Episode Report Card Kim: A | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Paso Doble from THE FUTURE
By Kim | Season 9 | Episode 16 | Aired on 11.09.2009
Bruno says "the replicants are taking over the dance floor," and he thought it was "a masterful reinvention." Carrie Ann compliments Derek's choreography and also notes that Joanna didn't miss a step. Len also thought it was genius, because he didn't know how Derek would even start. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 10, and Bruno 10.
Kelly and Louis got the '60s for their jive. Kelly gets into the design of their costumes, as well as being able to contribute some of the moves since she knows her '60s dances. Her one concern is being able to keep up with Louis because the dance requires so much stamina. So they're dancing to "River Deep, Mountain High," an awesome song, but they start out with a whole skit where Kelly has a rag doll and Louis takes it and she gets it back and it's not dancing and Len's going to hate it. The routine itself is good, but not great -- it lacks the energy and confidence of her first routine. Ballroom really is Kelly's forte. She ends by sitting on Bruno's lap and sucking her thumb. This could have been awesome; instead it's back to mediocre. And I love Kelly and want her to do well.
Len is impressed that Kelly has barreled through the pressure and gotten stronger every week. Bruno thought it was groovy and he makes Kelly sit on his lap again as he counsels her not to be afraid. Carrie Ann thought it was one of her best performances, even if the doll thing lasted a little too long. Scores: Carrie Ann 8, Len 9, and Bruno 9.
Donny and Kym find out that they have the '80s for the paso doble. Donny gets really excited about the bolero jacket and wearing a mullet. He's all dressed up like Adam Ant, and they're dancing to "Right Round," albeit a slowed down version. They put a lot of '80s into the routine, right down to the smoke machines and the fans in their hair, but the high-waisted pants Donny is wearing are not working for me. He screws up the trick at the end too, and the tempo seems too slow. But it's hilarious, and he knows it, so he's in on the joke.
Len thought it was crazy and scary but he still liked it. Bruno thought it had "more camp than a drag queen's convention" and he wasn't sure if he was watching Donny or Marie. Marie is actually there in the audience so of course she has to mug for the camera. Carrie Ann thought it was hilarious, even if they did go over the line into insanity a little bit. That's true; there was a moment when I thought, "Am I watching something like Marie's crazy doll dance?" But the dancing quality was better, so I felt reassured. Scores: Carrie Ann 8, Len 8, and Bruno 8.