Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba says Chandler and Brandon finally had their 'shatter the glass ceiling moment' trucc

Plus, just what is going on with her scoring panels this season.

Each week during Dancing With the Stars, judge Carrie Ann Inaba will answer our burning questions about the season 33 contestants and their race to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Here, Carrie Ann shares her thoughts via email about the show's annual Disney night, including her joy at Chandler and Brandon finally having a breakthrough moment, why she finds Ilona such an inspiration, and some parting words for Val and Phaedra.

CARRIE ANN INABA: I wish there was an easy fix for Stephen. But learning to dance with the music and being able to keep the tempo is not easy if you weren’t born with the natural feel for music. For Stephen, my recommendation would be to continue with his enthusiasm because that is the heart and soul of what makes him so special. Another approach is to create moments within the choreography where he can breathe and get back on tempo if he has started to rush which can happen when the excitement gets out of control. Stephen needs to practice with the music. And know that the music and the movements are absolutely dependent on each other for great performance. They don’t exist in a bubble, one without the other. Last night‘s performance was really fun! His Herculean effort in that high octane, jam-packed Charleston choreography really started off the night with a bang (and a lot of confetti -- so much so I couldn’t see what I was locking in for my scores).

You spoke a lot to the chemistry between Jenn and Sasha, but then things got kinda weird when Julianne asked about it in the sky box. What was happening there?

Sasha and Jenn have a really great connection. When I talk about the chemistry, I don’t mean it in a sexual way. In partner dancing, it really does help to have a natural chemistry where you can feel your partner. You can kind of anticipate where they’re going because there’s just an ongoing connection. There seems to be a really good balance of energies, and they complement each other really well. I think the basis of their chemistry is her trust in him. And I believe that this chemistry that they have developed has really created a safe space for her to grow as a dancer. I didn’t catch what happened up with Julianne after they danced. So I’m curious as well.

Did you feel that Chandler finally did what you’d been wanting to see from her? How much do you think her playing a character she knows well helped that emotional connection?

Chandler finally had that shatter the glass ceiling moment. Sometimes the contestants need to get angry or frustrated for real, to get them to dance with true passion. When she dances like that, with purpose and passion, it takes her to a completely different level! Bravo Chandler! I knew you could do it!

You told Danny that you have “mixed emotions,” but didn’t get a ton of time to explain why. Can you elaborate on that?

Yes, that comment was a bit confusing. Sometimes I’m still formulating my thoughts on the performance when it’s already my turn to speak. I just have to go… and you hear my thinking process. I loved the whole performance. It was definitely a standout. The choreography was innovative, but was more like an action scene. As I was speaking I came to the realization that while it lacked a bit of finesse, it really did a great job representing that opening scene of the Disney film it was representing. I also loved seeing how his confidence has shifted and how it carried over from last week. One of the best pieces of choreography of the night.

Is there something new next week that you think Dwight and Daniella can do to continue to conquer the challenge of the height difference?

Oh that’s a tough question. It depends on what dance he has next week. But, if Dwight really works on maintaining proper frame on his own, since the actual “hold” and points of contact really can’t be done in the traditional way, it could impress us all. A few notes would be for him to lead with his movements more and less with facial expressions. Seeing his joy when he dances and when he’s in the groove is part of his appeal, but a little more practice of the routine from start to finish will help him start to polish the moves, which could help with the performance anxiety he mentioned. Rehearsing in an outfit that is similar to what you will be wearing as far as texture and movement goes, is helpful. Dancing with the right shoes and similar hairstyle all helps. And doing each movement full out every time as much as possible, to the actual music is the best way to beat the nerves. But don’t worry Dwight, we all know what it feels like to get nervous!

How proud were you to see Ilona out there as Luisa? It seemed like it meant a lot to you.

We all need an Ilona and a Luisa in our lives. She is probably sick of hearing how she is changing the narrative on body image, but I look at each performance as a minute and a half of your actual life. Once you live that moment, you don’t get to redo it, so it matters. And when she sends out these messages with the way she performs so confidently as Luisa, that moment affects our viewers, especially our younger viewers. I also think she helps a lot of people with their own self image and acceptance. Being confident in being who you are is a powerful example to set. And that was the character Luisa, and it is Ilona.

What was happening with your paddles there? You seem to be having particular trouble with them this season.

I’m definitely having paddle issues this season. And I apologize for holding up the wrong paddle....s. Hopefully that was the last time! [Our production designer] James Yarnell and I will be fixing the issue for next week.

Do you think the team dances exposed or highlighted any weaknesses? Can you point to any in particular?

It’s interesting to see how they dance in a group because you can make direct side by side comparisons in ways we can’t in others. The group numbers can really help some couples because they get to work and learn from other people in the group. It’s always fun but I did see a few things… 

Any parting words for Phaedra and Val?

I was sad to see Phaedra and Val go. I loved that choreography Val created for her. The staging was fantastic and the nods to Fosse made me smile. I spoke with her after the show, to let her know that I appreciated her and how she represented herself on the show. She has such a great attitude. She said it was her birthday this coming weekend so I want to wish her a Happy Birthday!

Can you tease your Halloween costume for next week?

My team, Marylin Spiegel, Glenn Nutley, Julie Kozak and Erik Rudy and I are already talking about it. I can say that it won’t be anything super scary, so it will be different from previous years when I did the ice queen, and the clown from It. You’ll have to tune in to see! I hope we don’t disappoint!

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+. Read EW's full recap of Disney night.