We’re back in the ballroom, baby!
What better way to celebrate the 400th episode of Dancing with the Stars than kicking off the new season with 12 stellar pairs fighting for the beloved Mirrorball? On Monday evening, the dance competition returned for its spring premiere and we are already sensing there will be some friendly, stiff rivalry as each couple showed tremendous desire and charisma. How did your favorite duo make out? Read our recap below.
Normani Kordei and Val Chmerkovskiy- Quickstep
The Fifth Harmony member is paired up with last season’s reigning champion, so it’s safe to say we have high expectations for the two! The pair danced a solid quickstep. Len said they were committed and full of energy. He would like to see more body content moving forward. Julianne thought it was a great way to come out and set the tone. Bruno liked that it was full of Normani’s individuality and played to her advantage. Carrie Ann thought their quickstep was fantastic and light, but hopes for more partnering in the future. Work, work, work, work, work, work, work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rBa4olz20w
Carrie Ann- 7, Len-6, Julianne- 7, Bruno- 7 = 27/40
Nancy Kerrigan and Artem Chigvintsev- Viennese Waltz
The former Olympic ice queen took the floor with Artem and proved that she’s anything but frozen. Julianne thought her body extensions were gorgeous. She suggested that Nancy focus on having smoother footwork; however, thought it was beautiful. Bruno said her dancing just made him feel good. One tiny thing he would add is to finish through when she is extending her foot into the air. Carrie Ann called it a beautiful routine. Len thought it was a little bit rushed, but believes the two are a pairing with great promise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFpWo2QmBTQ
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Julianne- 7, Bruno- 7 = 28/40
Chris Kattan and Witney Carson- Cha Cha
Chris’ Night at the Roxbury routine may have worked in his 1998 film, but tonight, not so much. Bruno thought the dance was from an alternative universe. He called the performance “the perfect depiction of a cha cha with a hangover.” Len said the best thing about the dance is that he never has to watch it again. Yikes. Julianne tried to stay optimistic, telling Chris not to lose his personality throughout the course of the competition, as he is known for being a humorous guy. Who knows how many more weeks the actor will even see through? This breaks our hearts because we adore Witney. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like she found her Alfonso Ribeiro.
Carrie Ann- 5, Len- 4, Julianne- 4, Bruno- 4 = 17/40
Bonner Bolton and Sharna Burgess- Cha Cha
“Bonner, Bonner don’t be a goner,” Carrie Ann begged and we’re begging too! Hot damn. The professional bull rider sure made a presence in the ballroom. She believes Sharna and Bonner ooze a chemistry together. Len said his dancing is a work in progress, but he sees great potential. Julianne explained when Bonner hits his marks he’s solid, but hesitates and becomes behind the music. If he trusts his instincts, he will be good to go. Bruno questions how anyone could resist a cowboy, telling Sharna she’s in for the ride of a lifetime. His critique was only timing and for Bonner to make sure he isn’t flat footed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULfPU8J6L-w
Carrie Ann- 6, Len- 5, Julianne- 5, Bruno- 6 = 22/40
Charo and Keo Motsepe- Salsa
Cuchi Cuchi! Charo is definitely bringing the entertainment this season. Len thought it was an action packed performance. He would like to see Charo work more on their technique with Keo. Julianne thought it was so much fun. Not to mention, Charo was quite sharp. Carrie Ann said her turns are spectacular and she came out hot. Charo howled after every comment made and is probably the only person throughout the course of the entire television series who can actually match Bruno’s intensity. She nearly attacked him after he scored the pair a five and we low key can’t get enough of her silly antics!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHjW2gH5Jcc
Carrie Ann- 6, Len- 5, Julianne- 5, Bruno- 5 = 21/40
Nick Viall and Peta Murgagtroyd- Cha Cha
Let’s not forget that Peta gave birth a little over three months ago and is looking flawless as ever! Her and Nick are going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Julianne said the Bachelor star has the passion and determination to keep going, but needs to come back next week and show us what he’s got. Bruno loved the feel, comparing it to “Justin Timberlake-pop.” Although, stressed his hands looked like vultures. Carrie Ann sees a lot of potential and thought the routine was executed well, but Nick needs to calm down and relax. Len agreed, also adding that the dance was well done for week one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS5CsNWQ_DA
Carrie Ann- 6, Len- 6, Julianne- 6, Bruno- 6 = 24/40
