Recap/Review: "Dancing with the Stars," Week 9 Semi-Finals

I’m so excited that the finals are only a week away. Week 9, however, is a critical week; it’s the semi-finals. During rehearsal this week, Hines’ partner Kym suffered a serious injury and was carried away on a stretcher, but since she’s here, I’m taking that as a good sign. This week, everyone has three dances to do – two individual dances and a Winner-Takes-All Cha Cha.

After suffering a leg injury last week, Ralph and Karina are up first. I hope he’s completely healed. They’ll be doing the Salsa and the Argentine Tango for their individual dances. Ralph isn’t exactly known for his hip movements, so he has to dance “as if [his] life depends on it.” They do the Argentine Tango first and let me tell you, I didn’t see any problems with his leg. However, for me, it lacked the seductiveness I associate with the Tango. Len was up first and commented, “It lacked a bit of emotion throughout the dance – it didn’t really smoulder. However, having said that, I liked the set-up around the lamppost into the dance. I thought it was sharp and precise, full of content…I thought you did a really good job.” Bruno was up next: “Yes, something was happening when you were stroking the lamppost. Something was stirring there, but for me, once you actually got hold of Karina, you were very stern, slightly detached. You have this kind of cold determination of an executioner and I still haven’t seen the Latin lover…It was too flat in interpretation…This is the semi-finals, I’m sorry.” Needless to say, that brought a loud round of boos from the audience. Carrie Ann, after expressing how happy she was to see him dancing, agreed with Len and Bruno. “You have got to get the emotion that’s in your face, the character that’s there, all the way down to your feet. I feel like your feet sometimes are dancing a little different dance than the upper part of your body. So, I want to see it all connected.” Score: 25 out of 30.

I just can’t tell you how happy I am that Kirstie Alley made it to the semi-finals. And the weight she’s lost! You go girl! This week, they have the Paso Doble and the Viennese Waltz and they start with the waltz. It’s beautiful – light, airy and enchanting. There always seems to be a wonderful connection between Kirstie and the music. Bruno loved it with his usual flair, and Carrie Ann was impressed. “…You were tight the whole way through; the technique was fantastic. You do something that’s really magical. You bring us into the whole performance. I definitely feel that you transform the ballroom stage into something different every time you step out there. Once again, you did it tonight.” Len started out with something that really made me laugh. “You know, the Viennese Waltz is a grueling dance and I honestly thought you’d be a Klingon, hanging onto Maks for dear life. But, no. Beautiful posture, lovely sweeping movement, good rotation. You did well; that was a great dance. Well done.” Score: 27.

It sounds like we’re in for a real treat tomorrow, according to Tom Bergeron. Starting at 8/7c, season two champ, Drew Lachey along with Cheryl Burke, will perform as part of the greatest freestyle routines we’ve ever seen; past champions Donny Osmond, Apollo Anton Ohno, Brooke Burke, and season 7 runner-up Warren Sapp will give our stars advice on how to create the perfect freestyle. Then at 9/8c, the Results Show will have music from Pitbull, as well as Ne-yo and Stevie Mix as we learn who is going home.

Chelsea and Mark, at the top of last week’s leader board, are doing the Argentine Tango and the Rumba. During their rehearsal tape, Mark admitted he was concerned Chelsea won’t be able to bring the emotion necessary for the dances. Chelsea herself commented, “I don’t think I was even remotely prepared for the level of difficulty that this competition requires.” While I did see her smile once during the tango, overall I think she did a fairly decent job. Carrie Ann disagreed saying, “OK, we’re in the semi-finals so I’m going to be very picky, obviously. You are such a fantastic dancer, but I found that to not to be up to par. I think your leg motions, they were not sharp and I don’t feel like you finished your moves…I’m hopeful for your next routine, but tonight, it wasn’t there.” Bruno looked like he was having an aneurysm listening to Carrie Ann’s comments. Len was second to comment though. “She’s right; your legs lacked a little bit of authority throughout the dance. However, having said that, it was clean, it was precise. The lifts were right in character and as always, you produced a first-class performance. Well done.” Bruno, chomping at the bit, stood and asked if he could speak. “Now, I know exactly how you played it and you played it well. This was like…that was Sharon Stone out there…Fascinating, intruiging; you had a kind of basic instinct in there, but it was restrained. They didn’t get it. I got it and America has it as well! Well done!” Score: 28, which included a 10 from Bruno.

