On Monday night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars, 12 dropped to 11 as one pair was sent packing. Not only did the second week of of the competition include the first of many eliminations this season, one professional dancer also became sidelined due to an injury. Find out who went home and which celebrity was forced to go on without their partner in our weekly episode recap.
Nancy and Artem- Cha Cha
Nancy and Artem were the first pair to make their way to the ballroom floor. Len thought it was a really nice routine. She lost a little bit of control here and there, but coming out first, she set the bar high. Julianne said Nancy didn’t disappoint; however, was thrown off by a missed step in the beginning. Bruno told her that she needs to work on a “crispier” finish, but other than that, it was very well done. Carrie Ann thought nerves got the best of Nancy in the beginning. As the dance got underway, she was able to find herself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW5B7x6TBcc
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Julianne- 7, Bruno- 7 = 28/40
Erika and Gleb- Foxtrot
Sexy meets sophisticated. The pair definitely brought the heat during their fiery foxtrot, dancing to “Bad Intentions” by Niykee Heaton. Julianne told Erika she has such a presence and thought it was a perfect balance of authenticity. Bruno called it a “sextrot.” He thought Erika’s lines were beautiful and she possessed great body work. Carrie Ann agreed, simply reminding her to breathe. Len said it was full of glitz, glamour and style. He also commended Gleb’s choreography; however, thought they strayed a little bit far from the “romance” the foxtrot is supposed to possess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIg0TdG-RwE
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Julianne- 7, Bruno-7 = 28/40
Charo and Keo- Paso Doble
Charo represents passion and it shows every time she steps out on the dance floor. Bruno thought the former actress was her own special creature tonight. Carrie Ann worships her and although Charo was one step ahead of Keo the entire routine, it didn’t even matter because all eyes were on her. Len commended the amount of flame her paso had as she came out and gave him great joy. Julianne pointed out that age is only just a number considering Charo has more energy than her or anyone else in the room. Talk about the life of the party.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVCk6oyufk4
Carrie Ann- 6, Len-6, Julianne- 7, Bruno 6 = 25/40
Nick and Peta- Foxtrot
The duo performed a foxtrot to John Legend’s hit “Love Me Now.” Carrie Ann thought there was a lot of content created on Peta’s end to and although Nick improved from week one, he needs to learn how to breathe. Len said it all was just far too hectic and there was no control. If Nick is around next week, he hopes he is given a simpler routine to tackle. Julianne commended Nick and Peta’s partnership, stressing that less is more. Be great at something simple rather than trying to do too much. Bruno told Nick he needs to relax and that it was too “skippy.” Nick must look like the man that leads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbCVw0WQg5w
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 5, Julianne- 7, Bruno- 6 = 25/40
Heather and Alan- Jive
Maks suffered a calf injury during rehearsals late last week, leaving him no choice but to sit out for tonight’s performance. Troupe dancer Alan Bersten stepped in and danced with Heather. Len was not happy with the breakdown of hip-hop content during the pair’s jive, noting that it was a waste since we already know Heather is great when it comes to that specific style. Julianne disagreed whole-heartedly and enjoyed that Heather showcased where she is most comfortable. Bruno absolutely loved it, commending her character in the second half. Carrie Ann thought she came out fierce and was brilliant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuGv5oAz74M
Carrie Ann- 8, Len-6, Julianne-8, Bruno-8 = 30/40
Bonner and Sharna- Viennese Waltz
Bonner and Sharna undeniably have the most chemistry out of the all of the contestants this season. Their Viennese Waltz was simplistic, yet beautiful. Julianne felt the emotion, also hinting she feels something unfolding right before her very own eyes. Looks like we’re not the only ones wanting the pair to date! Bruno agreed, advising Bonner to make sure he doesn’t get “woody.” (His own words, not ours.) Carrie Ann believes the pair’s connection is out of this world and the performance had such elegance. Len thought Bonner’s frame was very good, but would have liked to see more on the content side. Typical Len.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaDG4e4wIUw
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 6, Julianne- 8, Bruno- 7= 29/40
