Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Dancing With the Stars S28E06: Week 6

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DWTS Fills the Ho-Hum Halfway Point with a Shocking Elimination
By Kim Krober

Dancing with the Stars reached the halfway point in the competition. It felt like another ho-hum filler episode, sandwiched between the two most popular themes: Disney Night and Halloween Night. I did enjoy Kel Mitchell's debonair polka dot suit and Karamo's and Lauren's vulnerable Contemporary routines. There was also a promotional pro-led dance halfway during the episode to entice people to buy tickets for the DWTS Live Tour next year. There was a time when I wanted to go to that, but I feel like it's sadly past its prime now. Maybe I'm losing some of my love for the show because it's been on too long. Maybe it's because most of the dancers are married to each other now and there's no longer the chemistry of watching people "fall in love" in each other's arms. It's losing some of its sparkle for me. Let's see how your favorites did during this sixth week of competition:

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Ally Brooke & Sasha Farber, Quickstep
Ally was riding high after receiving the top score of the season for her Contemporary last week. Her Quickstep to A-Ha's "Take on Me" was colorful and energetic, though my inner '80s diva didn't love it as much as I should have. Len called it full of energy and first class with a good frame. Bruno said it was so bright he needed sunglasses, but he noted it was so fast that they lost some of the synchronicity in the footwork. Carrie Ann agreed with Bruno, but said she loved the challenging concept of the choreography.
Score: 25

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Kate Flannery & Pasha Pashkov, Viennese Waltz
I was inspired by Kate's story about being a waitress in Beverly Hills for many years before she was able to make her acting dreams come true. Her Viennese Waltz to "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston was beautiful - she appeared to glide across the floor in that gorgeous dress. Bruno loved it for being in the best taste, while Carrie Ann was left speechless. She said it's obvious Kate is learning and putting the hard work into it every week. Len admired a turning step called the fleckerl that made it into the dance because it's a forgotten Viennese Waltz step he rarely sees.
Score: 27

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Kel Mitchell & Witney Carson, Quickstep
Kel was ready for his Quickstep to "Part Time Lover" by Stevie Wonder after Witney's unconventional boot camp in which everybody played an impromptu round of dodge ball with him. Carrie Ann complimented their synchronicity and flair. Len thought the routine was terrific, but he had to point out an incident (and made a mountain out of a mole hill, resulting in Witney tearing up a little). Bruno called Kel a full-time dancer, saying it was light, fast-paced footwork executed excellently regardless of the mishap. They were a delight to watch, and I hope they stick around awhile.
Score: 26

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Karamo Brown & Jenna Johnson, Contemporary
Karamo's Contemporary dedicated to his father and their re-connection set to Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved" catapulted him to another level in the competition. Len called it a fluid, well-constructed dance with a lovely feel and lifts. Bruno complimented his focus and intention, calling it truthful and expressive. Carrie Ann could feel his love, passion, and connection to the dance. It was a really smart move halfway in the competition at a crucial time to peak.
Score: 25

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Hannah Brown & Alan Bersten, Samba
Hannah was starting to feel a little homesick for Alabama, having spent so much time in LA. Her Samba set to Carrie Underwood's "Southbound" seemed to reflect her Southern roots. Bruno told her she brought Brazil to Nashville, liking the combination of country with the Samba. Carrie Ann called her a phenomenal dancer, while Len noted it wasn't an easy routine. He enjoyed the flair and content, but cautioned her about her feet and hip action.
Score: 24

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Sailor Brinkley-Cook & Val Chmerkovskiy, Jive
I enjoy watching Val push Sailor to step out of her shell each week. It was an interesting technique to make her dance her Jive in the middle of a crowded sidewalk. Dancing a Jive to Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go", I didn't see any trace of stage fright left during her fun-filled routine. Carrie Ann said she found her groove this week, noting it was a blast watching her. Len admired the full-on taste and flair of their Jive, taking the time to point out how much Val seems to be enjoying this season as well. Bruno teased her for playing up the star of the show factor and walking all over Val.
Score: 27

Sean Spicer & Lindsay Arnold, Viennese Waltz
Sean dedicated his Viennese Waltz to "Somebody to Love" by Queen to his wife, Rebecca. Sean appeared slightly less robotic this week, but it's more than slightly annoying to me that he's never been in the bottom two. Len admired his tenacity and hard work, saying he's still giving it his all. Bruno said it was the smartest he's ever looked and a brave attempt at a difficult dance. Carrie Ann liked the tenderness but felt distracted by his bizarre footwork.
Score: 21

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James Van Der Beek & Emma Slater, Samba
I enjoyed the color and playfulness of James' Samba set to the song "Light It Up". What I love about him is he always looks like he's living his best life out on the dance floor and his little (well, maybe not so little) family is always there cheering their hearts out for him. Bruno was excited by the hip-chain reaction, saying it was flexible and rhythmical. Carrie Ann called it off the charts. Len just uttered, "tutti frutti, what a booty", which was his oddest critique yet.
Score: 27

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Lauren Alaina & Gleb Savchenko, Contemporary
Lauren dedicated her Contemporary dance to her song "The Other Side" to the memory of her stepfather who died of cancer on this date and who was also the inspiration behind the song. It was a high note for the program to end. Carrie Ann commended her bravery and for touching everyone's hearts. Len echoed her sentiments, saying it was worthy of her stepfather, Gleb, and her many talents. Bruno admired so much truth, love, and honesty in the expression of her dance. When she started to cry, I also got swept up in the emotion of the moment.
Score: 26

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It was revealed that Sasha & Ally and Sailor & Val were in the bottom two. Neither of these couples deserved to go home this early in the competition. Carrie Ann and Bruno were unanimous in saving Sasha and Ally, but it was a super difficult decision. I felt so bad watching Sailor cry. If next week wasn't the special Halloween and Team Dance Night, I'd almost stop watching at this point. Who the hell out there is voting for Sean Spicer? The man can't dance and is not even remotely entertaining to watch, and this is nothing to do with politics. It looks like we will continue to watch talented people go home from here on out. The halfway point is always where it starts to get tougher, but it's just becoming ridiculous this season.

How did your favorites fare this week?

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