Last night’s Dancing with the Stars was filled with drama. Was Cristian’s injury serious? Can Cristian come back to dance another week? After his explanation that he did tear a ligament in his arm and that surgery was needed but could wait until after the season, Cristian said that if the voters kept him for another week he would be a real trooper and continue on. Just as the judges announced that they would allow one lift in the dance and if it was meaningful to the choreography. I can tell you, no lifts for Cristian in his next dances.

The voters did keep Cristian to dance another week, but Shannon Elizabeth was voted off. She and Marissa got the least amount of votes. With a tearful goodbye, Shannon danced her last dance with Derek. No surprise to me, she just wasn’t up to par with the other stars.

Now isn’t this interesting. The five remaining stars are Cristian, Mario, Jason, Kristi and Marissa. 3 guys and 2 gals. I’m going out on a limb and say that the final four will probably be Cristian – if he can continue – Mario, Jason and Kristi. Do you think Tony will plan on including lifts in his dances for Marissa? Oh my gosh – this I’ve got to see.

Next week’s Dancing with the Stars is their 100th show and it sounds as though they will have some wonderful guests on the show. Can’t wait to see the other Mario (Lopez) dance and other great guests.

Until later,

Linda

Cristian’s Latin dance on last night’s Dancing with the Stars not only injured his body but also his score. They said he pulled his arm muscle or he got a cramp but folks, he looked like he was in a lot of pain. I loved his Waltz, he did look like Clark Gable in the dance routine but his samba was leaving a lot to be desired. With the lowest score of all the stars he received a total of 46. I wouldn’t be surprised if he backs out of the show tonite.

As for Kristi Yamaguchi I guess she is human after all. Her two dance performances weren’t her best. You know, everytime I watch her I imagine her moves on ice. That’s how free flowing she is, but her dances weren’t up to par this week. I personnally thought the umbrella prop she used was a nice touch. But you know Len, no props, just clean dancing. There’s no pleasing that man.

Shannon Elizabeth is not dancing to her potential. I’m sorry I do like her but I don’t think she can make it to the final four in two weeks. Did you hear her comment to Derek when they were training for the Tango? She said if Derek kept it up (being mean to her) he would go home alone that night. Hmmm, do you think there is something going on between them?

As for Mario, I do see an improvement but he just doesn’t have IT, if you know what I mean. Time is running out and he may just make the final four but no further.

Jason’s dances last night were awesome. His quick step was high energy and fun to watch. I loved the Monday Night Football theme for his Latin dance, he was ready to rumble through the dance. He received the highest combined score of 55.

And now there is Marissa. I must admit her Tango was really good, she kept in character but her short body couldn’t keep up with Tony on some of the twirls. But she keeps steadily chugging along through all of these dances. I personnally don’t think she has dance star quality to win the Mirror Ball Trophy but she is a real trooper!

If Cristian’s injury is serious, I say he leaves tonite. Otherwise my bottom three are Mario, Shannon and Cristian. Take your pick, who you think will leave tonite.

Until later,

Linda

Last night Marlee Matlin was the next star with the least amount of votes and left Dancing with the Stars. She clearly was struggling the last few weeks and it seems that she knew it. I’m sorry to see her go, because she showed a lot of tenacity and fortitude – in other words she showed a lot of guts in performing very difficult dance routines. She’s a real class act.

I was shocked that Mario was one of the bottom two. I guess his steamy rumba turned more people off than turned them on.

What can I say about my gal, Shannon Elizabeth? You see what a little crying will do for getting votes. That’s the magic bullet to stay in a competition. Now Shannon, you need to start focusing on your dancing and quit focusing on Derek. Is there a love connection blooming???

Didn’t you just love watching the River Dance folks. Amazing stamina and precision dancing. That was the highlight of the evening. Ashley Simpson was so, so. She’s just not my cup of tea as Len would say.

Next week the six remaining stars will be learning two dances.

Cristian -keep smiling and show your charm on both of your dances.

Kristi – can’t wait to see your performances!

Shannon -”there’s no crying in dancing.”

Mario – please no more steamy dances!

Jason -it’s the last few minutes of the third quarter, got to step it up.

Marissa – the comeback kid, you have to give it your all.

Good luck to them all and I’ll be watching, hope you will too.

Until later,

Linda

This 6th week of competition is starting to show which stars are in it for the long haul and which ones are stumbling around. The stars performed free dance routines of dances they previously haven’t done. From a Fox Trot to Viennese Waltz the stars danced their feet off. Except there were some stars stumbling around.

I don’t know if the physicality of dancing is getting to the stars but some stars are starting to show wear and tear. Unfortunately, my gal, Shannon Elizabeth, is stumbling around and not dancing up to her potential. She tearfully claims she wants to stick around so she can see Derek every week  (oh, boo hoo) which is just a ploy to get votes – where have I seen this before, hmmm?

