"Dancing with the Stars" 2020 Nite 2 Recap Part 2

Chrishelle & Gleb

Rumba

Her story was compelling, and she was brave to tell it. Her Rumba was very strong, powerful, sexy, a little fast, but good hip action. She looked stunning in that purple dress, and she and Gleb were H-O-T. Quite a fiery Rumba; I was impressed.  

Carrie Ann - deep connection

Derek - so confident, passionate

Bruno - bombshell; I'm impressed

Scores: 6,6,6,                My score: 7

Charles & Emma

Cha Cha

Does he have hips? If he has them, does he know how to use them? Do they move at all? Still, I love his positive attitude. He did have more energy this week, but I really didn't see any Cha Cha from him. I got excited at the beginning of the routine, and that it was going to be much better than last week, but alas, I was wrong. 

Derek - timing was better

Bruno - thank you for the chili

Carrie Ann - watch your focus

Scores: 5,5,5            My score: 5

Jesse & Sharna

Foxtrot

At times I thought his frame was good and at times I thought it was a train wreck. I wasn't loving the Saturday Night Fever outfit on him either. But he does have good chemistry with Sharna. I still see potential here. Maybe.

Bruno - watch your bum and posture

Carrie Ann - I disagree

Derek - good job

Scores: 7,7,6            My score: 6

Jeannie & Brandon

Cha Cha

OMG her mom! Is she serious? Sometimes the camera is too far away with these dances! So irritating! I miss her tricks from last week, but it was a good Cha Cha. Not outstanding, not especially memorable unfortunately. But she is still sassy, cute, and fun to watch. 

Carrie Ann - what an improvement

Derek - I like your energy

Bruno - sexy and sparkling

Scores: 6,6,6            My score: 6

Carole & Pasha

Viennese Waltz

Oh Jeez, another tiger-themed song?! And with that over-the-top, Marie Antoinette-inspired set? How are we supposed to take her seriously? Having said that, it wasn't a terrible Viennese Waltz. It was simple, generic, unremarkable except for the song and set, but it wasn't a train wreck like last week. 

Derek - big improvement

Bruno - performance was shining

Carrie Ann - I liked it

Scores: 6,5,5            My score: 5

Vernon & Peta

Paso Doble

I love the music tonight!! I liked the attack of the dance, and he had some nice shapes, but he was also a little all over the place - at times too wild, sometimes too robotic - so it was uneven, but exciting at times. 

Bruno - new bull on the block

Derek - work on shaping

Carrie Ann - you corrected yourself

Scores: 6,6,6            My score: 6

Kaitlynne & Artem

Foxtrot

If her ankle was hurting, she didn't let on - The show must go on, and she did! That was a beautiful dance - lovely musicality, gorgeous rise and fall, great movement across the floor, wonderful turns. I loved it!

Carrie Ann - beautiful, elegant

Derek - graceful, effortless

Bruno - quality of movement

Scores - 7,8,7            My score: 7 (almost an 8!)

Bottom 2:

Carole & Pasha and Charles & Emma

Charles & Emma were eliminated

It was the right bottom 2, and I think the judges made the right decision. 

In summary, I'm happy that the show is back, but I hope the producers can work on the pace. The dances are very short, and the judges comments and scores are exceedingly rushed. Tyra is constantly telling them to hurry up, that the show is running behind. I know there are a lot of dancers this season, so hopefully as some are eliminated the pace won't be so hectic. And please work on the camera angles too!

librarianintx

"Dancing with the Stars" 2020 Nite 2 Recap Part 1

 Here we go, dance fans!

Nev & Jenna

Cha Cha

He did so well with the Foxtrot, but I wasn't sure if he would do as well with a Latin dance. I think he did pretty good! He sure gave it his all. He really went for it. I loved his big smile and bold costume. He may have been scared on the inside but he didn't let it show. I thought he had good extension and nice flare.

Derek - solid performance, watch your shoulders

Bruno - showmanship, presentation

Carrie Ann - you impressed me, nice extension (that's what I said!) :)

Scores: 7, 7, 7            My score: 6

Skai & Alan

Samba

What a shame that the lift went so wrong. I still think she is absolutely a front runner, but overall I was disappointed with this dance. It felt like she was just doing the moves, but she wasn't feeling anything. She was like a Samba robot doll. There was no joy or musicality, no Samba party going on. She was just going through the motions. Maybe she got thrown off by the lift mishap? Shake it off, Skai, you've got this, girl!

Bruno - thinks happen, but I believe in you!

Carrie Ann - work on your arms

Derek - setback sets you up for a comeback (great quote!), get more grounded

Scores: 5, 5, 5            My score: 6

Johnny & Britt

Tango

Johnny and Gaga are usually an awesome combination. But again, I was left wanting more. Are my expectations too high from last week? The steps seemed precise, but I wanted more sharpness, more attack. And the dance seemed so short. I felt like there was something missing. It should have been memorable, but I think the only thing I will remember are Johnny's pants. 

