DWTS Season 19 Week 7 10/27/14 Post Show Video Coverage

Janet: I will be posting the videos as I watch them, which is in order from low to high score. Also, since I have a lot going on in my life, I usually can't watch and comment on every video at once, so my reviews will grow over the next couple of days.

———————————————————————————————————————————

Michael & Emma (20): It's no surprise that we find our favorite Mr. Waltrip tanking with a familiar last place score, this time a 20 with 5's across the board for his dance:

Overall impression: what a bore! Michael seemed more like a deer in the headlights than a dance partner, and it didn't help that Emma was really strutting her stuff. The comparison between the two was pretty sad. It seems like Michael is a bit surprised to still be on the show. We are too. Where is my antacid? On the positive side, the song chosen is a favorite and a classic! The outfits were great too, particularly Emma's—so cute!! Listening to the judge's comments, I had to laugh with Len, who is just as surprised as we are that Michael is STILL on the show. How could that even happen? Ok, well...Candace Cameron and Bristol Palin are a couple of examples there, blech. And you have to give Michael some credit for recognizing that he really and truly SUCKS. Yeah, I'd say he was overscored. I'd give him a 4.

———————————————————————————————————————————

Antonio & Cheryl (27): Next in line is the handsome but board-like Antonio, who continues his pattern of barely improving and delivering a lackluster performance:

Overall impression: GREAT opening, awesome visuals and costumes, fantastic song. However, right off the bat, Antonio fails. No rhythm, no chemistry with Cheryl, and he seemed really uncomfortable and unsure of himself. After the dance got underway he relaxed a bit but was still very stiff. On the other hand, holy SMOKIN' BALL O' FIRE, did you see Cheryl?! WOWZERS! Her dress, her choreography and moves...WOOOOO!!!! She was exceptional!! Beautiful lines and extensions, she obviously loved the song and routine very much. I really enjoyed watching her become one with the music, what a sight! It's a shame that Antonio has no talent, because this could have brought the house down! 

The judges views were all on par with my own and I agree with their scoring. Antonio's comment in regards to the fact that he's not really improving, "I'm doing it for the fans" was kind of sad. I was not impressed with his dance at all tonight, but Cheryl was the bomb!

———————————————————————————————————————————

Tommy & Peta (28): Coming in at just one point above Antonio, Tommy's performance proved that he's a better dancer than Antonio with a routine which was a impressive when you consider that he had to learn two dances this week and he's not a teenager anymore:

Overall impressions: What a fun routine for these two! It was a cute opening with great music. Tommy and Peta looked fantastic as they started up and danced across the stage. I was impressed by Tommy. He isn't a spring chicken and the quickstep had to be a challenge for him, but I felt that he did really well! Nice moves—though a bit slow and stiff here and there—and he had a lot of charisma and style. And Peta so obviously adores Tommy. She guided him through the dance with just the right amount of direction. To me, she looked like Marilyn Monroe in her expressions and glamour. Isn't she a stunner...I have so much respect for Peta. I really enjoyed this dance!

The judges were just as complimentary as I was in regards to Tommy's performance. It was wonderful to hear what they had to say about his dancing, I'm so glad he's making the judges happy too!

———————————————————————————————————————————

Sadie & Mark (30) When looking over the list of dance scores, I was really disheartened to discover that Sadie's routine garnered not one but two 7's. Being that the Paso doble is one of my favorite dances, I hopped over to YouTube to check out their dance and discover why they didn't do very well this week:

Overall impression: Wow, what a FUN opening, I just loved it!! Sadie's wide-eyed innocent Dorothy appearance was awesome, and the zombie idea for Mark was fantastic! That transition to the red dress mid-dance was so clever! This routine had SO MUCH POTENTIAL!! But yeah, right away I saw a disconnection between the two, and Sadie's lack of polish for the moves. She was off time once in a while and seemed a bit overwhelmed by the choreography and the other dancers. It would have been brilliant if only they'd been able to practice for another week. Maybe this choreography was just a bit too much for Sadie. I think she handled it as well as could be expected, but I agree with the scores.

The judges comments were great to hear, Len nailed it with the comment about the choreography getting in the way of the dance. It did overpower the routine. In Mark's defense, he was right: there was excellent content and yes, they are supposed to entertain the audience. I do think it was too much though. By the way, did you get a chance to see Mark's face? (How could you not?!) WOW!! The makeup and contact lenses were so horrifying!! Anyway, I think the scoring was appropriate.

———————————————————————————————————————————

Janel & Val (31): Wow, their dance got a 7 and the rest were 8's? What is going on tonight? I was feeling surprised, and a bit confused when I clicked on their video:

Overall impression: Nice opening, good music, great outfits—Val's suit was AMAZING—did you see a close-up when they went upstairs? Lovely fabrics, so beautifully fitted with so much class! Janel's gorgeous and original ensemble was so stunning, sexy and vamp-tastic!! I really enjoyed seeing the opening unfold into dance. Ok, ok, I can see what the problem is going to be here...this is a Viennese Waltz and Janel's outfit is so distracting and minimal, it is just not in keeping with this dance. I loved the lines and smooth flow, but well, all I could do was stare at Janel. *watches again to study the dance more closely* I have to say, I'd give this dance a 9. It's just awesome...but yeah, it's too sultry for a Viennese Waltz if you want to be picky. I will be interested to see if the outfit was the reason they gave her 8s and I'll bet that's why Len gave her a 7.

