DWTS Week 6- Tribute to the Ballroom Greats

Honoring the great in Ballroom Dancing this week with guest judge the one, the only, Donnie Burns! And with Luca Baricchi and Shirley Ballas coaching the stars, it’s going to get crazy!!!

The first team of Romeo, Ralph and Chelsie, danced to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”. I mostly loved it with some rough spots due to lack of synconization. But very past paced and energized! They score a 30 for their Cha Cha formation.

Team Hines a.k.a “Shakin’ Your Butts Club” did a great job doing so. Dancing to a Ke$ha song, they did a good job bringing a club like energy to the floor. But they actauly tied with a 30 as well.

What an amazing surprise to have Yulia and Ricardo dance the fastest Jive I’ve ever seen!!! I’ve always loved her!!!
US and World Champions dancing a Tango was the %*&#!@ sickest thing I have ever seen! The stacatto action was beyond anything I ever knew and I had to rewind my DVR again and again and could not get enough of it!

Romeo & Chelsie: SAMBA score 29
I hated it, another hot mess. He was squating the whole time with his knees as if he was dancing a Tango. There was no bounce action and too much booty shakin’ could not cover the fact that he lacked all the skills to pull off this Samba.

Ralph & Karina: QUICKSTEP score 36
Super cute! Loved the story and speak easy theme. His footwork was surprising good for such a fast dance. Not much to say but he’ll be back next week.

Hines & Kym: TANGO score 36
All I can say is WOW! The best of the night for me. Some parts were a little too light on the feet during the run arounds and at times a little off balance, but all forgiveable.

Now the ladies….

Kendra & Louis: TANGO score 31
Luca was their coach for the Tango, and really like what he said, “A great dancer is not a dancer that doesn’t make mistakes. I make mistakes, Luis makes lots of mistakes when we dance, but we deal with them.” Well, I did not see any mistakes from this most improved dancer. And I give it up to her for surviving the pivot to promenade walks transitition which was super hard!

Chelsie & Mark: PASO DOBLE score 34
Loved her costume and the fact that the lace was a rhinestoned body suit…HOT!!! But the dance was Ok, nothing too special. And I hate it when Mark gets all bent out of shape and starts to, once again, name drop all the names of patterns. I’m soooo over him.

Kirstie & Maksim: JIVE score 30
I called it out America! I told you she was going to have a breakdown this week, ha! Now her dancing…..hot freakin’ mess! The side by side work was like she just ran out of steam and barely was able to lift her feet off the ground which is a must in this dance. And when your teacher is Maks, you know he does not hold back.

Well for the most part, it was not a good week for anyone. I think Romeo and Kirstie will be under the red light to see who will go home. If were up to me, I’d say it would be Kirstie going home. I think her fame is not enough to overcome the abundance of bad dancing this week. Then again, America may give in to the weight loss goal empathy voting and allow her one more week for redemption before ultimately ousting her from her dreams of a mirror ball trophy. But, you never know.
See you in 24 hours with my thoughts about the results.

DWTS Week 6- Diva’s Dish on Guilty Pleasures

“Guilty Pleasures Week” on DTWS!  Can this be any more perfect for me to talk about?  I am all over this theme!  Yes, I’m guilty of singing in the shower and while driving to work (yes, I’m that girl on 280 Northbound). I have no shame letting it all out and thinking “What student can I get to dance to New Kids on The Block? Britney? *Nsync?” Mmmmm….And the show had the “pre-Jonas Brothers” band Hansen as the house band singing more guilty pleasures songs between commercials.

Chris & Cheryl: TANGO score 22

“Don’t Stop Believing”, can this night get any better?  Bruno and Carrie Ann are on drugs and Len was spot on! (Happy Birthday Len)  I was so impressed with Chris’s toned and relaxed shoulders throughout the routine.  He looked strong but yet was flexible when need be, which is a challenge for most guys that have alot of muscles.  He needed to have a way higher score, give me a paddle board!

