Ricki Lake and Derek Hough

All during the season she was a consistently strong dancer. I was always impressed with her ability to pick up the steps that Derek gave her. That aside, she never fully grasped the energy of the dance and was very placid in almost every dance she did. She was a good technical dancer but never gave me the feeling of power and emotion that I look for in each dance.

Her best dance by far for me was in week 2, the Jive. In this dance I was so impressed with her kicks and flicks and raw emotion throughout the routine. I could not believe it was the same person from week 1. As far as I can figure, she was a top contender going into the competition because of her fame from Hairspray; this may have gotten to be too much for her and that is why she did not show as well in week 1 over the 2nd week and beyond.

I know most of this sounds quite negative, but, I assure you, she deserves the title as much as the rest because she consistently performed at the top of the pack and showed America that while she wasn’t the best in week 1 she could learn these dances, something foreign to her and succeed at them.

J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff

Week by week J.R. proved that he had the passion and energy to do all the dances Karina throw at him. He did it, maybe not the best as per the leader board, but he was always chasing Ricki, toe to heel. His number one stand out dance was the Instant Jive. Karina completely stole the season with that choreography and J.R. made it clear he was in it to win it.

One problem J.R. had this season was that he got too into the emotion and character of the dance and forgot about the technique of the dancing. It may have been enjoyable to see him dance and act through each character, but to the highly trained eye, he was often not in control and sloppy with technique. Given that, he still was able to pull it all together and come out with a steady run to the end.

This season is the season of Karina! She has pulled out all the stops this year and given J.R. such a chance at winning the show. She kept his routines strong and fresh and took risks every week that showcased his strengths. I cannot recall ever seeing him fail to impress my high standards.

Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke

Rob is the contestant that this show is all about! I highly doubt anyone prior to the show would have picked Rob to be in the finals. Cheryl time in time again has proven how amazing she is at training her celebrities to dance and dance well. While he may not have gotten into character all the time and his technique was not where I would’ve like to see it during the finale, he was still one of the stronger dancers this season and without a doubt deserved the final three spot.

The best dance Rob and Cheryl performed in my mind came during Halloween week, their “Adam’s Family” Tango. It stood out to me above the rest and is the one I most vividly remember. Rob really got into the mood of the dance and his technique was not bad either. This was also the first time where he really had the sense he was leading, or leading as much as he could. I can almost guarantee Cheryl still had to back lead him through the dance most if not all the time. That aside, he still looked as though he had the dance under control.

A Rob and Cheryl win would not be a bad thing in the least. He proved that he, a definite non-dancer, could learn how to do the dance routines and week by week he most certainly got better.

SPOILER!!!!

So who won the competition?

Round one:

Ricki & Derek | Cha Cha | 27

Rob & Cheryl | Cha Cha | 27

J.R. & Karina | Cha Cha | 24

Round two:

Ricki & Derek | Freestyle | 27

Rob & Cheryl | Freestyle | 30

J.R. & Karina | Freestyle | 30

Round three:

Ricki & Derek | Tango | 30

Rob & Cheryl | Foxtrot | 26

J.R. & Karina | Jive | 28

Round four:

Ricki & Derek | ELIMINATED IN THIRD PLACE

Rob & Cheryl | Samba | 30

J.R. & Karina | Samba | 30

Winner: J.R. & Karina | Second: Rob & Cheryl | Third: Ricki & Derek

Superlative Awards

The Congeniality Award: Chaz Bono

Most Improved Dancer: Rob Kardashian

Most Missed Celebrity: Chynna Phillips

Best Dressed Celebrity: Carson Kressley

Celebrity that would most likely take me on a walk: Nancy Grace

Favorite Male Professional: Tristan McManus

Favorite Female Professional:  Karina Smirnoff

Stud muffin: Derek Hough

Ricki & Derek | Dance: Samba |  Score: 30 | Change over previous week: +2 | Total points since week 1: 316/360

It was a solid routine and she didn’t seem to mess up much if at all. I still think Derek completely out danced her, which honestly doesn’t look good much of the time; however, he is always there to support his partner which I really enjoy seeing. He give 100% every time to make sure Ricki does her best. Now if only she could work on the technical side of her dancing. She was not very well grounded and looked like she could fall over at any moment. Dance more into the floor! It’s there for a reason, use it honey!

Argentine Tango | Score: 29

I really liked it. She had decent shaping in her frame and did not have any missteps with what Derek gave her. She needs to work on emoting more and being more snappy. It’s the Tango! Where was the staccato? Give me more!

