Dancing with the Stars Finale Part Two 11/23/20

Freestyles!!

Nelly & Daniella

As I have done before in their performances, I would give Daniella a 10 for this routine, and Nelly about an 8. He just did not do enough in this freestyle to earn a higher grade. I have to say the first lift was not successful, but the second one was quite daring, and they pulled that one off. But the rest, I mean Nelly looked happy and relaxed, but what did he really do in this freestyle? I was disappointed.

My score: 8

My score: 10, 10, 10

Really? Did we watch the same dance? Did they get a 10 for that one lift? I know it's customary to give the freestyle a 10, but not always. I think the judges were trying to legitimize Nelly as a finalist (and possible winner)

Kaitlyn & Artem

Great energy, lots of personality and pizzazz - the most personality I've seen from Kaitlyn all season. A very entertaining freestyle. Lots of tricks and all well-executed. Good job!

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Nev & Jenna

Jenna wanted it to be a celebration and it definitely was. Bruno said that Kaitlyn's performance was like a showcase of Dancing with the Stars, but I would say that the showcase was this performance. It had a little bit of everything: Broadway and ballroom. And if you ask me Nev is Broadway bound and hopefully Mirrorball trophy bound as well. It was more unique than a traditional Broadway routine. I was very impressed.

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Justina & Sasha

Awww, it seemed short! I wanted more! Not that the routine was lacking, I just wanted it to go on longer because I was having so much fun. It was the perfect music for her, the perfect color for her outfit, and the perfect dance styles for her. It was a celebration of Justina, and all that we love about her and admire her for. I have absolutely adored watching her this season. Muy caliente chica! Girl Power!!

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

And the winner is...

Kaitlyn and Artem

Thanks for a great season DWTS!

librarianintx

Scores: 

Dancing with the Stars Finale Part One 11/23/20

I am only recapping the performances of the finalists.

Before I start, I'll say that Nev should win, and I hope he does win.

I predict that Kaitlyn or Nelly will win.

Overall, it has been a fantastic season. There were at least 6 serious contenders for the Mirrorball trophy: Nev, Kaitlyn, Justina, Johnny, Skai, and Jeanine.

Memorable Dances round:

Kaitlyn & Artem

Argentine Tango

The judges were gaga (hehe) the first time they saw this routine, and I think they will be just as impressed this time. Her frame is impeccable, her movements sharp and precise, and I felt more intention, more determination this time. And her body in that revealing costume is sickening (that's a compliment, by the way)

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Nelly & Daniella

Samba

Interesting that they did not do the Jive, which was hands down his best dance of the season. This was an enjoyable routine - Nelly looked like he was having a blast and he was very relaxed and loose out there. He was grooving and moving his hips, but it didn't look like a Samba to me. It looked more like an R&B feel. And at moments his timing was off.

My score: 9

Score: 9, 9, 9

Nev & Jenna

Paso Doble

Carrie Ann said it perfectly with one word: artist. Nev is an artist. That routine was ablaze with artistry, theatricality, and musicality. He is a showman. Every moment is thought out and intentional and passionate. A masterclass for DWTS competitors.

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Justina & Sasha

Cha Cha

For me, she was a WOW from day one, and just as much of one tonight. She is a natural on that dance floor. So charismatic, so much musicality, she is completely infectious. And that routine was loaded with Cha Cha. She shook everything her Mami gave her, and had a blast doing it. Go Girl!!

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

End of Part 1

librarianintx

A Reminder

 Sometimes I forget

And need to remind myself

That it gets better.

It always gets better.

One day is rough

Sometimes two days in a row

But then it gets better.

And usually an entire day isn't bad

One or two agonizing hours in a twenty four day does not and should not ruin the memory of what the day was

Look for the light even in the bleakest moments

And believe that brighter times are just around the corner

librarianintx

 

 

Dancing with the Stars Semi-Finals Recap Part 2 11/16/20

Justina & Sasha

Contemporary

That was beautiful - light, airy, they made the lifts look effortless. It has been a joy to watch their partnership and her journey unfold.

My score: 9

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Her first perfect score!!!

Skai & Alan

Viennese Waltz

Her frame and movements were so beautiful, and this one of the most emotional performances from Skai. I felt it and I could tell she was feeling it. Gorgeous choreography from Alan. So mature and lush and graceful. I loved every second of it. Skai has had some rough moments and some wonderful moments on this show. This routine was her best for me.