Romeo & Chelsie: WALTZ score 28

Who doesn’t love a hopeless romantic? Titanic’s “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion would have been a great routine to pull off, but I felt it fell short. Don’t get me wrong, he totally pulled off the facial expressions and created a feel of the story, but his transitions, once again, is the small detail that would put him above Hines, in my eyes.  But Carrie Ann’s 10? I told you she was on drugs. She claimed that it was a magical night for Romeo, I think not!

Ralph & Karina: PASO DOBLE score 24

Ok, when Karina put in the famous “wax on, wax off” arm styling, I was thinking for the love of God, pleeeeease tell me they are dancing to “You’re the Best Around” from The Karate Kid. Oh but no, an even better song, “Everybody Dance Now” (ps. it’s one of our teachers’ favorite songs.  Don’t tell Dustin I told you America).  Now for the actual performance….. Loved the way it started with the high energy and even I was getting pumped up and wanted to start dancing around my house.  I know you all are wondering my thoughts on Karina’s fall.  The combination of tripping over Ralph’s foot (which was not mentioned) and landing on his coat which made her slip and fall, all I can say is poor thing! Once again kids, the professionals are humans too!  Even as frazzled as she was she knew she had to get back up and get back into it.  Once that was, the routine picked up from where it was left off. For those of you who think knee spins and that last run to dip was not a big deal, it was! Those elements are difficult and great job to Ralph for pulling them off.

Hines & Kym: VIENNESE WALTZ score 27

Oh, Boys II Men songs.  Taking me back to the good old days of high school and all things cheesy. But his routine was far from cheese, I loved everything about it.  The choreography was one of Kym’s best and amazing.  If I’m being super picky, I would say watch for the footwork during the pivots, no spinning on the heel.  Now, any ladies who want to volunteer to take the place of Hines’s pillow?

Now the ladies….

Kendra & Louis: SAMBA score 25

Some may agree, some of you may not, but that was by far her best dance ever!  Finally, we were able to see her shine and have fun and not march around like last week. Her voltas were a little weak, but you have to give it up to her letting loose on the dance floor.

Chelsea & Mark: QUICKSTEP score 28

OK, I love this one. Super cute and fun from beginning to end, I couldn’t help but smile the whole time. Yes, Mark, I have nothing but positive nice things to say tonight. This one was deserving of the score but was hoping for a 29. Go girl!!!

Kirstie & Maksim: SAMBA score 26

Yes, welcome back to the competition Kirstie!  I mean come on, dancing to Britney’s first hit “Baby, Hit Me One More Time”?  Loved it and her dancing. She tends to look down, which shows a lack of confidence from time to time, but when she makes eye contact with Maks or the crowd, it’s hot! I would like to see her hold her feet to show off the “1 a 2″ rhythm better and more twist action during the stationary copas.  As for the famous Shadow Samba Rolls……..not bad.  Usually, I’m against these patterns because they are so hard to do correctly, but I am not hating them on her (Rachel, don’t pass out!).

All in all, I think every week needs to have this theme.  At least I was fully entertained. So who is going home America? I think with the combination of a low score (compared to everyone else) and a feeling that America has been trying to get her off the show.  We’ll send home Kendra.

But, then again…Who knows.  See you in 24 hours with my thoughts about the results.

DWTS Week 5- Diva’s Dish on the Results

Dear Petra: I hate to see you go, but love to see you leave.

Here we go America!  The results are in, but let’s see what lead up to it…

I’m so glad that Romeo was picked to do the encore dance.  This time around he seemed much more relaxed and hit every move better than the night before.

The opening number sung by Tobey Keith was all American fun, but Maks is having a heck of a season with mishaps happening with both his star and professional Lacey.  Like I tell my students, “Keep on going!” The second song featured Jonathan and Anna from the Bay Area with a beautiful medley of different dances.

Now normally I don’t pay too much attention on the clips they show between who’s save or not, but Psycho Mike’s DWTS “EXPOSED” was freakin’ hilarious!!!  And since Maks caught my eye this week, his describtion of himself (sex on a stick) was to die for, I love these European men!

