Semi-Finals Fall A Bit Short On Dancing With The Stars
By: Mary Cavaliere

Well it’s the semi-finals and the night did not get off to a good start because the judges shredded the first three performances.  Although they seemed to be harsh, I understand why they are frustrated because I am as well.  Having watched the show since season two, I remember many more perfect scores of 30 at this point in the show.  Although all four final contenders are great dancers, they sort of pale in comparison to previous competitors at this point in the competition. 

Len held a master class with each couple to try and help Lance with his pigeon toes, Cody with his stiff hips, Brooke with her bent legs, and Warren with his flat feet.  It looked like he made headway until we actually viewed the performances tonight.  Each couple had two dances to try and impress the judges and the voting audience:

Brooke & Derek started with a Jive.  Sometimes it looks to me like the dancers are making mistakes but I figure I’m not a dancer, so what do I know?  But then the judges confirm for me what I was thinking during the dance round.  Although this first dance had a lot of energy to it, Brooke messed up several times and did not pull it off.  I agreed with the judges combined score of 21 which I felt was right on target.   The second round Brooke & Derek danced the Salsa.  The ending was great but I felt everything else was mediocre.  The judges gave them a combined score of 28 but it was more like a 24 for me.

Cody & Julianne started with the Pasadoble.  I thought the choreography was brilliant and I’m so happy Julianne is back!  Granted the dance wasn’t perfect because Cody looked uncomfortable at times, but he’s just as good as anyone else who’s left in the competition so I thought he was cheated on the judges combined score of 22.  I would have given him a 27.  Their second round Cody & Julianne danced the Salsa.  Cody was not on target with the music and overall it was just o.k. for me.  The judges gave a combined score of 24 but it was more like a 21 for me.
 
Warren & Kym started with the Mambo.  Like many of the ladies in the audience, I just love Warren, but this performance was one of his worst and it looked like he was dancing week one or two again.  The entire performance was flat.  I thought the judges combined score of 24 was more than was deserved.  I would have given a 21.   Their second round Warren & Kym danced the Jitterbug and I agreed with Carrie Anne - Warren brought back his “A” game.  I just think his feet would look better and he’d look lighter on his feet if he got rid of the sneakers and put a dance shoes on.  Otherwise I fear his scores will continue to suffer.  The judges gave them a combined score of 25 which sounds about right.

Lance & Lacey started with the Mambo.  Lance is definitely the most improved dancer out of the remaining contestants.  I thoroughly enjoyed this dance and loved loved LOVED the choreography!  The judges agreed and said it was the best dance of the night for round one and gave it a combined score of 28.  I myself gave it a 30!  Their second round Lance & Lacey danced the Jitterbug and it was fantastic!  Only a pro could lose a shoe and keep on dancing without missing a beat.   The judges gave them a combined score of 29.  Damn you Len – you cheated this couple out of another well-deserved 30!

I was ecstatic to see Lance & Lacey at the top of the scoreboard as they surpassed the other three couples by almost 10 points!  Following Lance & Lacy were Warren & Kym who tied with Brooke & Derek for second place.  Last place was Cody & Julianne which means Cody is probably at risk of being eliminated tomorrow night.

You can read more of Mary’s television blogs at www.myspace.com/italiangirl57

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