We next saw Hines and Kym’s rehearsal tape, showing us Kym’s injury as it happened. It seemed they were having a hard time with the lifts as they practiced one after another. When Hines’ full weight came down on Kym’s neck when she was tucked beneath him, it was painful to watch. The worst part was Kym couldn’t feel her arms at first, but pro that she is, she was more worried about the practice time they’d be missing. I can’t begin to imagine how scared she must have been. Like the trouper she is, though, she’s dancing tonight even though she didn’t really want to. First up was their Arentine Tango, for which they received a standing ovation from everyone, including the judges, and it brought tears to both their eyes. Mine as well, if I’m being honest about it. The dance was beautiful, sexy, and seductive. They absolutely commanded the room. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Len so enthusiastic with his comments – he actually reminded me of Bruno! “…The legs! It was like something from the Kama Sutra…Now, do you understand? That was a tango!” Speaking of Bruno, he had this to say, “Every emotion was out there for the taking. The battle of will between the man and the woman. Who’s gonna be the dominant partner? … It was like group sex – you never want it to end!” Carrie Ann also agreed. “I’m just happy you’re ok, ‘cause that was a serious injury. I’m so impressed with the routine and the way you danced the routine, but mostly, Hines, I’m so impressed with you – the way you partnered her through that routine … The connection was beyond what we ask for in a dance routine … the dance was stunning. Excellent job.” Score: a perfect 30!

Before each couple’s second dance, we heard about the people who helped shape the stars’ lives. For Ralph, at first it was his parents, Ralph and Rosalie, who are still married, and in the audience. They always supported him in his dream to become an actor beginning at the tender age of five. Also behind him is Phyllis, his wife of 24 years, who has known him since the age of 15. Jerry Weintraub, producer of Karate Kid, also helped Ralph along the way. Everyone told us how committed Ralph is to everything he undertakes. Dancing with the Stars is obviously no exception.

What can I say about Ralph and Karina’s Salsa? It was sexy, very lively, and Karina’s skin-tight leopard jumpsuit was so hot-looking, you could probably have fried an egg on it. Ralph’s hip action was spot on and it looked like he was totally enjoying himself. Len turned into Grumpy Len, however, saying “I heard you say on that [inaudible]that you were totally committed and you are committed. But for me, all too wild. There was no real rhythm, there’s no equation, the bigger the butt, the more the rhythm. It was all too harsh, too in your face. It was too wild, it was wild!” Bruno agreed with Len, with some x-rated comments. “Well, you definitely went for a bad-ass salsa. Are you wearing extra-large diapers? Your legs were … apart when you were dancing. You were too rough with your [bleeped out]…You have to be a little smoother, Len is right.” Karina was embarrassed by Bruno’s comments, as she said “Wow, wow” as she turned into Ralph. Turning back, she sarcastically commented, “Classy, classy.” Carrie Ann thankfully disagreed, saying “Oddly, I liked it. There was something … so uncharacteristic for you to put on a booty pad and shake it like your mama told you … I was actually impressed. Yes, your technique went out, but I think it was the most fun I’ve seen you have throughout the whole competition.” Score: 23, giving them 48 out of 60 for the night.

Kirstie was born in Wichita, Kansas and said she would always have a soft spot for her birthplace in her heart. Her friend, John Travolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, said Kirstie knew from an early age she wanted to be an actress. Kirstie recounted that she started doing a lot of drugs, cocaine in particular, in the late 60s. (Who didn’t?) Her former boss, Dean White, told us Kirstie was always a maverick, and as she was like a daughter to him, he encouraged her to find more self-esteem. She eventually realized she had become the thing she most despised. A few short days following the tragedy that befell her parents, she was awarded the role that took her to fame – Star Trek.

You could see the determination in Kirstie’s face as she began the Paso Doble with Maks. However, I thought her performance lacked the fire that comes with that dance. That’s not to say I didn’t like it because I did. The judges saw it differently though. Bruno, loving Kirstie as always, said “Kirstie, that wasn’t a Paso Doble, that was Dance Track 12 – the Wrath of Kirstie! There was the fire, the power, the brimstone, an erupting volcano. You were really going like a force of nature.” “You’re the Queen of the Paso Doble,” shouted Carrie Ann. Len followed with “…For me, you’ve had two of the toughest: the Viennese Waltz and the Paso Doble. They’re very demanding technically and you’ve come out and danced fabulous. Well done.” Score: 27, for a total of 54 out of 60.