Cha Cha Relay | Score: 8

This was a case of her and Derek not dancing together. She looked really out of place.

Rob & Cheryl | Dance: Quickstep | Score: 27 | Change over previous week: None | Total points since week 1: 289/360

Rob has definitely earned his spot in the semi-finals. He is a better dancer in my mind than Hope and most definitely a better dancer than big sister Kim! She got the boot in week 2 during her season when she danced with Mark Ballas! Rob is starting to really resemble videos of Emmit Smith who danced with Cheryl in season 3. I found old clips of the show on YouTube and wish I was around to see them then! It was such good dancing way back then and none of the nonsensical themed weeks like we see today! Off topic, sorry. By saying Rob looks like Emmit, I mean that he really is starting to look like he knows how to dance, granted his technique is not that great, but neither was Emmit’s and he won!

Argentine Tango | Score: 27

His posture could have been slightly better, but I really liked it other than that. I loved his stalking prowess during the routine and those lifts! Great job!

Cha Cha Relay | Score: 10

Very good job. He had higher energy than I’ve seen from him all season. Way to go!

J.R. & Karina | Dance: Waltz | Score: 23 | Change over previous week: -7 | Total points since week 1: 311/360

It lacked the passion and intensity that I look for in a Pasodoble. Unfortunately, it was probably due to his ankle because his Jive last week was AMAZING! I hope it heals in time for him to dance the four dances next week!

Argentine Tango | Score: 27

It was not his best dance by far. I think Ashley and her friend Billy of Room 38 did much better at the Dancing with Missouri Stars back in May. Maybe J.R. should’ve looked for a little assistance from an outside voice. Karina is amazing, can’t deny that, but it always helps to have another point of view now and again.

Click here to see Ashley and Billy dance to the same song J.R. and Karina danced to on Monday!

Cha Cha Relay | Score: 6

I could really tell that the ankle issue was bothering him as well as feeling down about his previous scores for the night. Just do better next week. One more shot!

Hope & Maks | Dance: Pasodoble | Score: 21 | Change over previous week: -6 | Total points since week 1: 279/360

Her Pasodoble lacked all the intensity and passion, just like J.R.’s. I don’t know why she can’t just let loose and have fun with it. But Hope definitely regressed from last week.

Argentine Tango | Score: 24

Her kicks and flicks were out of control and she never straightened her legs or pointed her toes at the right time. I am really disappointed with how she turned out this season. I really wanted her to be the best of the cast so Maksim finally got to win!

Cha Cha Relay | Score: 4

Very out of control and next to no good technique. Sorry Hope. I wanted you to win before the show started, but I can’t stand behind you any longer.

Score card: 3-6

Here is how I ranked each couple tonight plus why I think they should/shouldn’t make the finals.

1) Ricki & Derek

• Should make the finals: A really good dancer. She keeps up most of the time with Derek and can do the hard routines he gives her.
• Shouldn’t make the finals: I haven’t really noticed much improvement in her since week 1. She still has somewhat sloppy technique and Derek really out dances her which highlights her flaws.

2) J.R. & Karina

• Should make the finals: He has been the strongest and most dedicated dancer of the entire cast. I continue to see him grow as a leader and his technique varies, but is really good.
• Shouldn’t make the finals: His dancing this week was subpar and he sometimes doesn’t keep up with Karina in her dancing.

3) Rob & Cheryl – my choice for elimination

• Should make the finals: He has shown the most improvement out of everyone in the cast. I commend his efforts and really like his dancing a lot.
• Shouldn’t make the finals: He technique is poor and no matter how much I comment on his poor posture, he still never stands up straight!

4) Hope & Maksim – actually eliminated

• Should make the finals: Next to Rob, she has shown the most improvement out of the cast.
• Shouldn’t make the finals: She doesn’t always come across as grateful for being on the show and her dancing really regressed this week. If she had made it to the finals, I’d put her in 3rd because she might have turned out to be a one hit wonder.

FINALE SELECTION

Based on my comments above and their dancing all season, here is my finale list. And if you forgot how everyone else finished I provided a list of how everyone else placed as well. Remember, top 3 are just my picks, they are not official yet!

