DwtS 3 -- Performance Show Week 9

(Note: My Ox Is Broken's own Kathy was at this week's show, so this recap is by me, her husband, Greg.)

Mario Lopez & Karina Smirnoff - Tango
Mario was glad to have the chance to pick this week's dances and music. "I like having control of my destiny," he said. He chose the Tango as one of his dances because he "got scolded for it before." Mario went back to his hometown, Chula Vista, where he spoke to students and celebrated "Mario Lopez Day."

Dancing to "Whatever Lola Wants," Mario and Karina wore black outfits and serious expressions. They started their hold early on in the dance, and kept it throughout -- a big change from their first Tango. Rather than exhibiting athleticism and showmanship, it looked like they focused on doing the dance properly, trusting their personality to come through.

Len started off stern, saying of the stars, "They've all got to up their game." He quickly softened and told Mario, "That was your best dance...ever!" Bruno thought the routine was "Gutsy, intense, all gift-wrapped with beautiful technique." Carrie Ann said, "That might be the best dance I've seen this whole season."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...10, Bruno...10 = 30/30

Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke - Waltz
Emmitt & Cheryl went to a NASCAR event to promote themselves and give Emmitt a chance to say, "Gentlemen, start your engines." Cheryl was excited to do a Cha Cha Cha, because"Emmitt is so good at putting in his own funky moves." Emmitt looked forward to the Waltz, because it would show off his versatility. He said, "You're in the competition so you can become a champion."

The couple danced to Billy Vera's "At This Moment." Emmitt wore a jacket with long tails, and Cheryl had on a beautiful, flowing dress. The routine was romantic and smooth, just like me. It sounded like the audience was cheering loudly throughout the entirety of the performance.

Len said it the dance was like a music box, in which "Prince Charming and Sleeping Beauty used to go round and do a lovely waltz." Carrie Ann said, "There's an authenticity to you when you get out there and dance." Bruno told Emmitt, "You're turning into an American wonder. It's like the Grand Canyon."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...10, Bruno...10 = 29/30

Joey Lawrence & Edyta Sliwinska - Quickstep
Joey said he and Edyta chose the Rumba because, the first time out, "we didn't get the marks we wanted." Conversely, they chose the Quickstep because they did it well the first time they tried it. Joey wanted to dress as a sailor and dedicate his dance to his Navy vet grandfather. Joey and Edyta went to Disneyland to rally support.

For their Quickstep, Joey and Edyta danced to "42nd Street." As promised, Joey wore his sailor's outfit, and Edyta wore what was, for her, a rather conservative dress. It was appropriate, but a little sad (for me). Their moves together were quick and sharp, and they were at their best when working together. Unfortunately, Joey broke into another one of his solo tap routines in the middle, which broke the momentum of the dance.

Of the routine, Bruno said, "Anchors aweigh! Full speed ahead!" Carrie chided the couple for Joey's solo bit: "You broke the hold!" Len responded by saying, "Technically, you did break the hold. But, it was still in keeping with the dance. That deserves to go into the finals."
Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...10, Bruno...10 = 29/30

Latin Round

Mario Lopez & Karina Smirnoff - Cha Cha Cha
They danced to Weird Al Yankovic's hit song, "Fat" -- though this version had different lyrics that weren't so goofy. Karina wore shiny vinyl pants and a bikini top, and Mario had on a tank top and black slacks. I just happen to have both those outfits in my own wardrobe. Where their Tango was serious and restrained, their Cha Cha Cha was an athletic crowd-pleaser. There wasn't a lot of interaction between the two dancers, but the routine very well danced. Mario did a bunch of Michael Jackson moves, though I don't know what that has to do with Weird Al.

Carrie Ann said, "I took a point off because of the Michael Jackson. I added a point back because of the hot Cha Cha!" Len felt "there was too much popping and breakdancing, and not enough Cha Cha." Bruno snarled, "When you're good, you're very, very good. And when you're bad, you're even better."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...9, Bruno...10 = 29/30

Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke - Cha Cha Cha
For their Cha Cha Cha, Emmitt wore a metallic shirt, and Cheryl had on an animal print dress. In this dance, Emmitt got to be Emmitt. Throughout the song, "Ride, Sally, Ride", Emmitt showed off his big smile and smooth footwork. He worked a lot more with his partner than did Mario, and the routine was pure fun.

Bruno said, "The audience really eats you! You exude such joy. Irresistible." Carrie Ann stood up and sang, "Ride, Emmitt, Ride!" Len told Emmit, "You did that dance in week one. I loved it, then. I love it ten times more, now."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...10, Bruno...10 = 30/30

Joey Lawrence & Edyta Sliwinska - Rumba
In a week where the couples got to choose their own music, Joey & Edyta inexplicably picked the Bangles' "Eternal Flame." Edyta wore a fringed skirt and metal bikini top (but not like Princess Leia's), and Joey was in dark pants and open shirt. They did a solid job, like they always do, but I think this dance may have been their last. Joey might score the highest in real competitions, but he doesn't play to the audience like the other two contestants.

Len told Joey, "I've always said you are a ballroom dancer, and not so much a Latin dancer. Tonight, you proved me wrong." Bruno called Joey "a smoldering shapeshifter on the floor." And Carrie Ann praised Joey's partner for her teaching. "What an improvement. Edyta, you worked on his chest!"

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...10, Bruno...10 = 30/30

Leaderboard:
1 (tie) - Everybody (59/60)

This week, my vote didn't go to anybody. I'm a man. I don't watch this dancing stuff.

(Okay, I voted for Emmitt. But I'm going to miss Edyta after she and Joey go home on Wednesday.)