Dancing With The Stars - Season 11 Episode 17: The Semi-Finals Recap
by Linda Moore
Another Monday evening rang out with the sound of guitars, drums and slinky brass instruments. More spray tans were applied, more sequins bedecked the floor and more tears of emotion flowed. Dancing with the Stars inched closer to the Finals this week with only the four top dancers remaining.
At the top of the leader board at the end of this evening were Jennifer and Derek. Following them were, Kyle and Lacey and Brandy and Maks and bringing up the bottom were Bristol and Mark.
By far the best dancers of the night were Jennifer and Derek who danced both the cha cha and the waltz. The Cha Cha was bright, perfectly executed and full of life. The waltz was elegant and understated with incredibly fluid lines and movement. Jennifer continued to move as though she was twenty years old as opposed to fifty and for her effort earned perfect scores for both dances, giving her a total of 60 out of 60 for the night.
Kyle and Lacey landed in second place with a total score of 58 out of 60 as a result of a fun, bouncy Samba and a masterful Argentine Tango. In the Tango Kyle managed to combine the strength and masculinity that the dance requires with his trademark humour and cheekiness. Always remarkably light on his feet for a guy who’s carrying a few extra pounds, Kyle had no trouble with the lively Samba managing to execute some sexy hip swivels in the process.
Brandy and Maks pulled up into third on the leader board with a total of 57 out of 60. They earned three nines for their powerful Paso Doble and a perfect score for their sensual Argentine Tango. Brandy’s video package showed a woman who is possibly the anti-diva, a kind and lovely young woman who has always kept plugging away at her career, regardless of failures. Unfortunately the video also included a few words with Whitney Houston (who starred in the TV musical, Cinderella with Brandy). The appearance was distracting and not a little sad; she seemed a little like a cautionary tale for the younger singer.
At the bottom of the list Bristol and Mark received a total of 53 out of 60 for their two dances; the Paso Doble and the Waltz. The judges felt that Bristol’s Paso was strong and powerful while her Waltz lacked emotion and connection with her partner. Indeed, as always, Bristol Palin could not match the performance abilities of her competitors. However, she has managed to stay around for much longer than anyone anticipated, so it is possible her fan base will keep her on the show.
The elimination will be take place on November 16th at 8:00 EST on ABC. The three remaining contestants will continue on to the Finals and will perform their much anticipated “Freestyle” dance.