Carrie Ann - footwork is a bit odd

Derek - work on frame

Bruno - more staccato

Scores: 6, 6, 6            My score: 6

Justina & Sasha

Foxtrot

There we go! Thank you for bringing the magic back, Justina! That was a dream of a dance! Light, airy, floating, wonderful musicality! She looked beautiful! That dip at the end was exquisite! 

Derek - natural, beautiful dancer

Bruno - You make me happy

Carrie Ann - I was transported

Scores: 7,7,7             My score: 8

Monica & Val

Jive

Again, these dances are SO short! They needed to cut out the gimmicky stuff with the hay bale at the beginning and get to the dancing. I sound like Len, right? Because what she did was pretty good - nice kicks and flicks, decent bounce, but she was a little stiff, a little tight. Also, I would have styled her differently. I'm all for her looking youthful, but the Pink Lady high school look didn't suit her. 

Bruno - cheerleader quality helped, but timing not quite there

Carrie Ann - more relaxed but didn't need the lift

Derek - fun, playful

Scores: 5, 6, 5            My score: 6

AJ & Cheryl

Foxtrot

That was a very jazzy Foxtrot, or something. Really unusual moves, which made it more memorable, but what will the judges think? Will they be impressed, or will they be scandalized and unleash their inner Len on him? It seemed kind of jarring to me. But his frame was good in the traditional Foxtrot moments. I am conflicted about this one. I do love the song. This felt like something Mark Ballas would have choreographed. 

Carrie Ann - smooth as silk

Derek - showman

Bruno - foxtrotting down to Vegas, but too choppy

Scores: 7, 6, 6            My score: 6

Anne & Keo

Foxtrot

Great choreography, and she looked like Old Hollywood glamour. The pace of the dance was just a hair slower than the music at times, but her frame and extension were good. Solid performance overall, and I really like their chemistry. 

Derek - too much energy on top

Bruno - swept away, lots of Foxtrot content

Carrie Ann - nice trust with Keo

Scores: 6, 6, 6            My score: 6

Nelly & Daniella

Cha Cha

I almost felt it! Damn! But to me, it was a Cha Cha / Disco by numbers routine. Step here. Throw your arms in the air here. Roll your hips here. He's a performer, an entertainer. But he was too stiff. He wasn't feeling the music. He was just doing the steps. 

Bruno - timing was good, but you need to articulate

Carrie Ann - work on your turns

Derek - timing is impeccable, good content

Scores: 6, 6, 6            My score: 6

End of Part 1

"Dancing with the Stars" 2020 Nite 1 Recap Part 2

Nev Schulman & Jenna

Foxtrot

Absolutely wonderful choreography and costumes. He looks nerdy, but put him in a suit with a timeless song to dance to, and he looked dashing, debonair, and so light on his feet! He looked and acted like a leading man. I completely bought what he and Jenna were pedaling! 

Carrie Ann - so uplifting and refined

Derek - so pleasant to watch, but tuck the tush

Bruno - classic Hollywood style

Scores: 7,7,6            My score: 7

Johnny Weir & Britt

Cha Cha

I did worry and wonder how Johnny would cope with: 1) having a partner, and 2) having a female partner. I mean, we know how chummy he is with Tara Lapinski, but he said it himself, "I'm not used to sharing my spotlight." Well, grrrl, all I can say is, that performance was FIRE for me! H-O-T. I will have this dance on repeat for awhile. The chemistry between him and Britt was fantastic, and the chemistry they both had with the song was amazing too. I thought their movements were sharp and in sync, and Johnny looked in control and confident. I loved it!

Derek - stay consistent

Bruno - lyrical quality, need to be sharper 

Carrie Ann - heaven, but stay connected (Were we watching the same dance?)

Scores: 6,6,6            My score: 8

Justina Machado & Sasha

Cha Cha

How great was that!! Her confidence and exuberance were a 10! She felt great in her spicy little costume, and it showed! Loved watching her shake everything she has and feel awesome doing it! You go girl! She is what DWTS is all about! If you've got it, flaunt it! And the dance had a good amount of cha cha elements. 

Bruno - confidence and musicality

Carrie Ann - you made everyone get up and dance

Derek - oozing charisma

Scores: 7,7,7                My score: 8

Charles Oakley & Emma

Okay, yeah, that was not good. Did DWTS not learn with having Kareem on the show? Basketball players really struggle in the ballroom. There was no salsa content here. The lifts were okay. But he has no rhythm or hip action. But what I did like was his attitude. He said Emma is his teacher, and he is there to learn. 

Carrie Ann - listen to the music

Derek - I felt joy. Work on technique.

Bruno - got into the spirit

Scores: 4,4,4                My score: 4

Monica Aldama & Val

Foxtrot

I see tremendous potential in this partnership. They are both highly competitive. They look stunning together. They have excellent chemistry. I loved how the choreography fit so well with the song; they swept across the ballroom as the music swelled. She is a Texas gal with a Texas accent and Texas hair and they danced to a country song - I loved it. 

