1-Karla Garcia and Jonathan Platero
Hip Hop by Dave Scott
“By My Side” by Jadakiss featuring Ne-Yo
Definitely not a strong start to the show. They were slightly overpraised last week due to the strength of their song and managed to avoid being in the bottom three. That ain’t happening this week. Clearly Karla is the better dancer here and unfortunately she may go due to her partner. Hip-Hop is knocking ‘em dead this season and not in the good way.
2-Asuka Kondoh and Vitolio Jeune
Jazz by Mandy Moore
“Heartbreaker” by Pat Benetar
This routine was better than the first, however it did not break my heart. Here’s the deal, Asuka doesn’t seem to be able to sync up music with movement. They were off almost the entire time as certain moves should have been accented by the beats in the music. Asuka got off and and she was never able to find her way back. Vitolio tried his best to try and move with her so that at least they would be off together, but he couldn’t. Basically, their intro package saved them this week from elimination.
3-Melissa Sandvig and Ade Obayomi
Rumba by Tony Meredith
“Emotions” by Destiny’s Child
Surprisingly, this ended up being one of the best numbers of the night although if I would be okay if I never heard this song again. I am still not contacted to these two as a couple. Technically they are good dancers and they seem to have some lukewarm chemistry but they are not electric yet. Also, I am surprised no one commented on Ade’s ba-dunka dunk as last season, everyone was obsessed every time Joshua wore tight pants. I can’t wait for this pair to get Hip-Hop.
4-Janette Manrara and Brandon Bryant
Hip-Hop by Dave Scott
“What A World” by Common featuring Chester French
Brandon impressed with his versatility in this number. I did not expect him to be such a good Hip-Hopper. Unfortunately, I found the rehearsal footage slightly more engaging then the number. Their costumes were terrible and whoever did Janette’s hair was clearly drunk. I could never really get behind the concept of the number and poor Janette. Not only did she look like a hot mess, but there was pretty much nothing for her to do during this number. It is pretty obvious that Dave Scott focused almost completely on Brandon.
5-Kayla Radomski and Kupono Aweau
Viennese Waltz by Jean-Marc Generaux
“Sweet Dreams for You” by Jewel
While I was against this pairing initially, I think it worked out pretty well. Kupono seems high-maintenance and I grow weary of the judges’ love affair with Kayla. However, the routine was simply elegant and I loved the concept of the routine which showed through and made sense. Visually, this number really worked and may possibly have been the best number of the night which isn’t saying much in a night of mediocrity.
6-Randi Evans and Evan Kasprzak
Contemporary by Mia Michaels
“Koop Island Blues” by Koop featuring Ane Brun
More than any other number, this routine had so much potential but didn’t really live up to it. Hysterical how Mia Michaels final words during the intro package were “I know what it is supposed to look like, and right now it looks cliche”. I would not have lunch with her. That isn’t to say that I didn’t love the number and for me it is the most memorable (as I walked around the house afterwards trying to mimic the movements). In rewatching the number, Brandi was very strong but I don’t think Evan ever really let himself go. Evan is clearly a really nice guy and a bit of a nerd and I think that he can only play characters that are very innocent nice guys. Watching him in this number as a guy obsessed with Brandi’s butt was not believable. I would love to see this number again with someone else dancing it…although I can’t really think of what other guy could pull it off.
7-Caitlin Kinney and Jason Glover
Paso Doble by Jean-Marc Generaux
“O Fortuna” by Mozaretum Orchestra Salzburg & Kurt Prestel
Jason is quickly becoming my favorite guy dancer. He is versatile. He has got a great personality and he has a good range of believable characters. Caitlin needs to go. She struggles…a lot and should have gone before Ashley:-( This number was almost entirely made by the music which was perfect. The judges were right in calling Jason out for not connecting with his partner, but he definitely attempted to capture the spirit of the Paso Doble.
8-Jeanine Mason and Phillip Chbeeb
Broadway by Tyce DiOrio
“Moses Supposes” by Singin’ In The Rain
Phillip is no Joshua. Let’s get that out on the table right now. I am happy that Nigel offered the cautious advice that you better start to live up to your hype or the judges are going to be upset with you. This number was surprising in that I didn’t hate it, but it was probably my love for “Singin’ In the Rain” that carried me. Phillip is also no Gene Kelly either. The couch jump was neat! The ripped pants was not. Again, could have been a good number but it just fell short.
Final Thoughts:
I just don’t see how Karla and Jonathan are going to survive this week. I have no idea which two couples will join them in the bottom three. Probably Asuka and Vitollio. Maybe Philip and Jeanine.
Tonight and last week have just been aiight for me. (Sorry for not posting last week, it was a crazy week and I just couldn’t find the time). Tonight especially was about missed opportunities. So many of the numbers should have been better than they were.
J Ramp Out!
