless of front runner status. The judges have adored James all season. Julianne calls him the best male dancer ever on this show. I think James is very good, but not the best male ever, and not the front runner this season. I think that Laurie deserves to win season 23. But based on this freestyle, I think that James will win. It was a very powerful, emotional routine with a lot of content that played to James' strengths.
Julianne: "you outdo yourself every week"
Bruno: "visual poetry" "unforgettable"
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10

Results:
Jana and Gleb were eliminated :(
They were a wonderful couple with amazing chemistry, but she doesn't have the fan base that the other contestants have. Some people don't know her well; her blog posts have rubbed some people the wrong way. This should be about her dance ability, not her as a person. But we also have to realize how much improved Calvin is. He has earned his Top 3 spot. It's always tough to come in 4th.

I did not vote, and I regret that. Obviously I have a favorite, and I should have done what I could to see that she wins. But anyway, it has been a good season. Good luck to Laurie, James, and Calvin!

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Finale Part 1

I can't believe the season is almost over! Didn't I say that last week too?

Round One: Redemption Dances

Calvin / Lindsay
Viennese Waltz
Calvin has come so far! It was a beautiful dance, but at times I felt there was a pause between transitions - there should have been more of a constant flow to the dance. It felt like they were being a little careful after last week's out of control first dance.
Len: "most improved dancer this season (I agree!)
Carrie Ann cited them for a lift!
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 (They did not deserve an 8 for that dance!)

Jana / Gleb
Tango
The lasers were cool but very distracting. It was hard for me to tell if they made any mistakes. I thought I saw a lift (and I was right!) It was a good routine, but unfortunately not especially memorable for me.
Julianne: "took a long time to get off the platform" (I agree)
Len doesn't agree with Carrie Ann taking off points for unintentional lifts.
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 (What the hell, Carrie Ann?) 

Laurie / Val
Paso Doble
YAAASSS!
Wow! That was one fierce paso!
Speed, precision, crisp, sharp, passionate - They were both on fire!
Laurie is in it to win it!
And then she grinned and jumped and down like a little girl after. She is 16, after all.
Val wanted her to look like a professional dancer. She did!
I loved it!
Scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 (9's? Really?)

James / Sharna
Foxtrot
Yeah, the best male dancer ever on the show with questionable hip action? Mmmm...
Anyway, a girl with the moniker of "librarianintx" did like the library theme of this dance. The foxtrot really suits James, and this was a quirky, engaging routine. It took them awhile to start dancing, and I think I saw a slip, but overall it was a solid performance.
There was a slip. But Julianne said it was still the perfect foxtrot. (Okay....)
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 10 (It was the perfect foxtrot, but Julianne gave him a 9. Bruno gave him a 10)

End of Part 1

librarianintx

Port-a-potty

Sounds crazy, but I am 48 years old, and I have never used a port-a-potty - until about three weeks ago. It's also pretty crazy that I'm writing about it. :) But I think it shows that I've led a rather sheltered life. I haven't been to events and activities where I would need a port-a-potty.

But three weeks ago I was at the Texas Book Festival. The vendors, author book signings, and refreshments are set up in tents on the Capital grounds and surrounding streets, while the sessions are held in the Capital. I had been visiting the vendor tents. It was raining, and it was a long hike for me to get to the Capital to use the bathroom. So my port-a-potty opportunity had finally arrived. While not exactly a bucket list item, I was rather excited to be using such a facility for the first time. I wish I could say I was a port-a-potty regular user, because that would show that I've had more life experiences. I could say that I've been to many outdoor concerts and other such events.

So how was it? Yeah, you know. It was gross. :) I think it could have been worse; the one I used was fairly clean. I have a fear of getting trapped in bathrooms and other small rooms (because I have before), so I didn't want to lock the door. My friend stood outside the port-a-potty so others would know that it was occupied. The area around the Capital is rather hilly, so I struggled with my balance when I was visiting the tents. The ground wasn't even and flat. So being in the port-a-potty made me feel a bit like I was on a boat, even though it wasn't moving. I didn't enjoy that. But hey, it was an experience. That's what matters. I can now say that I have used a port-a-potty.

