Dancing with the Stars – Recap & Review – Week 1

photo: abc

Dancing with the Stars
Week 1

Original Air Date: Sep 19, 2011

Annette – Associate Staff Writer
annette@thetwocentscorp.com

Season 13 is here! With it comes the usual mix of “celebrities”: actors, activists, reality stars and athletes (and George Clooney’s ex). Surprisingly, no token senior citizen to tear up the floor. New this season is a much bigger ballroom with a raised floor – here’s hoping no one falls off and breaks a leg. Also, there are some new faces among the pros. A few of the dancers from the “Troupe” last season have become pro partners and the pro sibling rivalry is renewed with the addition of Val Chmerkovskiy.

The dancing itself was not too shabby. A few surprises, a few stumbles. No one really stood out from the pack, but almost everyone did a pretty good job for day one. Read on to find out…

Ron Artest & Petra Murgatroyd – Cha-Cha-Cha
14 (5,4,5)
Len said it lacked cha cha content and the technique was atrocious. Bruno said he has power and presence but needs to work on technique. Carrie Ann called him eccentric and sexy (ew), but said the technique was “blech.”

I thought it was horrible. I disagree that it lacked cha cha content – there was some there, it just wasn’t very good. He’s a big guy and they always have trouble, but he definitely needs work.

Robert Kardashian & Cheryl Burke – Viennese Waltz
16 (6, 5, 5)
Bruno said he danced as if he were “under strict order to succeed.” Carrie Ann sees potential – you did everything Cheryl told you. Len said he wasn’t impressed, but he wasn’t depressed. He also called it too careful.

His footwork was wretched. I also agree that he tried to do all the steps, but he was just going through the motions – zero musicality.

Kristen Cavallari & Mark Ballas – Cha-Cha-Cha
19 (7, 6, 6)
Carrie Ann said she was excited – that she had great movement and shine but advised her not to shuffle her feet when dancing alone. Len thought it was bright and lively and there was a lot going on. Bruno wants her to hit all the beats then went on to repeatedly tell her how hot she was.

I’m confused because I didn’t see one moment of the cha cha. I actually thought that Ron Artest’s had more true cha cha movement in it, yet not one of the judges mentioned it. She clearly has some talent – it just needs refinement.

Chynna Phillips & Tony Dovolani
22 (8, 7, 7)
Len thought it was close to the best first dance he’d ever seen. Bruno said she looked like she was stepping out of a dream and into his heart. Carrie Ann thought it was gorgeous and called her a graceful dancer.

She was lovely. She did have some moments where she stumbled and was unsteady, but she did a very good job. The best dance of the night so far.

Nancy Grace & Tristan McManus – Cha-Cha-Cha
16 (5, 5, 6)
Bruno told her she’s got the moves, but she doesn’t seem to believe in herself. Carrie Ann called her the happiest contestant she’d ever seen – but told her she’s has to work on remembering her choreography. Len said she was neat and precise but lacked flair and attack.

She was obviously very timid at the start (she wouldn’t take her eyes of Tristan while they were dancing side by side), but she looked like she relaxed after the first few bars. She never stopped smiling, but her footwork definitely needs to improve.

David Arquette & Kym Johnson – Viennese Waltz
18 (6, 6, 6)
Carrie Ann said she really liked it but also said he needs to relax a little. Len advised him to accept that he’s going to make mistakes that he should try to cover it up and get on with the dance. Bruno suggested he think of each dance as a scene in a movie and remain in that character.

He really threw himself into the performance making it a little crazy and out of control at times. His heart is definitely in it though and he shows some potential.

Elisabetta Canalis & Val Chmerkovskiy – Cha-Cha-Cha
16 (5, 5, 5)
Len said that once she got out of Val’s arms she lost confidence and it fell apart. Bruno agreed with Len, basically saying exactly the same thing. Carrie Ann also said the same thing while advising her to channel the model part of her to help her with the confidence.

Once she caught up to Val (after getting out of bed) in the middle of the dance floor, she did ok, but she did kind of lose it halfway through. She has potential – she’s got rhythm and some decent hip action.

Hope Solo & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Viennese Waltz
21 (7, 7, 7)
Bruno told her she had great drive and attack but she needs to work on control. Carrie Ann said the hold and body contact was very impressive and the lines were gorgeous. Len said it had good hold, good posture and lovely movement but get a little more fluid and more softness.

She’s so muscular through her arms and shoulders and she was definitely tensing those up through the dance. It was a very up tempo waltz and she was a little erratic trying to keep up with the music – she lost control several times.

Carson Kressley & Anna Trebunskaya – Cha-Cha-Cha
17 (6, 5, 6)
Carrie Ann said it was her favorite dance of the night but technically speaking “meh.” Len said there were elements of Jagger, swagger and stagger – it was such great entertainment. Bruno called it full out outrageous fun.

It was wild, crazy, out of control and there was very little cha-cha but it was entertaining as only Carson can do. The audience votes should keep him in for awhile, but his technique will need to improve GREATLY to stay in on merit.

J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff – Viennese Waltz
22 (8, 7, 7)
Len said J.R. stands for Just Right – saying that performance was right up there with the best dances of the night. Bruno said he can’t wait to see the Latin because he did very well in the Waltz. His advice was for J.R. to clean up his lines. Carrie Ann said she was touched by the performance and was amazed by his ability to bring emotional quality to the dance on day one.

He was graceful and his dance was emotional. He was in the moment and right there with Karina. I thought it was the best dance of the night. He just might be a contender.

Ricki Lake & Derek Hough – Viennese Waltz
20 (7, 6, 7)
Bruno marveled at her enjoyment of the dance and their great chemistry. Carrie Ann said that the thing that was spectacular was that they finished each other’s moves. Len was concerned about her footwork, but was impressed by the elegance and fluidity.

She was very lovely and graceful and dealt with Derek’s difficult choreography beautifully. I was impressed.

Chaz Bono & Lacey Schwimmer – Cha-Cha-Cha
17 (6, 5, 6)
Carrie Ann said he had great footwork that was sharp and precise. Len called him Razzamatazz Chaz – right on time, good footwork and great attitude. Bruno called it cheeky and cute and cuddly.

From his rehearsal package, it looked as if he was going to be dreadful, but it wasn’t. His footwork was good, and he had a ton of fun while he was out there.

And that’s the first night of dancing! Chynna Phillips and J.R. Martinez are tied at the top of the leader board and Ron Artest brings up the rear. Unfortunately for the celebrities, someone is being eliminated after the first night – no second chance to prove themselves. So the question is who’s going home? Rob Kardashian is at the bottom with Artest – will it be one of them? Do you think they have the fans to save them? Personally I think it will be one of them – leave me your two cents!