Heather Morris and Maks Chmerkovskiy- Viennese Waltz
Bruno says we are in for something magical with this pairing. He thought the routine was beautiful, simple and effective. Carrie Ann believed Heather was hiding her personality behind the dance, but didn’t ignore the fact she had great lines. Len thinks the duo are a match made in heaven. Julianne thought the dance was well done. She also wants people at home to realize that ballroom dancing is much different than what the actress has previously been trained in. For those who weren’t aware, Heather used to be a backup dancer for Queen Bey before she rose to fame on Glee. We’re excited to see what the season holds for her and Maks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku5AdFb4Beo
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Julianne- 7, Bruno 7= 28/40
David Ross and Lindsay Arnold- Quickstep
The retired MLB player was on the ball tonight! The pair’s baseball themed quickstep was full of nostalgia. Carrie Ann said it was one of her favorite dances of the night. She thought David was both charming and smooth. Len thought his hold was good. He didn’t think it was a home run routine, but he sure got himself to first base. Julianne commended the choreography. Bruno said the freshly 40-year-old was like a teenager on spring break. We believe David will have a strong run on DWTS, especially with Lindsay showing him the ropes! That girl can teach anyone how to move.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSD6NbBQtu0
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Julianne- 7, Bruno- 7 = 28/40
Erika Jayne and Gleb Savchenko- Salsa
There is absolutely no denying just how fabulous Erika Jayne is. Len thought she had so much flare and confidence; however, believed that the dance was a little too raunchy to be a salsa. Julianne thought Erika had the right message and that women should embrace their sexuality. Although, she would have loved to see more salsa content incorporated in the mix. Bruno thought the Real Housewives’ weight was unstable at times and to focus on that moving forward. Carrie Ann agreed and would like to see a more elegant side of her next week. This would challenge Erika, allowing her to stray away from her comfort zone. If it were up to us, we would give Erika and Gleb extra points just for having a real-live unicorn on stage!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXeoDfaGXME
Carrie Ann- 6, Len- 6, Julianne- 6, Bruno- 6 = 24/40
Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater- Cha Cha
YES. Talk about 24K magic! Rashad and Emma were glowing in gold and delivered a fun routine full of so much life and joy! Julianne said it was easily the best dance of the night. Not only did the NFL free agent nail the technical aspects, he had his own groove and made himself known in this competition. Bruno said Rashad was cool as a cucumber and he was in awe with what he saw out on the floor. Carrie Ann pointed out that he now has all of their attention because that performance was killer. Len thought Rashad was occasionally ahead of the music, but thought it was terrific none-the-less.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwfmOUOAufc
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 7, Julianne- 8, Bruno- 8 = 31/40
Mr. T and Kym Herjavec- Cha Cha
Nothing and we mean nothing screamed Mr. T more than this performance! Bruno thought him and Kym’s cha cha was a tease that kept viewers intrigued as to what the former A-Team icon has to offer going into week two. He even referred to him as the “king of bling.” Carrie Ann loved how much his personality shined, but spotted entirely too many mistakes and hopes to see it right next week because well, he is a “badass.” Len said the “T” in “Mr. T” definitely doesn’t stand for technique, but it does stand for tenacity and for trying your hardest. Julianne believes he’s the heart of what this show is about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW_HnCR1UpI
Carrie Ann- 5, Len- 5, Julianne- 5, Bruno- 5 = 20/40
Simone Biles and Sasha Farber- Tango
They saved the best for last! Simone and Sasha’s chemistry has been inarguable since the moment they teamed up. Carrie Ann called them the power couple of the season. She couldn’t get over the amount of technique, elegance and power the dance possessed. Len thought it was crisp, clean and his personal favorite routine. Julianne said it was a great way to end the night and that the Olympic gymnast is the entire package. (Of course she is, we saw for ourselves just how fierce Simone is back in Rio!) Bruno was surprised by her placement and the poise she executed. The pair wound up with the highest score of the evening as Sasha’s fiancée Emma and partner Rashad trailed behind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSTscTBDKTI
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Julianne- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40