Chelsea’s dad, John Staub, told us what a creative kid Chelsea was growing up in Scottsdale, AZ. Because she loved art, singing and performing, her parents enrolled her in the local youth theater. American Idol alum, Jordin Sparks, met Chelsea at that theater and recounted how all the boys took a shine to Chelsea. “Chelsea was just born to be on stage,” Sparks commented. Going to Hollywood based on the offer of a scam artist (she and her father later found out) forced her to realize she better do something fast before her father took her home. According to Joe Jonas, who she is reportedly seeing, she auditioned for the Disney channel and totally nailed it.

Chelsea did the most sensuous walk onto the dance floor as her Rumba with Mark began. Her performance was just beautiful – sensual, smooth, with every emotion exhibited in her face. The judges agreed. Carrie Ann said, “Now that’s what I’m talking about! That’s what I want to see. Full range of motion, full passion, full commitment to the movement. That was a nice Rumba.” Len agreed – “It had mood, it was very expressive. You had lovely feet and legs, which created a natural hip action. Tonight, you have fulfilled your potential.” Bruno continued the lovefest. “It was like a hypnotizing sequence of standing shapes, beautifully linked. What it was, ws romantic and erotic, but perfectly pitched. It was outstanding.” Score: a perfect 30, giving them a total of 58 out of 60.

Last up was Hines. His competiveness comes from his mother. Born in Seoul, South Korea to an African-American father and Korean mother, she told of the torment he faced as the child of a mixed marriage. To give Hines a better life, she agreed to leave everything behind and they moved to Atlanta, GA. Unfortunately, his parents divorced and with his mother having no family in America, it was very difficult for her, especially since she didn’t know English. Many of his friends and former teammates think that her sacrifice for him and working two jobs to keep the roof over their heads is what gave Hines the work ethic he has today. Hines showed off the socks he plans to wear for the Mirror Ball Trophy; they say “Eat, Sleep, Dance.” Everyone who spoke on the tape commented on the extent of Hines’ heart. Bill Cowher, the former coach of Hines’ Pittsburgh Steelers team said Hines’ “determination is based on, tell me I can’t do something, and I’ll show you not only will I do it, I’ll be the best there was at it.” Even Art Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is impressed with Hines. “I wouldn’t count him out.”

Hines’ Salsa was fun, entertaining and he sure did look like he was having a good time out there on the dance floor. Len loved it – “I was beaming … It was a joyful experience and I love your philosophy: Success comes in cans, not can’ts and you can…” Bruno said only one sentence could describe Hines – “You’re just beautiful, man. Beautiful person, great ability, great versatility and supremely watchable.” Carrie Ann said “Hello, hello! I can’t even express how much joy I get when you dance. To me, I grew up dancing as a self-expression and it’s always just about letting it out and letting people enjoy. And that’s what you have done every single time you’ve come out on the dance floor.” Score: the third perfect score of the evening, 30, giving them an all-round perfect score of 60.

The winner of the Winner Takes All Cha-Cha round will get 15 bonus points, which should give them a boost to get into next week’s finals. Hopefully, this will prevent any of the top scorers from going home, as has happened in seasons past when viewer votes didn’t carry them through. It’s a first for Dancing with the Stars. By explanation, when the first two rounds of dance are complete, the couple in the top spot will dance the couple in the bottom spot, and the 2^nd and 3^rd place couples will dance against each other. The winners of those two bouts will only have 3-5 minutes to learn their routines for the Instant Cha Cha. So, given the scores previously announced, Hines and Kym squared off against Ralph and Karina first. Both couples did a fine job, including a lot of hip action from both men, but my pick was Hines and Kym. The judges unanimously agreed, picking Hines and Kym as winner of that round.

Next to compete were Chelsea and Mark against Kirstie and Maks. Carrie Ann wrapped it up when they were finished by saying to the ladies, “This one was tougher because you guys are so different.” Pointing to Chelsea, she continued, You’re so sharp, staccato and clean, tight.” To Kirstie: ”And then you’re so sensual, voluptuous and go get ‘em girl. Yeah, this is a hard one.” The judges, again unanimous, picked Chelsea and Mark.

For the final heat, the couples did the Cha Cha to “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga. They had less than four minutes to listen to the music and figure out their moves. I have to say, between the two couples, I really couldn’t pick a winner. They were both that good. Of course, the judges don’t have that luxury…they have to pick a winner. Again, they are two very different types of couples dancing, making the judges’ decision even more difficult, especially because they both did an excellent job. That said, the couple getting the 15 bonus points was Chelsie and Mark.

So, there you have it. Who do you think is going home tomorrow? As much as I hate to say it, I think it will be Ralph.

See you here tomorrow dancing fans when I’ll recap The Results Show and we find out who will be going to the Finals next week.

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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!