Dancing with the Stars Season 25 Finale recap - 11/20/17

We have reached the finals of Season 25 dance fans! I'm sorry some of my recaps have been so late. I appreciate everyone who reads them. Here we go!

Round One: Redemption Dances

Drew Scott & Emma
Paso Doble
I thought his Paso the first time was decent, at least for him, so... But this one was better. Improved frame, shaping, footwork. He had attack and determination. He tried his best to play the part. And Emma is so amazing; she makes him look like a better dancer than he is. Drew knows he's the weak link in the Final Four; he doesn't need anyone to tell him that. I think he did his best, and I'm proud of him for that.
Bruno: "proud of you, makeover worked"
Carrie Ann: "your best dance"
Len: "finesse, quality and control"
Julianne: "confident, peace, easy, most improved"
My score: 9
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9

Frankie Muniz & Witney
Foxtrot
I love Frankie, AND I have to say that I personally enjoy boy band-wanna be Frankie more than this Fred Astaire-wanna be Frankie. I can't find fault with the performance really. He was dashing and smiling and showed a lot of personality. He danced big and they covered the floor and his partnering skills were good, even though Witney was taller than him, with her heels and big hair. His frame and posture seemed good. It was a very strong performance. I just wasn't over the moon about it. I would have wanted him to re-do another routine, but I have to remember that this wasn't his choice. The judges pick the redemption dances.
Carrie Ann: "full transformation - form, shape, confidence, freedom
Len: "more accomplished, polished"
Julianne: "transported back to the Golden Age of Hollywood"
Bruno: "Mr. Blue Eyes, flair and confidence, stylish and effective"
My score: 9
Scores: 10, 9, 10, 9

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay
Charleston
Jordan is in it to win it! Holy cow that was a Tour de Force Charleston! They attacked this dance with the same lightning precision and enthusiasm that they did with the Jive last week. Amazing speed, fantastic personality and musicality, exciting tricks. This dance had it all. The crowd behind them only made the dance more electric. Jordan is in a class by himself this season, truly. I am so impressed. It was an odd choice of music for a Charleston, but it worked for them. They are young, so energetic and so focused. The song put a new spin on an old dance style. I loved it!!
Len: "I saw so much, so full on, so full of energy"
Julianne: "When I watch you, I become a fan"
Bruno: "You two are perfectly in tune, extraordinary"
Carrie Ann: "You continue to push yourself"
My score: 10
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10

Lindsey Stirling & Mark
Quickstep
I said Jordan is in a class by himself, but Lindsey is nipping at his heels. That was a fantastic Quickstep. It had the old Hollywood feel of a Frankie's Foxtrot, but Lindsey showed even more personality, pizzaz. and showmanship. The music fit perfectly with the dance, and Lindsey always has amazing musicality. For all of Mark's creativity, this was a proper, by-the-books Quickstep. Nearly all of the dance was in hold, which Len should love. It was outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Julianne: "nailed the posture"
Bruno: "criminally good, silk smooth, elegant, fantastic"
Carrie Ann: "new strength, most improved"
Len: "no fiddlin' about, maintained control, awesome"
My score: 10
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10

Round Two: Freestyle!

Definitely the freestyle is my favorite round on "Dancing with the Stars." And usually the best and most popular freestyle will result in a mirrorball victory.

Drew Scott & Emma
That was a super fun routine! It was busy, but it was also stylish and quirky. It was very Drew and Emma. It felt like part of musical. I was very impressed by Drew's musicality. And those lifts and tricks - WOW! They were so daring, but they actually executed them very well, and I was as nervous as I thought I'd be. Drew was the star of this dance, which was so nice to see. He did NOT look like a weak link in this performance!
Len: "You have become a hot property"
Julianne: "exactly what a freestyle should be"
Bruno: "exceeded all expectations, made the number yours"
Carrie Ann: "crowd pleaser, but you weren't in sync"
My score: 10
Scores: 9, 10, 10, 10