What might be next? A mosh pit? A helicopter ride? Probably not.

librarianintx  

Megabus etiquette AGAIN

When I took the Megabus back from Houston two weeks ago, I was once again amazed at the behavior of some of the passengers. It was clear to see from the line of people waiting to board the bus that it would be crowded, and likely sold out. Yet people STILL kept their bags piled up on the seat next to them, obviously in an attempt to keep someone from sitting with them. Even when people were complaining to the driver that there were no seats remaining, passengers still acted like the seats were occupied. Only when the driver came down the aisle and said directly to someone, "Is that seat taken?" did they then remove their belongings. C'mon people. Have common courtesy. Why are you making your fellow passengers stress out and have to beg and search for a seat? Would you like to be treated that way? The seat next to you does not belong to you. You did not pay for that seat. And its rude to sit there and watch others struggle to find a seat. It also takes time away from getting on the road and reaching our destination on time. Some people have rides to meet or connecting buses to catch. Your behavior could be making problems for other people. But all you care about is not having someone sitting next to you. It is selfish behavior.

librarianintx

Behavior at an Awards Luncheon

Late last month I attended an awards luncheon for a state organization. The luncheon was held at an older but elegant hotel in Houston near the stadium. Participants paid $35 per ticket, and we dined on steak, asparagus, potatoes, and cheesecake with strawberries for dessert.

I knew I would need to leave the luncheon early because I was giving a presentation between 2 - 2:30 at an organization in another part of the city. So I sat at a table in the back near a door so I could slip out as quietly as possible. The tables seated eight people, and because I was sitting in the rear, it took awhile for people to sit with me. Eventually, there were five other people at my table. They were a mix of state and company employees. All of them looked to be my age or older. So there were no students at my table, no millennials.

Lunch was served after a brief introduction. Then the awards portion of the afternoon began after lunch. I was disappointed and dismayed to see that as soon as the presentations began, every single person at my table took out their phone. Even though we had been reminded at the beginning of the luncheon to please turn off our cells, or at least put them on vibrate, everyone had their phones in their hands during the entire award ceremony. I can understand maybe taking a look a time or two during the approximately 90 minute presentation. Perhaps they needed to look for an e-mail from work, or a text from a family member. Maybe a doctor's office or pharmacy was supposed to leave a message. But to be scrolling through Facebook during an awards luncheon? I thought it was rude. I guess sitting in the back of the room meant they didn't have to be polite and attentive to what was occurring on stage. Don't get me wrong. I am not exaggerating when I say that I love my phone. I use it a lot. I carry it around with me even at home. But I can put it down when I need to. The people who were recognized at this awards luncheon worked for hard for the accolades they received, and all we had to do as guests was enjoy a nice meal and celebrate their accomplishments. Some of the speeches were very inspiring. I feel sorry for the people at my table who couldn't bother to pay attention. 

librarianintx

Survivor Season 33

Last week Taylor gave us a master class on how to lose Survivor:

Step 1: Enter into an annoying showmance.
Step 2: Make a half-hearted and ultimately failed attempt to hide said showmance.
Step 3: Steal food from the tribe.
Step 4: Tell someone that you stole food from the tribe.
Step 5: Announce to everyone at Tribal Council that you stole food from the tribe.
Step 6: Try to make someone look worse than you at Tribal Council.

He lost the game, and he lost the girl. But he'll always have the memories.

Bye Taylor!

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Semi-Finals Part 2

Round Two: Trios!
The trios round is one of my favorite parts of Dancing with the Stars!!