Regarding the judging remarks, their misgivings seemed reasonable but didn't really justify their low scores. I didn't notice the problem with her arms not continuing a flow all the time...I thought she was great in that department. I was unhappy to miss Len's comment, but I expect he didn't like all the "razz-ma-tazz" and her barely-there attire. I feel they underscored this dance, especially because their remarks didn't reflect a good reason to score 8's and a 7 instead of 9's and an 8.

———————————————————————————————————————————

Lea & Artem (34): After reading the comments about Lea needing to be more confident with her dancing, I was very curious to see what everyone was talking about:

Overall impression: This was the first video this week to include behind-the-scenes practice sessions, and seeing Lea in tears over her routines was very upsetting to me. It's got to be extremely difficult to expose yourself and to know that the whole world will be able to see this too. I'd really hate that, it's so private. On the other hand, it shows how important her dancing is to Lea, and I just wanted to give her a hug. It was very connecting—who hasn't felt frustrated that way before?

I thought the dance premise was marvelous. The choreography, the music (awesome song and vocals!), the set, the outfits—everything was super. That being said, Lea was nervous and so careful, I could see a stiffness and concern in her that did affect her routine, unfortunately. Had she been more confident with at attitude of attack and conquer, this dance would have likely been a sizzling grand-slam, but I saw worry on her face and, combined with the memory of the practice video, I was holding my breath and crossing my fingers she wouldn't mess up and disappoint herself. The self-fulfilling prophecy is that I think she jinxed her performance by being overly worried. It was very good but it was just a bit stiff and "safe". 

The judges nailed it: the dance lacked the chemistry they usually have. They do need to give themselves a break. I hope that next week they will relax, and smack that puppy right out of the ballpark! :) (Oh, and Julianne and Bruno tumbling to the floor was just too funny!! :D)

———————————————————————————————————————————
Alfonso & Witney (36): With another high score, I was looking forward to seeing what kind of choroegraphy the stunning Witney came up with this week for Alfonso!

Overall impression: It was wonderful to see another dance featuring a singer, and I liked how she was close enough to be visible while they were dancing, yet not distracting enough to take away from the performance. Alfonso's routine did not overly impress me, however—but it's only because I was thinking about Rick's opinion: a man really doesn't have to do much in some dances, one of which includes the Rumba. In this case, I definitely agree. He did have nice movement, great hip action and extension where it was called for, but mostly it was a dance for the lovely Witney to showcase her talent. I think she did a nice job of bring attention back to Alfonso as much as possible, but it was hard to tear my eyes away. A wonderful performance from both of them though, super job!

I enjoyed watching the judge's responses. They really highlighted why Alfonso should be praised, and I learned a few things to pay attention to as a reviewer. I am not a dancer, but I love to watch, and that being said, I don't know the technical aspects of a dance, so I appreciate learning a thing or too. :)

———————————————————————————————————————————
Bethany & Derek (39): Holy smoke, what a score!! Nearly perfect, BOO-YAH!!! Do you know how hard it was to resist looking at this dance first?! I was so excited to arrive at the most anticipated performance of the night!!

Overall impression: How cool to see a video with another practice session! I just love to see what's going on before a dance, the nuts and bolts fascinate me to no end. In this case, watching Derek work with Bethany was absolutely riveting. He is so focused and such a force, it would be so hard to be his partner I think, because he demands 110% at all times. I get it, but I can see why Bethany was wilting at times. I loved watching how Derek works on a routine, what a relentless machine! From the scores they garnered, the practice paid off...

OMG this performance literally gave me CHILLS!! INCREDIBLE!!! *standing ovation* Derek does it again with perfection in choreography and explosive music, incredible set dressing with the drummers who moved around the floor as they danced. Insanely fabulous routine with crisp, sharp movement where needed, smooth glides across the floor when called for, an outstanding job every step of the way from my vantage point...WOW WOW WOW!!!! Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Paso is probably my favorite ballroom dance, and Derek always does such a fine job with this one. After all, he is a former IDSF World Youth Latin Champion, and it certainly shows in this routine!

Oh my, Bruno's remarks were just so great and described my feelings exactly! I loved what everyone had to say, but Len was wrong, and corrected by Julianne in regards to them becoming lost in the drummers. They could have gotten lost. They weren't. It was a performance which I will add to my all-time best dances of DWTS. OUTSTANDING!!!

Rick:  Outstanding Review Janet! Really like your format and the posting of the videos. I agree with almost everything with the exception of the comments related to Lea/Artem.

———————————————————————————————————————————
Team Dances: Behind the Scenes: I was delighted that I got the chance to watch the
sneak peek video!

Overall impressions: It always makes me cringe when a team is picked. Who hasn't felt the horrible sensation of being picked last? I really hate it, but I think picking is necessary because drawing names from a hat could end up being a landslide for one team instead of two sort-of matched teams. I enjoy watching the chaos of getting so many people together for a dance. It can be a mess, but it can also be a remarkable transformation. Once again, it's hard not to focus on Derek. He's such a leader and he's so smart, and is quite good at organizing a team and making sure they focus on the important points. Truly, how could Alfonso's team possibly win, just based on the fact that Derek's led teams many times and Alfonso has not? They did have the right attitude though! I can't wait to watch the dances!