Frankie Muniz & Witney
It was a very strong, very powerful routine, but again, I would have preferred boy band Frankie. That is the Frankie that I enjoy most. He and Witney were definitely front and center during the performance, but Witney is such a dynamic performer that I thought Frankie did not get to shine as much as he could have, and should have. They did a lot of dancing together - nothing wrong with that - but Frankie should have had more solo moments, and maybe he should have worn a different color. He needed to stand out more. He got a little lost.
Julianne: "You didn't play it safe, you took a risk"
Bruno: "awesome, moody and menacing, Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation"
Carrie Ann: "really happy you made this choice, but you lost a little steam"
Len: "You gave it your all"
My score: 9
Scores: 9, 9, 10, 10

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay
What a showstopper!
This routine had everything but the kitchen sink!
Jordan is so light on his feet and has so much musicality in him; he made this routine look effortless. I especially loved that he was front and center pretty much the entire time. No one stole his spotlight. Lindsay was even in the background sometimes. This routine reminded me of Riker and Allison's freestyle. But I was rather disappointed in that one because I wanted a rocker, youthful vibe from them. This was old Hollywood / Bob Fosse musical vibe, but with youth, energy, and so much creativity. Kudos to you, Lindsay! It was an amazing performance. They nailed it, and Jordan didn't drop anything!
Bruno: "sensational, show stopping, star power, superstar"
Carrie Ann: "never cease to amaze me"
Len: "cracker jack of a number, I loved it, brilliant"
Julianne: "everything but the kitchen sink (I said it first, Julianne!) :)
My score: 10
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10

Lindsey Stirling & Mark
This was one of the most creative freestyles we have ever seen, and it was tailor made for Lindsey! The majority of the dance was just her and Mark, which is unusual for a freestyle. The big lift, spin was incredible!! I don't know how in the world she was able to stay on her feet after that. That takes skill! It was a figure skater kind of spin. And something else that takes mad skill: dancing and doing lifts WHILE you're playing the violin! That was absolutely phenomenal. This was not my favorite freestyle, but I am very impressed, and I can appreciate what an amazingly difficult and complex routine this was. This will be a freestyle that people will talk about for awhile, and that's what you want a freestyle to be. Fantastic! And like Jordan, Lindsey was the absolute star of this dance.
Carrie Ann: "girl, you represent! Best showcase of your talent"
Len: "War on the floor, fantastic competition"
Julianne: "masterpiece of awesomeness"
Bruno: "modern classic extravaganza, Brava!"
My score: 10
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10

Elimination:
Drew & Emma left the ballroom. Sad, but it was the right decision. He should be very proud of making it to the finals.

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Semi-Finals Part Two recap 11/13/17

Part Two: Iconic Dances
For what it's worth, I don't usually care for this round of "Dancing with the Stars." Iconic dances are iconic for a reason: They were so spectacular that they shouldn't be recreated, because the recreation hardly ever lives up or exceeds the original dance. Anyway, here we go...

Drew Scott & Emma
Recreating Corbin Bleu & Karina's Jazz routine
That move was WAY too hard for Drew - SO RISKY! Emma was crazy to try it, and she's so lucky she didn't get hurt. They pulled it off, but barely. I was cringing and SO nervous! Honestly, I was not a fan of this routine. The timing seemed really off. The music was too fast; I don't feel like the dancers kept up with the pace. It was a big production number but it felt sluggish, not enough pizzaz. And I thought the costume was all wrong for Drew; the color was bad on him. Blah.
Len: "great imagination, but work on finesse"
Bruno: "captured the spirit of the dance, but timing and sharpness were off"
Carrie Ann: "naturally high expectations - you went for it, but the lifts were a bit sloppy, and I was scared. Never do that lift again" (AMEN Carrie Ann!)
My score: 8
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Victoria Arlen & Val
Recreating Amber Riley & Derek's Charleston routine
It took them FOREVER to start dancing, but once they did, it was a very strong routine. Victoria was the most relaxed I've ever seen her; she was even singing along as she danced. The music was more suited to Amber, but Victoria coped very well with it, and showed a lot of personality and charisma as well as proper Charleston elements. Great job Victoria! This was one of your best dances! The audience loved it.
Bruno: "acting was right on the money - charm, wit, timing were spot on"
Carrie Ann: "I forgot about Amber and Derek - this was all yours"
Len: "full of energy; that was a performance"
My score: 9 (almost a 10)
Scores: 9, 10, 10