James / Sharna / Jenna
Jive
It was a no-brainer that James and Sharna would ask Jenna to join them. Jenna has already filled in for Sharna this season. The women's outfits were very distracting. I thought it was a good jive, but not as strong or entertaining as the jive that Donald Driver, Peta, and Karina danced a few seasons ago. This trio didn't have as much as speed, and they didn't cover as much of the floor because the car took up so much space. It was a cool concept, but I think it ended up hampering the dance. The judges loved the routine, of course.
Julianne: "That is one hot pit crew!"
Scores: 10, 10, 10

Terra / Sasha / Artem
Tango
A Sasha and Artem sandwich? Yes, please, says Terra! (tm Erin). This was as fast a tango as Terra's legs could manage. It was a sexy dance, but to be picky for a moment, I thought Terra's outfit was too conservative and the color was rather drab. But she was working it, and the choreography was tight.
Julianne: "This girl is on fire!"
Scores: 10, 10, 10 (!!)

Jana / Gleb / Alan
Paso Doble
Again, a no-brainer for Jana and Gleb to choose Alan. What a lucky lady to be dancing with those two hunks! The beginning and end of the routine were especially cool, with the animated / CGI tree branches in the background. Jana had a fierce paso scowl on her face during the entire performance, and her moves were fiery too. Great job!
Scores: 10, 10, 10

Calvin / Lindsay / Whitney
Salsa
OF COURSE Lindsay chose Whitney. She always chooses Whitney for the trio round. As the saying goes, "If it's not broke, don't fix it!"
Great music, plenty of salsa content, neon green costumes, and Lindsay was right - amazeball tricks that we've never seen before! That was a ton of fun to watch! Outstanding! The judges lost their minds with glee and admiration, and I understand why!
Tom: "gravity-defying salsa"
Erin: "Megatron and the double-mint twins"
Scores: 10, 10, 10

Laurie / Val / Maks
Samba
I loved EVERYTHING about this dance! The song is the go-to samba song for this show, and for "So You Think You Can Dance," but it never gets stale to me. I loved the concept, the humor, the samba content, the samba rolls, the crisp, sharp, fast moves, the costumes going from rather drab, workout blue to fiery, performance red...I loved every second of this routine, and I didn't want it to end! This was my favorite dance of Laurie's since Icon's night, which was another spicy, saucy, Latin routine. There are aren't many dances that I will replay from this season, unfortunately, but this is one of the few! (Calvin's trio dance is another one)
Bruno: "strictly ballroom"
Julianne: "You were a proper Latin dancer"
Scores: 10, 10, 10 (YES!!)

All of the trio dances got perfect scores!!

Elimination:
Terra and Sasha went home. :( I wish they had made it to the finals, but I think Calvin and Lindsay deserve to be there too. Congrats on a terrific season, Terra!

End of Part 2

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Semi-Finals Part 1

Wow, it's already time for the semi-finals! The season is almost over (sniff! sniff!)

Round One

James / Sharna
Argentine Tango
WOW! Sharna blindfolded for nearly the entire performance?! Holy cow! That takes incredible balance and composure on her part, and massive partnering skills on his part. And it was a hot dance too. That end pose - with James doing a handstand over Sharna - amazing! That definitely leaves a lasting impression of his skills.
Bruno: "Argentine grand prix!"
But Carrie Ann saw a few wobbles.
Scores: 9, 10, 10

Terra / Sasha
Rumba
Extra dancers for a rumba? Luckily they were only there for the beginning of the routine. It's tough because the rumba is such a sexy dance and there needs to be a lot of contact between the two dancers. I thought they coped very well, and their big hug at the end made me tear up. Terra's hip action was very good. But I was afraid that Carrie Ann would ding them for a lift. She didn't. She just cried. All of the judges praised her hip action.
Julianne: "best dance of the season for you"
Scores: 10, 10, 10 (I'm so excited for them!!)

Jana / Gleb
Quickstep
It was a very cute routine; I loved the pink and white costumes. I thought I saw a few bobbles, mainly on Gleb's part. But I liked how whimsical and fun the dance was. Again, I thought Carrie Ann might accuse them of a lift, but she didn't. Am I seeing lifts that aren't there, or did Carrie Ann not catch them?
Bruno: "proper quickstep"
Scores: 9, 9, 10

Calvin / Lindsay
Tango
The beginning of the routine was super hot. The entire dance was very intense, in fact. This was the most passion and fire that I have seen in Calvin all season. I can tell that he wants to make it to the finale. Unfortunately the speed and intensity caused some glaring mistakes. I think Calvin tried to overcompensate by motoring even more, and I got scared for Lindsay a few times. Whew! The routine got out of control.
Bruno: "such power and determination"
Scores: 8, 9, 9 (poor Calvin!)

