By Kim
Samantha does an interview with the remaining celebrities. As usual, no one says anything interesting except that they still really want to be there. Jason and Cristian declare that they are taking a temporary hiatus from their friendship, but only temporary.
Then a group of dancers performs a tribute to Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" that includes a performance by Omarion. I wonder, is there a more recognizable dance sequence, even to people who know nothing about dance or choreography, than the zombie dance sequence from the "Thriller" video? It's been referenced or mimicked or adapted in so many other videos or movies. I mean, there was even an homage in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I'm a little disappointed that they don't include a "Beat It" segment in the tribute, though. Wasn't that the biggest single off the album? Or was "Billie Jean" bigger? I, like many young girls of the era, was the BIGGEST Michael Jackson fan. You know how some people are all fired up about the New Kids reunion? Michael Jackson was my New Kids. Anyway, this was my favorite non-ballroom routine this season, by far.
Now it's time for the other kid couple, Jaryd and Cara, who won the 10 and under round. They feel famous after being on television, and then Maksim of all people came to help them in rehearsal. These guys must have been on the week I was on vacation, because I do not remember them at all. Jaryd and Cara do the samba, and there is nothing cuter than little Jaryd rolling his arms for the samba (and OMG, they're dancing to They Might Be Giants). Forget everything I said earlier about my strong stance against kids dancing competitively -- these two must win. Adorable. Sorry. I must be hormonal or something. Tom asks the kids for their autographs. Len tells them that he'd rather watch them than the grownup couples backstage. I kind of agree.
The final couple to compete is Brandon and Brittany from the 13-and-under round. Their celebrity coach is Ashly DelGrosso. They're dancing the paso doble this week. They are really incredible. REALLY incredible. Like I think they might be better than any pro couples dance we've seen this season. I get that they have longer to rehearse, but it was really astounding. The judges are stunned by the level of artistry. I'd love to see some video of Julianne when she was dancing competitively as a kid for comparison. I'm sure I could find it online somewhere, right, but it's not the same as when it's in HD on my television.
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