———————————————————————————————————————————
Team Dances—Creep du Soleil: Wow, what a pleasant surprise!!

Overall impression: Could they have gotten a better song?! OMG I LOVED THEIR OUTFITS!!! Great entry, really fun choreography, and they did very well to lead with 
Tommy and then Peta up front first because she really set the energy and excitement for the routine. Their duet was AWESOME and SO MUCH FUN!! And WAY TO GO Antonio!! That overhead lift was AMAZING!!! Witney and Alfonso were fantastic, their mime moves were really great to watch. Mark and Bethany totally rocked it with their great costumes and super choreography! I was really super impressed by this team dance and I have to admit, I wasn't expecting such an outstanding performance! GREAT JOB TO ALL OF THEM!! :)

I think the judge's comments were fair. They were out of synch, but like I mentioned, I was kind of expecting a nightmare, so being out of synch here and there, who cares?! THEY ROCKED IT!!!

———————————————————————————————————————————
Team Dances—Itsy Bitsy: Yep, they killed it!

Overall impression: Wow, another performance that gave me chills! Again with the outstanding choreography, spidery touches in all regards and fabulous individual pair solos.

I loved that they put Lea up front, what a confidence builder for her to have the spotlight position! Perfect syched dancing--this is always such fun to watch when it's done well. Great job leading into the pair dances. Of course Derek and Bethany were incredible. Loved the funky hiphop which blended into a tango, complete with crisp, clean movement, which then transformed back to hiphop. So cool. The entry of Val via a flying leap was super, and his dance with Janel was so funky and hot! I liked how they spun out of the shot and we then got to watch Emma and Michael take the stage. He did just fine. Yes, you could see that he made mistakes but they had him in the frame only long enough to show that he was part of the team. And finally, having Lea and Artum finish off the pair duets with their slick duo was perfect with some very nice moves, a cool lift and slide through the legs. Super blend back into the team dance and I just loved them climbing up onto the web at the end. FABULOUS!! I loved this routine so much!

This video does not include the judge commentary so I found that elsewhere to find out what they had to say. I can see why it might have been omitted, since basically everyone said the same thing: GREAT JOB! And I had to laugh because Bruno said they killed it and I'd said the same thing before seeing his remark! Too funny!

MK's Question: Who is/are your favorite couple(s) this season?

MK LaRue: Personally, my favorites this season would proceed as follows:

Alfonso and Whitney

Sadie and Mark

– Alfonso and Witney
– Sadie and Mark
– Bethany and Derek
– Lea and Artem
– Janel and Val

I think all of them are the strongest couples/dancers in the competition right now and are actually working the hardest to earn their spots. For me, it comes down to this question: Can they hold my attention and make me want to watch their whole dance? If they can do that, I think they have succeeded at their task.

Janet: You bring up a good point: Can they hold my attention and make me want to watch their whole dance? They certainly don't always succeed in that department. In the case of Waltrip, it's more a case of, "Can I withstand the whole dance?" LOL...I think that Sadie and Mark have been the most surprising because she's such a young thing and her conservative upbringing and beliefs have me thinking she'll be more like Candace Cameron. However, I find myself impressed with each successive performance. As much as I adore Witney, and enjoy Alfonso's dances, he's utterly forgettable and a yawn-factor of 10. On the other hand, Lea and Artem, Janel and Val, are both full of hot sauce and yum-factor, and I love their dances. Of course, it goes without saying that Derek always puts on a great show, so I know I'll love the routines he puts together. There's a reason he's the best!! :D

Rick: I also go with the five couples that you two have identified. The really are and have been head and shoulders above the rest of them. All 5 of these make me want to watch their whole dance. I don't know if MK put them in order of finish but if so, I would change the order a bit as of this week. My 1-5 are:

1.  Bethany and Derek
2.  Sadie and Mark
3.  Lea and Artem
4.  Janel and Val
5.  Alphonso and Witney

However, I really don't think that Lea will make it to the final 4, but only because of the voting. The rating above is based strictly on my opinion of their dancing.

MK LaRue: Rick, my ordering was based on my personal favorites...not anything to do with judging or voting. 

Rick:  Oh, well then my five are 1.  Lea and Artem.  2.  Sadie and Mark.  3.  Bethany and Derek.  4.  Janel and Val.  5.  Alphonso and Witney.  

Janet:  I'll jump in with my list after I'm done watching all the dances! :)

DWTS Season 19 Week 7 10/27/14 LIVE COMMENTS BEGIN with Rick/MK LaRue

MK LaRue: First dance of the night Tommy and Peta doing the Quickstep. Gotta say, I'm not a Tommy fan. I think Peta does all the work and Tommy just skates by on her "coattails" so to speak...but for a 76 year old guy, he did ok, but 7's I feel were a bit too generous overall for his performance. I think actually the only reason he is still there is because of the viewers not his overall progress.

