You tell me.

I’ve never understood why the freestyle makes many a pro forget about craft so that the dance they choreograph looks like a patchwork of tricks, pyrotechnics and frenetic gyrations without rhyme or reason. So many people are wowed by the insanely fast, think fast is high caliber and more difficult. It rarely is true. Slow and sustained can be oh so difficult to pull off. Well, maybe this time it’s moon shine and solar eclipse gumming up the works. All I know is that this was my least favorite analysis to do. Woe.

My analysis:

William & Cheryl. Chacha. My mark 10.
Enjoyable to watch and they enjoyed doing it. William’s arms were cleaner though not 100% as far as creating a singing line or picture. Dynamics improved and that gorgeous charisma of his shone through. Ditto his rhythmic sense and joy of movement. This is his forte.

Katherine & Mark. Paso Doble. My mark 10.
Exquisite. Dynamic. Clean. Incredible “hit” lines that zinged. I felt this dance emotionally from Katherine. Ah yes – she was “singing”. My fav dance of theirs this season. I loved how the costume colors worked to highlight some of the choreography. Great pyrotechnics from Mark, too. (At this point, I thought – these two are the champs.)

Donald & Peta. Argentine tango. My mark 10.
Beautiful lines and shaping. I can’t fault the technique or choreography. Donald was elegant and crystal clear. He maintained his focus throughout. I do lean a bit toward Len’s comment of him being too careful though I saw it more as being a bit soft in his approach to tango. Still, the dance was so well executed.

FREESTYLE.

William & Cheryl. My mark 8.
My introduction to the post came primarily from this dance. I’m afraid that there was not a lot I enjoyed about this freestyle. It was frenetic. I thought they tried too hard though William danced with everything he had, zinged his lines and used his arms well. The choreography for me was so stop and start and lift heavy instead of giving a continuity and that spiritual quality that Latinos so often bring to the dance floor. For the first time, I felt that Cheryl didn’t have confidence in William to dance and carry the style. Instead of giving us the continuity of dancing that I, at least, hungered for, we had to wade through tricks that had no rhyme or reason choreographically and then when William did dance, he sometimes overdid it and once reminded me of a hound dog eagerly and naively humping his owner. Sad.

Katherine & Mark. My mark 9.
Ready set blast off!

Yikes. Pizazz. So much energy. Unfortunately, I’m the boy in The Emperor’s New Clothes. I can’t say well executed when it looked like Katherine was barely making it through several of the lifts. Ugh umph can I get my leg around Mark? Yeowza. I felt this dance was so Not Katherine – and forced her to be someone she isn’t – and that made me more disappointed than I can say. It was like watching the most gifted beautiful dancer miss the train and run frantically and doggedly to catch up.

Forget sweetness, soft, slow and lyrical. Forget glowing sensual unfolding. Forget innocence like dew on the petals of a rose. Not sure why I’d ever think that would come in a freestyle dance. But I did… because to me that is Katherine’s essence. Boy am I a sucker.

Donald & Peta. My mark 10.
Glory be – we actually got to see a heel tapping fun step-laden dance. That means more to me than I can say. Lots of fun and I’m so glad Peta allowed Donald to do what meant something to him. That made him glow. It was honorable and honest. A Texan free for all but not their best dance.

So, what now? Well, I’ve decided on a double champion for my site: Katherine & Mark and Donald & Peta. I’ll LOL if William & Cheryl win & think that’s highly probable.

Happy trails…

My sense is that the top two stars this season have remained William and Katherine. William because he’s sexy and Katherine for her technique. One of them will be the champion.

That being said, I am sorry to see Maria go as she embodied Derek Hough’s amazing choreography and grew doing so. Choreography can not be fulfilling if it doesn’t have the dancers to perform it as it merits. For the last two weeks, Derek captured Maria’s personality and gave us surprises, stunning originality and illuminated the craft of dance using everything in the book. They are the champions for me this season.

My analysis:

William & Cheryl. Tango. My mark 8.

Attacked and driven. Earnest. However, I noticed William’s feet and legs over and over again – and in his chenees, the turning “chain” step across the floor, he looked as though he was turning with his weight back on his heels. I mention it because it marred the performance for me. In a move near the end of the dance, he threw his arms so rather than looking like an intentional arm movement, the port de bras looked like a spasm.  He doesn’t articulate nor create dynamic shapes when he uses his arms though he does create a nice line when he extends his arms straight out. I’m afraid I didn’t see his usual magic and charisma, but then, he may have had to focus so intently to perform tango that he had less to give.

Katherine & Mark. Quickstep. My mark 10.
Bravissimo. The dance built and these two gave us everything of which they are capable. Some stunning technique and gorgeous quickstep styling.

Donald & Peta. Waltz. My mark 10.
My kind of number. Seamless. Romantic. What a mood they created. Donald and Peta have such a wonderful connection. Donald allows Peta to dance freely – to be all she needs and wants to be – like a good partner needs to do. Now Donald is a big guy – long legged and loose. Yet, I was not bothered at all by his footwork, or his legs and feet as I was by William’s, and I could have been. I thought this really well danced. I can’t comprehend how Len can fault Donald on head position when one can’t tell what is required choreographically to tell the story and be in the romance of it. Quite often it seems that Len does not want this couple to win.

William & Cheryl. Samba. My mark 9.
Some luscious slow sensual moves. Really enjoyable. Definitely samba. However, in this high stakes competition with such incredible dancers, I felt the dance didn’t have the ingenuity and finesse to knock my socks off and have me shouting, “now that’s how champions dance.” We need more content and creativity next week, Cheryl.