Macy’s Stars of Dance was really neat with all the different styles of dancing around a New York like stage. And I love that song!  Watch out, I see a new routine in the future.

So now the moment of truth!  And what did I tell you?  Petra is going home folks!  I honestly never saw what all the hoopla was about this girl.  I mean, she was just OK for me, but the praises she received from the judges were not justified to me.  Thank you America for making this her last week.

What do I see happening in the near future many of you ask?  Unless something magical happens with Kendra, that girl is out of here.  And dare I say if Ralph does not shape up, he’s in danger of losing his mirror ball dream.

My top picks? Of course my “dark horse” Chris Jericho is steady and moving right along to the finals.  The next spot is a toss up between Hines and Chelsea.  I think the combo of his personality and hard work will pay off in the end.  But I’ve seen the power of all things Disney and tweens supporting Chelsea.

Next week the stars will be dancing to songs they love in Guilty Pleasure week.  Now I am already looking forward to my own guilty pleasure with New Kids On the Block and Backstreet Boys on the show.  Yes, I will be screaming like a 15 year old teenager and reliving my NKOTB days (don’t judge me).  So Juan and Cari, I think I feel a cold coming on and have a feeling that I will be out sick Monday & Tuesday night.  Don’t worry, I will make a speedy recovery and be fine for the rest of the week. 😉

Until then…

DWTS Week 5- Diva’s Dish on the Red, White and Beautiful

It’s American Week at DWTS, so bust out your Red, White and Blue!

Chris & Cheryl: VIENNESE WALTZ score 26

Love this one! Great natural turns in closed and shadow position.  I agree with Len on Chris being a little flat footed. But for a guy, he had fluid movement with his arms.  That impressed me. His last run around was frantic and I hated his costume, so unflattering. But once again, watch out for this one, I pick him to remain top ranked for the rest of the season.

Romeo & Chelsie: FOXTROT score 26

Dancing to “New York, New York”, Romeo did not let me down! Wow, see what happens when you get over that attitude about not looking cool? He really got into his character and added his own flavor to it. That’s why I love the Fox Trot!  It’s the perfect blend of elegant ballroom with a splash of sassiness.  Great job Chelsie! Just watch Romeo’s left arm that it does not extend too high in closed position during rotations.  Timing was mostly danced correctly, had to give him credit for that.  It’s challenging for any dancer to really control the “slow”. Overall, I’m a sucker for anything Old Hollywood.

Ralph & Karina: SAMBA score 22

What happened here? Started off weird and I had no idea what was up with his facial expressions? This seemed out of control and looked like he tried too hard. With his scrunched shoulders and bad attempt at a Shadow Samba Roll (as one of our students, Rachel would say, “They’re a priviledge, not a right”).  Sorry to say, Ralph was no Urban Cowboy tonight.

Hines & Kym: RUMBA score 27

Here’s where I like to see the clips of practice.  Dropping partners, head butts and punching them in the ribs are not so romantic.  Thank goodness none of that came out during their performance. Now, I’m not going to lie, I had to rewind my DVR to see the routine again, due to how hot Kym looked in her costume.  I could not take my eyes off of her. Now when I finally paid attention to Hines, I noticed too many heel leads and toe releases on most basic components.  He usually has strong lines and ankles, but seemed weak this week.  His costume and shoulders distracted me and I felt it hindered his movement.  I do disagree with Len.  True it was not his best dance, but for sure not horrible.  As well as Carrie Ann, he had better hip motion in his Samba. I mean come on, he can carry me (or any woman) off the floor anytime he wants to.  Btw, that’s an open invitation should he read this article.

Now the ladies….

Kendra & Louis: FOXTROT score 22

Ok, how more cheesy can you get?  What producer picked that horrible song and purposely gave it to poor Kendra?  I mean, it was cute for a 6 year old to dance to at a Little Miss Beauty Pagent, but really?  I guess you can say that the performance as a whole embraced the theme for the week perfectly.  At least her pivots were spot on. Either America will love it or end her time for sure this week.

