Oh man – my internet connection sucks big time tonight, with so much lag! I had to rewind and rewatch the first performance because I thought the errors were because of the lag and skipping … but nope

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough danced a jive for their first dance tonight, and they had so many problems, it was just sad!   They only scored a 7-7-7 for their first dance, which is their worst score all SEASON!  Brooke’s posture was off, she was too stiff, and just wasn’t on her a-game tonight. At all. I was saddened by this because I really think they deserve to win the Disco ball trophy!  Carrie Ann even went so far as to criticize them for doing an illegal lift flagrantly, and told them it was an insult.

Cody Linley & Julianne Hough were next and due to do the Paso doble’ – it looked like a teenaged boy’s dream. Gorgeous blonde drill sergeant, poor, innocent g.i.  It was so harsh, there really didn’t seem to be much content … the judges felt the same way and skewered them as well. 8-7-7!

Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson did the mambo.  (It’s amazing to see the weight that Warren’s lost, btw!)  I think they did a really good job -  Warren didn’t look nearly as nervous as he has in week’s past and actually appeared to be having fun again.  The judges wanted more advanced moves and less flat-footedness.  They scored  8-8-8.

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer did the mambo for their first dance.  and really brought it this week.  Lance finally got to MOVING.  He untied those feed and kept up with Lacey.  It was good to see, although it got me worried about my favorites (Brooke & Derek)!  The judges were extremely complimentary (surprisingly) and scored them 10 – 9 – 10!  By FAR, their highest marks of the season.

Midway through, Len Goodman had this whole dream sequence of dancing with the pro women – and this led into his “Master Dance Class”.   First up was Lance, and Len showed up barefooted LOL  He worked on Lance’s pigeon toes.  Then he went to work with Cody.  He worked with him and his hips.  With Brooke, he worked with her straightening her legs out.  For Warren, he worked on his feet action.

For the second set of dances, they were to do the new dances that were introduced this season – the Salsa, the Jitterbug,

Brooke & Derek did the Salsa.  Brooke was still keeping her legs bent (in my opinion) and it just really takes away from the dance.  As for the dance – there was more content – more advanced.  Bruno called her a diva bitch (in a good way) lol.  (Obviously, my opinions weren’t shared LOL) They scored 9-10-9 (LEN actually gave them a 10. Amazing!)

Cody & Julianne also did the Salsa and although it was fun to watch, Cody still doesn’t move his hips like he should be.  Julianne, though, is amazing to watch under any circumstances, but this soon after having surgery? Wow. They scored 8-8-8.

Before the next set of dances, they brought out professionals to show how the Jitterbug is supposed to look – and it was crazy fast.  CRAZY!

Warren & Kym did the Jitterbug.  While it was entertaining, to me it just looked like he was jumping around a lot but without any real direction or reason.  The judges, though – were happy. LOL  Shows I was off my game tonight. Oh well lol.  They scored 9-8-8.

Lance & Lacey also did the Jitterbug.  Lance, complete in sailor suit, and about a third of a way through, lost one of his shoes LOL  They continued on and did a pretty nice job –full of energy.  The judges really enjoyed it as well and the scores reflected it: 10- 9-10.

Tonight was a tough one to try and figure out who will go this week.  Brooke & Derek, who had been so strong all season, floundered – and Lance & Lacey, who had floundered all season, finished strong.  I’d ahte to see Brooke & Derek leave this far into the competition.  I’m hoping it’ll be Cody & Julianne, as much as I like Julianne.  Cody just doesn’t *have* it!

What will you be watching once DWTS goes off for the season?  I’m thinking of checking out The Bachelor for the very first time in January – we’ll see, I guess.

So – who do you think goes this week?

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