It’s Cirque du Soleil night on week 4 of Dancing with the Stars. This brand-new theme for the show announced last week left viewers with questions as to what the dances will look like – if Olympic gymnast, Laurie Hernandez will be at a great advantage because of her acrobatic skills and if some other contestants would be disadvantaged due to the theme. Honestly, I had similar thoughts. I had imagined this night to be filled with stunts and tricks performed by the couples, however, the couples performed routines inspirited by Cirque du Soleil shows with acrobatic and circus elements by Cirque du Soleil performers. I expected more from this theme especially with all the hype ABC put into it but overall it turned out just okay.
But wait ….
Previously on Dancing With The Stars … during last Tuesday’s elimination show, we bid goodbye to Rick Perry and Emma Slater. Rick brought joy to every performance and will be missed. Sending virtual hugs.
Here’s my breakdown of the week:
Surprise of the night : Calvin Johnson and Lindsay Arnold’s Charleston
Although last week I felt that Calvin’s Viennese Waltz was not perfect and I disagreed with the judges giving the face-off win to him over Terra; this week Calvin and Lindsay’s Charleston won me over. Calvin is one of the biggest surprises this season, he’s improving each week and perfecting the techniques of each dance. Their Charleston was fun, fast paced, and had insane lifts. Calvin was fantastic and had great energy. Calvin is a great sport and I think he’s earned his spot in the ballroom. The praise cannot go to Calvin alone because his partner, Lindsay plays a huge role. Lindsay is a gift to the DWTS ballroom – she takes the celebrities she’s paired with and transforms them into amazing dancers.
#TeamLindsatron. Judges’ score: 23 out of 40
Can I ask how this couple scored lower than Maureen McCormick and Artem? No? Okay ..
Highest scored couple: Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy’s Jazz
I could not get my eyes off Laurie and Val dancing to ONE, a Cirque du Soleil show dedicated to Michael Jackson. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – Laurie is in a league of her own (Okay okay, with James Hinchcliffe). But, the girl can dance! I was expecting to see lots of tricks from her because she has it in her but i really enjoy that Val is showing us that there’s more to Laurie than her tumbles and tricks. However, when they eventually include tricks in their routine, it’ll be mind blowing.
The routine was interesting to watch and very fun. Laurie was able to shine among five professional male dancers. Bruno got it right that Laurie Hernandez gives us Debbie Allen, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson vibes. The judges were speechless and so was I. Can we give this girl the trophy already?
No words. Judges’ score: 40 out of 40!!!!!!!
Hello perfect score!
Lowest scored couple: Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Allison Holker’s Tango
Yikes!
I was not anticipating to write about Babyface in this section of my recap but tonight’s dance was messy. At the end of the dance, it was clear that Babyface and Allison were very disappointed in how the dance turned out. The concept was creative and had great potential but they fell short. The judges were very uplifting and encouraging. Why beat a dead horse, right?
Next week, maybe? Judges’ score: 18 out of 40 (welp!)
Most impressive couple: Terra Jole and Sasha Farber’s Samba
Stay with me as I express my excitement over this couple.
I was so excited to see one of top couples dancing the Samba this week because remember last week I put the Samba in first place as my favorite dance? Yes, okay. I found myself moving along with Terra and Sasha during this dance. There’s something about the way Terra moves that makes dancing seem so effortless. There was enough Samba content in this dance and Terra was giving so much action and sass during the performance. It was not a perfect dance and probably not one of Terra’s best dances but it was great and her whole package is heartwarming.
I’m a huge Little Women: LA fan and it’s refreshing seeing a different side of Terra where she’s vulnerable, eager and an inspiration. I’m loving every second I get to see her dance and the story she’s sharing through her dance. I tried not to cry typing this.
I love this. I love dance and I love that we all CAN. Judges’ score: 25 out of 40
PS: It was lovely seeing my #LittleWomenLA family in the audience.
My biased review of the night: Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko’s Foxtrot
What I loved about this dance is that there was nothing crazy going on during the dance. We were able to watch Jana and Gleb just dance the foxtrot and it was beautiful. I loved the song, the choreography, their chemistry, everything (including Gleb’s face). Jana wowed me during her first dance and for the past weeks she has struggled but i believe from this week’s dance it showed that she’s back in business. The judges comments dampened the mood but overall, I really enjoyed it.
I want to dance for someone, anyone? Judges’ score: 23 out of 40
Moment of the night: James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess’ Quickstep
Hello there James. For someone that spends his time sitting in a race car, James is such a performer and can put on a show. Julianne keeps sliding in the fact that he can quit being a race car driver and become an actor. It was an amazing close to the show – it looked like I was watching an actual Broadway Cirque show. James is so impressive, he’s an amazing dancer and I’m definitely here for him. I love everything about Sharna and what she does with her choreography, this dance reminded me of her Mary Poppins dance with Charlie White.
Tom said it perfectly, James is such a surprise. Well deserved scores!
Indeed a show stopper! Judges scores: 38 out of 40
PS: He’s Canadian 🙂
That’s it for now. I need the judges to fix their scoring or invite me to help them out. Greetings to Len Goodman as he is away for sometime and (yikes) double elimination on Tuesday night. Which two are we losing?
Photo credits: Instagram/ Dancingabc, Emmaslaterdance, SashaFarber1