Laurie / Val
Foxtrot
Just breathtaking. Incredible speed, power, and grace too. I got choked up thinking about her grandmother and how hard it's been for Laurie this week. Gorgeous dance. And I absolutely adore Val of course.
Bruno: "flying, guided by an angel...stunning"
Scores: 10, 10, 10

End of Part 1

librarianintx

Co-worker's offhand comment

I go outside to wait for my ride home when a particular co-worker is taking her afternoon break. If the weather is decent, she likes to take a walk or lay on a blanket on the Capitol grounds. Yesterday, as she passed by me, she said casually, "I sure wish I had your hours."

I work thirty hours a week. I am in the office from 8:30 - 2:30 five days a week. Sounds nice, doesn't it? I get in later and I leave earlier. So great for me. I'm so lucky.

There are so many responses I could have made:

I wish I had your salary.
I wish I had your health.
I wish I had your ability to drive.
I wish I had your level of independence.
I wish you understood the medical reasons why I only work thirty hours per week.
I wish people weren't so damn competitive about everything.
I wish you knew that you have nothing to be envious of. My six hour work day is sometimes as long as a nine hour day when you factor in my transportation situation. I am often in the van before 7 am, and sometimes don't get home until 4 pm. That's something to really be jealous of.

But I didn't say anything. I let her words float around me, and then I shook my head after she walked by. I stood on the sidewalk, trying to keep my balance, wondering when my ride would arrive and how much longer I was going to have to wait. A beautiful monarch flew by, momentarily distracting me from my aches, fatigue, and frustration. When it disappeared from sight, I looked at my phone again and tried to quell my impatience.

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Showstoppers Nite Part 2

Round Two: Team Challenge

This time, the couples are paired up and must work together on a routine to earn judges' points. They aren't dancing against each other.

Team Last Man Standing
James / Sharna (Jenna) and Calvin / Lindsay
Paso Doble
The height difference looked a little awkward at first, and I don't think either man has danced a paso yet. I thought the middle of the dance was the best part, with a fabulous cape sequence and a lot of intensity from both contestants. A very solid dance. I think they both performed pretty equally.
Bruno: "Very Westworld"
Scores: 9, 9, 10, 9

Team Cubs
Marilu / Derek and Terra / Sasha
Jazz
WHY were there so many extra dancers? Blah! The crowded floor of dancers took away from Marilu and Terra, even though they were front and center during the routine. The dance was just so busy; there was so much going on. But a jazz / broadway routine often does throw in everything but the kitchen sink. The performance was good, although at times I didn't think they kept quite up with the fast-paced music. Terra and Marilu both looked great in their outfits. The judges were quite positive about the routine.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9

Team Sisters
Laurie / Val and Jana / Gleb
Contemporary
This was a great dance, with lots of passion and fire, and good synchronicity between the two couples. Sometimes I thought it was a little hard to see them due to the lighting and camera angles. But they were fierce. The judges were very impressed.
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10

Elimination:
I don't know why Jana and Gleb are continually in the bottom two. She is a wonderful dancer and their chemistry is amazing. I guess she's just not popular for whatever reason. But I don't think it has much to do with her dance ability. Dancing with the Stars has always been more of a popularity contest than a dance competition. Luckily, this week the right dancer went home: Marilu. I think she did very well for a woman her age, and I'm glad she made it as far as she did. She should be proud of what she accomplished this season in the ballroom.

librarianintx

Facebook Friends and the Presidential Election

So I just unfollowed someone on Facebook specifically because of the election. I have unfriended one or two people on Facebook in the past, but this is the first time I have unfollowed someone specifically because of the election, or because of politics I should say. I doubt this will the last time. There are two more people that will likely get that treatment soon.

