The TV Column: DWTS Week 5: Most memorable year

Previously on Dancing with the Stars…

In last week’s double elimination result show, the ballroom said goodbye to Babyface and Vanilla Ice. These eliminations weren’t particularly surprising.

However, the biggest highlight of the episode was Sasha Farber proposing to Emma Slater #Esha. I don’t even know where to begin, so you have to watch for yourself here. Of course I cried all through the episode because of this proposal (and I’m still crying as I type this).

Speaking of tears …

It’s Most Memorable Year night on DWTS. The stars focus on one important year in their life and perform routines inspired by those moments. This night is famous because it is all about the emotions. The stars share moments from the birth of their children, to near-death experiences, death of family members and professional highs. I especially enjoy this theme because viewers are exposed to who the stars are and the impact of their experiences in shaping them into who they are today. Our experiences are impactful upon us so it’s inspiring to tap into that and watch those moments translate into dance. Also because I apparently enjoy crying.

The show opened with a violin performance of My Heart Will Go On and it was a beautiful routine choreographed by Mandy Moore.

The competition is getting tougher and there was not any score below 8. It was a slight challenge to pick which dances to write about because I really wanted to blog about them all.

Enough rambling, here’s my breakdown of the night:

Biggest surprise of the night: Maureen McCormick and Artem’s Foxtrot

1985 was the most memorable year for Maureen because that was the year she married her husband. Maureen’s husband helped her to overcome a cocaine addiction after her role as Marcia Brady.

This foxtrot was a surprise for me because Maureen performed so gracefully and as Bruno said, the dance was so “pretty”. She looked comfortable during that dance and she did not seem overwhelmed by emotions. It was also adorable seeing Artem’s emotional side. Maureen has really improved.

Judges’ score: 24 out of 30

Highest scored couple: James Hinchcliffe and Sharna’s Tango

2015 was the year James was in a race car accident and almost died. His doctor mentioned that it was unusual that he survived the injury. This situation was 18 months ago. We (including his partner Sharna) are all amazed on how he’s doing DWTS when 18 months ago he was still learning to walk again. This made me appreciate every moment I get to see him dance.

What can I say? The tango was fast but beautiful. The judges commented that James has the best frame and technique in the competition. They even suggested he might be the one to beat (yikes!).

Honestly, tonight I saw that James has a chance of winning this season and I’d not be upset at that (Am I secretly rooting for James to win?)

Praying for a miracle. Judges’ score: 29 out of 30

Lowest scored couple

It’s interesting that the lowest score of the night was 24 out of 30. Maureen, Calvin, Amber and Ryan all got 24 out of 30 but I’ll blog about one couple. It’s either that everyone did so well or the judges scoring is questionable as usual.  I’ll go with the latter.

It’s still very obvious that Amber Rose is not still comfortable while she’s dancing in the DWTS ballroom.  It’s difficult because the show is almost at the half-way point and the stronger celebrities are left in the competition, and everyone is improving each week so it’s challenging to remain “just okay”. Although Amber danced well, the dance was kind of weak compared to other dances tonight and she’s standing out as one of the worst dancers left in the competition. The judges commented on the costumes and the content but barely on the dancing itself and that says a lot. PS: I think their score was a bit too high. 

However, I enjoyed it. It wasn’t the best but i wanted to be part of the girl squad dancing the Samba.

Where do i sign up? Judges’ score: 24 out of 30

Most impressive couple: Marilu Henner and Derek’s Viennese Waltz 

1978 was Marilu’s most memorable year because it was the year her mum died and she booked a role on Taxi. Honestly, I did not think i’ll be writing about Marilu in this section of the recap but I love me a great Viennese Waltz. Her story was emotional but the Derek Hough choreography was top-notch and she danced it beautifully. It was fitting for her personality and I love that Derek kept that in mind and did her justice. The music, the lighting –  the whole package was impressive.

This is why I love this night, everyone taps into some amazing strength. Very well deserved scores.

I wanted to get in on that hug. Judges’ scores: 27 out of 30

My biased review of the night: Laurie Hernandez and Val’s Paso Doble

2016, the year Laurie won Gold at the Olympics is her most memorable year. I couldn’t help but find myself smile during this Paso Doble. The Paso was intense and strong but I channeled my inner Laurie thinking about the challenges I anticipate facing in life and it really put a smile on my face.

This is the first week that Laurie and Val got critiqued by the judges.  I have to agree with the judges that the Paso was not perfect but the bar has been set so high for Laurie. However, she’s very capable. No one is perfect but remember I predicted this happening in my week 2 recap.

Yes, the Paso was not the strongest for Laurie, but who cares?

Channeling my inner Laurie right now. Judges’ score: 25/30

My inspiration/moment of the night: Jana Kramer and Gleb’s contemporary

I had to include this breakdown into this recap for two reasons: 1. I had too much to say about the dancing tonight. 2. It only seemed normal to have this section during this theme.

2016 was Jana’s most memorable year – the year her daughter was born. 10 years ago, Jana was in an abusive relationship, and her then partner went to jail for attempting to murder her. This story Jana told through this dance inspired me and this is what I love about this theme. It blows my mind hearing about people’s past experiences and seeing their perseverance and resilience. The routine was powerful and emotional and showed the chemistry and trust between Jana and Gleb. Jana danced to show her strength but also to tell her daughter (and other women) that it’s not okay for any man to hurt you (in any way). I subscribe to that.

Thank you, Jana. Judges’ score: 26 out of 30

Before I end off, I have to shout out Terra Jole and Sasha (what would my recap be without mentioning them?). They were phenomenal tonight. I connected to the emotions Terra showed tonight and the relationship Terra and Sasha have is amazing.

Okay, okay, that’s it for this week. Thank you DWTS gods for for no elimination this week and for Latin night next week with guest judge Pitbull. You do not want to miss that.

Photo credits: Instagram/Dancingabc, Sashafarber1, lauriehernandez_