Chelsea & Mark: SAMBA score 26

Don’t let booty shaking fool you for correct hip motion. I’m surprised that she is not flexible in twisting her hips more. It was fun and cute, like all things Disney, but she had a little rough spot on the Promenade Runs that were forgivible.

Petra & Dmitry: QUICKSTEP score 22

I love all things Vegas, but not this routine.  All I can remember is her hidious left shoulder popping up like the Hunchback of Notre Dame (harsh, I know).  It made it impossible for poor Dmitry to establish any connection with her to create a true lead and follow.  As a result, his frame was a mess and looked like she was clinging on for dear life. On the flip side, her feet were much better than last week and finally took that much needed heel lead on forward steps!

Kirstie & Maksim: FOXTROT score 23

Well…..um…..where do I begin with this one? After wiping up the drool from my chin due to a shirtless Maks, I had to once again rewind my DVR to take a second look at his bodacious body and then again for the dancing.  Now don’t start hating me, but that girl in that semi 2 piece outfit was not OK!  And if you are going to flip your hair around, commit to it.  Her dancing was lifeless and flat, not to mention she moved her feet as if they weighed 20 pounds each. Her sassy attitude was a great match for the song, but not enough to pull off this dance number.  Carrie Ann and Bruno are way off their rocker with their praises for this last number of the night.

My guess is that Petra or Kendra will get voted off today,  Petra was a gawky mess and Kendra had way too much cheese this week.  Then again, I guess we’ll have to see.

See you in 24 hours with my thoughts about the results.

DWTS Week 4-Diva’s Dish on Classical Week

It’s the first ever “Classical Week” for DWTS. A 46 piece band! David Garret as “rock violinist”! And metro sroprano Katherine Jenkins to add to the dramatic flare! Wow, what a show! Now this all sounds fantastic, but I know in the back of all the teachers’ minds, they are thinking, “Yes! I get to to do choreography to a song that holds no clear beat or steady rhythm. I can just go by what I feel in that moment in time, this will be the greatest master piece I have ever created! Wait a minute, what? Oh, that’s right! I’m dancing with someone who forgets their left foot from their right foot and has no idea where to find the “1” beat. Oh Lord, help me survive this week please!”

Sugar Ray & Anna: VIENNESE WALTZ score21

When I heard they were dancing to “Waltz of the Flowers”, I felt like munching on a gingerbread cookie, washing it down with a cold glass of milk while sitting next to a Christmas tree. I love this performance! Was it technically correct, NO! But what a fun time I had watching this. And I love that Anna paid honor to ballet with some moves inserted through out the routine. His streamlines and run around were a little bouncy, but who cares!

Chris & Cheryl: PASO DOBLE score 23

Awesome job on choreography and accenting the music! So right on with every beat! Hated the mustashe but loved all the transformation and makeup to fit the mood of the night. I think he is the “Dark Horse” of the season, watch out!!!

Romeo & Chelsie: PASO DOBLE score 23

OK , I love this song! I have a special place in my heart for this one, since I had the pleasure performing with the awesome Juan de Dios Garcia for a friend’s wedding. So I thought to myself, “Romeo, don’t you dare mess this one up!” For the most part I liked it. The intensity was totally there and you feel like he put it all on the line (even more than last week’s performance). He just needs to fill out the music with more body movement rather than hit all his poses sharp. For example, when rolling up through the back, I want to see the devolpement of each and every muscle on his back work. And on a selfish note, I want Chelsie’s dress. So Designs by Randall, send it this way. Just add a couple of panels of fabric, I’m no size 2!!!

Ralph & Karina: WALTZ score 25

The beginning was a little over dramtic, but once they started dancing…wow! Ralph pulled it off. His hands were so much better and looked like they had life in them. Previously, his hands were called “creepy” and “spatulas”. Good job Karina for fixing those things. Now she needs to focus on the falling action of the “rise and fall” by having him control through his knees, feet and ankles. What completely blew me away was the side by side chanée turns in great synchronicity! Holy cow! And loved all his lines and the re-inactment of “dying with his love” at the ending pose. Romeo and Juliet. What a sucker I am for love.