Then there is Marlee who is also struggling. The latin dances are not her style. While I can understand that she can’t hear the beat of the music, it is just that she is not up to the same level as say Kristi Yamaguchi, Mario, Jason Taylor or even Cristian. All of these stars had a wonderful performance last night.

I loved Cristian’s fox trot. His dance was reminiscent of Fred Astaire, or as he said “Fredreco Aistaire.”  He looked so dashing and handsome and took me back to those old movies where Fredreco and Ginger Rogers danced. Great job Cristian.

Mario’s hot and passionate rumba left Bruno needing a cold shower! All I can say is “get a room!”

Marissa danced the Viennese Waltz with great sophistication and confidence and did look like a princess. I loved the music – Tom Jones song “Delilah.” Good choice.

Then there was the group country dance. It looked like fun but really didn’t show me anything about the stars. They all looked as if they were stumbling around out of control. Lots of high energy but it wasn’t my most favorite group dance.

Tonite one of the stars will be eliminated from the show. The lowest score went to Marlee Matlin with 21 points. Is this the night that Marlee leaves the competition? Or will her fans save her to dance another day? Or will Shannon Elizabeth be torn away from her beloved Derek to see him no more?

My prediction is Shannon, but I’m definitely leaning more towards Marlee. What a great way to say “maybe” don’t you think?

 Until later,

Linda

Last night Priscilla Presley danced her last dance on Dancing with the Stars. She received the least amount of votes and dances no more. I know this sounds prophetic but I am sad to see her go. She did a great job despite her age and seeing her botax face relax over the weeks gave me hope that botax isn’t permanent. Not that I would get botax shots, but you know what I mean.

What I thought was really cruel was when they announced that Cristian and Cheryl were one of the bottom two fifteen minutes into the show. So the rest of the show they worried about leaving. That’s cruel and unusual punishment guys. Frankly, I think Cristian does a good job in his dances. But I know, we are getting down to the best of the best these next couple of weeks and no slackers are allowed to remain.

And duh! Kristi Yamahichi and Jason Taylor were the first named to stay for another week. You think! They have been on top of the leader board the last few weeks and are fantastic dancers. I was biting my nails over Shannon Elizabeth staying. Whew, I was glad that she made it.

Next week there is a group Jive dance and “free dance” for the stars. Hope everyone comes with their “A” game for that.

Until later,

Linda

Tonight’s show was filled with Latin dances – the Samba and Rumba – but for some reason the stars were not performing as well as they should have.

Except of course for Kristi Yamaguchi. She is a dancing machine!! Is there any dance she can’t do? Her technique and style was magnificent. Once again she is on top of the leader board with 29 points.

The other seven stars performed okay, they are bunched up in the middle. I thought Jason Taylor performed the rumba better than the 27 points the judges gave him. But just like the other stars there was something missing in his performance.

Did you see Priscilla Presley’s splits? Wow! For a gal 62 years old that was incredible. Her rumba was technically difficult and looked really slow and I think the 21 points she got was right. She’s on the bottom of the leader board right now.

I was a bit disappointed in Shannon Elizabeth’s samba. She had moments of greatness and moments of just walking through the motions. Well her partner, Derek was recovering from food poisoining and last week he had his kneck in a brace. Hope these two can pull it out for next week’s competition with no more problems.

Finally, Mario stepped it up. The judges gave him a 27 and rightfully so. He had the moves and style to his Samba that looked great.

Did you see Marissa shake, shake, shake through the Samba? She said that she was the little engine that could – well choo! choo! Marissa you did great and the judges gave you a 24.

Cristian’s performance was okay and the judges said so by giving him only 23 points. His rumba was not quite there.

Hats off again to Marlee Matlin and her performance of the samba. For a person who is deaf the different beats and rhythms are very difficult to match. The judges gave her 22 points, I only hope she comes back stronger next week.

This week’s prediction is difficult. It seemed as though the stars slumped except for Kristi and Jason. But I’m going out on a limb and predicting that Priscilla Presley will be gone.

Until later,

Linda

Last night Adam Carolla had the least amount of votes and left Dancing with the Stars. While not unexpected, what was unexpected was the classy way he left. He said that he lost over 20 pounds but he was going to miss the 109 pounds of pure angel heaven he’s gotten to know – he was referring to JuliaAnne his dance partner. What a nice thing to say. The only nice thing I’ve heard him say all these weeks. Thanks Adam for being a real gentleman, my opinion of you has changed dramatically.

How cute were those young dancers last night. Girls and boys ages 8 and 9 performed to see which couple would be back. Now that was hard to judge because both couples looked cute, sweet and did some very fine moves! I wish both of these kids would come back but it seems that there will probably more cute little couples to watch in the future.

Last time I forgot to mention Mario and his 24 points he received for his Paso Doble. While I’m not real impressed with Mario, because his style seems to be the same for each dance each week, if he doesn’t pick it up I think he may be going home sooner than later.