Simone and Sasha- Cha Cha
Topping the leaderboard last week, Simone and Sasha had high expectations to live up to. In the video package, the Olympic gymnast openly struggled with “being sexy.” Bruno thought she burned that floor, setting off all the fire alarms in the studio. Carrie Ann thought it was well done, noticing the pair did become out of sync at apoint. Len noticed as well, but that didn’t change the fact he enjoyed the dance very much. Julianne called the routine gorgeous. She would like to see Simone to find herself moving forward in the competition. The pro-turned-judge also told her that she doesn’t have to worry about sexiness because her body portrays that characteristic naturally.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBVuQW8EFqI
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Julianne- 7, Bruno- 8 = 29/40
Chris and Witney- Jazz
A few bad scores last week couldn’t possibly stop Chris from coming out and having the time of his life, especially dancing to an Outkast classic. Carrie Ann called it a miracle that Chris is even able to move the way he does being the comedian previously broke his neck and has had multiple surgeries over the years. She thought his performance was very entertaining. Len agreed, noting that it was much better than the week prior. Julianne said the same thing as the previous two judges, also taking into account how focused and determined Chris was. Bruno too raved about how much he enjoyed the pair’s jazz routine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc7OYrI8aYA
Carrie Ann- 6, Len- 5, Julianne- 6, Bruno- 5 = 22/40
Normani and Val- Cha Cha
Fresh off a flight from Japan, Normani and Val graced the ballroom floor with a flawless cha cha. There was absolutely no evidence of jet lag what-so-ever. Len thought it was a terrific performance, praising Normani for challenging herself and not just learning an easy routine due to her busy schedule. Julianne adores Normani, feeling every emotion through her dance and rhythm. Bruno seconded that notion, saying jet lag was more like jet set. Carrie Ann called the routine truly dancing with a star. She complimented the Fifth Harmony member’s charisma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7VWSuhy3to
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Julianne- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40
Rashad and Emma- Viennese Waltz
As Jimmy Kimmel’s season pick to win the Mirrorball, all eyes are on Rashad. Him and Emma danced a passionate Viennese Waltz to Charlie Puth’s “Suffer.” Julianne thought it was so hot, loving how well Rashad commits to his steps and leads his partner, providing a sense of security that all women long for in a man. Bruno called it “Fifty Shades of Viennese Waltz.” He advises Rashad to be mindful of his hand movements in the future. Carrie Ann adores the connection the pair have. Len thought their routine was a bit flat-footed at times, but genuinely liked it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH5H4WsbnUc
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Julianne- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40
Mr. T and Kym- Poso Doble
Mr. T came ready to dance, giving the Poso Doble all he had. Bruno said the routine was played well in Mr T’s mind, but would have liked to see more drive throughout his body as the tension was fully there. He believed it was slightly internalized. Carrie Ann thought he hit every step and wants to see him continue to expand. Len called Mr. T the spirit of DWTS, saluting him. He came out and he performed to his best ability. Julianne saw the focus in every movement and believes he crushed it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg1bwXdSvd8
Carrie Ann- 6, Len- 5, Julianne- 6, Bruno- 5 = 22/40
David and Lindsay- Cha Cha
“Team Lady and the Gramp” closed out the night. Carrie Ann was on the fence about this performance. She commended David’s energy, but thought he didn’t hit the moves the way he should have. Len would like to see him work on his footwork as he was pigeon-toed. Julianne thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, noting that David and Lindsay together have such an energy. In the coming weeks, she would like to see more content. Bruno thought the pair put on a show, also mentioning the need for improvement when it comes to David’s footwork.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSTHKDVwo6E
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 6, Julianne- 7, Bruno- 7 = 27/40
Based on the judges’ scores from last week and votes at home, Chris and Witney & Charo and Keo were the bottom two pairs. As expected, we ended up saying goodbye to Chris and Witney.
Next Monday, the remaining contenders will gamble to stay alive during Vegas night.