Review of Dancing with the Stars Week 4 Season 9 Performances

Dancing with the Stars mixes things up with four new dances challenging stars and professionals alike. The 1920’s Charleston, the sexy Brazilian Lambada, the country two-step and the Spanish Bolero have not been performed on the show before and added  a new dimension for fans. Eleven couples took their turns on the Dancing with the Stars dance floor and here’s how things shook out.

Couples Dancing the Charleston

Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas – Hart gave her best performance of the season so far with a routine that had all three E”s according to Judge Len Goodman: energy, excitement and entertainment. The number so good in the judges’ opinions, the pair found themselves tied for first place - something unthinkable a week ago. Score 28

Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel – With steadily growing confidence, Osbourne showed she has what it takes to compete on Dancing with the Stars. The crowd went crazy after a performance judge Carrie Ann Inaba likened to watching a young bird learn to fly because of the joy on Osbourne’s face when she did the steps correctly. Score 23

Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson – In spite of a broken toe, Osmond was energetic, showy and fun to watch. He was definitely in his element with a number that capitalized on his entertainment background. He and partner Kym Johnson displayed good unison which unfortunately highlighted a small stumble which let the pair tied for third. Score 24

Couples Dancing the Bolero

Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mezo – The slow, flowing moves of the Bolero were executed beautifully by Coughlin.  The partners were lyrical and romantic with sexiness reminiscent of Sharon Stone according to Judge Bruno Tonioli. Scoring placed this couple tied for third. Score 24

Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova – Having Irvin dance the slower Bolero may not have been the best idea. Though he was able to add a touch of romance and elegance to his movements, his primary function was to pose and have his partner dance around him. Bruno said it was like the economy – it’s supposed to be getting better but nothing really happens. Score 16

Country Two-Step

Chuck Liddell and Ann Trebunskaya –Liddell’s dancing is like his fighting, carnage and mayhem and little grace. Even with the two0step he couldn’t find rhythm and was unable to perform the steps adequately.  Only his fans are keeping him on the show because it’s certainly not his dance skills. Score 17

Mark DaCascos and Lacey Schwimmer – With more confidence coming through this week, DaCascos was more connected to his partner this week. Some footing mistakes lowered his score but still found him greatly improved. Score22

Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower- BY contrast, Vito’s score fell by as many points as DaCascos’ rose. His two-step resembled a series of walks followed by stops so his partner could spin and do tricks around him. Too much shuffling and not enough content marked this performance. Score 16

Couples Dancing the Lambada

Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough – With a bare-chested partner, Krupa gave her best performance with an adult routine that inspired judge Carrie Ann to say “I hope the children were in bed” to which host Tom Bergeron quipped “some of the adults are now”.  The routine left the pair in second place. Score 26

Mya and Dmitry Chaplin – With the pressure to deliver another spectacular performance weighing on her, Mya did not fail to please. I personally thought this was the best routine of the night. Bruno called it an “exotic, erotic roller coaster you want to ride over and over again”. Carrie agreed though Len did not, again splitting the judges. The couple landed tied for first place.  Score 28

Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff – Slipping a couple of points this week, Carter’s dances still look like he’s trying too hard. The chemistry and sensuality of the dance did not come through and the overall effect was a turn-off. Score 18

Tomorrow night’s results show will feature guest performer Shakira performing two of her hits. The Macy’s Design-A-Dance has got a song, - Eye of the Tiger, a style – the Paso Doble and a former star – Sabrina Bryan. Tonight’s voting is to choose the male professional partner. Next week contestants will perform in a group Hustle as well as their individual dances. As far as who is going home Tuesday night, it’s getting harder to pick. Michael Irvin, Chuck Liddell and Louie Vito are all at the bottom of the leader board but as athletes, may have enough fans to save them. I’ll stick my neck out and say Chuck Liddell is going home.