Katherine & Mark. Salsa. My mark 9.
Such an energetic dance. She gave it everything. Not even sure what happened at the end. On energy and technique, this was a ten. I suppose my feelings about these two would get me booed off the stage if I were saying this live in the show, but I felt as though I was seeing a re-manufactured dance exactly like one they did earlier in the season, chacha.

Again, this is a high stakes competition and each number needs to look fresh and new – like something we’ve never dreamed of before. Katherine glowed, yes, and I do not fault her. I felt the movement didn’t allow her to breathe, to be her in contrasting, slower, articulated even syncopated movements that can be part of salsa too. That’s on Mark as choreographer and not her, and yet, I know he’s giving this everything he’s got. Comments cannot just be for the celebrity. The pro sometimes needs to grow too in order to showcase a star’s gifts and personality. At this point I would have her working with a female coach. She’s demure and ladylike. More softness, Mark. Not everything needs high energy and attack to work. She’s not connecting with me. It’s as though she is back in herself yet smiling through it.

Donald & Peta. Samba. My mark 10.
Great story with samba moves. This is what I mean. The dance was out of the ordinary and it showed him off as it did Peta. Donald embodied his character from beginning to end and that’s a gift. I love how these two work together. They play off each other and enhance one another. They are in the moment. Donald finished each move and was completely in the style and mood of this piece throughout. Loved it.

What am I talking about? The ballroom dance/argentine tango documentary I’m planning for the Toledo, Maumee and Bowling Green, Ohio-area.

It’s a shift from the dream I’ve had to make a dramatic dance feature film to making dance films period.

The documentary is called, Conversations: How Dance Changed Their Lives. Ballroom dancing and Argentine tango are the kinds of dance that will be featured. And right now, ballroom dancing is so popular with all the dance on T.V., while Argentine tango is the hottest thing at colleges and universities all over the world because it’s fun and improvisational, and well, you’ll need to see the documentary to find out more and go out and experience the dances for yourself to experience the magic.

The process of making a film is kind of like going on an amusement park ride – there’s anticipation, maybe a few qualms, and lots of questions.

Eyes wide open, it’s going from the high of inspiration to wondering, “What am I doing?” and “How did I get up here?” to “Whoa, the ground is really far away.”

In life one never knows what will happen.

When I’m taking photos and making my little videos for fun it’s just me. No logistics or scheduling, no dancers or crew, no release forms,  permissions needed, no HD video cameras, lighting equipment or microphones, and no cash involved unless you count the investment in the Kodak point and shoot I bought years ago.

A documentary? Whoa. Very different. I met with the man who is to be my Director of Photography Friday, Jose Cardenas, and was reminded that just because he shoots a two-hour dance party or practica doesn’t mean we will have a total two hours of useable footage.

Why? Because we’re shooting in the moment and sometimes the shot you wanted doesn’t fulfill expectations. The lighting isn’t right. Someone collides and knocks over the camera. The couple dancing are riveting and suddenly another couple moves right in front of them and all you get is one fellow’s back.

I envisioned filming the documentary in the next two or three months and I think Jose did too. Once we got talking though we progressed to seeing the real possibility that the trailer might get filmed now while the documentary could very well become a part of a BGSU practicum this fall. We just don’t know.

While I am an advocate for personal growth and higher learning, I am also someone who doesn’t like waiting and wants to go-go-go and get things done chachacha right now. Spontaneity can be a good thing. But I learned the hard way that when you don’t plan and things go awry in filmmaking, you can waste a full day or your feature independent film isn’t of the caliber to make it into movie theaters. That brings me back to being on that ride.

It’s the upward trajectory right now, the planning. We need a few key interviews with people you might never know ballroom dance all week, compete every few months, or would travel anywhere in the world to tango at a festival.

I’m wondering now who will stick it out with me for the full ride. Then I remember the two ladies doing West Coast swing with the lucky husband of one of them. I recall the sense of enchantment when in a zen moment the dance studio filled with couples doing Viennese Waltz and looked like a staged production. I laugh when I remember the ballroom instructors cavorting in the corner doing street dance then breaking into a fantastic merengue.

I’m also moved to tears when I remember how ballroom dancing changed my life. But that’s another story.

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Have questions about the path to making this documentary? Ask them here, tweet me, e-mail, etc., and I’ll respond  as best as I can until we’re ready to start our Facebook page, run a contest or two, tell you all when we’re filming and where, as well as progressing to indiegogo with our photos, trailer and all the phenomenal people who dance around here and know dance has changed their lives.

Melanie on twitter: aplace4us

Melanie is a fiscally sponsored project of Fractured Atlas

My analysis:

Donald & Peta. Tango. My mark 9.
What incredible intensity! These two are the dynamic duo. I found myself riveted when I watched Donald from the waist up. If I had only seen that they would have gotten a ten. He had a great frame and held it throughout. He was so in sync with Peta. Then I watched his legs and didn’t quite know how to judge this because his legs didn’t seem strong as far as attack and precision. He’s so long legged and slender so I thought that was contributing. While I was amazed by how he controlled his kicks and his powerful persona, I kept getting this reading of incongruity from his lower torso. This reading ran the gamut from Peta seeming too short for his comfort in partnering (but she isn’t really) to him seeming to take steps that were too large for him. Since I tend to see feet in ways that others don’t and I wanted to be fair, I really didn’t know what to do. I have some leeway here because I’m not a “real” judge and I’m not on the show – lol – so I didn’t give an 8.

