Night 2 of Week 2 on “Dancing With the Stars” had several surprises beyond the over-the-top Las Vegas glitter — some were technical, some were sad but most were about how well the majority of the celebs are dancing.
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With the combined scores of those online votes and the judges’ scores of both nights, only one couple was sent home. John Schneider and Emma Slater were in jeopardy, along with Paralympics blind skier Danielle Umstead and Artem Chigvintsev, and it was Danielle and Artem who were eliminated. This was supposed to be the night of a double elimination, but host Tom Bergeron said that “technical difficulties” with Monday night’s phone lines limited the voting to only the online voting, and I’m guessing that caused the change.
Danielle worked hard to learn to dance, despite her inability to see the steps, the routine or even her partner. She was definitely challenged to achieve ballroom dancing routines, and Artem was challenged to find ways to teach her.
“I’m so sorry,” host Tom Bergeron told her after the announcement. “I want you to know that the looks on all of the faces of the couples you’re competing with are as sad as you no doubt feel to say goodbye to you.”
Co-host Erin Andrews added, “And the judges, too, by the way,” which was followed by choruses of “we love you” from all over the stage.
“It’s been fun,” said Danielle. “Thank you.” Tom asked, “Anything you want to say to your partner?”
She turned to Artem and said, “Thank you for everything. It’s been amazing.”
Tom finished with, “You are such an inspiration. You really are.”
The Las Vegas Night theme lacked a bit of the upbeat vibe of Monday night’s New York City theme, IMHO. It seemed a little uneven — lights and excitement, then a solemn tribute to the victims of the shooting tragedy a year ago, then back to tangos and cha chas, then the sad departure of one couple.
Mixed in between were clips by Celine Dion and Wayne Newton, appearances by the Blue Man Group and performances by Boyz II Men and Donny Osmond with the dancers. Even four mini-pros from “Dancing With the Stars Jr.,” along with show hosts Jordan Fisher and Frankie Muniz, performed. All in all, there was a bit of “controlled chaos” that accompanies a live show.
My top three dances
1. OK, I’m nuts about Milo Manheim and Witney Carson. They are so funny and animated together, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that he is picking up her choreography like crazy. He’s only 17 and he seems to be really surprised that he is really doing well. The pair had a tango Tuesday night and I wondered if he was ever going to get serious about the steps, but they nailed it and I suspect that they may receive the first 10 this season, maybe in a week or two. Head judge Len Goodman thought their dance was “sharp, fast and clear.” Score: two 9s and an 8, to match their score Monday night for a total of 52 out of a possible 60.
2. Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten had to conquer a salsa, but Alan knows just how to reassure her and help her focus. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba told Alexis, “You’re great, but keep your core tight.” They performed a routine that earned them three 8s for a score of 24 and a total of 49.
3. Once more, Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber did not receive the highest scores, but she was visibly more relaxed and confident doing the samba in a dress of yellow feathers. Carrie Ann said, “We just put you (all) through the toughest Week 2 in the history of ‘Dancing With the Stars,” and Len added, “That was a proper samba. I loved it. You came out and danced the dance.” Judge Bruno Tonioli thought they “captured the feel of the dance, the party.”
Uh-oh
1. I was disappointed in the jive by John Schneider and Emma Slater. It seemed that there was more importance put on their Elvis impressions than on the dancing. I really didn’t see much jive going on and I’m sure that John could handle it. As a result, their scores were 7s and a 6, three points lower than their Charleston earned the night before. Hopefully, they will give up the impressions and focus on dancing.
2. Country radio personality Bobby Bones is a person who lives “over the top” and he must make it difficult for Sharna Burgess to keep him learning the dance steps. Monday night, that craziness showed up at the end of a respectable foxtrot, when he “went off script” and decided to add a bit of “floss dancing” to the routine. Sharna was not pleased and sat with her face in her palm. He says he wants to be entertaining, but Carrie Ann cautioned him to “turn it down a notch” after tonight’s dance, and Bruno added that he was “pushing and pulling” Sharna. It doesn’t show much respect for Sharna’s teaching.
Tom announced that next Monday will be “My Most Memorable Year” Night, which is one that brings out the most personal stories and plenty of tears. Remember to bring a couple of boxes of Kleenex with you before turning on the show. Coming up will be a new spin on the Trio Night, Disney Night and a Halloween theme night as only DWTS can do. See you next week — keep dancing!