Hines & Kym: PASO DOBLE score 25

Hines is 100% all man, sheoow!!! That was my cat call attempt to Hines to bring it over here to mama. How hot was that? The only thing I would say is watch the foot work during the lock steps. Oh, and the second thing I would say is…HOT!!! That’s all I can say now.

Now the ladies….

Kendra & Louis: VIENNESE WALTZ score 18

First off, good for Len to kindly remind us that they are beginner dancers. Trust me, I would never expect a first year student to do even half of what these stars do. But even then, here is what I think of my girl Kendra. I think the more you tighten your arms and shoulders, the harder it is to do all these tricks that were in the routine. Yes, you must have a sense of tone in the muscles, but if not, you will look as if you are scared to death (which she did). Plus, anytime she used her arms, she never bent her elbow which would of given her a softer overall feel. Mind you, I actually like Kendra, but just like the song said, “Time to Say Goodbye” girlfriend. Snap!

Chelsea & Mark: VIENNESE WALTZ score 26

I’m a little torn on this one. I loved the whole routine, I truly truly did. Come on, anything from the amazing John Williams would be a dream come true to dance to in front of millions of people. And being a Harry Potter fan didn’t hurt either. I just wish Mark would of put more actual “dance patterns” because it would of worked just as well, if not better. The shadow natural turns were OK, a bit rushed to me. Good for you Len for putting your foot down on Mark’s antics! I guess he’s trying to make his claim into the Broadway market. Choose another show Mark. It’s Ballroom!

Petra & Dmitry: PASO DOBLE score 23

Don’t start booing at me, but thumbs down for this one. I can not get over her clumsy walking steps and frantic skirt work. I mean, come on, how can you mess up walking? Isn’t that part of your job as a model? And having a hard time making a pissed off pouty face? Once again, isn’t that your job? You’re a model, that’s what they are known for. And was it really necessary disrobing her at the end? I completely disagree with the judges.

Kirstie & Maksim: WALTZ score 22

Pretty, but her wrists are way too bent. Looks like a broken chicken wing. And her feet need to stay connected on the floor during her twinkles and passes. Not bad, but would like to see more. And yes, I’ve had my shoe come off my foot at the most random time and I think it WAS during a performance. Hee hee!!! I feel you girl!

So now I’m motivated and want to dance to any one of these songs. So if you are one of my students, get ready to be dramatic for June’s Showcase (you don’t have a choice)!

See you in 24 hours with my thoughts about the results.

Diva Dishes on DWTS: 12

Ok, let me start by saying, when watching DWTS I’m torn.  The teacher in me notices the true emotions and fears a student faces when having to perform in front of people for the first time (let alone, millions of people). As well as wanting to celebrate all of the little victories that happen during the performance: a smile, pointing your toes during a developé or hitting the ending pose with out blood being shed.  Yes, us teachers see the growth, as a dancer and mostly as a person during the journey of learning to dance.  We are your biggest cheerleaders, supporters and even shoulders to cry on. BUT, this is DWTS people!  So the professional judge in me has to come out, and trust me, she has tons to say.

 

Who did great and who bomb? Read on and see what our Diva consultant has to say.

Chelsea Kane & Mark: FOXTROT score 21

Typical cute Disney kid. She has a willingness to learn and will do well, as long as Mark stops bouncing around like Tigger during the whole routine.  Hated the routine and all the side by side work.  I’m all about bringing a modern feel to any dance,  but it was just too much. Regardless of that, she danced what she was given well, just like a true Disney Princess.

Wendy Williams & Tony: CHA CHA score 14

OK, I’m going to use my favorite saying, “Hot Freakin’ Mess”!!! She danced like she was in a body cast. Do her knees even bend?  She needs to let loose, shake what she’s got, even a little hair-ography would of helped.  The song that was used could not have been more perfect for her, knowing her background and what a sassy thang she is, but ended up being a waste.  Let’s just say her performance made me cry (not the feel good Ashton Kutcher movie kind either).