Lea and Artem with the Argentine Tango were up next. It was AMAZING!!! Gave me the chills. I think Julianne was so right. They are letting the pressure get to them and that's what's making them lose their chemistry...and can I just say, Bruno falling off his chair with Julianne: HILARIOUS!!!! Haha! Lea needs to take a chill pill and really believe she's awesome because she IS doing great! The only reason they did so bad last week is because they were pushing too hard.

Rick:   Did the judges say that again about Lea and Artem or are you just referring to last week's comments?

Loved the Halloween video where the crew scares everybody! I saw that on YouTube already and it was super funny.

Rick:  You must be East Coast because I will not be getting this for another hour and a half.  I'll try to follow your comments once I see the show.

MK LaRue: Sorry, Rick, I didn't mean to jump ahead of you but up next is Bethany and Derek doing the Pasa Doble (?) I don't think I spelled that right. It was a good dance: dark, intense but honestly, I didn't feel the chemistry I usually see from them. I have to say I found myself agreeing more with Len and Julianne (which I never agree with Len!).

Antonio and Cheryl doing the Viennese Waltz: I'll leave them for Rick. And Rick, I'm so sorry, but I'm also giving you the gruesome task of evaluating Michael and Emma and their Jive...I just can't do it.

Rick:  I won't be able to see the dances until 7 pm my time which is 10pm yours.  I am in the Pacific Time Zone.  So I can't comment for another hour and 10 minutes.  So if you want to.please comment.  And thanks for giving me Waltrip LoL.

MK LaRue: No problem! I will happily give anyone else Waltrip any day! ;-) Janel and Val doing a Viennese Waltz. To me, it was cute. They have good chemistry together and really seem to be good friends. I would say that they did a great job overall and I agree with Julianne. Janel deserves a bit more of a harsh critique because she does do a good job with all of her dances.

Rick:  Anybody would give Waltrip away except for the left turners (NASCAR).  It shocks me that it appears so many watch this show.

Rick's Couple Comments:  
Tommy and Peta: I have to say that was a pretty weak quickstep. Very little content and even with the dumb down version he still didn't show much energy.  I think 7s is over scored to. However, I guess it's ok when you consider his age. Plus, he probably isn't going to be around that much longer. He'll be happy to rest his knees I would think although to hear Peta tell it that's all he's been doing anyway...LOL.

Lea and Artem: I agree with MK, this was a brilliant AT. The theme was right on and it was a great opportunity for Lea to show off those incredible legs. And show off she did. Good, crisp, staccato movements, mature content and great emoting.  She is a very gifted dancer, I just wish she believed that. Scores were ok, although I would have liked to see all 9s.

Bethany and Derek. All I can say is this was the dance of the night. She looked perfect, emoted the theme flawlessly and handled complicated choreography without error.  I know there are some who don't quite connect with Bethany, but I think her improvement is stunning.  She is now the front runner in my opinion. Derek does it again. Scores (39) were right on, Come on Len, take that 10 paddle out of your butt!

Antonio and Cheryl: He's so wooden and tentative. Not strong at all and that's a killer when it comes to a Paso. He also got a little mouthy with the judges regarding performing for the fans.  Over scored in my opinion, all 6s would have been appropriate.

Michael and Emma: If this was a jive, then I'd like to know when the jive became a slow dance.  Just remarkable how bad this guy is. And Michael, no one but NASCAR can believe you are still there. All 5s and I still think it may have been over scored.

Janel and Val: This woman oozes sex appeal.  She looked nasty and she delivered this dance in such a delightfully evil mode . Her musicality, lines and ability to emote are top notch.  Definitely underscored even though I agree there could have been more Viennese Waltz, but then Len always has a problem with the amount of time in hold for this particular dance
.
Alphonso and Witney:  I still don't get the love for Alphonso, he's dumpy and lacks any graceful movement whatsoever. He does know the steps, but really, how much does the male have to do in a rumba. However, I couldn't take my eyes of Witney.  She is so incredibly beautiful,  that it takes my breath away. Not sure he deserved all 9s but Witney deserved 11s.

Sadie and Mark: I think the judges were right on regards to this dance. Not one of Mark's better efforts. She is so talented but he didn't really show her strengths at all. Seemed like he tried to hide her with gimmicks  I'd have much rather seen her do a pure Paso without all the smoke and mirrors. Still, I thought she should have gotten 8s.

Team Dances: They were meh to me. Derek's team won, ho hum. Another week and that freaking Waltrip is still around.  He's putting a bad spin on this season and that's a shame because we have 5 couples who are the real deal. He's gotta go next week, right? Tell me he will go next week please...

Your turn Janet.

Janet: Great commentary you two! I'll be giving you my views tomorrow! GREAT FUN READING!!!

-10/27/14 Live Comments by Rick/MKLarue

Rick's going to lead with commentary! I can't wait!

Janet: I don't have network television and have to watch videos of the dances after the performance, so having Rick lead the discussions is ideal! I'll be sure to add my commentary as I'm able to watch the routines.

Rick:  Thanks Janet!  How did you know I love being the center of attention?  My comments to individual dances will be a bit delayed also as my computer is in another room than the TV as I neglected to get WI FI included when I signed up for cable so i am just using a modem.

