TVSquad

(S07E12) It's time to head back to the ballroom, and week 6 brought with it another change to the format. In addition to one regular performance from each couple, they all got together for a big group number as well. Shotyme stopped by to choreograph what was billed as the "Old School Hip Hop" performance. As you might expect, that went better for some than it did for others. We also had a special guest judge this week. Michael Flatley, best known for Lord of the Dance, filled in for Len Goodman. He got the full DWTS experience, witnessing some fantastic performances... and Cloris. A look at all of the performances, is after the jump.

Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke (Viennese Waltz) Last week, Maurice had great results with the salsa, landing a 27. This week, he had to tackle the Viennese Waltz and was nervous about going back to ballroom dances. As is so often the case, that nervousness was not necessary. Their waltz lacked any big, flashy moves, but was very well performed. Maurice continues to improve, and that really showed in some of the complicated turns that Cheryl gave him in the waltz. I do believe he was right, that their big scores are going to come from the Latin numbers, but he's holding his own in ballroom as well. A very elegant start to the night.

Michael said it was unbelievable to see the fastest man on earth do something so slow and elegant. He thought parts could have been a little smoother, but all in all, called it great. Carrie Ann noted the improvement in Maurice's posture, but added that Maurice & Cheryl lack chemistry. That's actually a good point. Bruno didn't think it had the sweep and the grace it needed. He compared it to a surfer on dry land, calling it a little bit raggedy. Score: 21 (7,7,7)

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer (Jive) Lance had the opposite result of Maurice last week, taking it in the shorts and ending up in last place. This week found the pair in Florida, at the same studio where 'N Sync trained. Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick stopped by for support and Joey offered Lance some advice, which makes sense because Joey got a 30 with the jive. Getting to the performance, the judges couldn't say Lance didn't do enough this week. He opened with a big solo. Lacey joined him soon enough and they went into a very high energy jive. It was very intricate. Lance even managed the heel slide without falling down this week. He also showed great personality. It was a fantastic way to bounce back from what was an off week.

Bruno said the Lance is back on target, gleaming with confidence. That's the way to take on the stage and sell yourself. Michael said he doesn't want to hear another word about lack of confidence. Lance had everything tonight. Carrie Ann giggled at Tom and then gave a big cheer for Lance. She also thanked Lacey for listening to the judge's comments. Score: 27 (9,9,9)

Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani (Mambo) Susan was in the bottom two last week, mostly because she hasn't progressed in expressing herself. It's a problem she recognizes, but hasn't been able to do anything about. Trying again to remedy that, Tony took her to a mambo club. From the clips, it was a much more engaging Susan. It didn't really translate to the dance floor. Tony gave her some intricate choreography, and for the most part, she danced it well. Unfortunately, as we've said week after week, she's still too reserved and her movement is too timid. I fear that she's running out of time to make that change.

Carrie Ann said she knows how hard it is to take the criticism from the judges, but this week Susan broke the box. Bruno was glad that we are starting to see the devil lurking under Susan Lucci's skin. But, he added, the timing was off. It started a fight with Carrie Ann. Michael tried to intervene, suggesting the Carrie Ann and Bruno should get married. It's an idea that they both found objectionable. Back to judging, Michael said Susan is the epitome of elegance, grace, and beauty. He liked her eye contact and said the performance was intoxicating. Score: 23 (8,8,7)

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough (Rumba) Brooke has had no problem coming out of her shell, but this week she's joined the injury club. It was a tendon strain, and the doctor recommended seven days off of her foot, but she was going to go forward with the competition. Considering the injury, the rumba was a great draw for the team. Something like Lance's jive would have put a lot more stress on her injury. Getting to the ballroom, it's almost starting to look easy for Brooke. Derek came up with a very sexy rumba that had a nice balance of technique and beautiful poses. It lacked the wow factor of some of their performances, but it was still near the top of the class.

