Grab your tissues dance fans - It's Most Memorable Year Nite!
1) Mary Lou & Sasha
Viennese Waltz
Year :1984 - winning gold medal and knee surgery
Song: "We are the Champions"
They had good movement across the floor, but I thought Mary Lou's moves at times were a little choppy for a Viennese Waltz. She needed to be more fluid. She was also dangerously close to a lift in that spin. But she was also beautifully expressive, and her blue dress was lovely. Once again Sasha's choreography ended a little early, which I find annoying.
Len: "athlete's fighting spirit - determination - lovely performance"
Bruno: "you keep going - you worked on your shoulders - wonderful sense of celebration"
Carrie Ann: "heart of determination - saw more of a struggle - but you pulled it together."
Scores: 8, 8, 8
My score: 8
2) Milo & Witney
Jive
Year: 2018 - movie and graduation
Great job Milo! With his youthful energy and enthusiasm, I knew he would excel at the Jive. But what impressed me most was how controlled he managed to be. He didn't go crazy. His movements were sharp and precise and he has such good partnering skills. The dance on the judges' table and the back flip were rad, but the extra dancers were absolutely unnecessary. One criticism: His arm was bent weird at one point near the beginning of the routine. Otherwise: fantastic!
Bruno: "graduated with honor! Such strength and elasticity - fantastic!"
Carrie Ann: "clean, tight, and energetic - but a zombie arm"
Len: "fine routine, plenty of content, terrific Jive"
Scores: 9, 9, 9
My score: 9
3) Nancy & Val
Rumba
Year: 2006
The spins were good - fast and tight. But I think Val has been criticized in the past for Rumba choreography that lacks fluidity. It felt choppy to me. I didn't see a lot of flexibility; Nancy looked a little rigid. I also didn't any sexiness, any chemistry. Rumba is supposed to be a very sensuous dance. But it was a sweet dance.
Carrie Ann: "joy, love-based joy, sustained every movement, beautiful"
Len: "Family important, charm, naturalness - needed more hip action"
Bruno: "such warmth and tenderness - turns much improved - not much hip action - conservative"
Scores: 8, 7, 7
My score: 8
4) Alexis and Alan
Contemporary
Year: 2014 - Her mother was diagnosed with cancer.
I have to say, it is so unfair to force the contestants to watch these ultra emotional video packages. Often the professional dancers shield their partners from the recorded material so that it won't upset them and possibly negatively affect the routine.
Anyway, this was a beautiful dance. Lovely, light, airy lifts that were also dramatic. Alexis has wonderful flexibility and extension, and she and Alan have a great partnership and intoxicating chemistry.
Len: "your dancing never disappoints, lovely musicality and flexibility, great lifts - just a bit staccato"
Bruno: "She's always with you - You danced like an angel"
Carrie Ann: "You gave us all a beautiful gift"
Scores: 9, 8, 9
My score: 9
5) Evanna & Keo
Viennese Waltz
Year: 2006 - Harry Potter and an eating disorder
That was magic! I so enjoyed the beginning, when she was alone on the stage, slowly descending the stairs. The buildup was delicious. And then - wow - she and Keo took off! So much speed and power, but also elegance and grace. And Evanna is so flexible! I saw some ballet elements in there too. Gorgeous! I loved it!
Bruno: "Your magic is stronger than ever, and we are under your spell! Wonderful nuances - determined, self-assured"
Carrie Ann: "performance has grown - drew us in - both power and demur"
Len: "powerful, full of gusto and maintained elegance - magic performance"
Scores: 9, 9, 9
My score: 9 (almost a 10!)
I'm so excited for her and Keo!
6) Joe & Jenna
Viennese Waltz
Year: 2018 - first real relationship
There is still so much that needs to be improved. He was still just standing sometimes. His posture was terrible. He was miles away from Jenna at times - like she has a communicable disease. But I did see a tiny bit of growth. He looked like he was trying this week. That's something.
Carrie Ann: "so much more opening - You went for it - staying on tempo - still growing"
Len: "work in progress, more confident, you had a go"
Bruno: "Song got you moving, work on the quality of movement"
Scores: 6, 6, 6
My score: 6
End of Part 1
librarianintx
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