Maria & Derek. Viennese Waltz. My mark 9.
Romantic, moving, fluid and well-danced. I think as good as Maria is she could be more in it, and maybe she’s in it as deeply as is possible for her since I often sense this underlying fun-streak in her that makes her seem – at least to me – incapable of deep, reverence to the moment. Also, her injury may keep her somewhat aware of pain or discomfort and that too can keep her from being totally immersed and focused on the movement. At this point in the season, however, I’m not sure that dancers can have that kind of excuse and win the championship. But this was a beautiful dance and Maria and Derek created a lovely and evocative mood. The trick for Derek now may well be to use this mischievous imp persona even in the lyrical dances to help Maria sparkle and entice – hint hint.

Katherine & Mark. Viennese Waltz. My mark 8.
Enjoyed the long fluid section in hold. Katherine was lyrical and beautiful though there were a few bumps at the end. I keep feeling that Katherine doesn’t let herself go and maybe she can’t. I sense something in her that I want to see more of – a vulnerability, a spirituality. I think though that Katherine hasn’t danced long enough to be able to share that yet. She does create beautiful lines and has great technique. I would have thought waltz would be her vehicle – and her breakthrough dance. Not sure why it wasn’t except that there might be some underlying worry or tension Katherine has that gets in the way of dancing more freely and exuberantly. I actually am surprised by my next comment – but – I’d like to see Dmitri Chaplin choreograph a lyrical piece for Katherine and Mark before the season ends. There’s something about a different sensability or ability to create a mood piece for them that I want and as wonderful a choreographer as Mark is he may not be able to find it.

William & Cheryl. Foxtrot. My mark 10.
William had the extra something – that razzle dazzle that I hadn’t yet seen on May 7th. Until one sees it, it’s nearly impossible to say to others that this is what they’re missing. I doubt it can be taught though so I guess it’s tough luck for other competitors. It’s an extra sparkle – it’s technique and power and performance. It’s also heat. Kudos to William and Cheryl – you truly gave us your all and embodied foxtrot.

Donald, Peta and Karina. Jive. My mark 9.
A few subtle timing issues but oh so enjoyable and exciting to watch a threesome! Donald sparkled and thrilled in it. He sustained tempo, dynamics and partnering the two gyrating and gorgeous pros. Loved it!

Maria, Derek and Henry. Samba. My mark 9.
Originally I gave them a ten and said another 11 as a mark. This number was so fun and so Maria. Derek again captured Maria’s bubbly persona, creating at the same time an ingenious performance showcase for the three dancers. I saw no slip ups so can’t mention them. I saw samba in Maria’s upper body; however, there wasn’t much else that was samba stepwise, so I took 1 point off. Taking more off for such a fantastic number – choreography, performance and technique – would be wrong. I’d love to see that one again.

Katherine, Mark and Tristan. Cha cha. My mark 9.
This number started off so exceptionally as a ten. The black and white unified it and Katherine really exuded strength and personality. Unfortunately the wardrobe malfunction (that Katherine handled beautifully) put a damper on the rest of the piece. What else contributed to that? Well, I thought the three looked more riveting all in pants with the black and white theme. Her stripping into the dress didn’t really add much (and it certainly caused a problem). I felt the choreography (and music) went a bit long and the choreography didn’t sustain my interest. Also Katherine had problems with some of the turns and seemed off her legs as the piece continued.

William, Cheryl and Tony. Paso Doble. My mark 9.
Exciting, nuanced and attacked. William held his own. All three sustained the tension of Paso throughout. The out of sync part commented on Monday night I saw as a stop and start. I think Cheryl made a wise choice for this kind of dance to have two men, with her as the centerpiece. This number held my attention and I felt it to be quite strong.

My analysis:

Katherine & Mark. Rumba. My mark 9.
Some stunning moments and exquisite lines. However, I thought this piece difficult musically for rumba style. The legato, sensuality and romance of rumba had to play against the running notes underlying the entire piece. Despite this, there were moments when I thought Katherine would break through her restraint – which I want so much for her to do to grow as a performer. She had a glow just about to carry her to a new level and yet never quite made it there. I may be wrong but I think the music, as glorious as it was, would be difficult for a seasoned dance artist to interpret to create transformative moments and Katherine doesn’t yet know how to do this with dance. I need to see more from her emotionally, and Mark needs to help her find the avenue through which to bloom.

I want Katherine to soar with it – sing it like a light beaming to lost souls. She has it in her.

Melissa & Maks. Argentine tango. My mark 7.
It had the passion of tango and some of the steps and I’m a fan of Melissa Gilbert actress too, but – a tango to Mozart? Yikes. I think Melissa gave her all as did Maks; however, the speed and much of the choreography made her look awkward and ungainly. If she and her fans knew about dance, she would know that. Her butt stuck out at times, ruining her line and posture. She looked as though she could barely keep up with Maks. Her performance unfortunately reminded me of a child wearing her mother’s high heels and then trying to run in them. All I could think was – am I glad I didn’t have to choreograph or dance to that music.

William & Cheryl. Viennese Waltz. My mark 10.
Exquisite. Full of feeling. William’s lines were beautiful. When I heard they were doing a Viennese Waltz, I couldn’t conceive of him doing it well so I was in awe at his performance. His ability to create mood – to bring emotion out of his body into the dance is profound and wonderful. The music in this case helped them and it’s the first classical piece of the evening that did. Cheryl really gave the dance all I was looking for choreographically. Well done.

