DWTS 8 - Week 8

This week they divided into two groups for a group competition that will be added to their individual scores. All the new pictures don't match their dances this week, but I chose what I could find and the ones that look best.

Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke

Dance: Lindy Hop

Score: 9/9/9 = 27 (last week 27)

Critique: Gilles had to get a cortisone shot in his shoulder so he could continue to compete. He struggled with the lifts and was frustrated with himself. He always manages to pull it off during the performance, though, and did this time as well. The judges have criticized him for being too hectic, and he calmed that down this time and managed the lifts, too. His performance was energetic and fun! Len liked it. Bruno praised him, and Carrie Ann said he was fantastic. Good!! Cheryl's choreography is always excellent! She brings out the best in each of her partners.

Lil' Kim & Derek Hough

Dance: Paso Doble

Score: 9/9/10 = 28 (last week 26)

Critique: The Queen Bee is back! Wow! Or as Bruno said, "The bitch is back!" This was intense, passionate, and hot! Bruno said it was a classic, classy paso. Carrie Ann thought it was gorgeous and showed how much she's grown as a dancer. Len thought she came out with fire and passion. I loved it! Derek chose the best choreography for her and she rose to the challenge! Tom said the new rule of thumb was if Bruno stands for the entire critique, it was a 10. I hope Maddie watched this tonight. She likes Lil' Kim and would have loved it!

Chuck Wicks & Julianne Hough

Dance: Cha-Cha-Cha

Score: 9/9/8 = 26 (Last week 27)

Critique: Julianne told him the cha-cha was flirty and fun like their relationship. Julianne did more dancing in this than Chuck did, but he looked great and danced well. Carrie Ann said he was definitely in the game and his hips were moving. Len said it's not how you start but how you finish and that this is turning into a competition. Bruno said he needs to work on his arms. It's getting harder to know what will happen now.

Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas

Dance: Samba

Score: 10/8/9 = 27 (last week 28)

Critique: Mark's mother Shirley helped Shawn with her dance since she's a winner in Latin dance and a teacher. It helped because Shawn improved in the areas we saw her work on during rehearsal. Shawn was more technical than emotionally connected during the dance. Len said it lacked hip action and that it was OK but not her best job. Bruno said she would grow into it. Carrie Ann said she didn't make mistakes and was great.

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani

Dance: Jive

Score: 7/7/7 = 21 (last week 29)

Critique: Melissa's rib that was hurt before had a hairline fracture. The orthopedist told her she could continue to perform but had restrictions during practice. The judges had to give scores based on their rehearsal tape which didn't have the impact it would have with an audience. Each of them said it was unfortunate that they had to base it on what they saw. Tony was very disappointed but understood and hopes they get to come back. I'm glad they have something to judge.

Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower

Dance: Salsa

Score: 9/7/8 = 24 (last week 24)

Critique: Dmitry helped Ty learn the moves, and Chelsie made him get tanning spray. He said he went way out of his comfort range with this salsa. Well, Ty has moves! Footwork, hips, shoulders! Who knew? He did it! Jewel was all smiles. The audience and Carrie Ann cheered for a long time. Bruno hated Carrie Ann's whooping as much as I do that loud Mary on So You Think You Can Dance. Len said he showed so much improvement but that unless he stepped it up during the tango, it was time for him to hit the trail. Bruno said his hip action was all from the knees. Carrie Ann loved it. Ty said he didn't know what else to do to make it better because that was his best salsa.

Now for the team dances.

Team Mambo with Chuck and Julianne, Mark and Shawn, and Tony and Lacie (filling in for Melissa). Their plan was to showcase what they do best. Chuck said they were "upping the shirt-off." All members have to do well because the scores are based on how everyone does. It's always good to watch the pros dance together, and Lacie and Tony were amazing. Shawn did well, but Chuck really did well. They had a hilarious ending! The guys stripped down to pink tights and black leotards that matched their female partners' costumes. I wish I had a photo to show you!

Score: 8/8/9 = 25

Team Tango with Gilles and Cheryl, Lil' Kim and Derek, and Ty and Chelsie. Oh, this is wonderful! Lil' Kim and Derek began with a tango with passion, footwork, and precision after rejecting shirtless Gilles and Ty. Then Ty and Chelsie were smooth and good. Gilles and Cheryl were wonderful. Lil' Kim was the best tonight in all ways, though. Aha! Bruno stood during the whole critique and said they were like a pack of voracious raptors going for the attack! Carrie Ann said Team Tango takes it. Len said Gilles's footwork was atrocious and Lil' Kim made a little blunder but that they worked together perfectly as a team and that's what it's all about.

Score: 9/9/10 = 28

Well, it's getting more difficult now to let some of them leave. I still think the final three will be Lil' Kim, Melissa, and Gilles unless something happens. It's hard to tell, but Ty, Shawn, and Chuck will probably go in that order or maybe Chuck after Ty. I like Chuck and Julianne and would like for them to stay as long as possible. Ty is just too cute, too. Shawn does really well, so it's hard to know.