DwtS 7, Week 4: Performances

The leaderboard didn't change much on this week's Dancing with the Stars 7 Performance Show. But big changes are in store for the couples next week.

During tonight's show, Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris announced that, next week, the couples would perform four styles of dances never before seen on the show: Jitterbug, West Coast Swing, Salsa and Hustle.

Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke -- Samba
Their disco-influenced Samba was a bit too gimmicky. Len Goodman told the duo, "Work on refining the dance." Bruno Tonioli agreed: "It's a little bit too loose." Carrie Ann Inaba told Maurice, "I kind of feel like you're stuck at the same place."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...6, Len...7, Bruno...7 = 20/30

Cody Linley & Julianne Hough -- Tango
They avoided gimmicks and gave a solid performance. Bruno said, "Cody, it looks like you're starting to find your mojo." Carrie Ann said, "I love that you were going for a proper Tango." Len said, "Your best dance so far."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...7, Len...8, Bruno...8 = 23/30



Toni Braxton & Alec Mazo -- Samba
Pretty good, despite a couple of missteps. Carrie Ann told Toni, "Work on your shoulders." Len said, "I like the fact that you put in those shadow samba rolls." Bruno enthused, "Sugar and spice, my darling. I can't wait to have some more."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...7, Len...7, Bruno...8 = 22/30



Cloris Leachman & Corky Ballas -- Tango
They took the performance seriously, and it paid off. Len said, "If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed it. It was absolutely fabulous, and I loved it." Bruno called Cloris, "The Grand Duchess in Lust." Carrie Ann told Cloris, "I underestimated you."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...8, Len...7, Bruno...7 = 22/30

Rocco DiSpirito & Karina Smirnoff -- Samba
Rocco's puffy, removable sleeves were flashier than any of his moves. Bruno yelled at Rocco, "My accountant does a better Samba!" Carrie Ann said, "The dancing is still lacking." Len said, "You came out and had fun."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...6, Len...6, Bruno...6 = 18/30

Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani -- Tango
I didn't like this somber performance as much as the judges. Carrie Ann told Susan, "That is what I want to see you bring to every dance." Len said, "That was your best dance so far." Bruno called Susan a "tough broad."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...8, Len...8, Bruno...8 = 24/30



Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Samba
This was the best performance of the night, even though it wasn't quite as good as the routine most commonly associated with the song Derek & Brooke danced to: "Hip Hip, Chin Chin" (video and explanation at the end of this recap). Len said the dance was "slightly too erotic." Bruno gushed, "This was raunchy with a capital (growls) RRRRR..." Carrie Ann told Brooke she is "a perfect candidate to, maybe, go all the way."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...8, Bruno...9 = 26/30

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer -- Tango
Bruno said the routine was "quirky with a Gothic twist, and yet always a perfect Tango." Carrie Ann said, "Tonight was amazing." Len told Lance, "You are -- this is my big line -- Sir Dance-a-Lot."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...8, Bruno...9 = 26/30



Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Samba
The evening ended with a competent but uninspired Samba. Carrie Ann said, "I felt like it was lacking a hair of content." Len told Warren, "There was too much of you gyrating, and Kym, sort of, dancing around." Bruno added: "You have all the ability to blow us away. You didn't do it tonight."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...8, Len...7, Bruno...7 = 22/30

Judges' Leaderboard (combined scores from this week and last, 60 possible points):
54 -- Brooke & Derek
48 -- Lance & Lacey
47 -- Warren & Kym
45 -- Susan & Tony
44 -- Toni & Alec, Maurice & Cheryl, Cody & Julianne
38 -- Rocco & Karina, Cloris & Corky

Once again, most of my votes go to Brooke & Derek, though I'll throw a couple Lance & Lacey's way, for finally turning this into a competition.

After getting a second chance last week, Rocco didn't show any improvement, unlike fellow low-scorer, Cloris, who's more flexible than any of us could've imagined. He got the chance that many other couples wish they had, and he didn't capitalize on it. Happy trails, Chef.

Here's the routine I referenced above, performed to the same song to which Brooke & Derek danced. The couple is Maxim Kozhevnikov & Yulia Zagoryuchenko.