Janet: I am sure any delay won't be an issue...after all, you're talking to someone who's got a 24-48+ hr delay so please allow me to kick you in the shins for getting to watch live! :D J/K, I wouldn't want to watch it live, I really do hate commercials that much! However, maybe MK LaRue will have time to stop in and add her initial comments! It will be lots of fun to see how it goes!

MK LaRue: I can watch the show live as well so I don't mind adding to the commentary when I get to it...however, I won't be watching it till 9. The Originals is on at 8 and I'm a big CW junkie more than an ABC junkie so I think Rick will definitely be the lead on this one...LOL.  

Rick: MK LaRue, what time zone are you in? Are you East Coast?

MK LaRue: Yes, East Coast...I made a separate post to start the live comments. I hope that's ok, but I figured this one was kinda just us chit-chatting back and forth announcing them coming...and the CW is all screwed up over here so I'm watching ABC early tonight.

Rick's Question: What is your favorite Season?

Season 15: All-Stars was Janet's favorite!

Janet: Well, it's an obvious choice to me, Season 15, DWTS All-Stars. It was so jam-packed with talent and amazing dance routines. It felt like the finals for the entire season. Every dance was great (within reason), and it was really fun to see all the different season winners going head-to-head. 

I was pretty disappointed that some of my favorites didn't make it farther, specifically Hélio Castroneves and Joey Fatone. I was also disgusted the Bristol Palin didn't get kicked in the first week, what an eyesore. Despite the teasing she got from everyone, I thought that Pamela Anderson had a lot of potential and I wished we could have seen more of her. Kirstie Alley is just so annoying, I would have been happy to see her go sooner. 

I also loved that season because I adored watching Shawn Johnson, what a little firecracker! Such explosive talent! And Melissa Rycroft was just exceptional, but so was Kelly Monaco. Loved Emmett and Apolo, both favorites of mine, and I was sorry that they didn't go to the finals, but how can all of them make it?! 

It was an awesome season! Ok, YOUR TURN! And MK LaRUE, YOU TOO! :D

Rick: Sheesh, not even a thought for other seasons hunh? I like it when you show this decisive side. I agree, season 15 was amazing. How could a season with Kelly Monaco and Shawn Johnson not be. Shawn is just one big ball of energy and Kelly Monaco is sexy, almost hauty but with a touch of vulnerability that makes you want to protect her. Wonderful season.

Season 14, featuring Donald Driver, Katherine Jenkins and
William Levy get Rick's favorite season vote!

However, I struggle with choosing between seasons 14, 16 and 18, but all things considered, I have to go with season 14. I was a DWTS virgin for that season. I had never seen the show prior and my sister in Louisiana finally talked me into checking it out that year as she knew I had an interest in dance. Lo and behold, in week 1 came the most lovely dancer performing a foxtrot dressed in a yellow sundress with this killer Welsh accent, a smile that could light up Times Square and blessed with incredible grace and elegance. Katherine Jenkins although she looked like Marilyn Monroe that first night!! Her week 2 jive is a classic and her waltz to her father in week 3 may be the most beautiful dance I've ever seen. I was DWTS hooked from that week 1 moment forward. They say you never forget your first and that is true for me. I remember that being such a competitive season. Donald Driver was a strong and powerful performer, but such a gentleman. If I had a son, I'd want him to grow up and be like Donald. William Levy was terrific and gifted, particularly in the sassy, sexy latin styles. Maria Menounos would have been a finalist in most any other season. The whole celeb crew was strong which included Erkle and some young kid from Disney. There were two 26s the first week! Katherine got two 10s in week 3 (I cursed Len for that 9). Maria got a perfect score and was sent home the next week. Derek with Maria came in 4th!!??? That was the last time Derek did not either win or have the runner up.

Season 16 with Zendaya, Jacoby Jones, Kellie Pickler and Aly Raisman

Seasons 16 and 18 were almost as special, the only thing lacking there was no Katherine type connection for me. I adored Kellie Pickler in season 16. She was such a wonderful student and naturally gifted. Totally fearless. Zendaya was just a notch below Kellie and such a mature young lady. Those two were neck and neck til the end. Awesome to sit back and watch. Season 18 had Meryl. What more can you say about that. The best dancer in DWTS history and the slayer of the beast called Maks. I would literally be on the edge of my seat with excitement waiting for her turn to dance. And it was worth the wait every freaking week. And then there was Amy, perhaps the most remarkable human being I have ever seen. When she came out in week one and did that cha cha, I knew we had just witnessed the world changing. She was so good, I stopped noticing that she had prosthetic legs. I wonder how we will rate season 19?

Janet: Wow, you know the show so very well!! I can't say when exactly I started watching DWTS, but it was a few years ago. I started watching the dances on YouTube and suddenly I was wolfing them down like bowls of popcorn, and laying waste to season after season. I couldn't get enough! For some seasons I would watch one competitor dance every dance week by week. For other seasons I would watch all of the dancers for each week and then go to the next week. It was horrible when I finally caught up to the current season because that meant I had to WAIT to find out who won! THE HORROR!! :D

Derek, you be nice to Kellie!

I really love what you wrote about season 16 and 18! I was crazy about Kellie Pickler!! A razzle-dazzle energizer bunny girl who filled the show with sunshine with her mere presence. I will never forget the package clip where she explains Derek's "Wasp Face." So funny I laugh every time I think about it!

