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(S06E11) As if the pressure on the stars wasn't enough, this week it was ratcheted up another notch. Not only did we have each couple doing a dance they hadn't done before, they also had to learn a second number. All the teams got together to perform as one in the big country showdown. It wasn't scored, but served as a pre-cursor to next week, where all the remaining couples will do two full dances. Would Kristi continue her reign atop the leader board? Would Jason or Mario knock her off? Those answers, and a rundown of all the performances, after the break.


Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska (Cha Cha) - Jason comes off of what was a very good week, but Len had asked him for more dancing. Edyta made it a point to make sure that Jason wasn't just hiding behind her. To help make him more comfortable dancing on his own she took him to learn some freestyle from Sho-Tyme.

They certainly lived up to the more dancing promise. Jason was all over the floor, and impressive again. He really is very graceful. Toward the end there was a moment where the camera did in fact hide him directly behind Edyta but he still had plenty to do. It wasn't as high energy a cha cha as we have seen in the past, but well done all the same.

Len said it was full on, lots of content, and Jason made him smile. He did think Jason was off time for a bit, but overall, called it marvelous. Bruno said Jason has a heroic presence. He liked that Jason was having fun, but also noted the bad timing and some questionable footwork. Carrie Ann praised Jason's beautiful lines, but was unsure about his arms. She said Jason needs to be bigger in his movement. Score 24 (8,8,8)

Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough (Rumba) - Shannon had a bit of a rough go last week as Derek was sent to the hospital again. She was afraid her samba was going to send her home, but having made it through, was ready to tackle the rumba. Derek needed her to relax, so he took her to the beach to hula hoop. The sunset at the beach set the mood for their romantic dance.

It was very beautiful. I was impressed with Shannon's tempo. Derek's choreography called for a lot of changes of speed and she pulled it off very well. It was a nice bounce back from the previous week. While there were still a couple of instances where Shannon just didn't seem to finish her moves, it was overall, another really nice performance.

Bruno said they must be digging deep in the love action because the connection works. But, he had issues with her footwork. Carrie Ann said that Shannon is what the show is about. Someone who doesn't know how to dance going out and giving it their all. But now that it is week six, she needs to polish her movements. Len thought it was great chemistry. It needed more hip action, but overall a very good job. Score 24 (8,8,8)

Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez (Mambo) - Marlee entered week six after a tough week five but she had the good fortune of dancing the mambo. As luck would have it, Fabian is a former mambo world champion. Marlee was feeling down, so she called her friend Henry Winkler to come give her a pep talk. How about that? The Fonz as your personal motivational speaker. What do you think the chances are of Henry being on the show in season seven?

The performance was good but did have a number of noticeable spots where Marlee just seemed a little bit off. It just wasn't finished at the level you expect from week six of the competition. You can't really ignore the fact that what she's doing, with regards to her hearing, is incredible. But you can't really award extra points for it either. It's a tricky situation. I do have to add here though just how absolutely beautiful she looked.

Carrie Ann noted how amazing Marlee looks. She said that the mambo is about the connection with the music and they looked like they were struggling. Len said she had proven that the only limitations you have are the ones you put on yourself. He thought she did a great job, but it looked uncomfortable. Bruno agreed with the others, noting that she lost the timing a few times, but stressed that what she is doing is a great achievement. Score 21 (7,7,7)

Cristián de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke (Foxtrot) - Cristián had some work to do this week. Finding out that he was in the bottom two added pressure. He took it well and was determined to come back with his foxtrot. Their challenge was with his arms. Cheryl took him to the pool to learn how to move smoothly.

They opened with a slide down the banister and things really took off from there. I think the nuttiness with the pool must have worked, because Cristian was so smooth and light on his feet. They should get the award for best looking couple of the night as well. Cristián really captured that Fred Astaire style that he was looking for. Cheryl again did a nice job of choreographing the routine to showcase that style and charm.

Len said if Cristián was in the bottom two tomorrow he would show his bum in the supermarket. Best dance of the competition for Cristián. Bruno said it was Cristián at his dashing best. He also pointed out the excellent footwork, calling it an unexpected treat. Carrie Ann said there was a fine line between being rigid and refined. Tonight he passed way into refined. She also liked his emotion, posture, and footwork. Score: 27 (9,9,9)

Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani (Viennese Waltz) - It was a different Marissa coming into week six. She got some great comments from the judges last week and it seemed to give her even more energy, if you can imagine that. To help her with dizziness in the spins of the waltz, Tony took her to an aerial arts class.

