With just 6 couples left in the competition going into this week’s dances, I think the competitors are finally getting the idea that they’re getting close to the end. I would have thought, though, that with that looming, they’d have stepped up to the plate more than they did.

Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson danced the Foxtrot.  You could tell that Warren did not have his head into this dance.  He looked uneasy, and didn’t look like he was having much fun at all.   The judges picked up on that as well.  They scored 7-7-7.

Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani danced the Paso Doble’ and to me, it seemed  as thought they were still trying to be gentle with her leg or ankles or something – but she certainly didn’t dance with the kind of passion that I’ve seen others dance that dance to.  I was disappointed, as if she’s gotten this far, she should be better by now.   But she’s just not. Yes, I know she’s 62, but still.  I don’t see how she’s still here.  The judges, though? LOVED it.   They scored 8-8-8.

Maurice Green & Cheryl Burke danced the Cha-cha-cha.   They did pretty well – although Maurice still doesn’t extend like he should – but I think that has to do with their lack of communication and chemistry.   In the beginning interviews, he showed a lot of anxiety for this week, but they did pretty well anyway.  The judges thought so too.  They scored 8-9-8.   (Len actually gave them a 9 – was surprising)

Cody Lindley and Edyta Slywinska danced the Viennese Waltz, as Julianne is still recovering from her surgery.  They danced pretty well together, although I think the choreography could have really used some work.   They scored 8-7-7.

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer danced a rather unconventional rumba barefoot.  I really liked it – although it was a little repetitive, it was good. They DO have a lot of chemistry together, and it shows on the dance floor.  Carrie Ann & Bruno loved it – Len, not so much (not surprisingly).  They scored 9-7-9.

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough danced the foxtrot too,  and it was truly elegant.  They’re so good together, and of course, Derek’s choreography is always so good (must run in the family).  Brooke needs to give Susan lessons on moving.   They got the season’s first perfect score – 30!  They truly deserved it, too.

So then, after everyone was done with their individual dances, they teamed up to do a team dance.  3 couples did a team cha-cha-cha and 3 couples did the paso doble.

Team Cha-Cha-Cha consisted of Susan/Tony, Cody/Edyta & Lance/Lacey.  Of the 3, Susan/Tony were definitely the weak links.  Theirs was stiff and uncoordinated.  Lance/Lacey and Cody/Edyta were good – MUCH better than Susan/Tony.  As a group dance, they all would get the score added to their individual scores.

Carrie Ann, specifically, was very disappointed – told them their unison was gruesome to watch.  They scored a total of 6-7-7.  So they each got 20 added to their other scores.

Team Paso consisted of Warren/Kym, Brooke/Derek & Maurice/Cheryl and was 1000% better than Team Cha-Cha-Cha.  They all were excellent, and their score reflected it.  10-9-10.  So they got 29 added to their other scores.  It was well deserved

For the elimination night’s show, they had Lionel Richie sing, as well as a rather odd dance performance turned magic show.   When they finally got to the elimination, it was obvious that Brooke & Derek would be safe.  I was kind of surprised to see Maurice & Cheryl were also safe early.  Then the last of Team Paso was safe, and it came down to Team Cha-Cha.  Truly, not surprisingly, Susan & Tony were (finally – mercifully) eliminated.  I think she did fantastic to make it 7weeks, especially with her very busy schedule.  She’s a beautiful woman, in wonderful shape – and was so grateful.  It was a very classy exit.

Next week, I’m expecting Maurice & Cheryl to hit the bottom 2.   I see Brooke & Derek, Warren & Kym and Cody & Edyta/Julianne as the final 3!

Who do you think?

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