TVSquad

(S08E10) We're finally at the half-way point where (presumably) the bad dancers have disappeared. We have our four early standouts and then the other four. It's weird that there are only three female celebrities left, but those three are the best.

How do I love this show when there are two large flaws bringing it down? The musical arrangements this were horrendous. The band's take on "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce and "Dance Dance" by Fall Out Boy were atrocious. Samantha still hasn't improved; this week she called Len a "Poopy head."

On a fashion plus, I got my wish of Edyta wearing legwarmers. Even Lil Kim has a pair. More musings after the jump.



Ty & Chelsie – Jive – Last week, Ty's Paso Doble was robotic. This week, Chelsie decides to focus on loosening up Ty. The problem is when Ty remembers steps, he starts getting mechanical. Chelsie brings in a hula hoop and an exercise trampoline. As they dance, I appreciate the country theme, but I totally forgot that the thing was supposed to be a jive. Ty then forgets a step and jumps early. He quickly recovers and completes the dance without any other major mistakes.

Len starts off with a compliment that has nothing to do with dancing (he's charming) but then takes jabs at the choreography and Ty's dancing. Bruno liked the line dancing, but thought the jive was wild. The kicks were wrong, and the timing was rough. Carrie Ann thought the jive was exciting, but she shows that Ty's specialty is in dances with form (Foxtrot) or athleticism (Lindy Hop). This dance fell somewhere in the middle. Score: 18 (6, 6, 6)

Shawn & Mark – Rumba – Shawn and Mark benefitted from the simplicity of the choreography last week. Mark decided to focus on the romantic elements. Shawn is very shy and she giggles through the practice. Mark recreated a prom at the dance studio since Shawn missed hers. I'm always happy to see Shawn drop her nervousness and perform. She gives Mark an occasional smirk, but she maintains her face and body at the same time. It's really sexy, with the slight exception of a minor robotic lift sequence.

Bruno thought it was angelic and loved the innocent romance. He wanted a little more hip action though. Carrie Ann appreciates innocence, and she saw some of the fear in her eyes. She overcame it in the second half. Len thought that the rumba wasn't too hot. It was just right. Score: 26 (8, 9, 9)

Lawrence & Edtya – Jive – Lawrence dodged elimination last week and he hopes never to go back there (quite unlikely). During practice, Lawrence gets stressed out learning steps. Warren Sapp came in to energize Lawrence and help with character. I appreciate Edyta's choreography because there are more jive elements compared to Ty. Lawrence still seems stiff, but he's progressing. There's a moment where Lawrence and Edyta stand awkwardly, but it doesn't hinder the rest of the dance.

Carrie Ann loved that he got his groove back, but thought the lift was unnecessary. Len liked the basic movements and the lighter personality. He hopes that the feet will be lighter next week. Bruno thinks that Warren helped a lot. His timing was on. Score: 22 (7, 7, 8)

Melissa & Tony – Rumba – Melissa wants to make sure that her character is better than her serious Paso. Luckily, she understands the dance elements and it impresses Tony. Melissa is smooth and the dress twirls wonderfully as they dance. It's distracting when you hear screeches of the music in the background. It's seductive and sexy, nonetheless.

Len thought it was clean, precise, and well choreographed. Melissa needs to be earthier and less balletic. Bruno calls her exotic and appreciates the flexiblity. Bruno wants to see the devil in her. Carrie Ann was impressed by the emotional quality. Her problem is that her Cuban movement lacks. Score: 27 (9, 9, 9)

Lil Kim & Derek – Jive – Kim and Derek's two personalities surprisingly compliment each other. Derek wants a dance with character. Lil Kim's only 50's reference was Thelma & Louise. That movie took place in the 60's. They decide to go to a 50's-style burger joint to learn character. I love the irony of Lil Kim being the police officer in the dance. Unfortunately the dance is too much about characters instead of the dance. It gets too intense at one point, and Kim forgets the steps at certain kick sequences.

Bruno wants to be arrested and frisked. He thought she rocked. Carrie Ann gets up and yells, while her bangle flies off. She loved the choreography and pizzazz. Len loved the fun and energy, but it lacked jive elements. It was too theatrical to be a jive. Score: 28 (10, 8, 10)

Steve-O & Lacey – Rumba – The mime waltz was good enough for the fans to keep him around. Steve-O wants to give all his "love" to the fans; it's just the way he said it that gave it a sense of double entendre. Lacey needs to make sure that there is a romantic connection, but Steve-O farts. Steve-O brings his dog Boogie and it shows a human side. Although his arm movements are a little too sharp for a rumba, he's improved so much from week one. Now that the Woz is gone, I guess Steve-O is that endearing character.

Carrie Ann was mesmerized by the dance. She appreciates the commitment and vulnerability. He still lacks grace, but he's improved from last week. Len saw no hip action or foot work. Bruno liked "Racy Lacey." Bruno thought Steve-O was like an awkward puppy. Score: 16 (7, 4, 5)

Gilles & Cheryl – Jive – Gilles loved the feeling of getting 10s. This week it's all about the fun of the jive . Cheryl pushed Gilles hard this week with choreography. He got tense, so the two go play soccer. I find it funny that Gilles' songs tend to have a rock edge; none of them fit ballroom. The dance was frantic. The real question was: why was everything Kryptonite green again?

Len liked the jive qualities. One of the steps was wrong in front of Len. Like his Paso, it was a little too frantic. Bruno thought it was too fast and he looked like a mad squirrel. Carrie Ann liked the showiness, but his arms seemed squirrelly. Score: 26 (9, 8, 9)

Chuck & Julianne – Rumba – Chuck has finally woken from his hibernation. Julianne's aggression as a teacher is tough on Chuck. The two decide to go to the pier to reignite their flame. Other than tension in Chuck's mouth (similar to Lil Kim's porn mouth), his movements were precise and he actually showed some hip action. At the end, the two make out.

Bruno wants more; Carrie Ann agrees. He loves the raunchy factor. It technically wasn't perfect, but he's progressing. Carrie Ann loved the passion, but the technique needs help. Len thought that some parts were a little too bedroom. Chuck was a hodgepodge of robotic and smooth. He thought it was a little too raunchy. Score: 23 (8, 7, 8)

It's so odd to say this, but I want Steve-O to stay one more week. He actually shows improvement. Tomorrow Rascal Flatts perform. Next week, the group dance returns with a 60s theme.