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LOS ANGELES — It’s week eight of “Dancing with the Stars,” and eight couples remained in the competition.
This week’s show took place on a Monday because of Election Day.
The Disney Night theme is in celebration of “the magic of Disney on Broadway.” You don’t have to look too far to find “Dancing” cast members who are die-hard Disney fans.
Broadway stars Heather Headley, Sherri Shepherd, Michael James Scott, Rodney Ingram, and Kyra Belle Johnson made special appearances. The guest judge was Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo.
Each couple danced twice – their individual routine plus a group dance for added points. Here’s a rundown of the judges’ scoreboard on the individual dances, from highest to lowest:
Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson
Dance: Jazz
Song: “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
Broadway Show: “Mary Poppins”
Derek said, “Get this man on Broadway, stat!” He also praised the choreography and told the duo they were perfectly in sync. Cynthia loved the movement, the comedy elements and said she was flabbergasted. Carrie Ann thought it was amazing and particularly loved all the nuances.
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10, 40 out of 40
Jenna Dewan & Val Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Quickstep
Song: “Be Our Guest”
Broadway Show: “Beauty and the Beast”
Carrie Ann called Jenna a perfect princess and thought the dance was quick, light and in sync. Derek said this is what he wants to see in a quickstep, full of great content and he loved it. Cynthia felt the movement was great and really special to watch, and she especially loved the “split jump” Jenna was able to do. Bruno called the routine “a feast” and said this is “DWTS” at its best.
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10, 40 out of 40
Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach
Dance: Samba
Song: “Under the Sea”
Broadway Show: “The Little Mermaid”
Cynthia said she felt she was riding a wave with both of them and watching them felt like magic. Carrie Ann told Ezra he makes the impossible… possible. Derek said Ezra proved he can pretty much do anything. He also praised Dani for a routine filled with content.
Scores: 9, 10, 9, 9, 37 out of 40
Amber Glenn & Pasha Pashkov
Dance: Quickstep
Song: “A Star Is Born”
Broadway Show: “Hercules”
Cynthia thought it was the most joyful way to start the show and said the strength they both have is glorious to watch. Bruno pointed out one little misstep but overall loved the routine. Carrie Ann applauded Amber for being the first one to lead the man in the dance.
Scores: 8, 9, 8, 9, 34 out of 40
Tatyana Ali & Jan Ravnik
Dance: Contemporary
Song: “Easy as Life”
Broadway Show: “Aida”
Carrie Ann was emotional and told Tatyana the routine gave her chills, and she did it with class and grace and elegance. Derek says dance is emotion made visible and Tatyana’s energy radiates. Cynthia thinks emotion flows from Tatyana but advised her think about being longer and taller.
Scores: 9, 8, 8, 8, 33 out of 40
Julia Stiles & Ezra Sosa
Dance: Paso doble
Song: “Satisfied”
Broadway Show: “Hamilton”
Bruno jumped out of his seat to say THAT is how you do a character and was also a proper Paso doble with plenty of content. Carrie Ann sees Julia turning real emotion into dance and loved it. Derek said this week she delivered a comeback in the ballroom. Cynthia said she saw someone who was ready, who pushed through pain, and did something really beautiful.
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 9, 33 out of 40
Maura Higgins & Mark Ballas
Dance: Jive
Song: “You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!”
Broadway Show: “Peter Pan”
Bruno loves the way she embodied Tinker Bell as a character, but her jive needed a little refining. Carrie Ann felt the couple’s energy sometimes waned. Derek wanted to see some more “snap, crackle, pop” in the routine but thinks Maura is so fun to watch. Cynthia reminded Maura to have fun on the dance floor because when she does, it shows.
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8, 32 out of 40
Connor Wood & Rylee Arnold
Dance: Waltz
Song: “I See the Light”
Broadway Show: “Tangled”
Derek said it felt like he watched a first dance at a wedding. He commended Connor’s footwork but thinks he still needs to work on his frame. Cynthia loved the commitment to the storytelling with the dance. Bruno called it sweetness and light with an honest connection between the two. Carrie Ann wants Connor to work a little more at being the lead because she thinks he is “there” and ready to take the reins.
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8, 32 out of 40
TEAM DANCES
These scores are added to the individual score for a grand total.
“Team Slay-topia” featured Amber, Julia, Maura and Tatyana performing to the song “Zoo” from “Zootopia.”
They were joined by their pro partners and Alfonso Ribiero.
Cynthia thought it was fun and perfect, with all the hips and the fringed pants. Bruno also said good job. Carrie Ann loved the way they blended all the different styles. Derek loves seeing friendship and camaraderie in the rehearsals and on the dance floor.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9, 36 out of 40
“Team Wildcats” featured Connor, Harry, Ezra and Jenna performing to “We’re All in This Together” from “High School Musical.”
They were joined by their pro partners and Julianne Hough.
Bruno said the team graduated with honors, bringing the “A” game. Carrie Ann said well done. Derek said the dance brought so much joy to the ballroom. Cynthia said the routine legitimately felt like the opening of a real show on a stage.
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10, 40 out of 40
It was a great night of performances but as always, someone must be sent home. This week, it was Julia Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa.
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