First Place: J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff

Second Place: Ricki Lake & Derek Hough

Third Place: Rob Kardashian & Cheryl Burke

4th Place: Hope Solo & Maksim Chmerkovskiy

5th Place: Nancy Grace & Tristan McManus

6th Place: David Arquette & Kym Johnson

7th Place: Chaz Bono & Lacey Schwimmer

8th Place: Carson Kressley & Anna Trebunskaya

9th Place: Chynna Phillips & Tony Dovolani

10th Place: Kristin Cavallari & Mark Ballas

11th Place Elizabetta Canalis & Valentin Chmerkovskiy

12th Place: Ron “Metta World Peace” Artest & Peta Murgatryod

Ricki & Derek | Dance: Waltz |  Score: 28 | Change over previous week: +1 | Total points since week 1: 257/300

She did an excellent job executing the steps, but this dance lacked the wow factor that you get from a really romantic Waltz! I was looking for it to tug on my heart strings. Now that she can rival J.R. in the dancing, she needs to find a groove for the last 2 weeks and really wow me with technique and performance! I’d like to see her give me more emotion and to finish and move through her lines more.

Instant Jive | Score: 24

It was a fun routine and she did it well. She looked a little scared because of the “INSTANT” factor, but I liked it all the same.

Nancy & Tristan | Dance: Tango | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: +3 | Total points since week 1: 213/300

Her Tango was not worthy of a 24. As fun as she was and as cute as Tristan is, I am glad they were sent home. She was sadly just not capable of dancing in the finals with the other contenders.

Instant Jive | Score: 20

Sadly, last week was better for her. Her kicks were not pointed and she was really lack-luster for all the steps.

Rob & Cheryl | Dance: Quickstep | Score: 27 | Change over previous week: +2 | Total points since week 1: 234/300

It was definitely entertaining, but still not my favorite. His butt was majorly sticking out throughout the number and his shoulders were rolled forward the entire time!

Instant Jive | Score: 34

Rob and Cheryl seemingly played it safe with this routine. Len said there were no glaring mistakes, he’s right, it just wasn’t a strong enough routine. I did like the Jive portion though for the fact that it was simply dancing, nothing overtly showy. See what happens when you just dance, you get rewarded with good scores! Let’s work together and end the overly showy routines!

J.R. & Karina | Dance: Waltz | Score: 30 | Change over previous week: +5 | Total points since week 1: 261/300

YAY!!!!!! I loved it. Even though I said before the show, I might not like him because he looks like he’d own a Mastiff instead of a Papillon, I love him now. He just needs a little more Dolce spirit in his step and he’d be truly perfect!

Instant Jive | Score: 30

L-O-V-E, love, love, love, LOVE! Karina is brilliant! One of the best Jive’s I have ever seen. Look how good the dances look without the chance of having props!

Hope & Maks | Dance: Quickstep | Score: 27 | Change over previous week: +3 | Total points since week 1: 234/300

This is what I expected from Hope in week 1. It seems she may be a little late to the game, but being safe this week, hopefully it will line her up for a good placement, maybe win, in the finals. Her frame could’ve been stronger but overall I was pleased. She impressed me this week to say the least.

Instant Jive | Score: 25

Hope was in a lot more control of her movements this time around. Maksim is a good dancer and teacher but out danced her slightly here. Even so, I still thought it was a fun dance and they deserved, this week, to be safe.

My bottom 2 couples:

• Rob and Cheryl
• Nancy and Tristan – my choice for elimination & actually eliminated

Score card: 3-5

I predict that … Rob and Cheryl will be eliminated next week!

My updated final three

1. J.R. and Karina
2. Ricki and Derek
3. Hope and Maksim

Ricki & Derek | Dance: Pasodoble |  Score: 27 | Change over previous week: -2 | Total points since week 1: 205/240

I did not like it this week. The only nice part of the dance were her pivots. Other than that, it was very lacking in actual dancing and was all about the prop trees on stage. All of this may be because of her injury, but we won’t know. I would’ve given her maybe a 23 at the highest, definitely not worthy of a 27.

Ricki was part of team Pasodoble this week and was awarded an additional 26 points.

David & Kym | Dance: Cha Cha | Score: 24 | Change over previous week:+1 | Total points since week 1: 178/240

Not impressive, not at all. The whole of the dance was David just standing around while Kym, “worked her magic” during the routine. This was quality work of the first week in the competition, not week 7. I was sad to see him leave this week, but was not surprised.

David was part of team Tango this week and was awarded an additional 23 points.

Nancy & Tristan | Dance: Jive | Score: 21 | Change over previous week: -3 | Total points since week 1: 169/240

This week Nancy was very soft in her movements and needed to be more precise in her kicks and flicks. The challenge with Jive is that the speed really tires you out and can show in the routine very quickly. More repetition could help her out a lot for the next dance coming into the home stretch of the competition.

