DwtS 7, Week 9: Performances

One duo dominated the Dancing with the Stars 7 Semifinals, and it wasn't who you'd expect.

The Semifinals consisted of two rounds of dances. First was a Latin Round, followed by a round of dances in new styles introduced this season. Two couples chose Salsa and two chose Jitterbug. Both styles were demonstrated with live performances by professional couples who specialize in those disciplines. Lifts were allowed during the second round, but not the first.

Round 1

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Jive
Brooke made some early missteps that threw off her whole performance. The jive was so fast that she never a chance at recovering. Len Goodman called it "a disaster." Bruno Tonioli said, "The technique went down the toilet." Carrie Ann Inaba said that the lift in their routine was "a bit disrespectful."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...7, Len...7, Bruno...7 = 21/30

Cody Linley & Julianne Hough -- Paso Doble
Cody looked fired up to be dancing with Julianne again in their military-themed Paso. Bruno said Cody danced like an "AWOL android." Carrie Ann gave Cody a "10 for determination," but told him to watch his hands. Len said, "It just lacked dance quality for me."

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

Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Mambo
This was the first largely mistake-free performance of the night. Carrie Ann said, "You gotta up your game. It was a little lackluster for me." Len said, "At least you come out and show us great personality." Bruno said it was "flat-footed, but very engaging."

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

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer -- Mambo
Lacey showed how physically strong she is by doing an impressive back bend. Len said, "That's the best dance so far." Bruno cheered, "This is Semifinal material!" Carrie Ann said, "That was a show stopper."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...9, Bruno...9 = 28/30



Before the second round of dances, Len visited all of the couples in rehearsal to give them tips.



Round 2

Before the competitors performed, the Salsa was demonstrated by pro dancers Paul Barris & Yesenia Adame.

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Salsa
This was so much better than their first dance. Bruno yelled, "Brooke is back! Thank you!" Carrie Ann said that the lifts were appropriate for the dance. Len told Brooke that, if she makes it to the finale, "Work on your strengths. Don't worry about other people."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...10, Bruno...9 = 28/30



Cody Linley & Julianne Hough -- Salsa
Cody was not well served by following Brooke in the same dance style. Carrie Ann said, "It was a lot of fun." Len said, "I didn't realize you were such a strong lad." Bruno said, "Still a bit loose, technically."

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



Then the Jitterbug was demonstrated by pros Christian Perry & Annette Nicole.

Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Jitterbug
The gambling theme present in their outfits was a little weird, especially Kym's roulette wheel skirt. Len told Warren, "You are truly a joyful person to watch." Bruno said, "Your feet were all over the place." Carrie Ann said, "I liked it."

Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...8, Bruno...8 = 25/30

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer -- Jitterbug
Lance lost his shoe during their Navy-themed routine. Bruno said, "Shoes off or shoes on, that was brilliant." Carrie Ann said, "Once in a while, magic happens on the dancefloor. And that was magic." Len said, "You've come out tonight and danced two incredible dances."

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

Judges' Leaderboard (60 points possible):
57 -- Lance & Lacey
49 -- Brooke & Derek, Warren & Kym
46 -- Cody & Julianne

As the leaderboard shows, it's time for Cody to go. Brooke's getting my votes tonight; I'd hate to see her miss the Finale just because her first real off performance of the season came during the Semifinals.