"DWTS" Week 7: Dancing through Time
Things got real last night on “Dancing with the Stars,” as the seven remaining couples faced the most shocking elimination, yet. But before we talk tears, let’s discuss the high points of “DWTS” Era Night.
High Point #1:
We actually got to see the Pro Troupe Team perform a bit. It all began with the classiest of opening numbers to “Anything Goes,” which made us want to fall in love—in the 1930s. It seems like most of the recent Troupe performances have been heavy on the sexy/spicy element—which, don’t get us wrong, we love. But it was refreshing to start off the night with an elegant routine that really let the dancing stand for itself.
I’ma need one of those yellow dresses, please. (And perhaps a dapper gentleman with a top hat…)
Besides the opening number, we also got a few glimpses of the Troupe throughout the show. Artem Chigvintsev, Peta Murgatroyd and Lindsay Arnold gave us a 1930s swing; Keo Motsepe and Emma Slater repped the 1950s with a jive; and Tony Dovolani, Peta, Emma and Artem did a 1990s tango. Mind you, each of these performances lasted a hot 10-seconds. Here’s hoping with the return of the results show next week, we’ll get a bountiful feast of professional performances.
High Point #2:
Umm, Riker taps? To close off a high-energy 1920s baseball quickstep, Riker Lynch and Allison Holker showed off their versatility with about two eight-counts of pretty decent tap choreography. I’m telling you guys, he could be this season’s dark horse.
High Point #3:
While rehearsing for this week’s 1960s-themed jive, Rumer Willis boosted the self-esteems of dancers everywhere. This wasn’t Rumer’s best week—although, lbh, she doesn’t really have “off” weeks. She admitted that, despite her killer bod, she isn’t an athlete, and all this hardcore dancing is EXHAUSTING her. A humble spirit gets big points in our book, as does telling the world just how physically taxing dance can be.
High Point #4:
Nastia Liukin makes lemonade out of lemons. Ever since we found out about Derek Hough’s multiple injuries last Wednesday, we’ve been wondering whether he’d be able to compete this week. Last night’s ep revealed DHough’s still out for the count, but we’re glad he’s listening to his body.
Filling his shoes was Pro Troupe Team member Sasha Farber. (LOL to when Tom Bergeron congratulated him on getting out of his crab suit…) Derek still managed to choreograph the routine, a modern Charleston to “Honey I’m Good” with a live musical performance by Andy Grammer. And the expert choreographer found ways to fit himself into the backdrop of the routine, as well. In the end, Team Nastia-Derek-Sasha won the highest score of the night, giving them immunity from the dreaded dance-off round. Kudos to all three for making the most of a difficult situation.
Now for the sad news: Willow Shields and her partner Mark Ballas were eliminated from the competition. And when the 14-year-old Hunger Games star broke down in tears of disappointment, everyone—judges included—had the feels. At least Team Markingjay went out with a bang: They’re futuristic “Ninjazz” number was every bit as quirky and delightful as the rest of their routines from the season.
Now it’s your turn: Were you as shocked as we were? Do Chris Soules and Robert Herjavec deserve to stay in the competition? Will Derek compete in next week’s show? Who will survive the dreaded double elimination? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and check back with us next week to see how the “DWTS” drama unfolds.