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay
Recreating Paige VanZant & Mark's Jive routine
Paige and Mark's Jive is in my Top 10 dances of all time on "Dancing with the Stars." I didn't think anyone could recreate it with any degree of success. But holy cow, Jordan and Lindsay totally did!! WOW!!! It was amazeballs! I can't say it was better than the original, but I can say it was just about as spectacular as the original. Jordan and Lindsay were ON FIRE in this performance! So much enthusiasm, so much power, so much attack, so much speed, and with excellent technique! The first time I watched it I thought Jordan's arms flailed a bit at times, but on second viewing I didn't see that at all. It was an incredible dance!!
Carrie Ann: (standing ovation): "marathon of all Jives"
Len: "the yardstick of Jives"
Bruno: "very rarely can a remake top an original, but this one did!"
My score: 10
Scores: 10, 10, 10

Lindsey Stirling & Mark
Recreating Meryl Davis & Maks' Tango routine
This was a superb dance. Loads of Tango content, and the music fit so well with the choreography. Excellent speed, frame, and lots of time in hold. I didn't love the flashing lights and lasers, but the routine was top notch. Excellent!
Len: "plenty of snap, crackle, and pop - proper Tango"
Bruno: "raised your game tonight"
Carrie Ann: "balanced chemistry - just a few mistakes"
My score: 10
Scores: 9, 9, 10

Frankie Muniz & Witney
Recreating Apollo Anton Ono & Julianne's Paso Doble
They both totally sold that dance, Witney even more than Frankie. Frankie doesn't have the sex appeal, the male charisma of Apollo, but he gave this dance everything he had. He did his best to be strong, fierce, powerful, tough. He's not matador material, but he made a valiant effort. I applaud the attempt.
Bruno: "so macho, so violent, great attitude, work on your shoulders"
Carrie Ann: "stuff in between was only good, but loved the knee slides"
Len: "not enough shaping, but can't beat the spirit"
My score: 9
Scores: 9, 8, 9

Elimination:
Victoria & Val left the ballroom. :( I'm sad for her, I know she was devastated, but I hope she feels very proud of herself, because it is truly amazing what she was able to do on the show. In all fairness, it should have been Drew that went home, but as I always say, "Dancing with the Stars" is a popularity contest first and a dance competition second. Talent and dance ability often, but not always, gets contestants to the finale.

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Semi-Finals Part One 11/13/17

Round One: Pros pick the songs

Drew Scott & Emma
Tango
The extra dancers were unnecessary, as they usually are. It was a quirky dance, but the music was strange for a Tango. The performance felt messy, clumsy, out of sync, even though I didn't see any major mistakes. It just didn't look or feel clean and precise. The end was fun though (the kilt raising) :)
Len: "so full on you lost your posture and technique"
Bruno: "Tango like no other - too skippy - lost the style of the dance"
Carrie Ann: "lack of artistry, didn't remind me of a Tango"
My score: 8
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Victoria Arlen & Val
Contemporary
So it was a beautiful dance that told the powerful story of her recovery with the help of her loving, supportive parents. Which is wonderful and inspirational. But I feel the same about this routine that I felt about their trio dance with Laurie Hernandez. This performance did NOT showcase Victoria's skills as a dancer, which should be the point of a semi-final dance. It made her look incapable, in need of assistance, etc. In just about every moment of the routine she was either standing still or being lifted, carried, or helped in some way by Val and/or Jenna. Once again, this dance was a disservice to Victoria. It's not a bad idea to tell her life story, but Val needed to showcase her abilities, not make her look like she can barely move on her own. I'm sorry, but on a competitive level, this dance was totally wrong for Victoria in my opinion.
Bruno: "so touching, poignant, positive message
Carrie Ann: "felt the emotion"
Len: "your life story through dance, so poignant and beautiful"
My score: 8
Scores: 9, 9, 9

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay
Argentine Tango
Their routines are so professional-looking. Unfortunately the lights were blinding at times. The one criticism I have of Jordan in this routine is that while his partnering skills were good, I didn't feel like he was in control of the dance. I felt he was a little soft, a little hesitant, he let Lindsay lead him, when he should have led her. But otherwise his technique was excellent. There was a lot of Argentine Tango content and good speed in the dance.
Carrie Ann: "standard extremely high, but I felt a disconnect"
Len: "too big, too concerned with the story, work on the dance"
Bruno: "most mature performance to date, absolutely fabulous"
My score: 9
Scores: 9, 9, 10

