Episode Report Card Kim: B | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Chasing the Mirrorball
By Kim | Season 10 | Episode 18 | Aired on 05.24.2010
Carrie Ann tells Nicole that she's so great that the only way she could improve was to be vulnerable, and it worked. Carrie Ann saw a lift at the end, which I thought was a spontaneous expression of joy that the dance was good, not part of the routine. Derek argue that it didn't happen until the song was over, but Carrie Ann promises that she watched very specifically and saw that it started before the song ended, and was thus part of the routine. Again, if they would define exactly what a lift is and what is and isn't allowed, these stupid arguments could be resolved. And also explain why Carrie Ann is the lift police. Gah. Anyway, Len loved the choreography but thought he still saw a slight lack of confidence in Nicole. Bruno thought it had "extreme beauty" and was "superlative." I'm sure it won't matter in the end -- they might not have a perfect score, but it will be high enough. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 9, and Bruno 10. Derek apologizes again to Carrie Ann for the lift.
Tom introduces the second half of the show, the freestyle round. Erin and Maks are up first. In rehearsals, Maks suggests that they do something different to separate themselves from the competition. Instead of doing hip hop or jazz, they decide to do "lyrical contemporary" and Maks brings in choreographer Mandy Moore (not the singer) (Sadly) (though she was just on Grey's so she's been busy) (and isn't she married to Ryan Adams? Okay, I'm done) to help them.
So they dance to "Alone" by Heart (can anyone hear this song anymore without thinking about Carrie Underwood? Just me?) and there's a mattress on the floor. I'm not a huge fan of this routine. I love the raw emotion, but to me, it kind of just seems like walking around, and then throwing each other on the mattress, and then stunts. The stunts are impressive, for sure. But there's not a whole lot of dance, if you ask me. I think fans of this couple will like this routine, let's stay that. Also, I think they are totally doing it.
Len agrees that freestyle is a risk and reward, and he liked parts of it, but he didn't love it. Bruno thought she put her heart and soul into it, and some of the steps were incredible. Carrie Ann thought it was the perfect choice, and she loved how Maks tried a new kind of dancing to make his partner looked good. Carrie Ann saw one stumble on a bed spin, and Maks says it wasn't the bed they rehearsed in. I know what he meant, but everyone is like, "OOOOOOOOHHHH!" Grow up, people. Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Len 8, and Bruno 9. They look disappointed. Also, Maks may have broken his nose.