I don't do this lightly. I have been irritated with the person before. But I have always just tried to breathe and scroll post. Today I decided that I don't need to see this person's posts anymore. If I felt what she had to say had any redeeming quality to my life, I would not have unfollowed her. But it seems all this person does on Facebook is complain about her life and rail against Obama and the Democrats. What's the point? I do have some acquaintances, mostly friends from high school, who have a few anti-Democrat posts mixed in with posts about lots of other topics, and those I can usually handle. Because they also post funny memes and dog videos and pictures of exciting moments in their lives. Those are the kinds of things that make Facebook worthwhile to me.

I don't want to unfollow everyone that I disagree with. While it's important to me to surround myself with like-minded people, I also think it can be healthy to have people in your life that you don't always agree with. A civil debate is not a bad thing. And you can learn from people that are different from you. I am a big advocate of that. But when someone just spends his/her day spewing negativity, or complaining about his/her life, then I think it's time to move on. If reading someone's posts constantly makes you feel mad, upset, frustrated - then it's time to move on. So I have.

librarianintx 

2016 Presidential Election

The emotions are still so raw; it's hard to organize my thoughts. I am not exaggerating when I say that our worst nightmare has come to fruition. An inexperienced, unprepared, hotheaded, racist, xenophobic, misogynist, lying, serial groper is now the President-elect of the United States. In a few short months he will take over the White House, and with a Republican-led Congress in his pocket, as well as a yet unnamed new conservative Supreme Court justice, he will begin systematically unraveling all of the social and economic gains that the Obama Administration worked so diligently to achieve, as well as safeguards that have been in place for decades to protect the health and welfare of our most vulnerable populations - women, minorities, the LGBT community, people with disabilities, veterans, and immigrants. Even if President Trump is only elected for one four year term, the laws and regulations that he will have the power to put into place during that time will have repercussions for decades. Our children and possibly our children's children will have to live in a society without the Affordable Care Act, Roe V Wade, gay marriage, possibly Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. With his finger on the nuclear button, though, none of us may have to worry about every day stresses like health insurance and making sure we have a place to live and food on the table. 

A Trump Presidency paints a picture of a doomsday scenario that unfortunately is completely probable and realistic. And if you don't believe that, then you are delusional, which apparently about half of the country suffers from. 

As I go through the stages of grief, coming to terms with living a life based on an higher level of fear than I usually experience, I find myself more often in the stage of anger, where I want to determine who is to blame for this situation the entire country now faces. I believe there are several groups that will share the burden of this potential disaster. Number one, poor white people, who somehow believe that a egomaniac businessman who hasn't paid federal income tax in decades and has declared bankruptcy multiple times will somehow have the magic solution to lift them out of poverty. Number two, angry Bernie Sanders Democrats who believe the primary was rigged against their candidate and either refused to vote, or voted for a third party candidate. Number three, Democrats who were so confidant that Hillary would win, possibly in a landslide as some pundits were projecting, that they didn't feel the need to do their civic duty. Number four, Wikileaks and FBI Director Comey, who along with the media made such a scandal over Hillary's e-mails, when Trump's university lawsuits, refusal to release his tax returns, gleeful admittance that he has dodged paying income tax for decades, multiple reports of alleged sexual assault, and constant episodes of outright lying in debates, tweets, and speeches have all been documented but somehow haven't convinced the American public that he is the absolute worst presidential candidate in modern times. And now he is the President-elect. 

So where do we go from here? How does the nation recover from this deep division? I don't see it happening, unfortunately. I think we could have recovered from a McCain presidency. We even could have recovered from a Romney presidency. At least those two men have political experience and would know how to lead, even if I wouldn't agree with their policies. And let's say we get lucky, and Trump is removed from office by impeachment. Our fears and concerns have been alleviated, right? Hardly. Because if we lose President Trump, the only thing we gain is President Pence. Which if you are a woman, or a member of the LGBT community, the term President Pence will make your blood run just as cold as hearing President Trump. Pence may be calmer and less hotheaded, but he is no less dangerous than Trump. 