Nancy was part of team Tango this week and was awarded and additional 23 points.

Rob & Cheryl | Dance: Tango | Score: 25 | Change over previous week: +3 | Total points since week 1: 183/240

Who is the “Adam’s Family?” Please someone tell me? AH! Perfect, “Dolce’s Secret Question” … Who was Rob portraying from the Adam’s Family this week?

Anyway, Cheryl as usual did a great job teaching Rob the dance this week, but I think the competition is just getting to him finally and he isn’t physically as capable as someone like J.R. Rob needs to work on his stamina for the remainder of the season and power through any pain he feels. This is ballroom, it’s a brutal sport! Promenades needs to be better and pulling his shoulders down would help a lot. Also standing up straight would help tremendously.

Rob was part of team Pasodoble this week and was awarded an additional 26 points.

J.R. & Karina | Dance: Tango | Score: 25 | Change over previous week: -4 | Total points since week 1: 201/240

His dance seemed to lack the passion and intensity that he usually brings to the ballroom. If he wants to win, which I think he will, he needs to bring the energy back to where it was last week and prior to that. J.R. is a strong dancer and Karina definitely deserves to win this season!

J.R. was part of team Tango this week and was awarded and additional 23 points.

Hope & Maks | Dance: Samba | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: +4 | Total points since week 1: 182/240

I don’t think this was worthy of a 24, but alas, it was better than her pitiful Rumba. She made a majority of the footwork down correctly and now needs to build up her energy similar to J.R. I hope next week the show doesn’t have as many, if any, props on stage with the dancers because I think they take away from the dancing. Maksim also looked as though he was out dancing Hope for the first time this in the season. He needs to relax and dance to his partner’s level while still being just awesome.

Hope was part of team Pasodoble and was awarded an additional 26 points.

Team Dance: Tango | David & Kym, Nancy & Tristan, J.R. & Karina | Score: 23

Each of the celebrities looked uncomfortable with the Tango. Nancy and David looked fairly similar in regards to how well they did. J.R. was the best of the three.

Team Dance: Pasodoble | Ricki & Derek, Hope & Maksim, Rob & Cheryl | Score: 26

This team got into the spirit of the dance more than the other team. Rob was really impressive in his attitude and drive through the dance. Hope was slightly awkward but still did really well. Ricki has the same issue as her solo Pasodoble, she needs to bring more energy.

My bottom 3 couples:

• Hope and Maksim
• Nancy and Tristan – my choice for elimination
• David and Kym – Actually Eliminated

Score card: 2-5

I predict that … Nancy and Tristan will be eliminated next week!

My updated final three

1. J.R. and Karina
2. Ricki and Derek
3. Rob and Cheryl

Me and my Inside Columbia Magazine cover shot that won me the prize. I don't think I've ever looked so good!

Now that the November Edition of Inside Columbia has been release I am proud to announce I have been selected as the Cutest Pet in Columbia! This is an honor that I do so graciously accept.

It has been a long road to get to this point and I have so many people to thank. I, of course, need to thank the wonderful people at Inside Columbia: Publisher, Fred Parry; Associate Publisher, Melody Parry; Editor-In-Chief, Sandy Selby; and all the wonderful designers, copy editors, photographers and reporters at the magazine. Without you, Columbia would never have gotten to experience my cuteness. You all are simply amazing.

Thank you also to Lizzi and Rocco’s for stocking such delicious food. All I can say is YUM! Your food is truly fit for me.

To all my friends and supporters from Studio B Dance Center and beyond. MJ Stevens, Alyssa, S. Bell, John, Annie, Cory, Monica, Sarah, Lauren, Christine, Steve, Scott (thank you for not scaring me on my special day), Curly Girl, Bruce, John, Coco, Terry, Tracey, Steve, Tom, Diane, GiGi, J. Keenan, Tanya, Michael, Deanna, John, Elley Roll and anyone else I might have forgotten, you make coming to work every day so much fun. One word of advice: BRING MORE TREATS!!!!!!!!

Lastly, thank you to Chris and Ashley. You helped me to prepare for this big day and made sure I was ready to go. People wouldn’t know how wonderful I am if it were not for you.

Again, thank you to everyone and sorry to those I missed.

To see my winning pretty picture and or read the article Inside Columbia did on me buy my magazine today and bring it by Studio B Dance Center and I’ll autograph it for you! While you’re in for the autograph, buy a ticket to our Fall Showcase! Just $12 if you purchase before Nov. 6.