Lindsey Stirling & Mark
Contemporary
Between the darkness and the trash hurtling at them, it was hard to see the routine at times. I thought they had a rough start - their rhythm felt off, Lindsey seemed to have trouble with her timing and foot placement - but then they got back on track, and the dance became a powerful, fiery, exciting, fierce, dramatic, passionate performance. There were lots of lifts and they were throwing each other around - it was a dynamic, forceful, professional-looking contemporary routine. I loved the music too, which was performed by Mark and his wife.
Len: "you blew me away"
Bruno: "dynamic, athletic, surprising"
Carrie Ann: "you have evolved - primal, beautiful, powerful energy"
My score: 9 (the rough beginning kept the dance from being a 10)
Scores: 10, 9, 10

Frankie Muniz & Witney
Salsa
They built up the "no shirt" tease so much that I felt like I was waiting for it the whole routine. In the end, it was a "shirt opening" not a "shirt ripped off," which felt a bit like false advertising. But we got to see his chest and abs. Don't worry, Frankie, your body is good, you looked great! As for the routine - the extra dancers weren't necessary. The song choice was interesting, but for the most part the hip hop song worked for short, white, thirty-something Frankie. He can move! He has swag! I even saw some booty popping. And his bounce was very good, most, but not all, of the time. He seemed to lose a little steam after the unnecessary basketball dunk. But overall it was a high-energy, fun routine, and a real crowd-pleaser.
Bruno: "street cred, loved the originality and spirit"
Carrie Ann: "song didn't necessarily match you, need to stay on the beat"
Len: "so much enthusiasm, but not too much hip hop, not enough hip action"
My score: 9
Scores: 8, 8, 9

End of Round One
End of Part One

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars recap - Trio Nite - Part 2 - 11/6/17

Part 2: The Trios!

Terrell Owens / Cheryl / Kelly Monaco
Rumba
Someone call the fire department - that was hot!! Caliente! Cheryl is beautiful, Kelly is FINE, and Terrell is indeed sculpted. The costumes were gorgeous on all of them. It was a super sensual, sexy dance with crazy good hip action. A Rumba is hard to do with three dancers, but they managed - and managed quite competently. Did I mention that was a hot number? And Kelly, you definitely still have IT!
Len: "great job, it all came together"
Bruno: "You've got two lovely cherries on your Rumba cake!"
Carrie Ann: "not as challenging as it could have been for you, but very well performed"
My score: 9
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Drew Scott / Emma / Rashad Jennings
Cha Cha
I don't care how well or how badly Drew danced, that was a hella fun routine! James Brown can make anyone a dancer - well, kind of. I think Rashad under-danced so he didn't outshine Drew, because I knew Rashad and Emma could have torn that number up. But I enjoyed the three of them together, and I think Drew tried to be as funky as a tall, gangly, white man with questionable rhythm can manage. The big leap over Emma and Rashad by Drew was impressive. The enjoyment factor was high in this dance.
"Swagtastic!" Tom
Bruno: "glitzy, almost blinded me"
Carrie Ann: "Prince of Soul, You were getting down"
Len: "Everyone contributed to that performance"
My score: 9
Scores: 9, 8, 8

Victoria Arlen / Val / Laurie Hernandez
Jive
The dance started out a little slow, but then it kicked into high gear. Laurie did not under-dance, and I think she and Val overshadowed Victoria. It looked like she was struggling to keep up. She should have been the main attraction in that dance, but she wasn't. And the storyline didn't help - Laurie and Val acting as mentor to Victoria, showing her the ropes. It made Victoria look like less of a dancer. This was a poor decision by Val; it's his storyline and choreography. This was an unfortunate routine for Victoria.
Carrie Ann: "acting was the weakest - fell behind"
Len: "needed to be more sharp and clear"
Bruno: "needed more accuracy and precision in the legs"
My score: 8
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Lindsey Stirling / Mark / Kristy Yamaguchi
Jazz
Great routine! Very old Hollywood glamour. All three were evenly matched and danced very well. I can't say there were any spectacular moves in the dance that wowed me, but it was an entertaining routine that I thoroughly enjoyed. The choreography was well paired with the music.
Len: "that was terrific"
Bruno: "classic Hollywood movie star"
Carrie Ann: "pristine and perfect, synergy"
My score: 9
Scores: 10, 9, 9

