Hines Ward Tops the Leader Board Again! Recap/Review - "Dancing with the Stars" Week 5

Ok folks, we’re halfway through the competition so it’s time to bring it stars! It’s American Night on Dancing with the Stars and everyone will be performing to tunes that celebrate our country. We get right to it as Ralph and Karina are up first. They’re dancing the Samba to “Sweet Home Alabama.” Karina has Ralph practicing with a hula hoop to get that hip action down pat. I was totally laughing out loud watching him in their rehearsal tape. Dressed in cowboy/cowgirl outfits, they are certainly having a good time. It’s very entertaining and is quite the crowd pleaser. A really good Samba? Nah, I don’t think so. Len tells Ralph he’s not consistent and is lacking in rhythm and hip action. Guess that hula hoop didn’t help much. I wish Bruno would stop with the gyrating hips when he’s illustrating what he doesn’t like – lack of hip action. “Give me sex man.” We get it, Ralph didn’t do too well, but really? Do you have to illustrate for us? Carrie Ann, however, thinks it was a great, entertaining performance. Score: 22.

Chris and Cheryl are next and in their rehearsal tape, Chris gives Len a raspberry! And follows with a spot-on imitation of him, complete with British accent! Crack me up! I didn’t know Chris had such a good sense of humor. This week, they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to “America the Beautiful.” Outfitted in military dress blues, Chris looks very handsome, and their waltz is elegant and beautifully done. “Big yet graceful, strong yet delicate of touch, elegant with a sweeping sense of romance. It was absolutely wonderful.” Bruno pretty much sums it up for all the judges, including Len, who, after his comments, proceeds to chide Cheryl, which had both me and the tv audience laughing: “It’s so nice to see Cheryl not showing off the Rocky Mountains.” Score: 26. The audience goes absolutely wild when Len gives them an 8, which is something Chris asked for in his rehearsal tape.

Petra and Dmitry are doing the Quick Step this week to one of Elvis’ famous tunes, “Viva Las Vegas.” Petra is a beautiful woman and looks even more so in the beautiful gold sparkly gown she’s wearing. I’m not a professional, but I think they did a pretty decent Quick Step. Carrie Ann thought Petra had a few stumbles this week, and Len thought she coped very well with the speed of the music. Bruno commented, “You were like the golden goddess…you have lines that could rival Ferrari, Masarati and Lamborghini…the quality was very good.” With that kind of comment, you would expect a pretty high score from Bruno and he comes through with an 8. Total score: 22.

Romeo and Chelsie are dancing a Foxtrot this week and Romeo wants to put some “swagga” in the dance. He really needs to work on his posture and he knows it. He wants to show the judges he deserves to be on top. Dancing to “New York, New York,” I think Romeo tries too hard and looks out of sorts to me. I didn’t like their performance at all. The judges didn’t see it that way. Len commented there were bits and pieces he wasn’t happy with, although he does think Romeo is “on the right road.” Bruno, rising from his seat, said “Oh yes, you did have swagga and spunk and [ ] full of flavor. I’ve never seen a foxtrot so cheeky and so well-danced.” Carrie Ann told Romeo their dance was “so cool.” Score: 26. Sorry fans, I don’t think the dance deserved such a high score.

Hines and Kym are up next and I can’t wait to watch them dance. Kym tells him he has to be sexy and raunchy, although they plan to make their Rumba more romantic. I hope they don’t fall or head butt each other during their performance like they did in their rehersal tape. Dancing to “Proud to Be an American,” Hines, in military whites, and Kym, in the most beautiful, yet sexy white dress reminiscent of the flapper age, are perfection on the floor. “Well played,” says Bruno. Carrie Ann tells Hines he has the best hip action. Len tells them their dance has “a naturalness about it. It’s got an ease and an elegance which is charming and I think, probably for me, that’s your best dance.” Score: 27, their highest score ever!

Kirstie and Maks are up next and I hope this week, they’ll dance without any mishaps. They’re doing the Foxtrot to “American Woman.” Kirstie knows it has to be perfect from here on out, so she brings in the “Dance Doctor” aka John Travolta to help. He tells them they have to connect romantically if they want to win. OMG, Maks is topless in leather pants, with the American flag painted on his abs. Wow! You’ll have to excuse me for a minute. OK, I’m back. I think Kirstie was holding back a little, too afraid something bad would happen. But it didn’t and I liked it. Carrie Ann said she thought it was their best dance ever. Len thought “It had attitude, there were lots of basic steps I like to see…but it wasn’t my cup of tea.” Bruno, “Oh the American woman and the Russian gigolo. The Cold War is definitely over. I didn’t know you were so dirty…oh yes, both of you.” Score: 23.

Kendra and Louis tumbled to the bottom of the leader board last week, and to tell the truth, she’s my pick to go home this week. Unless of course she can bring it this week. Somehow, I don’t see that happening. They’re doing the Foxtrot to “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and Kendra promises America, in her rehearsal tape, she will put her heart and soul into the dance and won’t let anyone down. As this is the 100^th competitive dance overall for the show, sirens blare, roving spotlights shine all over and confetti rains down – as Tom Bergeron puts it, “We’re nothing if not understated.” Cute.

Both dressed in flag-themed outfits, it looks like Kendra is enjoying herself. However, she’s just too stiff in my opinion. And it looks to me like she’s counting her steps. She has a definite lack of musicality. Len comments, “It’s much better than last week. You came out and enjoyed yourself; it was fun and it was entertaining, well done.” Bruno said, “Sweet as apple pie and much more in character…but I can still see your thoughts. When you’re performing, on stage or on camera, you have to be in it on the moment. I can see you thinking it. You have to stop that.” Carrie Ann said, “I completely disagree with you (Bruno) this week. This was the most confident I’ve ever seen you…you’re a fighter…the most patriotic dance of the night.” Score: 22.

Last up are Chelsea and Mark – let’s see if they can sustain their position on the top of the leader board. They’re dancing the Samba to “Party in the USA,” by Miley Cyrus. Mark plans to keep the dance traditional, which is something I’m sure Len will like. Can I just tell you – I loved it! How cute they are and how adorable when dancing! In my opinion, their Samba was spot on! Chelsea is one to watch in my opinion. Bruno loves her too, telling her she’s a really good dancer. Carrie Ann thinks they’re fantastic, as does Len, who said, “Well done.” Score: 26.

Wow, what a tight race is shaping up. Three couples receive a 26, while Hines is back on top with a 27. So dancing fans, who’s your pick to go home tomorrow? For me, it’s Kendra. She tries hard, but I just don’t think she has it. Who is my pick to take it all? It’s a toss-up for me at this point. Hines Ward and Chelsea Kane are on the top of my leaderboard. Ok, gotta go – I have to cast my votes! And so should you if you want your favorite to stay.

See you tomorrow for “Dancing with the Stars – The Results Show,” 9:00/8:00c on ABC.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!