"DWTS" Week 8 Recap: Trio Night

May 8, 2017

I’ll admit it: Being relatively new to the whole “DWTS” game, I was doubtful even the super-talented pro dancers could come up with really cool and exciting ways to do ballroom trio numbers. But boy, was I blown away by the creativity and energy of last night’s routines. In honor of three turning out to *actually* be a magic number, here are my three favorite trios from Trio Night. (How many times can I say “trio” in this recap before I drive all of us nuts?)

1. Rashad, Emma and Whitney’s tango trio

Okay, so the “other woman” cliché is one of the oldest in the book. But this number’s hot-to-the-touch choreo told an engaging story and also provided so many jaw-droppingly beautiful dance moments. Can we please talk about those gorgeous few seconds when Rashad lifted and spun both Emma and Whitney simultaneously? Partnering #goals.


2. Normani, Val and Alan’s jive trio

I mean, please sign me up for any “DWTS” number that involves not one, but TWO shirtless men. Beyond the sheer awesomeness that is bare-chested Valan—yes, I just invented “Valan” and no, I don’t want to talk about it—Normani was (appropriately!) the real star of this routine. Showing off her precise attack and sparkly stage presence (not to mention her own impressive set of abs!), Normani went from being a promising underdog to possibly the frontrunner in his whole shebang.


3. Simone, Sasha and Brittany’s paso trio

I’m a sucker for a well-executed theme, but what really won me over here was seeing a whole new side of Simone. Gone was the smiley young girl on display in her foxtrot with Sasha earlier in the episode. In her place was an interstellar ice queen, capable of hushing the crowd with a swirl of her skirt and a cool glare straight into the camera. Here’s hoping we see more of this mature, grounded Simone in future numbers.


At the end of the night, Bonner Bolton and Sharna Burgess went home. I see why it was time for him to go (his trio was low-energy and bizarre), but oh, how I’ll miss that drawl—and his earnest honesty.