miss v's voice: October 2020

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Dancing with the Stars Season 29: Spooky Dances

Jeannie and Brandon danced a Paso Doble inspired by Silence of the Lambs -- I do love the commitment Jeannie brings to every dance, but sometimes she pushes so hard that the dance is not as refined as it could be. Derek thinks she did great with the Paso. Bruno loved the intention of the dance. Carrie Ann said she is overdoing it a little bit; she needs to tone down some of the energy so that her grace can return to the dance. Score: 25/30

Johnny and Britt danced a Viennese Waltz to Creep by Radiohead inspired by Dracula-- It was super dramatic, I loved it! Bruno said it was very good, you had good sweeping motion. Carrie Ann said you floated through that, there was so much interpretation of the music. I agree with Carrie Ann, he interpreted the music beautifully. It's like it was made for him. Derek said redemption is beautiful. Score: 27/30

Chrishell and Gleb danced a Paso Doble inspired by Maleficent-- I do have to say, I did find it simple, but I really felt her character. This was by far her best dance yet, execution was at the highest degree. Carrie Ann said simple moves executed perfectly. Derek said there were a few off balance moments but everyone is crushing it tonight. Bruno said Maleficent you scrumpet. He said you lost the fluidity at times, overall strong performance. Score: 26/30

Monica and Val danced a Jazz routine inspired by to Fever-- I liked watching this and was impressed with Monica. I think she has grown a lot. I am not sure what the judges were looking for. Derek loved the musicality, transitions, lifts. He thought overall it was well done. Bruno said I didn't get a fever, I got a mild chill. Carrie Ann said she didn't feel the storytelling as much, felt that it needed more intention. Score: 22/30

AJ and Cheryl danced a Tango inspired by Psycho-- This was really good, the footwork was challenging and AJ seemed un-phased, he stuck with it. Carrie Ann said well done, work a little on your posture. Derek said I was watching your footwork, well done. Bruno said I love how you transformed the character, totally believable. Sort out that frame. AJ said Cheryl is a trooper. Score: 26/30

Nelly and Daniella danced an Argentine Tango to I Can't Feel My Face by The Weeknd inspired by Nightmare on Elm St.-- I think the person I continue to be most surprised by in this competition is Nelly. He is so so good, and he continues to work hard and step up his game. This is a far cry from when Master P came on the show years ago. Carrie Ann said that was your best dance, the dynamics, the push and pull, everything. Derek said I wanted more Argentine Tango footwork but you were such a great partner to Danielle. Bruno said you killed that Argentine Tango, your whole stance was different tonight. Score: 27/30

Justina and Sasha danced a Tango inspired by Carrie-- I like Justina's spirit. I will say I think that the screaming distracted from the dancing. There also seemed to be some minor slip ups. Derek compliments her frame but tells her to watch her turns. Bruno tells her not to be hoppy in the Tango. Carrie Ann agrees and compliments Justina's use of space. Score: 26/30

Nev and Jenna danced a Paso Doble inspired by Swan Lake-- This was scary gorgeous! Jenna's choreography was amazing and Nev was flawless in his execution. It's hard to believe that he hasn't danced before because he just does everything so well. Bruno and Carrie Ann thought it was perfect. Derek said it was gorgeous and marveled at Nev's shaping. First perfect score of the season! Score: 30/30

Skai and Alan danced an Argentine Tango to Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish inspired by The Bride of Chucky-- Carrie Ann said you came back stronger than ever. Your power was mesmerizing. Derek said last week I felt for you, this week I feel you, gorgeous. Bruno said this was the best placement you've had. Score: 27/30

Kaitlyn and Artem danced a Paso Doble to Disturbia by Rihanna inspired by Cruella DeVille-- Hmm, I think I know what the issue is, I think Kaitlyn has been so consistent that we almost take it for granted. I think she also hasn't seen the drastic growth that some of the other contestants have because she started out at such a high level. Derek said, Artem I want to adopt you. Kaitlyn you are so reliable and you dance your butt off every week. Great way to end the show. Bruno said it felt slightly rushed and the timing wasn't as crisp as it could be. Carrie Ann said there was an issue with the lift, and she saw her spirit drop. Scores were all over the place. Score: 24/30

Jeannie and Monica surprisingly were in the bottom two. I am shocked that Monica was sent home, this was one of her strongest performances to date. I think the judges made an error in who they chose.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Dancing with the Stars Season 29: This Cast is Humble and Kind