Roshon & Chelsea. Argentine tango. My mark 8.
I saw Roshon’s attempt to bring the style and masculinity to this number and I thought Len and Bruno brought insight to Roshon’s weaknesses – which I saw as the choreography drawing attention to Roshon’s feet. What popped into my head was, “What large feet you have.” Roshon had trouble managing those feet this time in the flicks, twists and more dynamic use of the legs so his feet looked slow and he looked like he couldn’t articulate them well. He is a tad ungrounded and I think that’s coming from his hip and pelvis. He may be at a point agewise where he isn’t always able to make his body do what he wants – it happens to limber people and those still growing physically. I’d love to see these two practice Argentine tango some more to see how it improves though this might not be “his” dance.

Donald & Peta. Viennese Waltz. My mark 8.
When they waltzed face to face turning about the dance floor, I loved it and I thought the dancing was done well. When Donald used his arms solo as in the introduction, he didn’t have the innate sense of line or the knowledge to sustain slower adagio movements. Peta might work on those areas with him. I thought some of his other performances this season were stronger than this one.

Maria & Derek. Paso Doble. My mark 10.
Can I give them an 11? Woo hoo – that was fantastic on so many levels. So musical, dramatic and riveting! Plus the underlying humor – a vampire story for these two vamps – so original and Maria – wow – she sustained the strength and character of the music and style throughout. I don’t know how Derek did it but the choreography captured both their personalities in a fashion that made them seem like sneaky amigos. Amazing!

Team Tango. My mark 9.
Team Paso. My mark 8.

Motown… Soul. Getting into the Motown groove like well, Smoky Robinson, The Temptations, Martha – all of them have it and it showed on Dancing with the Stars.

It’s class. It’s rhythm. It’s what Gladys Knight has. She could have her own show now and teach all of us how to walk, move, stand – shine with presence – in contact with the part of ourselves that knows everything is Love.

What I said last week still goes: contrast and color – each DWTS celebrity growing, discovering, and as ballet choreographer George Balanchine said, “Giving 110 percent” – even if at times the judges perceive it as over the top.

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My Analysis:

Maria & Derek. Foxtrot. My mark 9.
Exquisite and very Foxtrot. Maria is perky, light-hearted and looks as though at any moment she’s going to pull a prank. In this, she often matches partner, Derek Hough. In this dance, she was also sophisticated and, how can I put it? She dances on one level emotionally, she’s good, but I need more.

She created beautiful lines with Derek, had great frame for Foxtrot, and I saw lots of detail in the choreography. Unfortunately, she comes off as a tad superficial, like she’s not really “in it.” So, as good as this performance was, they didn’t sing. What do I feel was happening? I think she wasn’t comfortable with the style and she didn’t quite get it, so she couldn’t make the dance hers. The technique can be perfect and yet, the dance itself can be empty. I’ll put this one on Derek… more contrast and color, please.  If I were him, I’d spend some time having Maria play with nuances – with finding something that resonates and moves her deeply. Use it in a way that it’s kinesthetic and she can use it to share it with us. I’d also play with tension, with strong and light, effort and ease, slow oozing languid and quick, clipped, sharp.

Roshon & Chelsie. Rumba. My mark 10.
Incredible. Sensual. If I were their coach I would be so proud of their investigation and commitment to this dance. What depth and dimension. The dance had dynamics, emotion – at moments sustained and extended and at other moments, sharp. This is what I mean by contrast and color. I saw the romance of rumba, the engagement of two young lovers in rumba style. I have felt some from the beginning that the show had decided who will win – or at least the top two – and Roshon has had an uphill battle ever since. I felt for Chelsie because the way the judges slammed them didn’t make sense to her. What Len saw as jerky, I saw as dynamics. I saw a style of choreography.

Hip Hop? Huh? There was no hip hop on my T.V. screen.

The replay on Tuesday I watched with my Dad. He’s not a dance person at all. He said, “I think the judges are a little bit over-exaggerated.” I have to agree. I didn’t see overexaggeration. I saw two young people giving heart and soul and sweat to compete at a level with mature adults and that is profoundly difficult when you’re not a mature adult. I thought they did rumba. Roshon could soften some of his moves and infuse them with a bit more ease for this dance. It’s a fine line between creating dynamics and staying in the romantic sensual style of this Latin dance. These two used everything I write about. As far as I’m concerned, “Good job, young ‘uns.”

Katherine & Mark. Chacha. My mark 9.
Fun. Well danced, performed with gusto, and had the feeling of show dance chacha. So why give an 8? Because it was an average dance and I wasn’t moved. Was the performance so riveting that I couldn’t take my eyes off Katherine? No. Was there soul – Gladys Knight lightning? Not especially this time. Yes, there was energy. They danced up a storm. But with Katherine’s gifts as a dancer and Mark’s as a choreographer, for some reason I wanted more and I believe that this far into the season, I need to see it.

Now it has seemed since the beginning of the season that the judges love these two and they will probably win whether they have soul or not. So what do I want to see to show me that these two are the top? I think that has to come from Mark – from what he choreographs for them – from what he sees in her. Then she has to embody it. He needs to create a dance that will convey the style and help Katherine  let us in – to get at least a glimpse of who she really is. Dig deep, Mark and Katherine. Dance at the edge where the fey appear to poets and dreamers. If you can do that with a fast cha cha I’ll be the one in Ohio watching with tears in my eyes.

