DWTS Season 13 Week 1

I've watched every episode of every season, and here I am again!  Not sure if I'll recap DWTS but will write about it every week.  New tri-level ballroom.  Brooke Burke got married and hyphenated.  This is the first week, so it will take a while for them to really dance.  The dwarf stars are nervous. Here goes ...

Ron Artest dances with a new pro this season Peta Murgatroyd who is from Australia (so is Kym Johnson).  Their cha-cha was lively and fun but sort of awkward.  The huge height difference was OK during this dance but could be a problem later on.  Ron Artest is a basketball player whose hair is a work of "art" in the way Dennis Rodman's was at times.  It's blonde with writing on the sides.  Not really a good look. 

Scores:  5 + 4 + 5 = 14

Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke had the Viennese Waltz for their first dance.  Awkward.  Lumbering.  Yet arrogant.  If anyone can get him to improve, it's Cheryl.  The judges thought he might make it a few more weeks if he loosens up and dances to the music.

Scores:  6 + 5 + 5 = 16

 Kristin Cavallari is or was the bad girl on The Hills, which I've never seen and have no idea who she is.  She said she was engaged but it was broken and that she hopes this will help get her mind off of it.  OK.  Her partner Mark Ballas told her she has natural dance talent.  They are doing the cha-cha pretty well.  Very good beginning!  Bruno was smarmy and Len was nice to the pretty blonde.

Scores:  7 + 6 + 6 = 19

Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovalani danced a Viennese Waltz, and she was graceful and lovely.  I mentioned before that I keep forgetting that she's married to Billy Baldwin.  It's one of those things I block.  The judges praised her.  Hope she gets votes and sticks around.  Tony finally got a good partner for a change!  He was so thrilled with what the judges said and the scores that what I suspected might be true that he has PTSD from having to be around Kate Gosselin season before last. 

Scores:   8 + 7  + 7 +  = 22

Nancy Grace is paired with Tristan MacManus (new this season but has been in the dance troupe - and quite sexy I might add - Irish accent and all).  They danced the cha-cha.  Well, mostly.  She walked through parts of it.  She did seem to have fun but was busy concentrating on the moves.  I can understand that.  First week.  Then the judges argued.

Scores:   5 + 5 + 6 +  = 16

David Arquette has Kym Johnson for his partner, and they danced the Viennese Waltz.  Kym is a taskmaster (taskmistress?) and David is sweet, funny, and wants to do well.  He was a little stiff but did well overall.  I hope he and Courtney get back together.  She and their daughter were in the audience cheering him on, which made me a little teary.  The judges said he has potential and did well but didn't get out of his head. 

Score:  6 + 6 + 6+ = 18

Elisabetta Canalis has Maksim's younger brother Val Chmerkovskiy for her partner.  Yes, there was a photo of her with George Clooney since that's her claim to fame in the US.  In Italy she's a model.  She and Val had a communication problem since she doesn't speak English fluently, and he speaks it well but is Ukrainian.  That was interesting.  The judges said she danced pretty well when she was with Val but not on her own.  From what they said, she might not be on too long.  Models don't often last more than a few weeks if that long.

Score:  5 + 5 + 5 +  = 15

Hope Solo dances with Maksim Chmerkovskiy.  It's going to be another battle of wits between them!  Maks said the Viennese Waltz doesn't suit her at all, but she managed it pretty well and was graceful for someone who is all muscle.  I don't think she has any body fat at all.  Being the athlete she is, her discipline, focus, and competitive spirit will will get her there.  She might win it.

Score:   7 + 7 + 7 +  = 21

Carson Kressley and Anna Trebunskaya should be a good team.  I just love him, and she's fun and a good teacher. Cha-cha for them which was lots of fun which it would have to be.  He worked it and gave a performance!  The audience loved it!  Carson pranced.  The judges loved the performance and sparkle!  I knew he'd be fun and entertaining!

Score:   6 + 5 + 6 +  = 17

J. R. Martinez dances with Karina Smirnoff. He survived a land mine and sustained burns and 33 surgeries.  He's a veteran and an actor.  They danced the Viennese Waltz, and he was graceful and focused but seemed relaxed and confident.  After all he endured, how would this make him nervous?  He has a wonderful attitude and great smile.  The judges praised his dancing. 

Score:   8 + 7 + 7 +  = 22

Ricki Lake has Derek Hough for a partner.  He and Mark Ballas trained together and are both fearless competitors. They danced the Viennese Waltz.  Ricki said Kristie Alley inspired her to go on DWTS and that she wants to lose weight and win a mirror ball.  Smooth, graceful performance. 

Score:   7 + 6 + 7 +  = 20

Chaz Bono is dancing with Lacey Schwimmer. I knew they'd have Chaz last since that's what they do about dancetestants who are controversial and/or awaited.  Chaz did OK on the cha-cha with good footwork and moves.  He looked like he was having fun.  The judges were supportive and praised their dance. 

Score:   6 + 5 + 6 = 17

Predictions?  Probably the first to go will be Elisabetta, Nancy, and Rob.  Best so far are Hope, Chynna, J. R., and Ricki.  It's really hard to tell because so much of the voting has to do with their fan base and popularity.  The best dancers make it to the finals but don't always win.

Now on to Castle!!