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Johnny & Britt

Jazz

I have so enjoyed their journey as well. I love Johnny and Britt together. Johnny displayed very strong partnering skills in this routine, and they were so in sync. You can tell that Johnny is fighting for his place in the finals.

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Nev & Jenna

Contemporary

This show is known for amazing partnerships, but so many in one season. That routine was absolutely exquisite. Every movement filled with intent and meaning and emotion. Simply stunning. Nev is in it to win it and has been since day one. He is the most consistent dancer across all genres. He excels at all of them.

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Nelly & Daniella

Jive

The preview worked to lower our expectations I think, but for me Nelly coped quite well with the Jive. The song was a Jive classic. Nelly was pretty light on his feet, with good kicks and flicks. Daniella kept the routine simple but with plenty of content, which I think enhanced the effectiveness. I was entertained.

My score: 9

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Are they trying to justify him possibly making it to the finals? I have not skipped ahead, so I don't know. I think it was definitely his best dance, but....

Kaitlyn & Artem

Contemporary

Honestly, I haven't felt much during Kaitlyn's dances this season, and I haven't seen what the judges have seen in her, but I did in this dance. I have to be a little picky and say some of the transitions were not seamless enough for me. But the emotion was definitely there. Beautiful lifts and partnering too. Lovely dance 

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

 

Eliminated:

Johnny & Britt

Skai & Alan

So tough. 

Such an amazing season. 

Love them all.

Congrats to the Final Four.

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Semi-Finals 11/16/20

Double Elimination Nite too.

Here we go

Part 1: Redemption Round

Skai & Alan

Cha Cha

SO good! Way to go Skai! Lots of Cha Cha content! And she looked relaxed and happy. Her steps were precise, but I didn't have the robot Disney princess feeling that I sometimes get with Skai. It wasn't the most exciting routine, but it was clean and strong and well-danced. And they didn't overload the routine with tricks.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Justina & Sasha

Tango

Between terrible camera angles and absolutely disastrous lighting, I could barely see the dance. I think Sasha stood out more than Justina in this routine, which is not the way a routine should be on this show. She is the competitor. The choreography should be highlighting her and letting her shine as a dancer. I think her frame was good and she displayed some passion and attack, but not as much as Sasha.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 10, 9

Yay she FINALLY got a 10!!

Johnny & Britt

Salsa

Very strong partnering skills from Johnny, including a unique lift. He had his hips going, but I wanted more. You need to get down and dirty with the Salsa. This was a decent routine. He is a strong dancer and deserves to be in the finals. But it wasn't an outstanding dance.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Nelly & Daniella

Paso Doble

Dancing with no shirt shouldn't automatically get you a high score. Nelly had some nice shapes, but he needed way more attack in this routine. I don't want to see grinning in a Paso. I don't want to watch his partner doing the hard work to make the routine look good. I want to see fire and passion. I want to see someone who is doing everything in his power to make it to the finals.

My score: 8

Scores: 9, 8, 9

Nev & Jenna

Foxtrot

He had unfortunate competition from overly bright lighting, but Nev overcame it. That was an absolutely delicious dance. I loved how they took their time and made every step purposeful and meaningful, but not at all slow or plodding. It was all about gracefulness, refinement, and maturity. Just gorgeous.

My score: 10

Scores: 10, 10, 10

So deserved!!

Kaitlyn & Artem

Paso Doble

Seemed kind of short. She definitely had more attack than Nelly, but I still wanted to see more. She looked beautiful, and her movements were very precise. Overall a strong routine, but not a wow moment for me.

My score: 9

Scores: 10, 10, 10

End of Part 1

librarianintx

Making a Decision

Decision making has never been easy for me. 

I struggle.

What is best for me? 

How will others react to the choices I make?

What if my decision makes someone angry, or sad, or disappointed?

What if I lose people because of what I decide to do in a given situation?

How many people should I ask for advice, and what happens when everyone gives me a different answer? Whose voice do I listen to? Mine? Someone else's? And what do I do when Tom is mad at me because I took John's advice instead of his? 

Life is hard. 

I made a difficult decision today. It was not the choice I wanted to make. But I know it is the right one. The safe one. I did not ask for anyone's advice. I weighed the options and even though I struggled, I knew the whole time what choice I needed to make. Even though I didn't want to make it, because it means continued isolation. It means having to say no to something fun and spending time with friends. I value my friends and I don't want to lose them because it's not safe for me to be around them. I have to not let fear of losing them cause me to make a potentially unsafe choice. I have to be strong and do what it best for me and believe that my friendships are secure and enduring and will still be there when the pandemic is over. 