Donald & Peta. Foxtrot. My mark 9.
While the dance didn’t have the finesse of Maria and Derek’s foxtrot, it had great musicality and power and in many ways, I connected to them more. So enjoyable to watch and to feel along with Donald. What pizazz! He knew he messed up but he continued and got back into it. I’d have Donald work on the nuances – the little details – smaller gestures, lighter more refined movements that contrast with the big broad moves where we’re allowed to see in – where we connect with his heart and soul.

Melissa & Maks. Viennese Waltz. My mark 9.
Loved this – almost gave them a 10. Loved the choreography, the mood conveyed – the slow floor spin, the extension of her arms up – so meaningful. Now that’s what I mean: Maks saw into Melissa’s being and brought it out – brought her out. Beautiful lines. She could see how she could relax into dancing more, continuing to explore the way she did to bring her to this performance. Really good work.

Jaleel & Kym. Chacha. My mark 9.
Such feeling – such fun! These two relate so well. Jaleel had the rhythm and spunk. The contrast is starting to be there and that’s wonderful. A man who is so light on his feet, who is suave and laid back like Jaleel has to learn to bring the opposite feeling too – to create texture and color. Words that suggest this and invite movement are thrust and push. The contrast is the difference between hurl and toss.

William & Cheryl. Rumba. My mark 8.
There’s a first time for everything & this is a first for me… I’d write here what Carrie Ann and Len said. William may have mastery of sex appeal; however, there is much more to dancing than that. Cheryl – lets give this man some intelligence with your gift for choreography, because right now if he were a woman he’d come off as a dumb blond. More content and more real dancing, please. Snuggling and running one’s hands up and down the partner’s body is NOT dancing, and basically, beyond taking a step here and there, that is what William did.

In the weeks to come, although I will be looking for those competitors able to bring precision in footwork and a knowledge of the style dance they’re performing, I will also be looking for a visual/kinesthetic experience – contrast and coloring – that take me beyond the technical aspects of ballroom dance.

Sad to say goodbye to Gavin. I enjoyed his performances with Karina.

My analysis:

Jaleel & Kym. Samba. My mark 8.
Jaleel obviously enjoys dancing and I enjoyed him. Some wonderful moves. However, this time he seemed inconsistent. I’m not sure if he was fatigued from all he may be doing, which is one way the performance came off to me. He’d attack a movement one moment and the next appear a bit lost, dropping his energy. One minute he’d extend through his fingertips and the next his arms were behind his body and his hands looked limp and forgotten. Kym could help him be more aware so he fills out every movement, sets the intention of focus, and sustains his energy level throughout the performance.

Melissa & Maks. Salsa. My mark 8.
Wow – was that Melissa Gilbert? She can shake her booty. Her best dance although she lost it rhymically about three-quarters of the way through. I know that she requested to include moves in which she was injured. I understand why – we’ve all been taught to get back on the horse. Yet I saw hesitation before the moves. For me, it also wasn’t a pleasant experience to watch Melissa tossed across and spun on the floor. It was downright frightening. I have to wonder about a performer who suffered a broken back and a concussion repeating some of the moves that hurt her. It’s enough to dance again – that’s the equivalent of getting back in the saddle. But when a person is not in a war zone defending her life, I wonder about risking more harm to the body. Focus instead on quality of movement and conveying mood and meaning. Enough with dangerous moves.

Maria & Derek. Salsa. My mark 9.
The dance was fluid and Derek and Maria conveyed that they were having fun. Then Derek ripped off his shirt and there was the long kiss, which added not a thing to the performance. What these two elements did however was send up a big red flag – a huge sign that said – lacks content – something’s funky – maybe Maria can’t dance – and maybe Derek ran out of ideas.

I can’t give these two a ten partly because Maria is one-dimensional. She gives us this beautiful lightness without much else. She doesn’t know how to create color – the lights and darks, texture – the kinesthetic qualities that help us get excited and feel the movement in ourselves. Instead, despite the shimmying and light-heartedness, Maria presents as superficial and unaware of what the body is capable of doing. And she is oh so capable. She can dance. I hope Derek can bring nuances she doesn’t know she has out of her. He is a talented dancer, coach, performer and choreographer. Instead of emulating Maks by tossing away clothing, let Derek emulate Fred Astaire and use the fabulous gifts he has to choreograph a star vehicle for Maria in which the two of them transport us to a place we’ve never been to find something we never knew we were missing.

Katherine & Mark. Argentine Tango. My mark 9.
These two looked beautiful together and the dance had a wonderful storytelling quality that made me recall college modern dance performances. Katherine seemed like a wooden doll – following exactly what she was told. If she wants to improve, I’d like to see her more aware of her entire body so I can enjoy her more – see more articulation and presentation of the legs and feet – the feeling that Katherine “has the most gorgeous legs” ever and she knows how to unfold and display them. I’d also like to see into her soul.

William & Cheryl. Argentine Tango. My mark 9.
Passionate, attacked, liquid. William is so sensual – he oozes it. I think he sickles his foot and that may be the injury he suffered showing itself. He doesn’t yet know how to sculpt and shape the body, nor create lines and pictures. He doesn’t have those instincts. However, what he brings to the dance makes me almost forget that. I wonder what could happen if Cheryl helped him with the other elements of dance? What would that dance be like? A ten?

Gladys & Tristan. Samba. My mark 7.
Her presence and sensuality is amazing – magical. It’s no wonder she’s a star. She shimmers. Her feet are a bit slow and not articulating well – that has to do with her age, I’m sure. Overall, an enjoyable exuberant performance.