Johnny and Britt danced a Salsa to On the Floor by Jennifer Lopez-- I love Johnny's confidence, I agree I wanted to see more salsa action, but he always brings it on every performance. Derek said holy moly that costume. He said there were a few arm connections, misses, but overall, great way to start the show. Bruno said the salsa needed to have more grounded hip action but great performance. Carrie Ann said I wanted to feel more earth in the salsa.
Score: 22/30

Nev and Jenna danced a jazz routine to Good Vibration by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch-- This is just making me smile hard and feel good. It was so good! They were hitting everything. Bruno said he didn't know what it was, but he liked it. Carrie Ann said everything made me so happy. Derek said it was jazz 101, it was so clean, you were together the entire time.
Score: 26/30

Monica and Val danced a rumba to Have I Told You Lately That I Love You by Rod Stewart-- Monica looks stunning tonight. I love that she dedicated this to her husband and her quality of movement is so sincere. I love it. Carrie Ann said WOW! You came into your own. That was so refined, so sensual, so within your power. Derek said you are really enjoying it, and you have great balance. I loved your story but loved your rumba even more. Bruno said that was a classy rumba, you pitched it right, classic rumba and romance.
Score: 27/30

Skai and Alan danced a Cha Cha to Say So by Doja Cat and Nikki Minaj-- She is making a lot of little mistakes. Once she made the first mistake she focused on her first mistake. Derek said you messed up, it happens to all of us. There were great moments in there. Bruno said I am loving that look, accidents happen, you handled it as best as you could. Carrie Ann said you came back stronger than ever. I want to commend you for the recovery.
Score: 18/30

Vernon and Peta danced a Cha Cha to Celebration by Kool and the Gang-- What a beautiful story from Vernon about his grandpa. I agree 100% with Derek, there is such joy when he dances and I love the way he looks at his partner Peta. Bruno said very bright, there is something about you, you have the right feel for the dance. The timing is good, the cha cha comes from the ball of the foot. Carrie Ann said I enjoy watching you dance, you're comfortable with yourself, I love your ease. Derek said I would give you a ten for joy every time but you need to be careful with the heel leads etc.
Score: 21/30

Nelly and Daniella danced a Viennese Waltz to Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw-- That was so beautiful. OMG! I am like speechless. Carrie Ann said excuse me, there is such beauty and storytelling. Derek said it was beautiful to see and watch, watch your rise and fall, but that was wonderful. Bruno said there was a gentleness to you, you treat your woman like a goddess. Nelly said I had to channel my inner Bruno.
Score: 24/30

Jeannie and Brandon danced a Rumba to Gotta Be by Desiree-- I do feel she is committed to every dance, but something was missing for me. I don't feel the emotion from her as much as I do some of the other dancers. Derek sad Jeannie that was sensual, your legs were so straight and over your foot, be aware of your arms. Bruno said so much passion, irresistible and deadly. Carrie Ann you are so stunning, you dance at your edge. You have to work more on your transitions, but that was beautiful.
Score: 25/30

AJ and Cheryl danced a Samba to Mi Gente by J Balvin-- They were just so good! They nailed that Samba! Bruno said don't be sorry, just do it. Carrie Ann said you had the right balance, sometimes you dance a little small, but we love watching you dance. Derek said it was so fun to watch, you had a good bounce in there. Samba is a hard dance, and you made it look easy my friend.
Score: 27/30

Chrishell and Gleb danced a Contemporary to The Stars by Grace Potter and The Nocturnals-- Very heartfelt, Chrishell dedicated her dance to her parents. I saw the small mistakes the judges pointed out but she told a beautiful story. Carrie Ann said you poured your heart and soul into that dance. Point your toes but I felt that. Derek said you have had a heck of a year but you have come out here with joy. Bruno said so emotionally engaging, so raw, so truthful.
Score: 24/30

Kaitlyn and Artem danced a Samba to Sorry by Justin Bieber-- I thought she did great, she was strong. I echo the judges though, that dance didn't impress me. I actually felt comparing Samba's that AJ had a better Samba. Derek said that was fantastic, great. Derek wants sharper movement-- attack. Bruno said I "belieb" in you, first class Samba. Carrie Ann said well executed, I was not super impressed. I wanted to see more attack.
Score: 27/30

This was amazing.....