Derek - beautiful, graceful, little stiff on the turns

Bruno - elegant and stylish, work on shoulders

Carrie Ann - you went for it

Scores: 6,7,6            My score: 7

Nelly & Daniella

Salsa

I liked the tricks, and he WAS moving his hips, but it felt like he and Daniella were doing two different dances. She was doing a salsa, and he was doing moves from a 1970's Earth, Wind, and Fire number, or something. There were just not in sync. They were way more excited at the end than I was. 

Bruno - connection was so much fun

Carrie Ann - that groove was yours

Derek - no sneakers next time

Scores: 5,5,6            My score: 5

Carole Baskin & Pasha

Paso Doble

If you could see my face during this performance...First of all: A Paso on week 1? Second of all: "Eye of the Tiger"? Really? Third: Her outfit? I had a frightening Sean Spicer PTSD flashback during this dance. Truly, I have nothing positive that I can write about it. It was 45 seconds of my life that I will not be able to un-see. That snarl and claws into the camera at the end - shiver! What a way to end an otherwise mostly good night of dancing, especially for a premiere show.

Carrie Ann - love the connection, You went for it

Derek - you smashed it

Bruno - I want to hear you roar

Scores: 4,4,3            My score: 3

Question: Was Carole having a seizure after the judges' comments, or could she not hear Tyra, or was she just ignoring her? Inquiring minds want to know. 

I'll re-watch Skai, Nev, Johnny, and Justina to help me forget Carole.

librarianintx

"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

"Living Under the Threat" - Milestone

Yesterday was an unfortunate anniversary. On September 14th, 2020, I passed the 6-month time frame of being in isolation. I have been at home since March 14th. I never thought this would be my life, but I know pretty much everyone feels this way during the pandemic . And I know I have so much to be grateful for. I have a place to live, a job, food and medical care. I have everything I need at home. I know many people right now are not as lucky as I am .

And as I've said before, there are advantages to working from home. My commute is amazing. I have the ability to get more sleep, exercise more, and eat better. I also have more time to read, to play games, and to do other things that I enjoy.

But the isolation is terrible. I have spent too much of my life having to stay home because of illness. Now luckily, I am not sick, but I still have to stay home to protect myself. The last few years have been wonderful for me. My health has improved, and I have been able to do things I didn't dream of, like going out of town on weekends, and even occasionally going out on weeknights to concerts or book clubs. I want my life back. Actually, I would love to have a mix of my old life and new life.

I am surviving by reminding myself that this situation is not forever. There will be a vaccine eventually, and doctors are working on treatments as well. I believe that life will get back to some kind of normal at some point. That is what we all have to focus on.

Until then, I will keep busy with work and activities that I enjoy at home. I will find contentment and some measure of joy until I am able to resume the life that I had.

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - Sunday

Yesterday was almost an "A" day.

I read nearly an entire book in one day. It was a short, small book, but I still read nearly 130 pages.

I did all of my exercises, and I finished them earlier than usual. I did some of them on the patio. I surpassed my step goal thanks to 20 minutes of pedaling.

I journaled a bit, and I wrote a blog post. I worked more on the seemingly never-ending goal of getting my room organized. My desk looks pretty good.

It would have been an "A" day if I had not spent part of the time worrying. But the rest of the day went very well.

librarianintx

Dancing With the Stars

Dancing with the Stars returns tomorrow night, and yes I am very excited. It has been a long drought, and I have missed the ballroom. Dancing with the Stars is one of my favorite shows. Even though the pandemic has caused a lot of shows to go on hiatus, I have still found other shows to watch. But I am happy to have my dance show back.

But the show is going to be different this season. Because of the pandemic, there will be no audience, and I'm not sure there will even be a ballroom. The dancers might be performing in some kind of remote location. We will find out more tomorrow night.

But the big difference for me will be that Tom and Erin are no longer part of the show. They have been replaced by Tyra Banks, who is also the new executive producer of the show.

Honestly, I cannot imagine Dancing with the Stars without Erin, and especially without Tom. They are very important to the show. They are so funny together, and they are so good with the contestants, knowing when they need to provide humor and when they need to provide comfort and encouragement. I don't know if Tyra will be able to do what Tom and Erin have done for so many years. I am willing to give her a chance, and I hope she does well, but I know I will miss Tom and Erin terribly.

I also recently found out that Len will not be a judge this season. I think this is because of the pandemic, but I don't know for sure. He may not return as a judge. Len is cranky and difficult sometimes, but it's hard to imagine the show without him. I think he will be on the show in some capacity, and remotely, but it won't be the same not having him as a judge.

So there will be a lot of change this season, and we will see what works and what doesn't. I am not a fan of change, but nobody asked me if Tom and Erin should be replaced. Of course I would have said no. Definitely not! But I will be watching tomorrow night and hoping for the best. See you there dance fans!

librarianintx