Chelsie & Roshon. Salsa. My mark 9.
Yeowza! Fantastic. What a talent! Roshon can do it all. So much depth and the ability to create such a mood. Roshon found his own sex appeal too. He’s musical and upbeat. Some gorgeous unison moves, and choreography that really showed this couple off. Great connection between these two.

Although I don’t yet have the explanation for it, I feel like these two youngsters have an uphill battle. I think it has something to do with their youth. Two sparklers against more mature performers who have a weightedness to what they do. Not sure what could turn that around nor if anything will. It’s truly difficult to compare these youngsters with the others.

Donald & Peta. Argentine Tango. My mark 10.
This dance had everything I could want. Fantastic, the way Donald used his body. He’s vivid and oh so physical. What a gift! Donald knew how to attack this dance and he captured its sensuality. He went at it like a scientist and that focus and attention to detail showed great intelligence, which is why he’s a top athlete. He really jives with Peta. Incredible. At the top of my leader board now.

Lovely Sherri, who had such spunk and conveyed emotion so well, went off. She can fulfill more of her dream to dance by continuing to learn ballroom dancing. And who knows where she can go from there. Heartwrenching to see Sherri get voted off so soon – I definitely did not expect it.

My analysis:

Katherine & Mark. Paso. My mark 8.
Since I was surprised at Katherine’s ability to show the attitude and power needed in this dance, I feel Mark’s idea to have her train with a nontraditional coach helped immensely. During the performance, Katherine lost her balance a couple times and seemed unable to maintain the style. However, she did well considering she’s a beginner. That being said, in Mark’s seeking a way to connect Katherine to the strength and power of paso doble, he failed to attend to the detail and nuances and Latin style of this dance. Let’s see if he can broaden his scope next time since he has such a gifted student as his partner

Jaleel & Kym. Tango. My mark 9.
Such odd music for tango but Jaleel was so “in” it – suave, musical, and confident – that while suave isn’t often right for tango,  it showed off Jaleel and that has merit. He embodied the music he was given. Granted, there could have been more attack, drive and flair to imbue the dance with more tango flavor, and yet because as a beginner Jaleel made this dance “his,” it became more than a beginner’s dance.

One question that arose for me was whether the judges would have awarded these two a ten IF there had been more attack and drive. From their responses to Jaleel up to this point, I doubt it. Whereas Katherine wasn’t on her legs and futzeled more than once, Jaleel looked elegant and didn’t miss a step. There was a wonderful sensuality and quality sustained to make this dance a winner in my book.

Melissa & Maks. Paso. My mark 6.
I enjoyed some of her solo moves and thought she had bravado. In general though, Melissa didn’t have the attack, drive, strength and passion of this dance. She didn’t know how to embody it and convey it kinesthetically. She also stumbled on fast parts and I felt like Maks was dragging her. Do I know what that’s like! To feel one does not have the strength nor the ability to reach back with the legs to keep up with one’s partner and so follow his lead. Strength training, endurance training, patience with oneself, learning how to stride backwards with more ease, slowly growing as a dancer, and knowing one’s limits plus having the courage to support oneself in acknowledging those limits can all help a beginning female dancer improve.

Donald & Peta. Paso. My mark 9.
Wow. Great use of the chest, Donald! Great attack, facial expression, drive and emotional appeal. This couple had the whole package. It so helped to see a female pro actually perform Paso Doble well so we could all see how’s it done. I loved this performance. Fantastic. A bit more content and they would get a ten.

Gladys & Tristan. Tango. My mark 6.
Well, it was tango moves and Gladys was ferocious. Loved the deep back bend. That being said, I didn’t enjoy the dance at all. I felt Tristan had a tough time with the music – it looked as though he was counting while he danced and he seemed at times too loose for this style. In fact, Gladys sometimes had the tango impetus more than he did. I’ll chalk it up to the music. Note to whoever selects music for the contestants: time to find more danceable music – scads of fantastic tango music out there including numbers composed and performed by Latinos.

William & Cheryl. Jive. My mark 7.
When William wowed us with his salsa on April 2, he was dancing oh so close to a native boogie. Perhaps it made some of us forget that these celebrities are nevertheless not professional dancers.

William has something. He’s sexy and he oozes that sensuality without trying – even in a dance that wasn’t natural for him. I knew I was seeing someone out of his league though this time, so I thrilled at seeing a pointed foot at times. Yes, the kicks were slow for jive, which is a crisp, fast, exciting dance, but William articulated his feet some this time and that’s an improvement from the salsa in my book. I’d like to see these two perform jive in a few months after a lot of practice. I’ll bet he could wow us.

Roshon & Chelsie. Viennese Waltz. My mark 9.
This Viennese Waltz was everything I could want from these two youngsters – musical, fluid, and so expressive. I felt Roshon’s emotion. There was depth to this number and seeing that, well, it brought tears to my eyes. If I were Roshon, I’d work on the footwork and see if Len could help with the finer touches of ballroom dancing.

Maria & Derek. Tango. My mark 8.
Put her in dance sneakers, please.

Maria did the steps, kept her frame and had the look of tango. However, she could have brought more passion and intensity to this dance. She was too sweet and light throughout. I think Maria didn’t know how to convey the weightedness that is tango. She needed extra “juice” and because her body is doing everything it can behind the scenes to heal the rib and stress fracture, she might not have the reserves she’s used to having.