At the end Vernon and Johnny were in the bottom two. It was so shocking! I don't really even want to predict what next week will bring.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Dancing with the Stars Season 29: 80's Night Brought the Rhythm of the Night

Justina and Sasha danced a Jazz routine to Maniac from Flashdance-- I love Sasha's choreography! Woah, looked like the water was shocking to her. Derek said he loved her kicking off the show. Bruno said this was deliciously 80s. Carrie Ann said you were incredible, you guys matched every line perfectly. Score: 24/30

Jesse and Sharna danced a Tango to Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears-- I felt like they connected better on that dance. I did feel like he improved. I hope the judges think so. Bruno said he lost his timing. Carrie Ann said he improved and did feel the music. Derek said the frame was closed, but he is improving each week. Score: 19/30

Chrishell and Gleb danced a Cha Cha Cha to The Right Stuff by New Kids on the Block-- That was so fun and I love how they incorporated the New Kids dance. Carrie Ann said there was not enough Cha Cha content. Derek loved the side by side dancing. Derek said place your arms don't throw them. Bruno said you turned the Cha Cha into dirty dancing. Score: 19/30

Jeannie and Brandon danced a Jazz routine to Like a Virgin by Madonna-- I actually did not love that, I wanted more side by side. Derek said well done, clean routine. Bruno said immaculate like me. Carrie Ann said you are an exciting performer. Score: 24/30

Monica and Val danced a Tango to Tainted Love by Soft Cell-- Loved! Val's choreography was great. Bruno said you were so on it, some of the shapes were fantastic. Bruno said be careful not to grab over him. Carrie Ann said you're a dynamic performer. Derek said being in the bottom two gave you an extra drive. Score: 26/30

AJ and Cheryl danced a Waltz to Open Arms by Journey-- That was so gorgeous! I just love their partnership so much. You can tell that they are really friends. Carrie Ann commented on how AJ led Cheryl through the dance and he did beautifully. Derek said I love this style on you. Derek said you moved very smooth across the floor, that was great. Bruno said the dance had great motion. Score: 24/30

Skai and Alan danced a Jazz routine to Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News-- Hmm I think I was left wanting more from that, but maybe it's just me. Derek said when you go into partner hold you have a fear face. Bruno said well done, watch the dismounts on the lifts. Carrie Ann said expand the movements to fill up the music. Score: 24/30

Vernon and Peta danced a Tango to Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi-- I always enjoy watching these two. They are one of my favorite couples. I liked this but I do agree it got tough to watch. Bruno said you went wrong at some point. Carrie Ann said work on your transition. Derek said you thrive in the more tender dances. Score: 21/30

Kaitlyn and Artem danced a Tango to I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany-- That was super fun. I love how Artem said the break down at the end was all Kaitlyn. Carrie Ann said your frame was far superior to anyone else's. Derek said I loved how you went b-girl, I loved the sharpness in the tango. Bruno said you didn't know what was gonna happen next. Score: 27/30

Nelly and Daniella danced a Samba to Rhythm of the Night to DeBarge-- This was by far their best dance! I loved their costumes. Oh my gosh, Nelly made me smile so hard. I need to go back and watch that. Derek said that was your best dance! It was a legit Samba, there was a freedom to you, you were in the pocket. Bruno said you were light on your free, carefree, footwork was precise. You were doing a proper Samba. Carrie Ann said that made me so happy, your journey, this was yummy. Score: 24/30

Johnny and Britt danced a Contemporary to Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler-- Oh my gosh, Johnny is so so good. He just gets it. He interprets movement and music so beautifully. Bruno said we know you have great extension but we feel the emotion. Carrie Ann said you crushed it, and Britt beautiful choreography. Derek said dude, that was perfect, the quality of movement, beautiful. Score: 29/30

Nev and Jenna danced a Quickstep to Take on Me by A-Ha-- They were great! Nev is always in character, and Jenna always choreographs to his strengths. Carrie Ann said the frame felt awkward. Derek said he loved it, and thought it was a great way to end the night. Bruno said you took to the Quickstep like a duck to water. Your footwork was crisp, on time, and efficient. Score: 26/30

At the end of the night the bottom two was Jesse and Sharna and Vernon and Peta. This was a little surprising I have to say, but the outcome was predictable. It's unfortunate that Jesse went home because he was just starting to get good.

Chrishell and Justina might be in trouble next week.

