Now, with week one solidly under their belts, the dancers hit week 2 of DWTS with a little more pizzazz, less nerves, and great energy. There were some that had success, others were pleasant surprises, and a few that missed the mark. Let's take a look at how everyone performed.
Week 2 Dance: Cha Cha
Result: Surprise 😳
While Nancy's background is built a little more for ballroom, she showed a little Latin Dancing attitude in her Cha-Cha.
Before anyone starts snickering, or tossing out dance related insults - let us just say that Nancy Kerrigan did a great job considering that she was dancing a challenging Cha Cha in Week 2 of the show. Sure, there were some surprising moments where she lost balance, but put her on ice skates and she wins this season before it starts.
Bottom Line: She had some wobbly moments, but this Cha Cha will go a long way in her future Latin dances.
Erika Jayne & Gleb
Week 2 Dance: Foxtrot
Result: Missed
Gleb has, once again, turned the mild mannered Foxtrot into something closer to foreplay. Dance teachers are rejoicing cautiously everywhere.
One only needs to check their Dancing with the Stars Season 23 recording to find another over the top Foxtrot routine from Mr. Sexy Foxtrot himself, Gleb. Here's what we said about that one:
"This Foxtrot should have a big question mark next to it. For those that are new to the dance, what you'll see here may have the tempo, two patterns, and the title of Foxtrot, but calling this a Foxtrot would be like calling Major League Baseball 'Greco-Roman Wrestling'."
- Chris Lynam - "DWTS 23 Third Elimination"
Sure, Foxtrot is like a smooth and, sometimes sultry, version of Waltz, but Gleb is taking the ballroom dance version of a family sedan and turning it into a Lamborghini. As was the case last season, the approach could eventually distract from a solid performance. Jayne showed some great lines, and smooth movement - with or without the frisking.
Week 2 Dance: Paso Doble
Result: Miss
All of the Cuchi Cuchi bullets have been used, and the jury is out on whether Charo can convince the public that she's more than just an exciting Latin dancer.
Ever heard the expression "living the dream"? That was Charo in this entire Paso Doble routine. She was living the dream, and unfortunately, Keo didn't want to wake her up from it. While she felt the music and expressed her body in the rhythm of her choosing, that didn't seem to match up well with the pre-rehearsed choreography. No one wants to waken someone from a wonderful dream, and regardless of the outcome of the show - Charo should use this as the opening to her next Vegas performance.
Week 2 Dance: Foxtrot
Result: Success
The former Bachelor has smooth moves on the dance floor to go with his smooth moves off of it.
Nick may be a bit of a perfectionist, despite what he said about having a goal of "not sucking" in week 1. While the song "Love me Now" by John Legend is a hit single, and super popular, it really isn't the type of song you'd associate with a Foxtrot (think: Fly me to the Moon").
Nevertheless, aside from a hiccup or two, Viall had a great performance. All he needs to do is develop his "made for live TV" showmanship and not hint at any mistakes. They are much easier to notice if you've got a "boy I suck" look on your face.
Week 2 Dance: Jive
Result: Success
The Beyonce backup dancer was paired with a DWTS backup, Alan Bersten, and both looked great together.
This should be a yearly tradition on DWTS. At some point, there should be a member of the cast dancers that fills in for one of the main professionals just to show the world that when you learn to dance, it isn't exclusive to one partner. Last year, it was James Hinchcliffe and cast dancer, Jenna Johnson.
This year's version was Heather Morris and Alan Bersten.
Both Morris, and Bersten - who jumped in due to a Maks Chmerkovskiy calf injury - looked fantastic together. Morris' sultry hip hop interlude showcased her talent, and it only added to the performance overall. Morris is looking great moving forward with Maks, Alan, or Tom Bergeron, if necessary.
Week 2 Dance: Waltz
Result: Success
Expect some passion when the bull rider with the Blue Steel gaze meets the pro with the sultry smolder.
