DWTS - Week Four

The dances this week are the Samba and the Tango. Scores from last week will be combined with this week to determine who leaves tomorrow night. Total scores in parentheses. They are adding four new dances next week they haven't had on here before: the salsa, west coast swing, hustle, and jitterbug. That should be fun!

Samba Fast Facts:

- The Samba is an all-out party dance with origins from Brazil's Rio Carnival. It is made up of many different South American dances incorporated into one. It is very rhythmical with lots of hip action.
- Walking Samba steps and side steps are the basic components of this dance. The major characteristic of the Samba is the vertical bounce action. Steps are taken using the ball of the foot. The accomplished dancer is made to look effortless and carefree with knee action, body sway and "pendulum motion."

Distinctive moves:

- The Basic step is a Volta (a crossing action in front of the body, where you step across with the bounce). You will see a bouncing action predominantly through the knees.
- Look out for the Samba roll a rolling movement from the waist up. The upper body circles as you create a six-step turning group.
- Many Sambas have a move called a Botafogo, which is a traveling walk with a change of direction from left to right or right to left.
- There should be lots of outstretched arms.
- The samba has a distinctive climax, it ends with throwing of heads back and arms splayed out to side.
- There should be a good balance of moving steps and stationary steps.

Tango Fast Facts:

- The gauchos (cowboys) of Argentina wore chaps that hardened from the foam and sweat of the horse's body, causing them to walk with flexed knees. Of a night they would go to crowded night clubs and ask ladies of the night to dance but since the gaucho hadn't showered, the lady would dance in the crook of the man's right arm, holding her head back. Her right hand was held low on his left hip, close to his pocket, looking for a payment for dancing with him.
- No rise and fall in the steps. This should be a very level, flat dance. The legs are therefore always slightly flexed (i.e. the knees should be slightly bent at all times).

Distinctive moves:

- The Tango is a very emotional dance and this should be conveyed.
- Must see lots of clipped movements.
- The action must always be staccato.
- Look out for sharp head turning and stops.
- The hold is different in the tango. The man's left arm is more towards head level. The general hold is far more compact and the couple are much tighter together.
- Walks - Should be done with the heels leading.
- Rock turns - the dancers should rock while turning.
- Look out for the Links - these are the sharp movements in-between the walks (the head turns from the girl). These are also known as staccato movements.


• Maurice Green and Cheryl Burke
Dance: Samba
Score: 20 (44)

As Bruno said, they looked like Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Brown with the costumes and wigs. The judges weren't so happy with the performance. The more I see of Maurice, the less I like him but can't quite describe what it is. The part with his daughter was sweet, though. I always like Cheryl.


• Cody Linley and Julianne Hough
Dance: Tango
Score: 23 (44)

Julianne had his high school principal talk to him and help him focus. Her main problem with him is his ADD. The judges were pleased with their dance. He tripped some on her costume but managed a proper tango, according to the judges. He's a cute kid and keeps on trying!


• Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo
Dance: Samba
Score: 22 (44)

Toni said her doctor reported that her heart was stronger and blood pressure was down and that the dancing was helping her heart. Great news! Did I mention that I like looking at Alec? Now that Maks is gone, I have to focus all my lust on Alec. The judges praised her performance except for some mistake I missed. They really do look good together. She's beautiful and he's hot. Bruno said she was a delicious morsel of sugar and spice. Bruno and I are awful!


• Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas
Dance: Tango
Score: 22 (38)

Cloris does not want to go home and asked Corky to teach her technique so that she could perform a good dance. Their nickname is now Clorky. They were at the bottom of the list last week but really danced without gimmicks this week. Rocco might be the one to go since he had the lowest score from the judges and the audience. The judges are praising her technique this week and saying how well she danced. She is wearing on my nerves. I hope Rocco improves.


• Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff
Dance: Samba
Score: 18 (38)

Karina got his mother to come to a rehearsal to encourage Rocco to have fun. Well, I don't know. He's doing some of it much better but I'm not sure if it's enough. Oh my, the judges no likee. Too sad. Truly. He's just so nice, but he doesn't dance as well as many of the others. I'm glad he got to be here another week. Karina isn't being her impatient diva self with him the way she has been with some who don't dance well. He's too kind and classy. How could she?


Dance: Tango
Score: 24 (45)

Tony told her to let Erica Kane dance the tango, and she did. I thought she did really well. Len said it was her best dance so far, and the other judges all gave her 8's.


• Brooke Burke and Derek Hough
Dance: Samba
Score: 26 (54)

Brooke is the best dancer on there this season and kept up the pace tonight. Bruno and Len argued again because Len didn't like the gimmicky part. Bruno said it was raunchy and he needed a smoke. I'll say it again - she'll probably win.


• Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer
Dance: Tango
Score: 26 (48)

They did a sort of goth tango, which was interesting. He's doing better, but I still don't like them that much. The judges liked their dance. I did, too. It was a proper tango and entertaining.


• Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson
Dance: Samba
Score: 22 (47)

The big ol' dancin' teddy bear did it again! He was light on his feet and had fun. It wasn't his best dance, but he's always entertaining. The judges said so, too. I must be getting better at this!

Somehow this isn't that fascinating a recap but maybe because nothing that exciting happened. Maybe that is OK.