Hines Ward & Kym: CHA CHA score 21

This Cowboys fan will never be a Steelers fan, but for sure a Hines Ward fan.  He definitely keeps the tradition of the past NFL dancers on the show; great presence and showmanship on the floor.  I agree with Glen, “I couldn’t stop looking at your bum!”  I can’t wait to see more of him week to week as he battles his biggest opponent: POSTURE.

Petra Nemcova & Dmitry: FOXTROT score 18

Loved her hair, make up and dress….oh wait, I’m having a “Paula Abdul moment” a la American Idol.  By far the best of any model that has been on the show, but that’s not saying much if you’ve followed them from the beginning.  She will pretty much stay in the middle of the pack, unless she works on her transitions from movement to movement and foot work.  She dances way too much on her toes.

Romeo & Chelsie: CHA CHA score 19

Young and talented, complete opposite of his dad Master P.  Just needs to get over his attitude that he can still be young, cool and hip by moving his hips.  Trust me, ask any guy student when that light bulb went off in their head, “Oh, girls dig a guy who can dance and move their body?!” DUH!!! It will change your life for the better, trust me, I see it happen all the time.  Romeo can go really far as long as he listens to Chelsie and all the feedback from the judges.  Must work on straightening his legs and building stronger ankles along with posture.  Overall, I liked it.  Good looking couple on the floor.

Sugar Ray Leonard & Anna: FOXTROT score 17

Can’t help but to love him.  So smooth and committed to the routine.  His biggest challenge? Posture in any dance hold.  Even though this is common among new dancers, because of his boxing, he has to totally reprogram his mind and body to a whole new stance in his new ring called the dance floor.  All his side-by-side work was amazing and made me smile.

Kendra Wilkinson & Louis: CHA CHA score 18

Go Kendra!  Go Kendra!  I’m a little bias because I love this girl.  She doesn’t pretend to be someone else and let’s it all out.  She has a good, fun attitude going into this, making it her own while still being challenged.  She started out strong but began to flatten out towards the end of the routine, which was tough choreography!  Needed to straighten her legs big time to show off her hip motion as well as control her arms.  They wiggled so much that it became distracting.  But she is well on her way of transforming to “classy hot”.

Ralph Macchio & Karina: FOXTROT score 24

What a way to start off his first performance on DWTS!  Completely surprised by him.  I mean, come on…he will always be Daniel-san in my eyes, but over the next weeks, I know that will change.  Overall, very smooth and made me giggle that he did so well (even doing a telemark).  The two spots in the routine where he was shaky and lost balance, were recovered well.  And claiming his “49 year old” body was going to be a problem? More like 29 year old body that will only get better with all the training from Karina, who wants that mirror ball trophy bad!

Chris Jericho & Cheryl: CHA CHA score 19

Wild in a bad way.  Not his fault, poor song choice that completely changes style and tempo.  It’s hard enough to learn one dance, let alone, changing in the middle of the routine to a salsa to fit the musciality.  Too many dips and poses, needed more cha cha to show off his talent.  But he had great presence on the floor.

Mike Catherwood & Lacey: FOXTROT score 13

Latino!!! Well, ok only half.  But this Irish-Mexican is very open about his lack of dance skill being embrassing.  But he tried and discovered it’s more about the journey and less about the dancing, so give him a chance.  This is where the teacher in me comes out!  I do have to say he was beyond stiff and ackward, which is the first stage of learning anything new (i.e. language, how to cook, golfing). I’m hoping the Jive next week will show his latin side and win him some votes.  Plus, he’s kind of cute!

Kristie Alley & Maksim: CHA CHA score 23

“size 0 and age 22” vs. 60 years old?  Three words, YOU…GO…GIRL!!!  By far, the best all around.  She’s the Kelly Osbourne of this season and we will see many a transformations, on many levels, through out the weeks to come.  Seemed very grounded in foot work and good leg action with swivels and latin crosses.

There you have it!  My thoughts on the dancing.  Until next week!

Diva Christina