You can see a demonstration of "Wasp Face" at 1:00! :D

And Zendaya. What a beauty. What a talent. I wanted her to win almost as much as Kellie! Loved to watch her dance so much, what a pro!

LOL, I know what you mean about Meryl's dances. I would try to watch her dances last because they were so wonderful I wanted to save them! But you know, it was a toss-up with Amy's dances because I loved her so much and I knew I might be crying my eyes out at some point during the clip!

Season 19...well, we'll just have to find out how we feel as the weeks progress! :D

Rick:  Loving the pics Janet!  Yeah, Kellie Pickler is such a sweetheart, and what a back story to. Mother abandoned her, father a deadbeat in prison, raised by her grandmother Faye, who from everything I've been able to find out is quite near sainthood. Her two grandfathers that stepped up and her indomitable spirit! How touching was seeing the two of them in the audience when she was crowned?! Her brother/sister relationship with Derek. And of course the freestyle. It's truly the benchmark for all freestyles to come in my opinion. I get furious with these people who comment that she dumb. If she is dumb, then I want the rest of the world to be dumb. Just to illustrate the type of person she is; the day after she won the MBT, she was at Walter Reed visiting wounded warriors with that wonderful husband of hers. I'd love to see her do a Broadway musical. I know she's country and proud of it, but that girl's skills resonate across musical boundaries.

Janet: Watching Kellie & Derek's Freestyle gave me chills, took my breath away, and put tears in my eyes all over again. An absolutely pinnacle performance. Mind-blowing. 

Janet: I agree, her story is very special, and makes it all the more amazing that she was able to attain such heights. I think that Kellie taught Derek a lot about taking a better approach to teaching. I remember a time when Derek would be very furious during practice when a dancer wasn't getting it, but it seems to me that he changed a lot when working with Kellie. I think she got through to him and he changed his tactics. I read an article where he talked about being bullied as a child and admits that he once went down that path too...

He went on to share that he, too, saw himself as a bully at one point. "When you're in an environment and you're a perfectionist and you’re training somebody, you want to get the best out of them, but sometimes the line becomes blurred. I almost didn't recognize myself," he explained. "It was when I felt scared and insecure." -- Derek Hough Opens Up About Bullying Past: They Had "A Gun to My Head"

Regarding people who believe Kellie isn't smart as a whip, it merely points to their ignorance and prejudice towards anyone who doesn't speak in what they feel is a proper accent. I got an education there as well, but this happened much earlier in my life. I used to equate "ghetto-speech" with a person who is stupid. I lumped rappers and so forth into that group. But I found myself completely dumbfounded when I'd read or watch an interview with a person I thought must be a barely functioning moron, and would learn they were a college graduate with a degree in chemistry, engineering, math or whatever. I realized that my ignorance made ME the stupid one, not them. So now I will notice accents and certain speech habits, but I don't make the assumption on intelligence.

Oh, and wow, wouldn't she be AMAZING as a broadway performer?! I'd love to see that!

Rick: I agree that Kellie taught Derek a lot of things that season. They were truly a brother/sister pairing but I think she was not representative of what Derek generally has to work with in regards to his frustration level. She was an incredible student of dancing, the flexibility of her body, mind boggling natural talent and a work ethic rarely seen is just not there with 99% of contestants. I believe had she received any prior dance training at all, we might be arguing who was better, Kellie or Meryl. There should not have been any angst on Derek's part with Kellie. She was a once in a lifetime student for him and they clicked without romanticism. She's a one man girl and she's found her prince charming. She said in an interview once that Kyle showed her what unconditional love is. Wow, it's usually the woman who does that. She may have overcome a rough start, but her end is going to be remarkable. So agree with you regarding how people speak and jumping to conclusions about their intelligence. Frankly, intelligence is overrated. As Ms Purdy says, it's not what you have, it's what you give and that certainly applies to Kellie.  

This journey the celebs go on for this show really helps in getting to know who they really are, I think. And more often than not I come out the other end with even more respect than I had before. Sorry, but this does not apply to your boy Waltrip.

Janet: Ok, I will totally give you that. Kellie is a natural dancer, and Derek and Kellie were a perfect match to turn her into a prima ballerina. I wonder who he'd say was the most frustrating person to work with?! And you know, it's fun to think about: if Kellie had the training beforehand, what kind of dancer would she be and head to head with Meryl...now THAT would be something to see!! I agree with you, she's a very remarkable lady. I wonder where her path will lead her! Finally, you're right: intelligence really can go only so far. There's a lot more that goes into becoming an amazing human being than just a person's I.Q.

MK LaRue: To answer your WAY earlier question, Janet, I can't say I have a favorite season. This is the first season I have taken an interest in in a very long time. I watched the show in its earlier seasons but then when it started getting so sexual, I stopped watching it. Don't get me wrong...I have nothing against sensuality in dancing but when it becomes such a huge part of the show that the dance itself is pushed to the background. I mean, the show is called Dancing With The Stars. I loved the earlier seasons and watching everyone learn the dances or just excel at them because they were naturals. Then it just got raunchy and I couldn't watch it anymore. I would come back to it again every once in a while but just could never get into it again. This season has been the first one where I felt it coming back around to the "stars" actually learning the dancing and it being more focused there (still not totally) without throwing around so much raunchy trash stuff.