We’ll have hors d’oeuvres, open dancing and more than 12 acts during our show! This includes a special, super secret group showcase that Ashley and crew has been working on for months. They will perform a teaser of it on Friday, Oct. 28 during our Third Annual Halloween Costume and Potluck Ball! Don’t miss out on the showcase and the biggest costume ball of the Halloween season!

Ricki & Derek | Dance: Quickstep |  Score: 29 | Change over previous week: +5 | Total points since week 1: 152/180

Much better this week. Ricki was a little stiff at points and her promenade could be better, but over all it was really good! I don’t think they deserved a 29 however, a 26 or 27 would’ve suited them well!

Derek also backed off with out dancing his partner too! It was so nice and made him look better not over dancing the routine past Ricki’s level.

David & Kym | Dance: Quickstep | Score: 23 | Change over previous week: -2 | Total points since week 1: 131/180

This week they looked a little loose and Carrie Ann was right, they didn’t always look like they were dancing together. Also, I have begun to realize that David just isn’t becoming the showman I thought he would be at the beginning of the season. He slightly bores me with how little emotional effort he allows himself to show through during his performances. He still looks scared to be out there dancing.

Chaz & Lacey | Dance: Tango | Score: 19 | Change over previous week: -2 | Total points since week 1: 113/180

Lacey looked like she was really pushing Chaz to his limits with this routine. It looked like she pushed him so much so that he wasn’t really understanding the routine though. This will probably lead to his downfall tonight, even though I originally said Nancy would leave this week, I think Chaz might finally make an exit.

For the sake of the competition and trying to bring more out of Chaz, Lacey was right to push him harder this week, it just had to be done. That in mind, it did showcase every single bad habit that he has, and in turn was reflected in the scores relative to what everyone else received.

Nancy & Tristan | Dance: Foxtrot | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: +2 | Total points since week 1: 125/180

Very impressive! Foxtrot is Nancy’s dance. She was clean and precise with her movement this week. Frame and technique could be a little better and she should’ve finished her lines a little more thoroughly but really impressive, especially with the acting part of the dance.

Rob & Cheryl | Dance: Cha Cha | Score: 22 | Change over previous week: -3 | Total points since week 1: 132/180

I thought it was very similar to his Rumba from last week, except, the scores were where they belonged! He had pretty poor hip action and I am almost certain he took a few heal leads in there too. Cheryl always does an impressive job of training her celebrities, she just needs to get him to slow down and breathe a little bit before he dances.

J.R. & Karina | Dance: Quickstep | Score: 29 | Change over previous week: +1 | Total points since week 1: 153/180

All he needed to do is close to Karina a slight bit more on promenade and pull down his shoulders and he would have gotten 30!! Loved the routine and his dancing. J.R. is clearly pushing himself and letting go the most out of all the celebrities this season! That is what it takes to win this competition. This was so much better than Ricki and Derek’s Quickstep.

Hope & Maks | Dance: Rumba | Score: 20 | Change over previous week: -4 | Total points since week 1: 132/180

I am not sure what happened since last week. I thought she was much improved and was on her way up! This week it was back to stiff and awkward. She needs to have a sit down with J.R. and figure out how he is letting everything go and dancing so free and open. She had zero hip action throughout the routine and her face showed what she was feeling during the taped segment that aired right before they danced. She looked annoyed and angry that everyone has lost faith in her. Well guess what Hope, I haven’t! You can do this!!!

As for Maks’ out burst at the judges. EW! That was totally disrespectful. Len was 100% right to call him out on it. This is a ballroom dancing show and Len is paid to be there to judge ballroom dancing. Leave if you don’t want to do proper ballroom dancing. I agree that they have been a little hard on Maksim and Hope more so than the other couples, but that is no reason to disrespect the person who is trying to help you get better, meaning judge or teacher!

Group Routine | Broadway

Not my favorite idea for a group routine on a ballroom dancing show, but it showcased some strengths and weaknesses that were interesting. I always think the group number would be more fitting as a themed ballroom number, just like the special end of the showcase number we will have on Nov. 6 during Studio B’s Annual Fall Showcase! Tickets are $12 a head of time, so purchase them fast as there are only a limited number of seats! If you buy them at the door its $15 and standing room only. Oh and by the way, Ashley says there will be a special surprise teaser for the showcase during the Halloween Dance this Friday after the Monster Stroll Dance-Off!

TOP GROUP: J.R.; Ricki; Chaz; Rob | BOTTOM GROUP: Nancy; David; Hope

My bottom 3 couples:

• Chaz and Lacey – Actually Eliminated
• Rob and Cheryl
• Hope and Maksim

Score card: 2-4

I predict that … Rob and Cheryl will be eliminated next week!