Frankie Muniz / Witney / Alfonso Rivera
Jive
WOW! This is why I love the trio dances! Perfect dance! They were so in sync it was ridiculous! Lots of Jive content, awesome kicks and flicks, fantastic bounce - They killed it! Wonderful chemistry between the three of them. And Witney was smokin' hot in this number! Tremendous! Their timing was impeccable!
Bruno: "so well-balanced, perfect frame, great performance"
Carrie Ann: "nerves at times"
Len: "full of energy, content, fun"
My score: 10
Scores: 9, 9, 9

Jordan Fisher / Linsday / Corbin Bleu
Salsa
I could write the exact same critique that I did for the previous dance - totally in sync, lots of content, awesome chemistry - plus HOT, sexy, Salsa moves and fun, exciting tricks. This routine had everything I look for in both a Salsa and a trio dance. And I was pleased to see Jordan front and center for part of the dance. Jordan has just the right amount of confidence; he's not cocky. This routine was THE BOMB!
Carrie Ann: "amazeballs, triple fiery emoji!"
Len: "three is perfect"
Bruno: "phenomenal, two bodies, one soul" (I wrote two bodies in my notes, but did he say three?)
My score: 10
Scores: 10, 10, 10

I was sorry to see Terrell eliminated. It probably should have been Drew. I didn't think Terrell lived up to his own hype as a dancer, but he definitely improved along the way, and he absolutely became an enjoyable performer.

I'll miss his abs. I know I'm not the only one. :)

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Recap - Trio Nite - Part 1 - 11/6/17

Trio Nite is one of my favorite nites of the season.
And what a fun idea to bring back former contestants for the trios!

Part I: Individual dances

Terrell Owens & Cheryl
Charleston
It is a fast dance. And I have to say, Terrell has become a good performer! He sold that dance! Big smile, great footwork, I liked the huge hop on to the table, and the giant leap off the table. And he had good partnering work with Cheryl. It was an entertaining and proper Charleston. Great job Terrell!
Len: "trip back to the 20's - no one has improved from week one more than you"
Bruno: "king of the couples club - captured the sense of style, time, and place - Your star is still rising"
Carrie Ann: "so well-toned - peaking at the right moment"
My score: 9
Scores: 9. 9. 9

Drew Scott & Emma
Waltz
The lighting was too bright at times, so it was hard to see him. It was also tough for me to critique Drew because Emma kept my attention during so much of the dance. Her moves were gorgeous. I think Drew did well overall - nice rise and fall, good partnering, mostly decent frame, but not perfect. It was a romantic dance, and their chemistry was evident. Overall a solid routine.
Bruno: "intense, romantic, but needed fluidity"
Carrie Ann: "bottom half of your body not keeping tempo"
Len: "frame was droopy, but I enjoyed the emotional journey"
My score: 8
Scores: 7, 7, 8

Victoria Arlen & Val
Argentine Tango
It seemed like a short routine, with some odd camera angles. Was it just me, or did the camera seem too far away at times? I also was nervous that she would have another spasm. Anyway, I thought she brought the sexy, but the dance could have been even sexier. At times I thought the music was a little too fast for the dance. And they didn't cover the floor. But it was overall good.
Carrie Ann: "you didn't feel comfortable"
Len: "clean and exact"
Bruno: "now you have to act the part, maintain the character through the dance"
My score: 8
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Lindsey Stirling & Mark
Samba
HOT. SEXY. FIERCE. Great musicality, as always. Great rhythm and bounce. The music and moves were like an African Jazz / Samba fusion. If I'm being honest, though, there could have been more Samba content, and that's why I'm not giving the dance a perfect score. But I enjoyed the intensity. Lindsey is in it to win it!
Len: "not as sure-footed, but full of rhythm and imagination"
Bruno: "like an untamed wild cat"
Carrie Ann: "loved the creativity, but you didn't look as sure"
My score: 9
Scores: 9, 8, 9