What really shocked me was that Priscilla Presley was one of the bottom two with the least amount of votes. Is this a sign to come next week? Has Marissa redeemed herself and may be the “come back kid”? Stay tuned for next week’s hot latin Sambas and Rhumbas.

I’ll be watching.

Until later,

Linda

Here we are only 4 weeks into the competition and the judges were handing out 10’s to the stars’ dance performances. With the Paso Doble and Viennese Waltz the stars did some shining.

The top stars this week are Kristi Yamaguchi and Jason Taylor both with 29 points. Shannon Elizabeth received 28 points, with Cristian de la Fuente with 26. I think his Paso Doble was truly a dance of the bull fighter – he showed passion and intensity and even did some screaming, very effective.

Marlee Matin received 24 points for her Viennese Waltz that made Carrie Ann cry – of course she can cry at a drop of a hat. But I really think that Shannon Elizabeth’s Viennese Waltz was most impressive. Shannon looked like a fairy princess dancing and her performance was wonderful.

Priscilla Presley’s Viennese Waltz was good and she received a 22. But the “lift police” were back and there was a lift in her performance.

Marissa Jaret Winokur was a real surprise last night with her performance of the Paso Doble. She received 24 points and the judges all agreed that it was well done. Good job Marissa. I’ll give you the come back kid award for the week.

And then there was Adam Carolla. Poor JuliaAnne, she is a fantastic dancer and teacher but Adam looks unteachable to me. He does not have his heart and soul in this dance competition and their dance performance was not very good. First of all Adam dressed up like Zorro for the Paso Doble and rode in on a unicycle. That was probably the best moves he did all night but then the dance performance went down hill from there. Adam predicted at the beginning of the show that JuliaAnne won’t be doing a repeat for the trophy ball. I think his prediction is right on.

One more thought, I am truly impressed with this season’s stars and their performances. I am also very impressed with Jason Taylor a football player who is 6 feet 6 inches tall. He shows a lot of body control for his height and performs very well - he is truly an inspiration to all athletes.

My prediction for tonite – Adam Carolla must go. He doesn’t have his heart and soul in this competition.

Until later,

Linda

Boy did I get April fooled on last nite’s Dancing with the Stars. My predicition of Marissa leaving was dead wrong and I was totally surprised that Steve Guttenberg had the lowest score and left last nite.

Sure he isn’t the dancing queen but after his encore “MANgo” dance with Jonathan – Anna’s husband, you remember she was sick and Jonathan worked with Steve on his Tango for this week - I thought for sure Steve would stay another week. I must admit it was a fun dance to watch and I think the audience enjoyed it. But alas Steve had the least amount of votes and won’t be dancing next week.

So Marissa, you have been given another week’s reprieve – so step it up girl.

I’ll try to do better next week and make my prediction right on.

Until later,

Linda

Round 3 of Dancing with the Stars was filled with Tangos and Jives. This week’s performance by the stars was hard to judge because they all seemed to progress nicely in their technicality and performances.

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark danced an excellent Tango and the judges gave her the highest score of the week of 27. But as Carrie Ann said her performance was one dimensional in emotions. Lighten up Kristi this isn’t ice skating its dancing.

Priscilla Presley and Louis received the next highest score of 26. The judges said that her dance was filled with passion, drama, fire and ice. So if Priscilla can show these emotions even with a botched face lift and bad Botox, I’m sure Kristi you can do better.

The rest of the stars’ scores were 21 to 25 points. They showed improvement and I really think these were fair scores. I am very impressed with Marlee Matlin, who is deaf, dancing the Jive. Her routine was difficult and yet she kept up with the music even though she couldn’t hear it. She is my hero for this week. Great job Marlee!

Did you check out those “hammers” on Cristian de la Fuente? His costume certainly brought that out nicely. At least this week Cristian was smiling and had more facial expressions – his performance was great and he received a 25.

Even Adam Carolla and Steve Guttenberg’s dance performances showed a lot of improvement. Both men joked around after their performances. Adam made a smart remark about his grandfather telling him if he wanted to learn a proper Tango to dance with a 19 year old who was a Mormon – Julianne is his dance partner who is 19 and a Mormon. Kinda lame joke wasn’t it?

And Steve put a soup pot on his head and wore goggles to deflect the criticism from the judges. Tom Bergeron joked back that he also suggested wearing a cup. That was kinda cute.

Unfortunately, there was no joking around for Marissa and Tony. The judges were very hard on Marissa about her performance. They said her performance was on cruise control and lacked any type of performance and her technically wasn’t sharp. Even her dance instructor Tony said that she is doing the best she can. Well when your instructor says that, you know things are not going well.

So my prediction for which star is gone this week is Marissa. I think she will be taking her last curtain call tonite and leave Dancing with the Stars.

Until later,

Linda