Getting Serious
Cloris Leachman and her partner, Corky Ballas, decided to get serious this week. Corky worked hard to help Cloris master the techniques and steps of the Paso Doble and she gave a rather decent performance, although there were a few stumbles and the dance lacked power. Carrie Ann said that she hoped that “when I’m 82, I’m as brilliant as you.” Bruno seemed at a loss for words, managing only to call the performance “surreal.” Len said it was a “lovely, traditional dance.” Cloris received 5’s from all the judges for a total of 15.
Putting Some Erica Kane into It
Susan Lucci and her partner Tony Dovalani had the Rumba this week and because Susan tapes “All My Children” in NYC, their rehearsals were bicoastal. Susan vowed to make her rumba “red hot” and while she was a little stiff, there were moments where we could see her tapping into her sex vixen soap character, Erica Kane. Carrie Ann said it was “really nice” and that her performance “transported them” to another world. Bruno said that overall it was “very good” but that Susan was still dancing “a little like the Virgin Queen.” Len noted that she “acted the dance” well, but he said he wasn’t fond of the part in their performance where “Tony exposed himself.” That’s not as dirty as it sounds, as the part Len was referring to was merely Susan ripping Tony’s shirt open. Susan got 7’s from all the judges for a total of 21.
Welcome to the Matrix
Warren Sapp and his partner Kym Johnson performed the Paso Doble, with costumes that looked like Neo’s and Trinity’s from the Matrix films. Kym noted that Warren’s “biggest challenge [in this dance] surprisingly was not laughing.” Warren managed to stay focused and serious and their dance was good, and very entertaining, although there was a stumble at the end. Carrie Ann declared that “doble killer in da house!” and she thought it was “fantastic.” Bruno said that just like The Matrix films, it was “big, bold, [and] heroic.” He said Warren’s performance was like a “Lamborghini on the freeway.” Len praised their intensity, and said the performance had a “lovely kind of dark, menacing feel.” Warren received 8’s from all the judges for a total of 24.
Sweeping America Off Its Feet?
The last performer was Cody Linley and his partner, Julianne Hough. Cody noted that he was trying to bring some romance and passion into his Rumba, and he hoped to “sweep America off its feet.” We’re not sure he quite succeeded, as his dance was okay, but there didn’t seem to be much heat between him and Julianne on the dance floor. Carrie Ann thought his dancing was “age appropriate” and that there was an “innocence” to it. She advised him to “loosen [his] hips.” Bruno said Cody needs to “learn to control” his dancing so that he can “sell it properly.” Len said the performance “lacked a little bit of polish and finesse.” All the judges gave Cody 7’s for a total of 21.
