by Kylene Hamulak

 

It's Latin Night on Dancing With the Stars, with special guest Juanes! Each couple will be dancing TWO routines this week, with one pair earning immunity from elimination tomorrow night.

 

THE BEST

 

Jacoby and Karina, Salsa

Jacoby's had moves all season, but Latin dances actually give him a reason to show them off. His body takes a beating in rehearsal, but by the time the pair hits the dance floor, the hard work is worth it. He throws Karina around with ease, but his body never stops moving. Len loves it - he calls it first rate and fabulous, though he thought the lifts distracted from Jacoby's moves. Bruno demonstrates all the moves Jacoby's hips had - he loves it to. Carrie Ann says, "It's like you could fart the salsa." I hate the word fart and I can't believe I had to use it in my recap, but I couldn't NOT mention it.

Total Score: 27 (9-9-9)

 

Kellie and Derek, Samba

Kellie's tour schedule makes their rehearsal time interesting this week, as they try to find the time to cram in FOUR dances in between three shows in different locations. How do they respond? Well, they perform a Samba that is terrific. These two look like professionals out there, even with the crazy rehearsal schedule. Carrie Ann tells Kellie that when she watches her, all she sees is perfect...but she doesn't FEEL her dancing. Len calls it "A mix of booty, bounce, and bongos!" He thought it was brilliant. Bruno agrees - "It was the perfect balance of technique and performance."

Total Score: 29 (9 (Carrie Ann)-10-10)

 

Aly and Mark, Salsa

Mark wants to try new tricks this week and hurts his neck doing so. Here's my advice, with nothing against Aly. First, Mark should not try to throw a girl who is about the same size as him behind his neck. Second, he should stop wearing stupid hats at the spine doctor's. With Mark's back issues, Aly is rehearsing with Henry in case he's not available (which of course he is). It's a super fun routine and one of the best of the night, in my opinion. Bruno calls it a "tooty fruity delicious cocktail of tropical flavors." I'm a big fan of him calling anything related to Mark "tooty fruity". Carrie Ann loved it and goes into a whole weird dance and song about it. Len would've liked a little more recognizable Salsa, but still calls it tasty and refreshing.

Total Score: 29 (10-9 (Len)-10)

 

Zendaya and Val, Paso Doble

Why is Zendaya the only one doing the Paso? Well, regardless, Zendaya's challenge is to meet Val's intensity and energy for this dance. If you're surprised that she does it, you haven't been watching her at all. Honestly, it's not my favorite routine of the night, but the technique is certainly there. Len is excited - he says he was at the bullfight and the dance had attack, though she should work on lifting her chin. Bruno says, "Darling, you look like an angel, you dance like a fury." Carrie Ann thought it was beautiful and the lines were gorgeous, but she also felt there was some depth missing.

Total Score: 27 (9-9-9)

 

 

THE REST

 

Ingo and Kym, Rumba

Ingo's biggest issue with the Rumba is getting his hips to move, so he's trying to channel his character, General Hospital's Jax, for the sex appeal needed to sell the dance. He does a decent job with it - it's smoother than I expected it to be - but it's nothing amazing. Bruno calls his hip action "staccato" and thinks it should have been more fluid. Carrie Ann agrees - it not only lacked fluidity, but also some sensuality and connection because he was thinking so much. Len says he gave it his best shot but didn't quite deliver.

Total Score: 22 (7-8 (Len)-7)

 

Andy and Sharna, Rumba

"I never look as good as I think I look," says Andy. Oh gosh, watching him try to embrace the sensuality of the dance in rehearsals is so awkward, but it's also somewhat endearing. He doesn't look terrible in the performance, but he's also not moving around a whole lot. Still, it's entertaining. Len likes the fun and entertainment and his enthusiasm, but thinks it needed more movement through the body. Bruno isn't impressed - he (accurately) describes Andy as "doing the feet and hoping for the best." Carrie Ann recognizes that he gets into the character, but needs to work more on his technique.

Total Score: 17 (5 (Carrie Ann)-6-6)

 

Sean and Peta, Rumba

So Sean's struggle with the Rumba is pretending he's in love, which is hard because he doesn't have feelings for Peta. He wants to be sure we know that. Methinks the Bachelor doth protest too much! The Rhumba isn't the most exciting of the Latin dances, but it does look pretty. Their routine is no exception, and Sean does a good job with it. Carrie Ann notes the chemistry between them and calls it wonderful. Len says, "It was like a match - Peta was hot, you were a bit wooden." Bruno thinks his musicality and extensions were better and that he should be proud.

Total Score: 24 (8-8-8)

 

 

THE WRAP UP

 

First Results of the Week: After the first round of Latin dances, Brooke announced that Kellie and Derek have immunity! Because they tied for the highest scores of Round 1 and have the highest cumulative score, they not only earn safety for the week, but they're also spared having to participate in the dance off. Sorry, Kellie - apparently you wasted time learning THREE extra dances you didn't even need!

 

Special Guest: Juanes performed throughout the night singing...well, honestly, I don't speak Spanish so I don't really know. It was nice to see some of the eliminated pros and troupe dancers accompany him on the dance floor though!

 

Round 2 - The Dance Off: The couple with the second highest total gets first pick of their dance off opponent, who will get to choose the style of dance they'll be competing in. The winner of each dance off will get an additional 3 points.

 

Aly and Mark vs. Andy and Sharna, Cha Cha

This goes pretty much as expected. Aly and Mark have better moves, but Andy and Sharna have more personality. Len admires Andy's enthusiasm, Bruno thought they were both fantastic, and Carrie Ann says Andy inspires people by never giving up. In other words, they all loved Andy's "pluck", but Aly wins the round unanimously.

 

Zendaya and Val vs. Jacoby and Karina, Jive

Smart move by Zendaya and Val - sure they risked losing 3 points to Jacoby and Karina, but they also took the opportunity to gain 3 points on them, as opposed to breaking even. Both teams are strong with the Jive and really fun to watch. Bruno says it was like watching two champions, Carrie Ann applauds both teams, and Len declares it it a tough call. Zendaya and Val, however, win the round unanimously.

 

Sean and Peta vs. Ingo and Kym, Rumba

Not until they were pitted against each other did I recognize how much these couples resemble each other in every way possible, including dancing ability. Carrie Ann notes improvement in Ingo and strength in Sean, Len thinks there was a clear winner, and Bruno calls it the battle of the hunks. With votes from Carrie Ann and Len, Ingo and Kym win the dance off.

 

Final Thoughts: It certainly appears that Andy and Sharna will be in danger this week, likely with Ingo and Kym joining them in the Bottom 2. Who will go home? To be honest, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Andy has one more week left in him.  

 

The Standings:

Immunity: Kellie and Derek

32: Aly and Mark (score includes dance off bonus)

30: Zendaya and Val (score includes dance off bonus)

27: Jacoby and Karina

25: Ingo and Kym (score includes dance off bonus)

24: Sean and Peta

17: Andy and Sharna

 

How do you feel about this week's immunity for Kellie and Derek? Who do you think should go home this week? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Dancing With The Stars airs every Monday at 8/7c with Results every Tuesday on ABC!

 

(Images courtesy of ABC)

 

Follow Kylene on Twitter @keepingupwithky!