Episode Report Card Kim: B+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Final Exam
By Kim | Season 14 | Episode 18 | Aired on 05.21.2012
Judges? Bruno thought it was full of artistry and had technical brilliance. Carrie Ann thought every movement was perfectly executed. Len thought it was very satisfying and fabulous. Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Len 10, and Bruno 10. Katherine and Mark are especially thrilled with the 10 from Len, since they haven't had one from him before. It's starting to feel like the scores were pre-determined. As long as they don't screw up royally, they're getting perfect scores.
Carrie Ann visits Donald and Peta in rehearsals. They have the Argentine tango this week, and last time they did it, the judges were very split. Carrie Ann advises them to fill the dance with content and don't have anything that seems like filler, and Len will score them appropriately. They start, and I'm really impressed with Donald's acting abilities and his emotion. Remember, he's a football player. He's the only one left who's not a performer of some sort by trade. And the precision of his movements, and his shapes, are excellent. I thought he could have danced more instead of just being a pedestal for Peta during the many lifts, but I guess if you have someone with an athlete's strength, you take advantage. This was my favorite dance of the first set.
Judges? Carrie Ann says she loved the crispness of his moves and the light and shade of Donald's performance. Len thought there was a lot more content and he loved the intensity, and the lifts were great. But, Len thought it was a little too careful. Bruno thought it was subtle and intimate with strong storytelling. Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Len 9, and Bruno 10. Of course, Len doesn't give them a 10 and the audience boos. Donald vows to get a 10 in the freestyle.
And speaking of the freestyle, it's time! Traditionally, the freestyle is not my favorite because everyone does some stupid hip hop or contemporary dance, and I don't think the pro dancers excel at this type of choreography. That said, the past season or two have showed some of the dancers taking more chances with original types of routines, so maybe they will continue to buck the trend.
Cheryl and William are up first. Cheryl plans to do a Latin flavor, which is smart, but then add in lifts. William is really worried about the lifts, because they're taking a lot of risks and he's exhausted. But he knows that he has to give it all he has in this last dance. So how does it all work out? Well, the lifts were all good to great, and the rest of the dancing wasn't too bad either. Cheryl did a great job combining the tango, the salsa, the cha cha, and I think I saw some samba in there. And she was sure to add in a long segment of William shaking his buns, because she's no dummy. My only complaint was that William didn't look like he was having any fun! It was a fun, action-packed routine, and he looked worried the whole time. Lighten up and just enjoy your last dance, dude!