The only saving grace in all of this for me, and I feel I have to end this post with some kind of light and hope, is the knowledge that there are millions of people in this country who are grieving with me, and even more importantly, are ready and willing to fight any law that goes against our civil liberties and the values that we hold dear as Americans. It will not be easy, but when you are fighting for that which is so meaningful to you, which is the fabric that binds you together in solidarity with like-minded individuals, then you carry on the fight with all that you have within you. 

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Showstoppers Nite Part 1

It's Broadway nite on Dancing with the Stars, and with Len away from the panel again, Idina Menzel is the guest judge this week!

Round 1: Broadway performances

Marilu / Derek
Samba (Jersey Boys)
She's trying so hard. And there was a lot of Samba content in this routine. She did well, her footwork was really good, but it was a very safe samba. She didn't get down and dirty like you need to with a samba. It was "samba lite." But she did look hot! And the music was great! Hi Mark Ballas! The judges were pleased with her performance. It was great to Marilu and Derek having fun and being more relaxed with each other.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9

Calvin / Lindsay
Waltz (Cats)
"Memories" is one of my all-time favorite songs. This dance was gorgeous!! They had tremendous speed and movement across the floor, and Lindsay's choreography fit perfectly with the swell of the music. Calvin is in it to win it! I am very impressed!
Julianne praised his level of commitment.
Carrie Ann said he was a bit off on his musicality. Really?
Scores: 9, 9, 10, 9 (I thought the scores should have been higher)

James / Sharna (Jenna)
Jazz (The Wiz)
Ugh, it felt like a group dance! It wasn't enough about James and Jenna. It was entertaining, but I was annoyed. The judges pointed out a misstep in the beginning of the routine, but they still loved him.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9

Terra / Sasha
Charleston (Sweet Charity)
What a great song for her! The song and the dance really showed off her fun, quirky, outgoing, charming personality. Sasha said he had to modify the choreography, and at times the routine seemed to resemble a quickstep. But I thought it was outstanding, with great lifts, high energy, and a ton of pizzazz. I loved her outfit too!
Scores: 10, 10, 9, 9 (yay!!)

Jana / Gleb
Waltz (Waitress)
What a great partnership they have. I'm so glad that Gleb was able to dance this week. This waltz wasn't as grand and sweeping as Calvin and Lindsay's was; they didn't traverse the entire floor. But it was wonderfully lyrical and emotional. It was absolutely lovely. This season is finally turning into a competition!
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 (I'm so happy for them, but I feel like Calvin and Lindsay deserved 10's also)

Laurie / Val
Cell Block Tango (Chicago)
Wow! I've said it before and I'll say it again: She's only 16?!?! Amazing! Hot, sexy, dangerous gancho kicks, and thank goodness neither one of them slipped or tripped on Val's hat! Excellent dance! I didn't mind the extra dancers because they mostly stayed in the background.
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 (well-deserved!)

I didn't get to see all of Round 2, so I will have to recap that part later.

End of Part 1

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Halloween Nite Part 2

Part 2: The Dance-Off

Laurie / Val vs Calvin / Lindsay
Jive
Laurie and Val had a bit of a rough start, but then they did very well with lots of lifts and tricks. I thought Calvin and Lindsay gave a solid performance, but Laurie and Val's dance was better choreographed and overall better executed.
Scores:
All three judges voted for Laurie and Val, and so did America. So Laurie and Val received three bonus points.

Jana / Gleb vs Terra / Sasha
Nice strategic move Gleb (ripping his shirt off during the routine.) Jana and Gleb didn't look very spontaneous, but they were sexy and had some original moves. Terra and Sasha had a lot of enthusiasm and energy, but their moves were repetitive.
Scores:
Carrie Ann voted for Terra and Sasha. Julianne and Bruno voted for Jana and Gleb, and so did America. Three bonus points for Jana and Gleb.

Marilu / Derek vs Ryan / Cheryl
Um...they were both kind of a mess, except Ryan and Cheryl had a good middle section. Did Ryan and Cheryl dance into the desk at one point? Tom said that was his first save. I think they did. Marilu had a bad beginning and never recovered.
Scores: Carrie Ann and Julianne voted for Ryan and Cheryl. Bruno voted for Marilu and Derek. But America voted for Ryan and Cheryl. So Ryan and Cheryl got the three bonus points.