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Dancing with the Stars Season 29: Week 4 Brings Some Drama

Nelly and Daniella danced a Paso Doble to All I Do is Win by DJ Khaled-- Wow, Nelly really did a lot of work on that. Derek really liked it. Bruno said the winner takes it all and I am gonna go for it. You have the power, now refine the artistry. Carrie Ann said Nelly that is what I was looking for. The musicality was great, watch your shapes, but thank you. Oh my heart! Nelly was so humble, he did a great job, love to see his improvement. Score: 21/30

Chrishell and Gleb danced a Foxtrot to Adore You by Harry Styles-- She looks gorgeous, I felt like she was a little tentative this week, I could see her thinking, but overall she did great. Carrie Ann said you're aware of your face, it is extending to your finger tips and hands. She told her to still watch her feet. Bruno talked about a stumble, but Derek didn't see it. He thought it was her best dance so far. Score: 22/30

Monica and Val danced a Samba to Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus-- I love how Monica really goes for it. You really see the competitor come out in every dance. Carrie Ann said she really respects Val and Monica and think that their partnership has grown. Derek said there was so much Samba content and it was her best dance. Bruno said you put all the required Samba steps in there. Score: 24/30

Anne and Keo danced a Paso Doble to Rise by Katy Perry-- I did not take my eyes off them for a second. They are powerful together and the song was so perfect for them. Derek said you were more sturdy on your feet and more in control. Bruno said you are a multicolored warrior, it was the most focused performance today. Keep focused. Carrie Ann said I love watching you, you fought for every step. I am routing for you. Score: 21/30

Nev and Jenna danced a Rumba to Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion-- His steps are just so smooth. Everything flows beautifully. I feel like Jenna has done a great job with him. Carrie Ann said you have an excellent frame and your lines are beautiful. Derek said you have beautiful lines when you dance. Score: 24/30

Justina and Sasha danced a Salsa to -- She looked like she had a blast doing that dance, and of course she had the attitude. Carrie Ann said we were on our feet. I felt like I came over to your house tonight. Derek said you had so much charisma and so much fun. Bruno said you're on fire, those hips don't lie, they scream look at me, I'm fabulous. Score: 24/30

Kaitlyn and Artem danced a Viennese Waltz to Beautiful Crazy by Luke Coombs-- Kaitlyn looks like a pro herself, she is gorgeous and I know she was dancing for Jason. That was just so beautiful. Derek said every week you get better, elegance and effortless. I hope to see a different type of dance to bring out another side to you. Bruno said you have such flexibility and you link all the movements. If this is how good you are in ballroom I cannot wait if you're this good in latin dances. Carrie Ann said love is so special, and tonight you brought that. There was something very special, and for me it worked beautifully. Score: 25/30

Johnny and Britt danced a Jive to Crocodile Rock by Elton John-- WOW!!!! Omg! Johnny was so so good. I loved every single step. Bruno said you were performing and exploding out there. I agree with Bruno he was so sharp. Carrie Ann said that was incredible. You are glowing, everything was fantastic. Derek said you opened up tonight and let us in, and I was thinking let's go Johnny! Score: 24/30

Jeannie and Brandon danced a Tango to Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes-- She attacked that! It was great. Carrie Ann and Derek said no one should bet against you. Bruno said you were a bad bad girl tonight. Score: 21/30

Vernon and Peta danced a Rumba to Let's Stay Together by Al Greene-- They are so so well matched. I love them together. Derek said watch the hands and arms but that was beautiful. Bruno said you have natural charm and charisma, plenty of gyration. Bruno said use the back not the shoulders. Carrie Ann said you understand momentum, that's what's special about you. There is a poetry to you. Score: 22/30

Jesse and Sharna danced a Cha Cha to Smooth by Santana-- I enjoy their chemistry. Jesse improved a lot this week in my eyes. Bruno said you forgot the hips. Carrie Ann said your musicality has improved, she wants to feel more of him. She told him not to look at Sharna's feet so much. Derek said much better this week, you improved, well done. Score: 21/30

Skai and Alan danced a Foxtrot to Ordinary People by John Legend-- What a beautiful dedication to your friend Cameron! Derek said it was the best dance of the night. Carrie Ann said Cameron is watching you right now and he is so proud of you, you're like an angel. Bruno said back in top form, you are stunning, the poise was regal. Score: 28/30

AJ and Cheryl danced a Cha Cha to Larger than Life by The Backstreet Boys-- Derek said Backstreet's back all right! You're so likeable, way to end the show. Bruno said still need to work on the cha cha cha. Carrie Ann said what a way to end the night, watch your elbows. She said she felt so entertained like she was at a concert. Score: 24/30

Lots of confusion at the end of the night as everyone had been sent to safety except-- Vernon and Peta, Chrishell and Gleb, and Anne and Keo. Tyra said Vernon was in the bottom 2 which didn't even seem possible. Tyra said Anne and Keo were in the bottom two and that there was a mistake and it was actually Monica and Val who was there with them. At the end it was Anne who was sent home. I genuinely liked Anne. I hope that talk of her storming off the set after being eliminated were not true. Being a good loser is as important as being a good winner.