Janet: I hear you loud and clear. I think that DWTS started trying too hard to get viewers. They were fabricating relationships and yeah, some of the dances were a bit out there. I agree with you though: the show should be about learning to dance and overcoming the obstacles along the way, not "who can be hotter this week?" I do think it's a shame that networks feel the need to over-sex everything just to get ratings. It gets in the way of the dance form and I prefer more focus on an awesome routine that doesn't depend on being sexy to be successful.

The Awesome Tom Bergeron

Tom accepting a well-deserved Emmy for
Reality Host, 2012 Dancing with the Stars

Rick made a comment stating that he feels that Tom is the best reality host out there. I thought this should be a post by itself!

Janet: Tom Bergeron is amazing. He's funny, smart, handsome, tactful, keeps the romper room under control, and is a poised, well-spoken commentator as well. I haven't been exposed to every reality host out there but I would bet that nobody comes remotely close to his excellence. Ok, I admit it. I think he's pretty hot. He's the kind of guy I'd love to meet because he's so obviously a nice man and he'd be so interesting to talk to about anything. Humble, keen, worldly = great conversation!

Rick, have you seen him host anything else? I've really only seen him on DWTS that I can think of, but I see on Wiki that he's done a lot more! I didn't realize he's won an Emmy for his hosting of Hollywood Squares in 2000! WTG Tom! :D

Rick:  Your post is right on Ms. Brien. Tom is so quick on his feet and so quick-witted that he could—and should—do stand-up comedy. I wonder if he ever did? I'll have to check Wiki. I have seen him on another show called America's Funniest Home Videos. The show itself really sucks; however, he is one of the few highlights. Great commentary as usual. I ran across  the show by mistake (which I hope I'll never do again) but when I saw it was him, I stuck around for a little bit of it. In my opinion, he is just much more in his element with DWTS. You know, people are always talking about replacing the other host/hostess like Brooke and Erin, but you never see negative comments regarding Tom. Maybe you can please everyone, hunh?

Janet: Your comments about America's Funniest Home Videos have me chortling. I detest that show!! I can barely utter Bob Saget's name, what a schmuck! The canned laugh track and stupid sound effects drive me crazy. I hated that they routinely showed clips that were people getting hurt or things that were mean. But I really love funny animal videos, and little kids being silly, so I would tape the show and watch it show completely muted. In fact, when you fast-forwarded past all of the garbage filler with Saget and repeat/slow-motion crap, it took about 10 minutes to see a 30-minute show! I am horrified to learn that poor Tom had to endure even a single episode. I can only imagine they paid him a mint in return. BRRRRRRRR...an AWFUL show.

Rick: Yes, it is an awful show and Tom is apparently still hosting (and is executive producer) it according to Wiki. He has never done stand up however, Wiki does make note of his sense of humor and good banter with the judges. He was also considered as a permanent member of the GMA crew and hosted Hollywood Squares for 6 years. Guess there is good money in not so funny home videos.  I have to say though, he is integral to DWTS and it would not be the same without him. I must say, I don't think Erin is that bad and I liked Brooke also. I think that interview right after the dance and waiting for scores is a tough job.  I know people rag on the person in the slot all the time but for the life of me I can't figure out what they are expecting.

MK LaRue: I just wanted to add in here that I love Tom as well. I think if they did this show with Tom and Mario Lopez as the hosts, it would be awesome! I know that would take out the male/female dynamic in the hosts but I just don't like Erin...she's no fun. So many other female hostesses could do a better job. That's just my opinion.

Rick's Question: What Did You Think of Sadie's Rumba Last Week?

Rick: Do you think that Sadie and Mark's rumba was appropriate and how would you score it Janet? Sadie is clearly a revelation. Absolutely one of the most innocently endearing and unforgettable performances I have seen this season. Where did a Duck Commander's daughter get such incredible artistry?  Will you tell me please Janet, the all knowing one?

Janet: Here's the comment I made, along with the video!

Janet's Review: That was a beautiful performance, and lovely choreography and costumes. However, I think the Rumba is such a sensual dance that it's not going to be easy for a young dancer to get right. They won't have the life experience for this. I think that Sadie was very locked-up in her lower torso, and that's where the rumba's heart is. I cannot fault Sadie for being pure and innocent, but this dance is all about the fire and sultry passion of intimacy between two people. Mark cannot teach that to Sadie, and she's not old enough to embrace it. As much as Sadie could "GET" this dance, she did, so I think she did a wonderful job, and Mark did a very nice job to make it easier on Sadie to do her best.

I got a comment from another viewer, who had a lot of good points to make:

MK LaRue: Well, I think Julianne's assessment really summed it up. Just because it's something passionate doesn't mean it has to be all sex and raunchy. There are ways of showing intimacy and passion (even fire) without getting "down and dirty". I disagree in saying that she doesn't have the life experience to get this. She's 17 not 7. She has a boyfriend and while I don't know anything about their physical relationship, she would still have desires and be able to take what she does know of love and intimacy and bring it to her dance. I also was very impressed with Mark for being sensitive to her beliefs and giving her the choreography to perform her best. I think by watching Lea and Artem it was a good contrast to this and how the coaches can boost their dancers confidence levels to get awesome performances. Lea was so worried and uncomfortable and wanting to please him so much it got in her head because he had overdone his choreography and while they had a great dance it just wasn't as connected as they usually are. Had he played to her strengths and not pushed so much I think they would've been better. Mark has always done that with Sadie and I think that's why she has come as far as she has.