I have waited this long. 

I can hold on for a few more months. 

So even though I feel sad, I also feel confident that I have made the right decision. 

Mostly I feel relieved to finally have reached a conclusion. I don't have to wrestle with myself about it anymore. And I figured it out by myself. 

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Icons Nite 11/9/20

Justina & Sasha

Icon: Madonna

Rumba

Interesting fashion choice. Usually the woman is in a flowy dress for a rumba . So that kind of threw me. I think there was good Rumba content, and I think Justina and Sasha have great chemistry. I've been so accustomed to Justina doing more high energy Latin dances, so this was a little slow for me, but I think she did very well. I just found it a tad boring. And Madonna is NEVER boring.

My score: 9

Scores: 8,8,8

Nelly & Daniella

Icon: Tupac

Jazz

I think about what Carrie Ann says, "Don't dance small." That's what Nelly does. He dances small. Careful. He doesn't break loose. He has musicality, but he's not completely feeling the music. Even Daniella seemed to be holding back. Weird. That dance could have been off the chain, but it wasn't. It was just okay. Not memorable. Not exciting. I wanted to say "Wow" and I didn't, except the back flip.

My score: 8

Scores: 8,8,8

AJ & Cheryl

Icon: Freddie Mercury

Viennese Waltz

Um - I think AJ was really off on this one. The beginning was terrible. I don't know what happened, but he was stumbly and really off on timing and rhythm. He did better in the middle part of the dance. Overall, though, I just didn't love the choreography. This was just a miss for me. Love Freddie though. Don't give up AJ.

My score: 7

Scores: 7,8,8

Kaitlyn & Artem

Icon: Britney Spears

Argentine Tango

First of all, Kaitlyn's outfit - wowsa! But as for the dance, it's the continuation of what the judges have said about her - her moves are technically very strong, very precise, but she lacks pop, attack, a wow factor. Britney is a rather weak singer, but she's a great dancer. Her moves pop. She accentuates every move. There is intention, determination. I don't feel that with Kaitlyn. 

My score: 9

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Evidently it's just me....

Johnny & Britt

Icon: Amy Winehouse

Quickstep

Looked like a strong Quickstep to me. Fast, good footwork, they really covered the ballroom. Johnny was definitely feeling the music.

My score: 9

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Skai & Alan

Icon: Janet Jackson

Paso Doble

I wish the lights weren't so blinding, but anyway....

Skai pretty much nailed it, but I would have liked to see just a hair more attack. But she looked fantastic, her shaping was excellent, it was very close to a terrific routine. I could see Alan working her to be forceful, but she was just a bit hesitant.

My score: 9 (almost 10)

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Nev & Jenna

Icon: Elton John

Jive

He is SO good!! What a showman! Nev can do it all - fun, comedy, sexy, maturity - and he makes it all look so easy. That routine looked like it was part of a Broadway musical. Enjoyable, high energy from beginning to end.

My score: 10

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Dance Offs

Nev & Jenna don't have to do the Dance Off

Kaitlyn & Artem v Justina & Sasha

Cha Cha

First of all, not totally fair because of the social distancing, Justina and Sasha were in the back, and Kaitlyn & Artem were in the front. But for the most part the camera captured both couples. I would give the edge to Justina and Sasha because of their energy and Justina's musicality, but the judges will likely say Kaitlyn was technically stronger.

Judges: split decision but Justina and Sasha took it.

Skai & Alan v Nelly & Daniella

Salsa

That was the BEST I have seen Nelly dance all season! Good for him! But Skai was fantastic and she should win. That was very exciting!

Skai & Alan won.

AJ & Cheryl v Johnny & Britt

Jive

SO CLOSE! They were equally great. Very hard to decide, but I would give it to Johnny by a hair. Really super close.

Wow, AJ won!

Bottom 2:

Johnny & Britt and AJ & Cheryl

Eliminated: AJ & Cheryl

Very sad to see AJ go. ☹️

librarianintx

Brain Games

I love to play games. Board games, card games, electronic games, games on my phone - I enjoy them all. Sometimes I get nervous when I'm trying to learn a new game - I tend to play games that I already know and especially like to play games that I am good at. 