Frankie Muniz & Witney
Viennese Waltz
It was a proper, beautifully danced Viennese Waltz. The motions were there, the elements of the dance were there. What I didn't feel was emotion, a connection to the dance and to each other. The performance was devoid of chemistry for some reason. It felt like a Viennese Waltz by numbers, like a how-to guide. Move your arm this way. Touch her face here. But it all felt rather robotic too me. Strange.
Bruno: "so stylish, so elegant, but shoulders were rising"
Carrie Ann: "so close to perfection, but almost lost control of Witney"
Len: "far from perfection, no rise and fall, not enough in hold"
My score: 9
Scores: 9, 8, 9

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay
Quickstep
It's hard for me to critique this dance because I was having vertigo from all those moving circles. Oh goodness, Dancing with the Stars, don't do that to me again. I couldn't watch that routine again; it made me so dizzy. Could Jordan and Lindsay see all that? If so, how in the world were they able to dance with all that movement? All I can say is that it looked like a good Quickstep from what I could see.
Carrie Ann: "incredible, brilliant and sassy"
Len gave them a standing ovation. Jordan fell down. :)
Bruno: "technically the most demanding, intricate Quickstep I have ever seen done"
My score: 9 (not a fair score, but I have never failed to give a score on a dance. Evidently it was an amazing dance, but I have to be honest and give a score based on what I was able to see)
Scores: 10, 10, 10

End of Part 1

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars - Halloween Nite - 10/30/17

More than a week late again - My apologies. Thanks for reading anyway! :)

Part I: Individual dances

Victoria Arlen & Val
Viennese Waltz
Refreshing that it was a proper Viennese Waltz with no gimmicks - no props (other than fog), no extra dancers, no Halloween storyline really. They just danced. And it was lovely. Nice lines, good movement across the floor, romantic. Their tough week paid off.
Len: "super, and a naturalness that was delightful"
Bruno: "so fluid and ethereal"
Carrie Ann: "connection with the story"
My score: 9
Scores: 9, 9, 9

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay
Paso Doble
I understand the storyline with the wolf pack, but I still don't think it's fair that some contestants get big production numbers and some don't. Victoria didn't have a bunch of extra dancers to hide behind, or be improved by. When the extra dancers were in this number, they cluttered the stage and they were distracting. But at the same time, this was a fantastic routine. Hectic at times, yes, but also exhilarating. The assisted lifts / throws were very exciting. It was a thrilling Paso. And Jordan is one of the most professional-looking contestants we've seen on "Dancing with the Stars." He has technique, flair, drama, and outstanding chemistry with Lindsay. I love watching them.
Bruno: "biggest, baddest Paso ever"
Carrie Ann: "aggressive, outside your comfort zone, powerful"
Len: "tricks and treats"
My score: 10
Scores: 10, 10, 10

Nikki Bella & Artem
Jive
The music was entertaining; it was a cute theme, but I thought Nikki was rather weak on the Jive elements. Her kicks and flicks were just okay, her bounce wasn't great, she didn't have much musicality. It was just fair to me.
Carrie Ann: "didn't connect as well to the music"
Len: "lacked a bit of punch, but not a horror story"
Bruno: "few mishaps"
My score: 8
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Vanessa Lachey & Maks
Paso Doble
Too much fog, too many extra dancers, too much bright lighting, too much build up in the beginning. But the rest of the routine was fabulous. It was fast and slow, had plenty of attack and drama, and sensuality. Vanessa played her part very well. I loved the ending, when Vanessa turned her head and Maks and the zombies fell to the ground. That was awesome. A very exciting routine.
Len: "lacking a bit in Paso Doble choreography"
Bruno: "that was a fright fest"
Carrie Ann: "sometimes you lost your balance"
My score: 9
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Terrell Owens & Cheryl
Tango
Terrell's performance of the Halloween aspects of the dance was great - He really got into the character of the dance. His Tango elements, however, get a mixed review from me. His shaping was very good, as was his footwork, but they stayed in place too much for me. It was a little stagnant at times, but overall solid.
Bruno: "super slick with a deadly bite, correct Tango"
Carrie Ann: "don't stop the movements, keep the flow"
Len: "captured the staccato feel"
My score: 9
Scores: 8, 8, 9