Yes, there were times that Mr. Bolton looked like a bull rider who just became a ballroom dancer a few weeks ago, but week 2 showed that his dance side is developing. While his dancing may never catch up with his good looks, with some consistent timing and footwork training Sharna may have another top guy in her stable.
Week 2 Dance: Cha Cha
Result: Success (with a fiery S)
Simone and Sasha brought the heat in this jaw dropping Cha-Cha.
Just when you were thinking that this Olympic gymnast was a little too fun loving for the Tango, she lit the floor on fire. Sasha's approach with choreography this week highlighted the physical gifts of Simone in an, almost, unfair way.
For Biles, this sexy routine could have easily taken a turn for the worse had she not committed herself to the movement, and more importantly, the character.
Week 2 Dance: Jazz
Result: *Surprise
Chris & Witney found a great blend between music, dancing, and character, but was it all too late?
There are many celebrities that can hold on to their comfort zone so tightly, that is negatively affects their chances of success on a show like DWTS. While Chris Kattan certainly displayed his comedic nature, there was a consistent effort to showcase dancing, and the requisite details that come with it.
It would be short sighted to lump Kattan with past celebrities who wouldn't budge off of their non-dancing perches (see: Master P).
*Ultimately, Kattan was eliminated, but his Jazz performance was a pleasant surprise.
Week 2 Dance: Cha Cha
Result: Success
Kordei could be following in the footsteps of another singing group singer that became a DWTS sensation.
Maybe it was technical difficulties, or the fact that watching her dance can make your eyes blur, but the timing of this Cha Cha seemed to be off, but then again - only a performance, and performer, like Kordei could make that a complete non-issue. She and Val were electric.
Val has already established a point of view with this celebrity/superstar in the making, and while everyone may be looking to competitors like Simone Biles and Heather Morris - they may just see Normani and Val sprinting to the finals.
Quote from Last Week
"Quick hitting, well rehearsed, and body aware. Normani has the physical capacity to make Val a back to back professional winner on the show."
- Chris Lynam "Dancing 24: Who Stood Out in Week 1?"
Week 2 Dance: Viennese Waltz
Result: Success
Rashad may be currently out of work in the NFL, but he's putting in serious work on the dance floor.
For anyone that has ever thought of the Viennese Waltz as an old fashioned "stately" dance, we present to you a dynamic, sexy, and fresh take by Rashad and Emma. Showing plenty of interesting variations on a traditional dance frame, their performance told a great story, and there should be many more chapters to come as this season progresses.
Quote from Week 1
"Rashad has a real shot at being the top male competitor this season. He's motivated (the term "Free Agent" means that he doesn't have a contract), he's got charisma, and he's got excellent body awareness."
Chris Lynam - "Dancing 24: Who Stood Out in Week 1?"
Mr T & Kym
Week 2 Dance: Paso Doble
Result: Miss
Based on his attitude and determination, Mr. T should go to the finals. Based on his dancing, he probably shouldn't.
The music? Eclectic and invigorating. The dancing? Not so much. Mr T's days of nimble movement may be behind him, but that's nothing a smooth Foxtrot or Watlzcan't fix. This Paso Doble was more Clubber Lang than than latin choreography.
Moving into next week, he'll have to make some dance improvements as he's all out of iconic characters to re-purpose.
David Ross & Lindsay
Week 2 Dance: Cha Cha
Result: Surprise
Who would have thought that the guy with the Grandpa nickname could dance with so much swagger?
So David Ross is having fun. Just the song selection alone is an indicator that Ross isn't taking himself too seriously, but his moves are showing that he's paying close attention to detail. In baseball, the catcher is one of the most complex positions on the field. There's no shortage of stress, strategy, and subtle adjustments to make to help deliver a win.
So don't let the fun fool you. Ross Busting a Move, bodyrolls and all, and finishing with a backspin is his way of moderating the stress, and understanding the strategy. His moves aren't subtle, but his attention to detail certainly is.
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