Dancing with the Stars Week 4 Recap

Dancing with the Stars Week 4
By Armando Martin
Former U.S. Champion
FADS National Dance Director

The best show on TV kicked off this week with Mark and Kim – not the best couple – who danced an elegant Viennese Waltz. Although he is not the worse dancer in the competition, Mark is hanging on by a thread. His work ethic and motivation are evident with every little step he takes, but he needs a little luck to stay around long enough to see all that hard work pay off and become a more natural-looking dancer. I like Mark and I would like to see him stay around for a couple of more weeks to see if he can get better. My bet is that he can.
Score 22

Mark and Sabrina danced the Paso Doble this week, and what a dance they pulled off. They were powerful, fast, and totally in sync with each other. When you put all that together you end up with a great performance that brings the audience to the edge of its seat. However, as much as I enjoyed it, I think a perfect 30 was not warranted when you put her dance up against Jane’s. Jane has a better look, especially for a lady, and better feet, legs and posture. I guess it’s whatever you prefer - entertainment value or absolute beauty.

Tony and Jane danced an unbelievably beautiful Viennese Waltz. This week Jane made herself the one to beat in the competition. Her softness and top line were almost at a professional level. When she danced on her own away from Tony, it was like watching a ballerina move across the floor. This lady is class and beauty in motion and, as always, Tony brings the best out of all his partners.
Score 26

Floyd and Karina danced the Paso tonight and they received good reviews from the judges, who I think were very intimidated by Floyd’s comments after last week’s performance. That is the only reason they would be so nice, because his dancing was horrid. He did try very hard but that only made it scarier to watch. His posture was terrible and he looked like he was mad at the floor the way he was stepping on it.
Score 23

Mel. B and Maks danced the Viennese Waltz tonight and I can say without a doubt it was her weakest dance so far. Normally I like her dancing very much, but tonight she was steppy and bumpy. Her top line looked heavy and out of place. Mel has to do better to be a threat to Jane and Sabrina.
Score 26

Superman was the theme for Cameron and Edyta this week, and they pulled it off very well. Their dancing was strong, well choreographed and very effective. It is hard to do Paso Doble to the song from Superman but they did it very nicely. Cameron is the only guy that can actually stick around to see the semifinals.
Score 27

Marie and Jonathan danced a very nice but boring Viennese Waltz. I am afraid that without her charm, she actually has no chance in this competition. She moved very lightly and with good posture, but she lacked anything special or impressive this week. Better luck next week.
Score - A very high 26

Jennie and Derek danced a fabulous Paso Doble. The improvement in this lady is unbelievable. She is getting better and better every week as she loosens up and becomes one with the music and her partner. On Monday she was powerful, strong and passionate. Great job. Her score should have been closer to 10 and not the 8s she received.
Score 27

Dancing the Viennese Waltz tonight was Julianne and Helio. This guy’s dancing is contagious and great to watch. Even though technically this was not his best performance, his smile and energy pulled him through. His top line, which is usually great, was high and tight. He will have to be better next week because Cameron is coming to get him.
Score 27

The results show gave us Mel B. in the bottom two, which is incredible. This girl is truly talented and can win the whole thing if given a chance. Floyd Mayweather Jr. was sent packing tonight, and that was absolutely the right choice.

I’ll be back next week with more comments and insight on the dancers.