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Sparkle (0)
Giving credit where credit is due ... all four semi-finalists do their personal version of "bringing it."
In a "very special" Dancing with the Stars this week, we got to hear all about the adversity that each star faced. This gave many an opportunity for me to talk back to the screen like saying: "You got a Disney show when you were, like, 12, I don't count that as a lifetime of struggle." Or "I don't remember everyone calling you a sleaze, really. And your mom kinda chose to go ahead and thrust you into that national spotlight, despite how hard it would be for you." Or "Damn, you both were in cars that killed people? I am not sure I had put that together until just now"
Given the level of dancing (high), I wish they had stuck with that and stayed away from the drama (low). But, this is reality TV, not just "talent show TV," as I like to tell myself. So no such luck.
Last night each couple danced a ballroom number and a Latin number, and things kicked off strong and stayed there:
1. Brandy and Maks danced a Paso Doble
OK, two quibbles: I did see a few mis-steps on her part, and I did wonder why Maks was wearing tennis shoes. Seriously, what did that have to do with anything? Well, maybe at the end when they explained the number was about bullying, I guess I could try to picture that that was supposed to be him wearing high school clothes or something. But I'm not sure her sequined corset really played that out. Then again, what do I know? I haven't been on a high school campus in many a year! Brandy was definitely strongly in character for this one, although the vibe was a bit too anguished, vs. angry, for my taste. Still, strong out of the gate.
2. Jennifer and Derek danced a Cha Cha
I'm a little surprised the judges didn't mention that her solo wasn't really a dancing solo, it was just a rub up on them solo. But I guess they liked that. Jennifer is so good that it really comes down to the most nitpicky of nitpicking. With her, I only wish that she was a little more solid into the ground. Sometimes her feet don't hit a position and stick there, there's a little stutter. Like I said: Nitpicky.
3. Bristol and Mark danced a Paso Doble
Dudes, she totally does try really hard. Really hard. I give her credit for how far she has come. Truly. I can see why people root for her. Not because she's more "real" than the others (a little snarky, much, Bristol?) but because she's truly not a performer; she's worked her butt off, and you can see the growth.
4. Kyle and Lacey danced a Samba
Um first? Don't choreograph Kyle (or anyone) to moon walk if he really can't. Second? I don't want to see this young kid being all sexy. Third, sometimes his Samba had more of a Paso Doble feel, and that ain't right. Where was the joy??? I'm still not feeling the Kyle-love. Clearly.
After their respective sob stories, they moved on to the second round:
1. Brandy and Maks danced an Argentine Tango
(PS. Wow. Whitney. That is all.) The beginning and end of this routine felt awkward, but the vast majority of it was excellent. She does indeed have excellent, long lines. I might, however, recommend to Maks that he not choreograph as many kicks for Brandy. Her extension in her legs just doesn't match Jennifer's, and it's glaring when they go one right after the other.
2. Jennifer and Derek danced a Waltz
(PS -- Did you know she was married to Clark Gregg? I did not ... aren't they just as cute as can be?) This was, in a word, lovely. I don't really know what else to say. It would be just words, and lovely is the word.
3. Bristol and Mark danced a Waltz
(PS -- Doggone it. Really? Are we sure that wasn't Tina Fey?) While there wasn't enough actual dancing in this routine for my taste ... and that fact was made eve more obvious by how fast and smooth and lovely the previous waltz was) this was the most *emotional* performance Bristol has yet given. So, good for her.
4. Kyle and