I've been watching webinars and reading articles about the importance of brain health, and how playing games and other activities may help to ward off Alzheimer's and dementia. Research shows that learning new activities is better for your brain than activities that you do frequently. For example, crossword puzzles are good, but if you do them a lot, you should take the time to switch things up and include learning a new skill. Cooking, dancing, playing an instrument, and studying a new language are very beneficial activities for your brain. So is writing. 

I have a phone app called Mind Games Pro that I really enjoy. I don't work for the company, and it's a free app anyway, so I'm not trying to sell anyone anything. There are about 40 games on the app; some examples are math operations and vocabulary power, and other games work on memory and attention and other concepts. Usually there are certain games that I like the best, and I tend to play those and ignore the games that I am not good at. But remembering the research, I have started having the app pick the game for me, called the Training Center, because that makes me play the games that I am not as good at, so maybe I can improve at those games, and exercise my brain more. That was a total run-on sentence, but anyway...

The other day the app made me play a game called mental rotation. It's hard to explain, but the game gives you two images, or shapes, and you have to decide quickly if the shapes are the same. The shapes are often rotated, which makes it more difficult to determine if the shapes are the same. I am finding this game VERY challenging! Sometimes I feel like I'm figuring it out, and my scores are decent. Sometimes my scores are terrible and I'm frustrated. I did so much better previously, what is the problem? But I keep playing it. I don't want to give up. I can tell that when I'm tired I often don't do as well. It's not a good idea for me to play late at night, but that is often what I do. Still, I think the Training Center is a good way to use the app, because it makes me play games that are more difficult for me. You can skip a game if you want to, but it's better not to do that.

I spend too much time scrolling through Facebook. I need to use my time more time more wisely and productively. I need to be writing and reading more. I've also always wanted to learn sign language. That would be a very beneficial activity for my brain. I've also always wanted to learn how to play the piano. One of the hardest parts is to just start trying. Don't worry about failure. Don't think that you've wasted your time if you don't do well at something, or if you ultimately give up what you were trying to learn. Understand that the attempt was worth the time and effort. And you were doing something helpful for your brain, your mental health, and your overall health.

librarianintx

DWTS Double Elimination Nite 11/2

Except it's not double elimination night after all. I feel so bad for Jeannie. I enjoyed her as a contestant, but most of all I hope she is going to be okay. We will miss her in the ballroom.

Kaitlyn & Artem

Jive

Very solid routine! She is back! Good energy, good content, good kicks and flicks - I just wonder if Carrie Ann will ding them for the lift. But otherwise it was a strong routine. There wasn't anything unusual or super wow about it, but it was a good solid Jive.

My score: 9

Scores: 8, 9, 8

Nev & Jenna

Viennese Waltz

I love him! He is so refreshing. He looks both very professional and really joyous when he dances. And he looks like a leading man; he doesn't look like the student. That was a lovely dance. So elegant and refined.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Justina & Sasha

Samba

Yaaaaasssss! Viva Puerto Rico!! I love that song and I love Justina! Samba is the party dance, and it's often hard for contestants to really create a party atmosphere with their dancing and their energy level, but Justina totally did. And Sasha threw just about every bit of Samba content possible into that routine, even reverse turns, which are so tough. I don't know if she fell at the end, or if that was part of the routine, but she made it look like it was planned, so I'm going to go with that. I absolutely loved it and I did not want it to end. Muy caliente!

My score: 10 (oops Samba rolls, not reverse turns, my bad)

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Nelly & Daniella

Rhumba

By far Nelly's best dance! He came through when he needed to. He looked so handsome, so suave, his hip action was terrific. Daniella still did a lot of the work in the dance, But Nelly was not a passive bystander. He was a strong partner,, and they had wonderful chemistry and musicality. Great job Nelly!

My score: 9

Score: 7, 7, 7

Chrishell & Gleb

Viennese Waltz

Are they together? Seriously, their chemistry is ridiculous! I mean that was like sex in the ballroom. I need a cigarette after that routine. That was some serious passion and fire. How was their technique? I don't care. That routine wasn't about technique. That was all about emotion and connection, and if you didn't feel anything watching that, you must be an Android. Wow! Wow! That is also one of my favorite Rhianna songs.