I suspect Jeannie and Monica may be in some trouble next week.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Dancing with the Stars Season 29: It's Disney Night!

Skai and Alan danced a Jive-- Derek was not crazy about it, he said her weight was so far back that she looked stiff. Bruno said you needed more in the legs, but you did a good job. Carrie Ann said she looked nervous, but she got back on track. Score: 18/30

Monica and Val danced a Waltz to The Little Mermaid-- Carrie Ann said when you have fun, we have fun watching you. I thought she was very transformed this week. Derek said to pay attention to her feet, but much better job. Score: 21/30

Justina and Sasha danced a Charleston to Mary Poppins-- Derek said he didn't get the footwork part from her, he got steps. Bruno said you're almost addictive. He agreed with Derek though that she needed to be sharper on the footwork. Justina has a great energy, I think she needs to continue to work though because if she doesn't improve she could see herself at the bottom. Score: 19/30

AJ and Cheryl danced a Quick Step to Aladdin-- AJ really gets into character! I love that! Such great showmanship. Derek said you always make me smile, you're so committed to every performance. Bruno loved it, he said Vin Diesel as Aladdin fast and furious. Carrie Ann said now you feel comfortable, your elbow dropped a little bit. Score:21/30

Anne and Keo danced a Quick Step to Hercules-- Bruno said it was entertaining. Carrie Ann said it started off so well, but it felt like you guys were on the same page. Derek said learn to dance the whole routine by yourself so you're not as dependent on Keo. Score: 15/30

Jeannie and Brandon danced a Viennese Waltz to Up-- Derek said this was beautiful; your best performance. Carrie Ann praised the balance in their partnership. Bruno said it was pure storytelling, you captured the essence of the film, performance art. Score: 22/30

Nelly and Daniella danced Foxtrot a to Soul-- Derek said the frame was smooth. Bruno said Nelly was charming and we saw a proper Foxtrot. Carrie Ann said there is a naturalness to you that is enjoyable to watch. I think Nelly was underscored! I thought he was great!!! Score: 18/30

Carole and Pasha danced a Samba to The Lion King-- Carrie Ann said she danced with love but it lacked a lot of things. Derek said it lacked the bounce. It was pretty bad, probably worse than her first dance. Score: 12/30

Kaitlyn and Artem danced a Rumba to Moana-- Wow!!! She was really excellent, took my breath away. Carrie Ann said far and away the best dance of the night. Derek said you are beautiful dancer, so much fluidity, so lyrical. Bruno praised her as well. Score: 23/30

Vernon and Peta danced a Quickstep to Beauty and the Beast-- Derek said real mean play candlesticks. Bruno said you have tamed the beast. You exude confidence, you still have some stuff to work on but you're great. Carrie Ann said you created one of my favorite dances of the night. She loved how he slowed down his energy to match Peta's. I agree with Carrie Ann, this was so fun, and I think Vernon's confidence really sold it. Score: 22/30

Nev and Jenna danced an Argentine Tango to Pirates of the Caribbean-- Oh wow! That was so good, I just love that dance in general, but so so good. Bruno said he stayed in character and managed to maintain the dance all the way through. Carrie Ann appreciated that they didn't hide behind lifts. Derek said now we're cooking with hot sauce, you nailed that. Score: 24/30

Johnny and Britt danced a to Mulan-- Carrie Ann saw the transformation. Derek thought his lines were beautiful. Bruno said your shapes and extensions were exquisite, but what I really saw was the emotion. Aww I knew Johnny's hard work would pay off. Score: 24/30

Jesse and Sharna danced a Jive to Newsies-- They were good! That was unexpected. I did not know Jesse could dance that good. Derek didn't feel this dance as much. Bruno said it was clean and youthful and you played the role brilliantly. He said your footwork was light. Carrie Ann thought he had good storytelling but his musicality was off. Score: 20/30

Chrishell and Gleb danced a Waltz to Cinderella-- They both played the part perfectly. She was so graceful, Gleb did such a good job. Bruno said you look like the ultimate Disney Princess. Carrie Ann said you guys are magic together. She told her to work on her shoulders. Derek said feet together on the turns, but this was a beautiful dance, you're a real life Cinderella. Score: 22/30

At the end of the night it came down to Anne and Keo and Carole and Pasha. The judges unanimously saved Anne and Keo.

I really hope Anne and Keo do not go home next week because Anne is working so hard and really wants to be there.