by Kristal Bailey

 

With only five couples left, the cream has definitely risen to the top. Except for Bristol Palin. While she’s a good dancer, she definitely isn’t at the same level as the other four. Maybe this week will be her last? 

 

This week’s theme is the “Instant” Dance. After their first dance, they will pick a song out of a disco ball. They knew the style of dance, but not the music. They have 45 minutes to prepare. The judges will be looking for confidence, embellishments between the steps, and if they can finish on that final beat. 

 

Celebrity: Kyle Massey

Professional Partner: Lacey Schwimmer

 

Dance: Viennese Waltz

 

Breakdown: Lacey is really hitting him hard this week with critiques in rehearsal. He was much improved this week! He even brought a smile to Len’s face. He had a long, wide frame with good posture. This week, he’s a “gorgeous orchid” compared to last week’s “bud.” Bruno, everybody, myself included, is totally charmed by him. Carrie Ann’s crush from the early weeks is back in full force! She compares it to “watching a fairytale in real life” and they were “dancing on a cloud.” The judges loved it and so did I! 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9 Len: 9 Bruno: 9 

 

Total: 27/30 

 

Dance: Jive to “Good Golly Miss Molly” by Lionel Richie

 

Breakdown:  Steve-O came into rehearsals this week to do his usual Jackass antics to keep Kyle focused on his dance steps and not the music. Their Jive was great! I could not tell they only had 45 minutes to prepare that dance to the music because it fit so well. The Jive is Kyle’s dance – full of enthusiasm, personality, and fast paced. While it wasn’t as polished as it could have been, it still looked like they had rehearsed it far more than they did! During this number, Carrie Ann had the most fun as a viewer and as a judge this whole season. 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 10 Len: 9 Bruno: 10 

 

Total: 29/30 (56/60 for the night)

 

Celebrity: Jennifer Grey

Professional Partner: Derek Hough

 

Dance: Quick Step

 

Breakdown: Jennifer is definitely showing signs of being the oldest celebrity left. Her knee is inflamed and there is a constant partial tearing happening when she moves it in such a way. Her dad, Broadway living legend Joel Grey, stopped in to keep her motivated. No wonder she can dance! It’s in her blood! She showed no signs of pain and did a fantastic routine! Bruno said they were did a great “Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers” style Quick Step. Len and Carrie Ann also loved it, saying the audience loves to watch her dance. Despite the pain, Jennifer Grey has stopped considering dropping out because her daughter gives her all the motivation she needs. 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9 Len: 9 Bruno: 9  

 

Total: 27/30

 

Dance: Rumba to “Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner

 

Breakdown: This was a good 2nd routine for them since the Rumba isn’t as stressful on her knee. Bruno thought it was absolutely superb! Carrie Ann loved the way it matched up with music and it’s great to see Jennifer back in top form. 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 10 Len: 10 Bruno: 10 

 

Total: 30/30 (57/60 for the night)

 

Celebrity: Kurt Warner

Professional Partner: Anna

 

Dance: Waltz

 

Breakdown: Carrie Ann thinks he’s the “Ken doll who can dance.” He’s not at the same level as some of the other celebrities, but he puts in the effort and heart. Len thought the feeling of the dance was beautiful, not necessarily the movements themselves. Bruno pointed out he was leading with his chin, but this is just further proof that he is trying to get it right. If Bristol isn’t the one to go home (again), I think Kurt is in danger this week.

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8 Len: 8 Bruno: 8 

 

Total: 24/30

 

Dance: Cha Cha to “Hella Good” by No Doubt

 

Breakdown: Kurt definitely had the most fun I’ve seen from him this season. Carrie Ann thought he was completely in his element! The performance was full of personality and even a dash of sex appeal. Len thought the fact that he didn’t know the music helped him focus and really stay on the beat. The foot placement wasn’t perfect, but the overall performance was good! 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8 Len: 8 Bruno: 8 

 

Total: 24/ 30 (48/60 for the night) 

 

Celebrity: Bristol Palin

Professional Partner: Mark Ballas

 

Dance: Argentine Tango

 

Breakdown: This was her best dance by far! It helps that the Tango doesn’t need much in terms of facial expressions. Len got booed and shouted out for saying she lacked intensity, but that’s her story every week. This was the most intensity and personality we’ve seen from her yet, but it still doesn’t match what the other female contestants that are left have been able to put forth. 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8 Len: 8 Bruno: 8 

 

Total: 24/30

 

Dance: Samba to  “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes

 

Breakdown: While she did seem to get lost a little bit at one point, she looked like she was having fun! This is the most difficult dance style we’ve seen in the Instant Challenge because there are lots of timing changes. Given that, they did a stand up job. Carrie Ann definitely noticed that she doesn’t have the same level of musicality that the other contestants do. They got off beat, moved faster than the music, and Mark did mess up on one step. With all that though, they scored well enough and are only one point behind Kurt and Anna. 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 7 Len: 8 Bruno: 8 

 

Total: 23/30 (47/60 for the night)

 

Celebrity: Brandy 

Professional Partner: Maksim

 

Dance: Waltz

 

Breakdown: They were immersed in their characters, to the point that Bruno compared them to a poem. Their movement spellbound Carrie Ann. The only critique they got was that Brandy needs to work on elongating her neck to make her movements more graceful. 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9 Len: 10 Bruno: 10 

 

Total: 29/30

 

Dance: Cha Cha to “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry

 

Breakdown: Another great routine that you could tell they were having a blast doing. Bruno loved it, but Carrie Ann was disappointed in the choreography. She thought it was a waste to have them take 4/8ths to get into the routine. She and Maksim had some words, but even with their argument their scores were strong enough for them to tie for the top spot. 

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9 Len: 9 Bruno: 10

 

Total: 28/30 (57/60)

 

There is definitely a clear divide between the top 3 and Bristol and Kurt. If you are pulling for Kurt, you will need to vote! Bristol has been at or near the bottom for weeks, but the audience votes have kept her afloat while better dancers like Rick Fox have gone home. It definitely keeps the elimination shows interesting, but I’d like to see the most talented in the quarterfinals! 

 

Tune in to the live Elimination show tomorrow on ABC at 9/8 c. 

 

(Image courtesy of ABC)

 

Follow Kristal on twitter @kristal_bailey