My score: 10

Scores: 8, 8, 8

They're the judges. They focus on technique. I get to focus on the sexual energy. 😀

Skai & Alan

Salsa

Girl YAAASSS! No Robot Skai tonight! Whoo Whoo! That was both the most relaxed I've ever seen her and the most energetic I've ever seen her. She was feeling and living that song and that routine! Those lifts were sickening too! She is so tiny that Alan look like he was flinging around a rag doll. But I say that in a good way. It was a super exciting routine. I'm not sure how much salsa content there was, but it was awesome to watch.

My score: 10

Scores: 8, 9, 8

I can see their point about too many lifts. But I think the scores are too low tonight.

Johnny & Britt

Foxtrot

It's really petty, but I was terribly distracted by what I consider to be his horrible outfit. Having gotten that off my chest, I will say it was a lovely Foxtrot. I loved the musicality and the grandeur of the routine, the sweep across the floor. I especially loved the end. They have a wonderful partnership and friendship happening.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

AJ McLean & Cheryl

Rhumba

I think AJ has been quite consistent in this competition. For me, he hasn't been the best, but he certainly has not been the worst. I think the song choice was a little unusual. I really liked the song, but it did not seem to fit with a rumba. For the most part, I think it was a solid routine, although the main spin towards the end looked really off to me.

My score: 8

Scores: 8, 8, 8

End of Round One

Relays

Carrie Ann judges a Cha Cha

Nev vs Chrishell vs Nelly

My pick: Nev & Jenna

They looked so professional!

Carrie Ann gave 3 points to Nev, 2 points to Chrishell, and 2 to Nelly

Derek judges a Viennese Waltz

Justina vs Johnny

Okay, sorry, but super unfair here. Johnny & Britt got way more time AND way better parts of the song. Justina & Sasha got the slower parts of the song, and the dance suffered because of it. It was much more obvious in this relay. They should have had the opportunity to dance to the same parts of the song. For this reason I have to give the edge to Johnny and Britt, but this relay dance was really unfair.

Derek gave 2 points to Justina and 3 points to Johnny

Bruno judges a Samba

AJ vs Kaitlyn vs Skai

This is a tough one! I thought they were all great, and equally so! I'll give the edge to Skai & Alan, but just by a smidge.

Bruno gave 3 points to AJ and Kaitlyn and 2 points to Skai

Bottom 2:

Skai & Alan

Chrishell & Gleb

Eliminated: Chrishell & Gleb

So sad. :( 

But it makes me very happy to posting this recap immediately! It only took me how many years to figure out I needed to type directly into Blogger?

librarianintx

DWTS Villains Nite (Top 10) Part 2 10/26/20

Nelly & Daniella

Argentine Tango

I give Daniella a 10 for that routine and Nelly an 8. She did most of the work, but still, his partnering skills were good. I think her choreography made him look good, although I think I saw a balance problem or two. It was his best dance overall.

My score: 8 (almost 9)

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Justina & Sasha

Tango

Poor Sasha was probably exhausted and battered after that routine - but I'm sure it was worth it! Wow!! Great dance! Fast, powerful, with so many unexpected moments! I was on the edge of my seat! Her screams made me laugh out laugh out loud! Thrilling! The songs are so perfect for the themes tonight!

My score: 10

Scores: 9, 9, 8

Nev & Jenna

Paso Doble

Excellent Paso! Loved Nev's power and intensity, the look on his face said it all. Very strong Paso content - shaping, lines, attack - it was all there, and it all worked.

My score: 9

Scores: 10, 10, 10

Yay!!

Skai & Alan

Argentine Tango

It's a difficult dance, but Skai is back this week! Very good footwork, clean lines, and because she is so tiny, they were able to do some pretty incredible lifts. And the look on her face at the end was wonderfully sinister.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Kaitlyn and Artem

Paso Doble

So obviously I'm finishing this nearly a week late, and I did hear about the controversy surrounding this routine. I thought Kaitlyn did a good job acting the part, and the hair and costume were spot on. I thought she had a lot of attack in the beginning, and some very nice shapes. But I think the choreography hurt her towards the end of the dance. Artem had her going underneath him twice, and it's hard to get up from the floor in that likely heavy costume. So I blame the choreography more than anything else for the sluggishness at the end.

My score: 8 (almost a 9)

Scores: 7,9,8

Bottom 2:

Monica & Val

Jeannie & Brandon

Eliminated: Monica & Val

I am absolutely crushed. I think Monica was wonderful tonight. She did not deserve to go home. But neither did Jeannie.

librarianintx