My updated final three

1. J.R. and Karina
2. Ricki and Derek
3. David and Kym

I will only post the secret question to Facebook and Twitter. You can access our Facebook by clicking here, even if you don’t have a Facebook! You can access it via Twitter by clicking here.

After the question is posted, you will need to search my blog in that week’s post to find the answer.

Once you find the answer, remember it until you come to the 7 p.m. class or the 8 p.m. party.

The first 5 (five) guests to tell Ashley, John or Lauren the answer to the secret question will get $1 off their entry to the party. They will not prompt you for the answer to the question, you will need to bring it up yourself.

Check our outlets for the questions now, good luck!

Before I rate each couple, however, I must tell you all about the studio news. The calendar for next month has been decided, and I have to say, WOW! John should have that published and ready by Friday for the dance. Ashley has also been drilling her formation group to prepare a teaser of their showcase performance, she says they’re going to perform it next Friday at the Halloween Ball. Which brings me to my last point, and the most exciting one, HALLOWEEN IS BACK! I love this time of year because all of you dress up and it gives me a reason to chase creatures around the studio. I also get to taste delicious food that you all bring in for the Pot Luck dinner, I just have to be careful to make sure Ashley doesn’t catch me walking to the back on the floor. I am not suppose to do that you know!

The MONSTER STROLL DANCE OFF will be back this year. Collette Nolin won it with her own unique twist on the dance. Who will win, well … that’s for me to decide, and Ashley, Cory, Scott and the other teachers too … Click here to watch the instructional video we’ve created just for you. Also attend the 7 p.m. class next Friday to put last minute touches on your ghastly performance.

There will be prizes for the top dancer in the dance off, best single costume, best costume group (2 or more), and best themed treat. Prizes are a closely guarded secret to be announced next week. Be prepared to scare!!!

I can't bear to do anything anymore. I am too depressed that Carson and Anna were eliminated!

Enough of that for now, on to Dancing with the Stars. Here is my overall analysis of each couple:

Carson & Anna | Dance: Jive | Score: 19 | Change over previous week: -1 | Total points since week 1: 97/150

While he was still very noodly, he did a good job! He needed to work on his kicks and flicks for the dance more but not bad. His score was justified though, maybe even a bit too high for this far into the competition.

Ricki & Derek | Dance: Foxtrot |  Score: 24 | Change over previous week: -5 | Total points since week 1: 123/150

The song they had put them at a huge disadvantage. It was not a good choice at all. It was probably the farthest thing from a Foxtrot feel as it could’ve gotten. Derek, while cute, needs to dance more ballroom. He puts too many free style moves into the dance and didn’t have enough Foxtrot.

Derek … honey … this pup is a traditionalist, you need to do more ballroom to impress me!

David & Kym | Dance: Tango | Score: 25 | Change over previous week: +2 | Total points since week 1: 108/150

It was mediocre. His butt was sticking out and his posture was still as poor as it was week one. Kym needs to step up and take control of his bad habits and knock them out cold! I do think this was an improvement over last week and choreography-wise David did do better than Ricki in that he had more actual ballroom dancing in his routine. So good job there, just fix those bad habits.

Chaz & Lacey | Dance: Samba | Score: 21 | Change over previous week: None | Total points since week 1: 94/150

I loved it! Lacey’s dad really seemed like he helped Chaz come out of his shell a lot. It was really not the best Samba ever, or the best dance of the night, but this is the fun Chaz I saw week one and wanted to see from the beginning. He was a little too bouncy and soft in his movements, but it was amazing! GO CHAZ!

Nancy & Tristan | Dance: Rumba | Score: 22 | Change over previous week: +1 | Total points since week 1: 101/150

It was not as good and powerful as last week but, bravo Nancy, bravo. She is really beginning to open up and let the dance into her heart. I think she needs to have Tristan work on her rhythm during all her dances a little more because she was standing still at some points but it wasn’t bad. She just needs to NEVER stop moving as it is bad dancing when movement ceases, some part of your body always needs to be in motion.

Rob & Cheryl | Dance: Rumba | Score: 25 | Change over previous week: +1 | Total points since week 1: 110/150

His score was way too high. All he did was a few Rumba steps and hide his face in Cheryl’s shoulder. The mood of the dance all but .5% came from her and not him. It was an utter disappointment of a dance. Rob has shown so much talent, but I think the fact that the Rumba is the “sexy” dance got to him. He does seem so insecure about acting that way, especially around Cheryl who most likely seems like a sister to him now, and I bet he would never dance a Rumba with Kim or Chloe!