Lindsey Stirling & Mark
Paso Doble
What rib injury? Not that I don't believe her, but I'm just saying she performed to her usual high standard. The music (her own composition) added to and enhanced the excitement of the dance. It was passionate, bold, fierce, thrilling. Their fall at the end was very dramatic.
Carrie Ann: "you are the beast - that was a very difficult routine"
Len: "you came out with attack and aggression"
Bruno: "so ambitious and intriguing"
My score: 10
Scores: 9, 9, 9

Frankie Muniz & Witney
Contemporary
Oooh, that was so deliciously creepy! Frankie made an uncomfortably good stalker! I don't like being scared, but I thought this was an awesome routine! The beginning - when Frankie was "outside" - his movements were so in sync with Witney's! Their dance was high octane - chasing and throwing each other around - it was full of passion and adrenaline. They were both so into it I was afraid they were going to get hurt. Their acting was truly mesmerizing. Outstanding routine!
Len: "fantastic"
Bruno: "truly inspired, dramatic tension, spine tingling good"
Carrie Ann: "you elevated what dance is, the "Dancing with the Stars" Emmy goes to...."
My score: 10

Drew Scott & Emma
Charleston
So I got spoiled on social media before I watched the episode, so I know the fall was not part of the routine. I'm surprised that the judges didn't catch it. It didn't look intentional. But except for the fall it was a solid routine - plenty of Charleston elements and decent partnering skills. Drew is giving it everything he has.
Bruno: "kept up with the change of tempo"
Carrie Ann: "quirky, but it works - one of your best dances"
Len: "you've come back to life"
My score: 8
Scores: 9, 9, 9

Part 2: Team dances
Scores: 10, 10, 10 

Team Monster Mash:
Nikki & Artem, Terrell & Cheryl, Jordan & Lindsay, Lindsey & Mark
It was a cute routine, but I wasn't bowled over by it. I didn't understand the costumes. But I thought everyone did well. The couples seemed evenly matched. But I didn't love all the moving scenery. I thought it was just okay. Not spectacular.
Len: "this was a bit messy"
Bruno: lost a lot of sync"
Carrie Ann: "you all under-danced, didn't engage me"
My score: 8
Scores: 8, 8, 8

Team Phantom of the Opera:
Vanessa & Maks, Victoria & Val, Frankie & Witney, Drew & Emma
The "underdog team" did a fantastic job! They were SO in sync! I loved the music and the way they traversed the dance floor. They also seemed pretty evenly matched, but they didn't resort to a bunch of stage props and gimmicks. They just went out there and danced. Great work! A very exciting ending too. And I loved the costumes!
Bruno: "splendid theatrical extravaganza"
Carrie Ann: "best, most exquisite dance ever"
Len: "most polished dance ever"
My score: 10
Scores: 10, 10, 10

Elimination:

I was also spoiled on social media with who got eliminated. I feel bad that the double elimination wasn't revealed until the very end. Vanessa did NOT deserve to go home. I thought she would make it to the finale. I love her personality, and I think she's a very good dancer. Boooo!!!

librarianintx

Five reasons to be grateful on 11/2/17

1) I woke up to the glorious news that the Houston Astros are now World Series champions!

2) Yesterday was a sunny, warm fall day.

3) I made it to work.

4) I volunteered to be a division representative for our annual Holiday Families committee at work. Every year we "adopt" two families and raise money to buy holiday gifts for them. Our fundraisers include a raffle of themed baskets and a book, bake, and craft sale. I usually donate a few dollars every year, but I've never been more involved than that. It feels good to volunteer. My division is creating a Dr. Seuss basket. I'm excited about the cute items I found on Amazon - a mug, travel cup, journals, pens, etc.

5) I had time to watch three shows. I haven't watched anything so far this week because I've been so focused on baseball.

librarianintx

Five reasons to be grateful yesterday

1) I made it to work and had a successful day. I'll likely finish the month with more than 180 requests. My average is 100.

2) I made it to the grocery store, despite transportation issues, and managed to have thirty minutes to shop and pick up my prescriptions.

3) I have food, medicine, and a place to live. I was safe and protected from the heavy evening rain.

4) I achieved my goal of 100 blog posts for the year.

5) The Astros have one more chance to win the World Series.

We probably only get one life.
Decide to be happy.
Choose to be grateful.

librarianintx