Results:

Ryan and Cheryl and Terra and Sasha were the bottom two couples, and Ryan and Cheryl were eliminated. I think it should have been Marilu and Derek. I was surprised they were safe.

Overall it was a good night of dancing, and I enjoyed the Halloween theme more than I thought I would.

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Halloween Nite Part 1

I am not a Halloween person, so I'll try not to be cranky about this episode. The opening number was very cool, choreographed of course by Mandy Moore.

Len has disappeared again. So one less cranky person tonight. :)

Part 1: Halloween routines (And dancing for immunity!)

Terra / Sasha
Cha Cha (Beetlejuice theme)
An odd choice of song for a cha cha. But Terra and Sasha were super into it, and I think they sold it. Terra's facial expressions were so fun. Very crisp, sharp movements. It took awhile for them to start dancing, but they made the routine very enjoyable to watch. The judges, however, wanted more from them.
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Laurie / Val
Viennese Waltz (Willy Wonka theme)
Magical. The dance was beautiful. Laurie's musicality and acting ability are excellent. I loved Val's choreography. I also loved how emotional he was. There is a very strong connection between these two. For Val, it's paternal. If I were Laurie, as a sixteen year old girl, I would have an overwhelming crush on him. Hell, as a forty-something year old woman...Anyway, I digress. :) It all worked for me, and apparently for everyone in the ballroom as well. SO so so sweet.
Scores: 10, 10, 10 (yay!!)

Marilu / Derek
Argentine Tango (Spider web theme)
Holy spiderweb, Marilu was smokin' hot in that costume! Except for the lighter-colored hair, she could have been Morticia Adams. The tango suits her slower style. I thought the partnering and lifts were good, except for the glaring boo boo of Marilu hitting Derek when she tried to put her arm around him. Was that an unconscious payback for her feeling like he pushed her during the group routine last week? Except for that obvious error, I think this was a successful dance. But something feels off between these two. They don't look comfortable with each other. Derek isn't being his normal goofy self.
Scores: 7, 8, 8

Calvin / Lindsay
Quickstep (Skeleton theme)
Poor Calvin; he must have been soaked with sweat under that heavy costume. He is definitely becoming a contender! I felt like maybe he lost a little steam at the end, but it looked like a great quickstep to me - fast with super footwork. The judges loved it!
Scores: 10, 10, 10 (!)

Ryan / Cheryl
Tango
I have held myself back so far from complaining about the extra dancers tonight, but in this routine they were SO distracting! Aargghh! So I'm irritated now. It's like they were deliberately trying to take the focus off of Ryan. His intensity was better, but the tango is not a dance where he can show any independence, which is what the judges wanted to see.
Carrie Ann: "good content, bad posture"
But overall, the judges were happy with this routine.
I might have been more favorable about his dancing if I could have SEEN him more! :(
Scores: 7, 8, 8

Jana / Gleb
Jazz (Little Shop of Horrors theme)
It was a fun, high energy dance with lots of tricks, but at times it looked more like a group routine. So that irritated me. But when it was just Jana and Gleb dancing, it was great, with lots of flips and splits.
Julianne: very Broadway (that was a compliment!)
Bruno: musical comedy (that was also a compliment!)
Scores: 9, 9, 9

James / Sharna (Jenna)
Viennese Waltz (Suicide Squad theme)
Sharna is injured, so James is now partners with Jenna. I thought this was a fantastic dance! He and Jenna had amazing chemistry for a first dance together! And James' partnering skills were excellent. This was a hot, sexy, smoldering Viennese Waltz. WOW! I was very impressed. I have always attributed James' success more to Sharna, but now I see what an accomplished dancer James has become. And Jenna was awesome in this routine too. Laurie and Val stole my heart tonight, but James and Jenna got my pulse racing.
Scores: 10, 10, 10 (!!)

James and Jenna win immunity!

End of part 1