They had the good fortune of the Viennese waltz, which I think is always one of the dances that lends itself to better scores. Unfortunately, they also had the worst music of the night. It was more than a little distracting. Despite that, Marissa managed to wrangle that seemingly boundless energy and put in a subdued, and well done performance. She was going for princess, and I thought came up right on the mark.

Bruno called her all light and frothy with plenty of rotation. He liked the difficult moves and called it very good. Carrie Ann said she's on board with Marissa now, and added another good job. Len liked that they are seeing her confidence grow and said she came out like a princess. Score: 26 (9,8,9) Marissa's reaction to the score was priceless

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas (Jive) - What do you say about Kristi? She's been in the top spot for the whole competition, with no signs of slowing down. This week the two of them were invited to perform at Tiger Jam. We also learned that Kristi was born with club feet. And finally we weren't treated to a spot on how uncomfortable she is portraying the emotions.

Her little sock hop outfit was so cute. Their jive was really high energy. Particularly impressive were the synchronized sections. It had a good bit of whimsy in it as well. Mark isn't resting on his laurels. He keeps making the numbers more and more complex. The part that really stood out to me was the section where she spun under Mark's leg three times. Not once. Not twice. But three times. It's a good example of how they are approaching the competition. Always going for more, and staying a step ahead of everyone else. It was very impressive all around.

Carrie Ann said Hell yeah, that's what I'm talking about. She followed that up by saying that it was the best dance of the season. Len said it was like a food fight. A smorgasbord of dance and he absolutely loved it. Bruno said it was top notch, high definition entertainment. His favorite dance to date as well. Score: 30 (10,10,10) The first perfect score of the season.

Mario and Karina Smirnoff (Rumba) - Mario had a great week five. It all finally came together for him with the samba. The question was whether or not he would be able to carry that momentum over to the rumba. He promised that he was bringing sexy back this week. He then gave his little brother, Ray, a call and got his input on the judges. According to Ray, "Len is bad."

An open shirt Mario looked perfectly in place for what was a very sexy rumba. Any worries about taking a step back were quickly put to rest. Mario is really starting to embrace the ballroom and that new confidence shows in his performance. Unfortunately, the lift alarm went off in the middle of the dance. It spoiled what was an otherwise great performance. What is Karina thinking putting that move in the dance? She's been down that road before and it shocks me that she would do it again and again. It really didn't add enough to the performance to make it worth losing more points.

Len said he didn't want them to get it on in the ballroom. They did a good job on the rumba, but the rumba is the story of a developing romance. Not the story of a strumpet and a gigolo. Too raunchy for him. Bruno thought it was fabulous. Savage, primeval, lust. He needed an ice bucket. Carrie Ann said it was better than good sex, calling it ridiculously good. But, she did notice that lift and was going to dock them for it. Score: 28 (9,9,10)

Next we were treated to a look at the teams learning the country number from Christian Perry. There was a very funny moment when Kristi and Jason faced off. They are two such opposite sizes. It really looked as if everyone was having a great time. Jason may have enjoyed beating up Derek a little too much. The crash mat came out as they started practicing the lifts, offering a few hints at what was to come in the big number.

The number itself was best described as chaotic. With so many people on the floor, all moving in so many directions, it was really impossible to take in everything in one showing. Overall, I thought it was a very fun performance. There were mistakes here and there, but they didn't really detract from the spirit of what they were doing. If you had to score it, I suppose it would come down to the short solo pieces the couples got. Of those, the standouts were Jason & Edyta, Mario & Karina, and Kristi & Mark. They had the most inventive and well executed lifts.

Bruno said it was like the United Nations of dance. A couple of rough patches, but they got there at the end. Carrie Ann called it a little crazy and said that the women took this round. Len thought it was great fun and he thoroughly enjoyed it. He added that he was very impressed with the lifts by Jason and Mario.

Best performance of the night: Kristi Yamaguchi
Most likely to go home: Marlee Matlin

And with that, another week of performances are in the DWTS record books. It was a nice bounce back from an up and down week five. Kristi remains the front runner, but this thing isn't over by a long shot. We still have four or five couples that could ultimately take the crown.

I'll see you again tomorrow for the results show, which will feature Ashlee Simpson, the Riverdance, and more dancing kids. Until then, check out AOL's extensive Dancing With The Stars coverage, which includes photo galleries, polls, and a live chat.