When we’re young and even more when we’re American, we’re so driven. We push through things. We’re super human mentally while our bodies are of another ilk. We live by “no pain no gain.” However, there could be a new moto like “relax into it” and new languaging like ease, flow, and allow. There also could be the acknowledgment that pain is a message. Pain is telling us that something is wrong and we need to determine what is under the pain rather than pushing it under the rug.

Why am I writing about this? Because Maria is dancing through injury. And two injuries make me question. More than anything, I’d like Maria to look at what’s going on beneath the surface of her injuries. Could she have a calcium imbalance, or is she too tough on the temple that is her body? Sometimes these things are difficult to ascertain. Sometimes doctors don’t know so it becomes our job to do the sleuthing and begin the process of unearthing what might be leading us to such injuries – physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. Why? Well, because we want to continue walking, don’t we? We want to be sure a broken rib isn’t going to puncture a lung and that we will walk like the young person we are and not hobble for the rest of our lives when we’re not anywhere close to ninety.

Gavin & Karina. Tango. My mark 8.
Wonderful tango choreography. A visible spectacle. For someone who is gentle and has seemingly soft muscles, Gavin brought a physical intent that conveyed tango. He also supported Karina in being the jewel of the dance – an important role for the male. Could Gavin have been sharper, fiercer? Yes. I’d love to see if he could do it and how this dance would change. For me, the tango look that Gavin created stopped just below the neck. Still, for someone for whom dancing is not natural, Gavin gave quite an amazing performance.

How does this season’s cast of amateur celebrities on DWTS compare? Well, as good as they are none are professional dancers who’ve trained for many years. As for how they’ll do – we’ll see in the weeks to come.

To my way of thinking, there were no bottom two or bottom three this season. There are several at the top and others below those. Jack Wagner was musical, eager and engaging. He had a genuine sensibility for movement. I enjoyed him and I wanted to see how he progressed on the show. However, I knew fan base would affect everything this time and I also knew that sooner or later Jack would be voted off because he wasn’t at the top.

My analysis:

Maria and Derek. Rumba. My mark 8+.
Exquisite. They created such a mood. Beautiful fluidity which is so important in rumba. I was transported to a timeless space where I could luxuriate in every nuance. I’m not sure if Maria is able to handle more content at this point. This dance seemed clean and simple and it worked for her.

Gladys & Tristan. Foxtrot. My mark 7.
Fluid, ethereal and musical. Gladys made something of this simple foxtrot. And it was made simple because it was what she seemed able to perform. I enjoyed the way she used her arms.

Roshon & Chelsie. Samba. My mark 8.
Such a cute couple and Roshon reminded me a bit of Michael Jackson. But Roshon has “soft” muscles which means he’s flexible and sometimes rubbery-looking and I felt he lacked some of the attack and “color” needed for competitive dancing. Roshon is musical, enthusiastic, and quite a little performer, and yet I wasn’t enthralled. When that happens I need to ask why. The answer I get is that Roshon and Chelsie lacked depth, electricity or a sense of transformative power.

No matter what dance it is – the dance created must establish a mood and be a magical experience from beginning to end. With all this samba was, magical it wasn’t for me, and that is most likely due to a lack of depth because these two are so young.

Gavin & Karina. Rumba. My mark 8.
Kudos to these two. Beautiful connection to each other. Gavin was able in this rumba to extend from his core to his fingertips, although he is an obvious beginner at ballroom. He’s got a loose kind of casual look to him in which he shares who he is – unabashedly – and allows us a glimpse into his soul. Loose casualness fans seem to be finding appealing in William Levy and yet seemingly overlook in Gavin – judging from the scores. It may be that where William has the Latin sex appeal that gains instant attention on a show like this, Gavin has depth and tenderness. So what I mean to say is that there is something about Gavin Degraw – performer. It is something quiet and powerful. It was there from the first. It’s the aura he creates in performance. That’s a gift and whether he stays on much longer or not, I want him to know that others see it and are moved by it.

Katherine and Mark. Waltz. My mark 9.
Poignant and well-executed. I felt one way watching the dance live and differently watching the videotape. The first viewing I felt a bit like Len. I wanted more dancing – more waltz. Analyzing that, I came to the conclusion that it was Mark’s choreography. Rather than conveying the unbroken fluidity of waltz in hold with Katherine facing Mark, the couple was so often in shadow position (side by side) and moving in and out of that that it broke up the dance for me. The repetitive port de bras – of lifting one arm up and opening it out –  conveyed something the first time but didn’t after that.

I wanted longer moments of the sheer fluid continuity that is waltz to allow me to connect to Katherine’s tenderness and grace. She has such a gift. On second viewing as I said, I wasn’t as bothered by this. Although I honestly don’t know why there was such a difference in my response, I will say that I was more aware of the Josh Groban song on the second viewing, one of my favorites, and I connected so much to the melody and words that I may have substituted that fluidity for what I missed in the choreography on first viewing. Music can truly make a difference and if one isn’t aware of the influence of the music, it can make one’s judgement more about the emotional response to the music than to the quality of the dancing.

Sherri & Val. Rumba. My mark 8.
Heartfelt and emotional for her and we felt it. Some beautiful moments and a sustained quality throughout. I did feel that the choreography was a little too “let’s extend the arm”-heavy and repetitive but that’s on Val and not her. Yet the choreography may have been what Sherri could do and perform well, and Val provided just the right quiet support.