Sadie loosened up for this lovely, elegant movement.

Janet: *nods in agreement* You're right. Julianne did nail it in her comment--it doesn't have to be all sex and raunchy. I wouldn't have wanted a performance like that anyway, but I do think she wasn't as flowing with her movement as she could have been. Good call on "She's 17 not 7." I think maybe she just needed to be a bit more comfortable with the whole feel of the dance. Excellent point made regarding Artem and Lea. It was unfortunate and disappointing that Artem pushed too hard for his ideas and it ended up hurting their performance.

Rick Barbera: Great review. This was the perfect routine for Sadie, not raunchy or sexy beyond her years, just a depiction of young love in my opinion. When portraying love and sensuality, I am not sure there is that much difference between 7 and 17. Even at 17, I don't think you have the love and life experiences to resonate with deep sensual love. This was sweet, tender, loving and I think her slight embarrassment made it all the more endearing.

Sadie is wholesome, bright and beautiful.

MK LaRue: I'm pretty sure at 17 you can know deep love and what it is. I, like you and probably most everyone else on here, don't know Sadie personally so I can't comment to what she personally knows, but I can comment to what a 17 year old has the capability of knowing. A 7 year old certainly can't understand deep sensual emotions like the ones they wanted promoted. However, a 17 year old has the capability of knowing that kind of love as much as an 18, 19, 20, 21 year old can. How else do you explain those people that fell in love at a young age (some even younger than 17) and were able to grow into that deep love. They knew what it was...and they knew how it felt to be in love. I don't think age really has all that much to do with it at the 17 year old mark. I mean, people keep pointing at Sadie and how young she is while totally expecting Bethany and Janel to be able to perform up to the standards of an adult. Bethany is only 18 (just a year older than Sadie) so how does that give her THAT much more life experience? Janel is 25...again, pretty young. Whitney (one of the pros) just turned 21 so again, young and dancing all these dances with the passion and sexiness expected by the judges. All that to say, I don't think it matters that Sadie is 17. She isn't so young to not know how to express emotions and bring those emotions into her dancing. It just depends on how open and vulnerable she can allow herself the freedom to be.

Rick: While it's true there may be a minority of 17 year olds who may have the life experiences to understand deep sensual emotions, I think most do not. Certainly not Sadie, who has probably just recently been allowed to date when you consider how she is being raised.  From everything I've seen, she and that boyfriend are almost platonic. Admittedly, it's been a long time since I was 17 but my experience is that the romanticism, sensuality and love feelings developed in the early 20s. I never said that Bethany should be expected to perform a grown up rumba, nor did she in my opinion. Her rumba was a disappointment with very little content.  I think it's reasonable for Janel though, particularly at 25 and she is an actress. That changes the whole dynamic, although at 17 I don't think even she should have been expected to perform that type of rumba.

MK LaRue: You said to "let you have it" so here it is...I promise I won't be too mean ;-) I think, first, I want to just mention that in my first response to your comment, I was speaking in more of a generalization about Bethany and Janel based off other comments I've read online...not that YOU specifically had said those things so sorry for that confusion. I guess, in all honesty, my only response to your response is this: We don't know. We don't know what Sadie's life experiences are, we don't know what Janel's are, we don't know what Bethany's are...we just don't know because we aren't part of their personal lives (at least I don't think we are). LOL. So I think, in all fairness, we can't really say with 100% certainty that they can/can't relate or know what it means to have that deep passionate love in their lives. Just as an example to reinforce the point: Sadie and her boyfriend may seem platonic on the surface or in pictures but if we don't actually hang out with them on a day to day basis, we don't actually know how they interact or what they do...they may just prefer to be more private. Again, not saying that's actually true...just throwing it out there for an example. Also, I know alot of Christian parents that allow their kids to "date" as early as 14-15, so that's why, in my opinion, it is entirely possible that a 17 year old could know what a deep love is like. I think that deep love is based off of a deep connection brought on through a deep friendship...

All that aside, though, I think the real issue here, ultimately, is not Sadie's life experiences or lack of life experiences...I think the more prevalent point was already addressed: Was it age appropriate as well as respectful of her family's faith and their beliefs? I think both of those questions get a yes as a an answer. It was age appropriate, it was sweet and honest and simple (that's what made it beautiful), and it was very respectful of Sadie and her family and their beliefs. I think another thing to consider is that this dance probably got such an emotional response because it WASN'T so sexual. In my opinion, DWTS has really taken a dive toward becoming so raunchy and "dirty" for lack of a better word, that I stopped watching it a while ago until this season when I noticed there were a few dancers (Sadie and Mark being one of the teams) that really weren't focused so much on the sex but on the dance itself and the story behind it. That's what's captivating and refreshing at least for me, this season. Sorry, I know that was WAY too long! LOL.