The TV Recap: DWTS week 10: The Semifinals

Live from Hollywood … It’s the semifinals

Can you believe we’re one week away from the finale? Time sure flies when you’re having fun. Everything is on the line for the five remaining couples as they compete to make it to the finals. The couples had two routines to perform, which included the amazing Trio dance with an extra professional dancer.

I have to say that each year the finalists get better and I’m pleased with this final 5.

Let’s get to my thoughts…

James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess’ Argentine Tango

My greatest fear was that she was going to be out for the season and miss out on finishing this season dancing with James. I’m grateful that Sharna Burgess is back *cue happy dance*. She’s not only back but she came to slay with her choreography. The wonders of a break.

Oh gosh, how I loved their Argentine Tango. Sharna danced blindfolded. Although this twist is not new, it had been done by Bindi and Nyle, James and Sharna’s dancing made it feel brand new. After James’ hiccup last week, this dance showed his great technique and his ability to lead his partner. The dance felt edgy but sensual at the same time- we could feel their chemistry. Judge Carrie Ann saw some mistakes in the beginning (ugh).

All hail Queen Sharna. Judges’ score:  29 out of 30

Trio dance (with pro Jenna Johnson): Jive

Their Jive was all sorts of fun. The actual car from his accident was in the ballroom. The choreography was great and all three of them were in sync. All I can say is: James is such a pro.

Judges’ score: 30 out of 30. Total score: 59 out of 60

Terra Jole and Sasha Farber’s Rumba

What was there not to love about this dance? Their dance started out with Terra being ignored by the “pretty” people and wanting to “fit in” until Sasha arrives to show her that she’s beautiful. Their rumba was sweet but still sensual. Her movement blew my mind and the judges felt the same way. This dance was easily the most impressive dance of the night.

I love these two so much. Judges’ score: 30 out of 30 (helloooo!) 

Trio dance (with pro Artem Chigvintsev): Tango

Terra was definitely flirting with Artem on behalf of everyone in America. There’s no denying that Artem is a hottie. There’s also no denying that they killed this trio. I’m sure everyone wondered how Terra would work dancing with another average size guy, especially one on the taller side (at least I thought so) but one thing Terra has reminded us is that she (and we all) can do anything! This routine was hot! Terra controlled those men, and it was lovely to watch. Her technique was on point and the cheoreography was phenomenal. Terra was not drowning. It was basically her world and they were all living in it.

Judges’ score: 30 out of 30. Total score: 60 out of 60

Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko’s Quickstep

Jana has been through adversity but it’s amazing to see how she deals with those situations and how much she has grown. Their dance was nice to watch but after a while I got bored watching it. I’m sure it had a lot to do with the costumes.

So.Much.Pink. Judges’ score: 28 out of 30

Trio dance (with troupe Alan Bersten): Paso Doble

I somewhat enjoyed this Paso Doble. What I appreciated was Jana killing the techniques of this dance. It’s also nice seeing Alan dance. To be honest, I got tired after a while watching their dance. There’s something about Jana and Gleb’s dancing that always seems too long for me. Not a huge fan.

Judges’ score: 30 out of 30. Total score: 58 out of 60

Calvin Johnson’s and Lindsay Arnold’s Tango

Oh my! What happened here? This tango was definitely aggressive and they came in with so much attack. For me, the tango felt wonky from the beginning, even before the major slip. The concept of the dance was focused on overcoming things holding you back but i think Calvin went for it a little bit too much and he overpowered Lindsay while doing so. This dance was the lowest scored dance of the night.

However, I have to say that Calvin has come a long way since week 1. I remember his first dance and I wasn’t a huge fan of him (except for his sweet smile). He seems like such an amazing person and his dancing is also pretty good. Lindsay has done great work.

There’s always next week. Judges’ score: 26 out of 30

Trio dance (with pro Witney Carson): Salsa

The trio round is not complete without a Lindsay and Witney trio. In past seasons, they have been in trios with Alfonso Ribeiro, Wanya Morris, and Chris Soules. These ladies are fun but fierce when they dance together. I love how goofy they are. As long as Lindsay and Witney aren’t still in the competition during the Trio round, I don’t see this stopping anytime soon.

That Salsa though! I couldn’t stop dancing when they music came on. Now, Calvin is someone I want to Salsa with (where can i sign up pls). Calvin’s technique wasn’t the best during this Salsa but it was fun to watch, and we need that sometimes. BUT the double lift was INCREDIBLE. The judges definitely loved the lift that they forgot about technique.

Judges’ score: 30 out of 30. Total score: 56 out of 60

Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy’s Foxtrot

UGH! I was so heartbroken during Laurie’s package and even during her dance. I broke down in tears (actually, my roommate and I). Her package showed how much her family meant to her, especially her grandma who had Alzheimer’s. Sadly, Laurie’s grandma passed away a day after the interview was done.

Although Laurie is dealing with her grandma’s death, she danced that routine like no other. I am so amazed at her strength at only 16! Everything about this routine was perfect. No other words. This whole performance confirmed that Laurie is definitely winning this season. Definitely the moment of the night.

My heart. Judges’ score: 30 out of 30

Trio (with Pro Maks Chmerkovskiy): Samba

The concept of this trio was Maks playing the dance coach while Val and Laurie were his students preparing for a dance competition. Although, I really enjoyed the concept of this trio, I’m not a fan of dances that are not true to the requirements. The aim of the trio is to have three dancers dancing together, if not side by side, to see how well they dance together. This allows for viewers and judges to see how well the celebrity can dance but also how they rise up to dancing alongside another professional dancer. I did not like it when Derek Hough did it and neither do i appreciate it when it’s done by Val Chemerkovskiy.

However, this dance was fireeee. Laurie danced that! She killed the samba. That’s how I want to look when I learn to dance the samba (LOL!). Those Samba rolls!! I also appreciate when the Chmerkovskiy brothers dance together. The judges loved it! Overall, i’m less salty.

Judges’ score: 30 out of 30. Total score: 60 out of 60

The results

UGH! I was so sad to see Terra and Sasha get eliminated. Once Jana and Gleb were pronounced safe by Tom Bergeron I knew that was the end for #TeamXL. These two have been such a joy to watch and they inspired us each Monday. Remembering how nervous I was for them during cast preview yet they exceeded every expectation. Terra is a shinning star and I’m happy she did DWTS so we could all see her for who she is.

Sasha Farber is a phenomenal dancer and choreographer and is also a great, patient human being. Every season he gets to be a pro, we get to know him a little more and see how amazing he is. His time will definitely come when he’s in the finals and gets to choreograph an amazing freestyle. Thank you DWTS gods. He’s definitely not going anywhere.

It would’ve been great to see him this season choreograph a freestyle with Terra but with time we’ll see Sasha for sure. I’m getting all emotional (sad sad tears).

That’s all for now! Until next week – the DWTS two-night finale begins Monday. I can’t wait to find out who wins.

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