Melissa & Maks. Jive. My mark 7.
Melissa is so genuine. That is a gift and in Hollywood and on a show that’s so about performing with all guns blazing and sometimes being over the top, I want to recognize the gift that’s there so Melissa sees it. I want to applaud Maks too for choreography that showed off Melissa and saved her from too much of the jive-specific quickness and attack in a way that worked for them both. She gave it her all and she was refreshing and full of her own kind of bravado.

Jaleel and Kym. Rumba. My mark 9.
William Levy isn’t the only one who’s got it goin’ on! Jaleel has an understated sensuality and suaveness. Rather than feeling like the judges that Jaleel’s arms were stiff, I felt he established his own style through the quality of his arm movements and upper body use. He is not afraid to share who he is or how he does something. Gorgeous choreography and connection. More of that, please!

Cheryl & William. Salsa. My mark 8+.
Musical, understated, and oh so sexy. While William provided the easy going Latin rhythms, Cheryl provided the sizzling energy. While I could barely take my eyes off his hip action and torso, something kept catching my eye in how William used his feet. All it meant was that he’s not a pro and perhaps it doesn’t matter in salsa – I’m not an expert to know for sure.

Donald & Peta. Rumba. My mark 8.
What a beautifully performed and moving dance. I do see the beginning dancer in him sneaking out in his line and posture sometimes and yet it didn’t bother me too much because he conveyed so much emotionally and seemed so centered and grounded in the performance.

So the media says the cast of celebrities on Dancing with the Stars this time isn’t stellar or exciting or big name. Who IS William Levy or Katherine Jenkins?

Who they are is – fantastic! And I’m excited about the cast: gees louise the way Martina Navratilova carried herself – the sensuality of an assured, mature woman! I was reminded of Lauren Bacall. And discovering William Levy - ay ay ay que guapo – and he’s dancing with Cheryl Burke – yahoo! She knows how to take care of her men and choreographs some original wonders.

Then there’s the remarkable frame, lyricism and romantic air Katherine Jenkins lent to her foxtrot with Mark Ballas. She reminds me of Grace Kelly in an old time movie. I hope she has the fan base to go forward because I want to see more of her and what she and Mark create together.

Who else?

Gavin Degraw. This guy’s got a musicality, genuineness, innocence and ease that drew me in. I forgot about technique. I was – fascinated.

I did think, ought oh, when watching the beginning of Maria Menounos’ cha cha with Derek Hough. Had that continued I would have given them a five – not wanting to admit that losing Derek and his gift for getting his celeb to dance in new ways would be a huge loss to the show if it happens early. I breathed a sigh of relief when Maria loosened up and her cha cha got better. Still – her dancing is a bit worrisome because she was stiff at first, and the choreography was not Derek’s usual sparkler. Still, it’s just the first dance, right? Well if that’s how folks vote – thinking a dancer is safe – sometimes that’s all it takes for a real talent to get voted off.

Now Jack Wagner – he’s his own man and a romantic leading man as an actor. I saw potential as Jack danced with the lovely Anna Trebunskaya – she’s so cute. Jack has inherent grace and fluidity and he created a real connection with Anna – that’s leading man stuff. I felt like this might be the closest we’ll get to seeing a really big name like Robert Redford on DWTS, so I enjoyed it. I’d like to see more expressive hands though – Jack’s were a tad stiff.

NFL champ Donald Driver and Peta. Hmm. Didn’t write much down except that he has personality – however he didn’t seem to know how to step or connect steps and therefore the choreography looked choppy. Will he go off first? Probably not. But I didn’t manage to tape the show this time so I couldn’t see him again. The stepping challenge seems common to beginning ballroom dancers. We’ll see how he does from now on.

So much to look forward to – Disney star Roshon Fegan and Chelsie: wheee – personality! Disney stars seem quite versatile and he can move. Yet, his long legs and the way he places his feet give him an unclear shape so he seems all limbs and little technique. My question now is 1) Can Chelsie clean him up and 2) Can Chelsie provide him with the choreography he needs to compete from here forward? He knows how to make things is own. That’s a big plus – no matter what Len says.

Then we’ve got the flamboyant, natural and joyous Sherri Shepherd who I just know will have a great influence on Val. She needs to sustain some of her moves since she tends to break them off too soon, but she’s genuine and she loves life. She adds pizazz to the show.

Now I don’t know about all the viewers for Dancing with the Stars, but I grew up reading Laura Ingalls Wilder books so of course watched the show and that helps Melissa Gilbert some. She can move, she’s passionate and vivacious and yet she’s got an uphill battle – she’s older, she’s had a broken back, both reasons that may contribute to why she looked stiff. I hope her acting skills, her fan base, and her partnership with Maks will help her. She can move and if she can relax and enjoy the dancing… she could last awhile.

Who else? Mmm lucky Tristan who’s guiding Motown great Gladys Knight into the spotlight. She obviously loves to dance and she can move. It’s a delight to see this star perform here and I want her to excel. What’s interesting to me however is that with all she brings to the stage, I felt somehow a distance from her, almost as though she was doing same old same old instead of bringing all of herself forward so we can connect to her passion and joy.

Jaleel White. Wow. He had such an ease and he obviously loves to move. His tenderness and consideration for Kym, his partner, made him special. Although I’m not giving scores this time around, he got high marks from me.

So my top three – William Levy, Katherine Jenkins and Jaleel White – aren’t necessarily household names but they don’t have to be. I don’t know about you but there’s something about the discovery process that is absolutely thrilling and I look forward to discovering more this season on Dancing with the Stars.