Michael said Brooke took his breath away. It was sensational. He went on, saying it was intoxicating that she never took her eyes off Derek, and added he hoped he had a card big enough for her score. Carrie Ann disagreed. She told Brooke that this was not her best dance. She thought the injury held her back and she didn't look comfortable on her feet. Bruno noted that even standing still Brooke can smolder like a flame, but tonight she was under par. Score: 26 (8,10,8)

Cloris Leachman & Corky Ballas (Cha Cha) This week, Corky brought in Cloris's ex-husband, George, to help with the training. I guess at this point he's ready to try anything, because let's be honest, Corky really is fighting a losing battle. It's become apparent that Cloris is Billy Ray. Much like we saw when Billy Ray made it farther than he had ever imagined in his season, Cloris is no longer even trying. I would actually be ok with Cloris, at her age, not being able to do all of the moves. Fair play on that, because it is pretty amazing for anyone in their 80s to get out there and ballroom dance. But that doesn't excuse the fact that so often Cloris doesn't even know where she is supposed to be going, or the fact that she just walked around for the first third of the performance. Watching Corky redirect and steer Cloris around the dance floor leaves me longing for the dance stylings of Jeffrey Ross. At this point, it's ridiculous.

Bruno said she is the only person in the world able to sell such nonsense. Michael, on orders from his father not to say a bad word about Cloris, said she is a legend, and an inspiration to older people. He added that she's lucky to have Corky as a partner. Carrie Ann said she loves Cloris, but then said she's sad because we lost Toni Braxton for this... I'll just point out again, Carrie Ann gave Cloris an 8 in week 4, and a 7 in week 5. SCORE: 15 (5,5,5)

Cody Linley & Julianne Hough (Samba) Julianne is on the injury train as well. Apparently she became ill after the results show last week, and it's no laughing matter. She's going to have surgery on Tuesday to remove her appendix, but is still planning on dancing next week. Until she's back to full speed, Edyta will be taking over for her. In the training video, it was time for some spray tan and a fake mustache to get Cody in the samba spirit. It was pretty funny. Despite those worries, the two managed a very good samba. It was very crisp, and Cody really is improving in both the technique, and the acting. Julianne continues to challenge him with more difficult choreography and he continues to answer.

Carrie Ann said it was the most intense samba she's ever seen. She sees that Cody is really going for it and she loved it. Bruno didn't agree. He thought they got it completely wrong. No bounce, and Cody was dancing it like a paso doble. It prompted another fight between Carrie Ann and Bruno. Michael said Cody has everything it takes, but he's not convinced it was his best night. There was great strength and determination, but the best is yet to come. Score: 23 (8,8,7)

Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson (Rumba) Warren had a tall order this week with the dance. Kym had the idea to tell a love story in their performance, upping the ante on his acting ability. He took to the challenge very well though, and with one small exception, he played the emotions of the number just right. It was quite an obvious mistake as Warren realized he'd missed a step and his entire face went into a grimace. That was small potatoes though, in what was otherwise another really good performance for the big guy. Very smooth, and very consistent. Those are good qualities to have for this competition.

Michael called their performance very entertaining. He would have liked to see a little more dancing, but thought it was great to see such a powerful man be so sensitive. Carrie Ann said it was pretty sexy. She then compared Warren to Emmitt and added that Warren has better acting skills. Bruno agreed, noting that Warren always gets the character right. He did point out the mistakes in the dancing though. Score: 25 (8,9,8)

Old School Hip Hop

And then it was time for the big group number, as choreographed by Shotyme. There were no judges scores for this one. It was presented just for the voters at home. As a group performance, it really wasn't very good. Aside from the fact that some of the stars just weren't up to the task, the production didn't do a very good job of giving each couple an extended solo spot so they could be judged against each other.

If you were going to pass out grades, I'd say that Warren, Cody, and Lance were at the head of the class. Maurice and Brooke both did fine, but kind of disappeared into the background. Susan visibly struggled. The camera caught her too many times looking around at the other dancers to see what she was supposed to be doing. And Cloris... she didn't really participate, spending the majority of the performance standing on the stage and watching. I'm hoping that with the judges scores, and the non-participation in the group number, Cloris will be leaving Tuesday night. Of course, with this show, you just never know. It should make for an interesting results show.