J.R. & Karina | Dance: Samba | Score: 28 | Change over previous week: +2 | Total points since week 1: 124/150

WOW! Clear front runner. Great attitude and hips. Love it. That is all I can say. He needs to adjust his timing and musicality slightly, but that is all.

Hope & Maks | Dance: Tango | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: None | Total points since week 1: 112/150

Go Hope! She is here to stay! Even though she was in the “bottom two” this week, I think she is a force to be reckoned with. I see so much potential in her that Maksim is finally pulling out of her. A spot in the finals is hers to lose if she continues to grow the way she has so far in the competition. She just needs to point her toes when she kicks and relax her shoulders a little too.

My bottom 3 couples:

• Carson and Anna – Actually Eliminated
• Rob and Cheryl – My pick for elimination
• Nancy and Tristan

Score card: 2-3

I predict that … Nancy and Tristan will be eliminated next week.

My updated final three

1. Ricki and Derek
2. J.R. and Karina
3. Hope and Maksim

Here is my overall analysis of each couple:

Carson & Anna | Dance: Viennese Waltz | Score: 20 | Change over previous week: -3 | Total points since week 1: 78/120

This was a wavy week for Carson and Anna. He looked sea sick throughout the number and a little top heavy. A few spots he wasn’t with the music and ran into Anna several times. Judges were right to mark him so low. I still love you Carson! Dolce will dance with you anytime!

Ricki & Derek | Dance: Tango |  Score: 29 | Change over previous week: +2 | Total points since week 1: 99/120

This week Derek seemed to play it safe. Maybe he saw Ricki struggle last week with the technique, which she did, and wanted to go easier on her. She was very top heavy at moments throughout the number and did not emote as required by Tango law.

Learning how to stalk and sneak up on people might do her good if she has to do Tango again!

David & Kym | Dance: Rumba | Score: 23 | Change over previous week: -1 | Total points since week 1: 83/120

He could’ve done better. David danced a little too stiff here and didn’t live up to the expectation of Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford like I have seen on YouTube. Ashley says those movies are too scary for me to watch.

Chaz & Lacey | Dance: Pasodoble | Score: 21 | Change over previous week: +3 | Total points since week 1: 73/120

I didn’t understand what was happening during his dance. I did not see much pull fight. They kept saying he was boxing. Someone please tell me what that is? Seriously, what is boxing and how is it like bull fighting?

Overall I didn’t see a lot of Pasodoble and when I did see it, I think there needed to be much better technique. Score was a little high in my opinion.

Nancy & Tristan | Dance: Pasodoble | Score: 21 | Change over previous week: None | Total points since week 1: 79/120

Nancy really impressed me this week! She had much more Pasodoble content in her dance than Chaz had and her technique, while still bad, was much better than his. If he got a 21, she deserved at least 22 or 23.

She needs to roll her shoulders back when she dances and give some emotion other than terror. In the bull fight, or even when I play fight with a student at Studio B, I emote 100% aggression and determination to “win,” and I always do!

Rob & Cheryl | Dance: Pasodoble | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: None | Total points since week 1: 85/120

SHE LISTENED TO ME!!! Cheryl did a great job giving Rob more steps and footwork this week. He was a little shaky on technique and attitude of the pasodoble, but very good job overall!

J.R. & Karina | Dance: Foxtrot | Score: 26 | Change over previous week: None | Total points since week 1: 96/120

This week was not as good as last week, but still not bad. It was a strong routine, but it lacked flare and enthusiasm that could’ve made it awesome! J.R. is a good dancer and can handle what Karina throws at him, give him harder steps to showcase his talent!!

Chynna & Tony | Dance: Tango | Score: 21 | Change over previous week: -5 | Total points since week 1: 90/120

One of the best dancers in the competition has a bad week and she gets kicked off. Tango is a hard dance, no doubt about it. Come to Studio B Dance Center and see for yourself Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. for Intermediate Silver American Tango!

In the routine, she stumbled a lot and looked as though she blanked on the routine. Sad to say, based on this week, she deserved to go just for not knowing the routine when it’s week 4.

Hope & Maks | Dance: Foxtrot | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: None | Total points since week 1: 88/120

She is getting so good; granted she is not the best, yet! Hope is the best improved dancer bar none since week one. I am really impressed with her week after week. Maksim is giving her good choreography and using it to slowly build her into a true ballroom dancer!

Her frame was a tad shaky at points but she pushed through and delivered a solid performance.

My bottom 3 couples:

• Chynna and Tony – Actually Eliminated
• Chaz and Lacey
• Carson and Anna – My pick for elimination

Score card: 2-2

I predict that … Rob and Cheryl will be eliminated next week.

My updated final three

1. Ricki and Derek
2. J.R. and Karina
3. Hope and Maksim

On Friday we had a great response to our first “QUESTION OF THE WEEK!” We’re going to do it again! Stay tuned.

As for dancing with the stars! Here is my overall analysis of each couple:

Carson & Anna | Dance: Tango | Score: 23 | Change over previous week: +5 | Total points since week 1: 58/90

Carson’s routine is still very exciting and I love him. I want the chance to play with him. I think he would love me. Anna looks like a papillon lover too!

Sad to say thought that his technique was not good and now is time when the poorer dancers get kicked out. But I love his heart and he would be one of the strongest dancers in the competition if he would calm down a lot!

Ricki & Derek | Dance: Rumba |  Score: 27 | Change over previous week: +4 | Total points since week 1: 70/90

This was another strong routine by Derek. The bad thing is that it really showed how stiff Ricki is in her dancing. Overall though, she is the most improved since week 1 so far.

If only I were human, then I could dance with Derek like that!

David & Kym | Dance: Rumba | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: +6 | Total points since week 1: 60/90

This was his best dance yet, but it was like Ricki’s Rumba: stiff, stiff, stiff! He needs to loosen up and have more fun. I think there is so much pressure on poor David that he needs some cheering up. Maybe a play date with Dolce is just want he needs!

Chaz & Lacey | Dance: Rumba | Score: 18 | Change over previous week: +1 | Total points since week 1: 52/90

GO CHAZ GO! This was his best dance ever! Not a fan of the song as it seemed like a Cha Cha but it was better than his first two dances. I really want to see more happiness in his dancing that we saw first week, I hope all the criticism isn’t depressing him. I hear his mom is coming to the show next week, that should cheer him up; she looks like a fun lady!

Kristin & Mark | Dance: Samba | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: +2 | Total points since week 1: 65/90

She went back to square one with this dance. It was stand and shake it, stand and shake it, just like week one with her Cha Cha. I think her partner is what is hurting her. For some reason he thinks that doing that sort of choreography at the beginning of the dance is OK to do for a Samba. Yes you do want to impress the public, but spend more time on the samba so she doesn’t look out of place while she is dancing. Less pop and lock and more samba!

Nancy & Tristan | Dance: Waltz | Score: 21 | Change over previous week: None | Total points since week 1: 58/90

I am loving Nancy more and more. She is such a sweet dancer. She always looks so elegant and graceful when she is on the show. I hope she stays around for a long time! Advice, just trust yourself a little more, you got this!

Rob & Cheryl | Dance: Foxtrot | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: +3 | Total points since week 1: 61/90

Cheryl needs to spend more time on his steps and footwork. He has the talent, she just needs to dig deep because she is so close to drawing it out of him. I’d be happy to sit down and have a talk with him!

J.R. & Karina | Dance: Rumba | Score: 26 | Change over previous week: +4 | Total points since week 1: 70/90

He was not a good as last week. It was a moving story and he is really talented. He needs to work on not being so stiff and needs to work on controlling his emotions while he dances. If he does all of that, he’ll win this competition. Right now it is J.R.’s to lose.

Chynna & Tony | Dance: Rumba | Score: 26 | Change over previous week: +5 | Total points since week 1: 69/90

She has so much talent! I thought she was the best dancer of the night. She did not have the stiff issues that Ricki had and Tony did not out dance her. She just needs to work on her technique a little more and I see her in the finals!

Hope & Maks | Dance: Cha Cha | Score: 24 | Change over previous week: +5 | Total points since week 1: 64/90

Her score was a little too high but she did improve. Step by step she is coming out of her shell! I thought, while it looked like Maksim was throwing her around, she was willing to let him lead her. She needs to focus on learning the dance and let go of her self-consciousness and she will be better. If she improves next week and continues on that pattern, she’ll be the winner yet!

My bottom 3 couples:

• Kristin and Mark – My elimination choice from last week – ELIMINATED
• Chaz and Lacey
• Carson and Anna

Score card: 2-1

I predict that … Carson and Anna will be eliminated next week.

My updated final three

1. J.R. & Karina
2. Ricki & Derek
3. Chynna & Tony