(DWTS logo from wdtvpress.com)
Each week, Watermark writer Kirk Hartlage provides a recap of the latest episode of “Dancing With The Stars.” If you missed last week’s recap, go here.
If “Dancing With The Stars” were a punctuation mark, it would no doubt be the exclamation point, if not several in a row. However, tonight’s week six edition is best described as one question mark after another, after another.
The majority of those would be queries along the lines of “What in the world is he or she wearing now?” Host Tyra Banks kicks off tonight’s questionable outfits with an ensemble that is, up to this point in the season, the least flattering one she’s worn yet. It’s part glamourous theater usher, part theatre ornamentation, and all parts wrong. It’s almost what you’d expect the femme fatale villain to wear in a female-fronted superhero movie.
Among the night’s other fashion casualties:
•Johnny Weir’s nipple-exposing combination of see-through mesh, sequins and fringe.
•Judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s neck-swallowing metallic dress.
•Pro dancer Alan Bersten’s zebra-striped pajamas.
•Vernon Davis’ flamingos-in-the-night suit.
•Justina Machado’s skirt of many feathers, making her look as if she’s been dipped in a multi-dyed bin of cotton candy.
Perhaps tonight’s “Questionable” theme is “DWTS’” latest run at corporate synergy as the Walt Disney Company has made a number of problematic decisions as of late.
Earlier this month Disney announced they will be developing yet another live-action film inspired by its theme parks. Hoping for more “Pirates of the Caribbean” type results than “The Haunted Mansion” or “Tomorrowland,” the new film will be based on the E-ticket ride Space Mountain. In case you haven’t been on the galactic roller coaster lately – and why would you in a pandemic – the attraction has no characters and no storyline, which should make for an interesting transfer to the silver screen.
Another recent debatable in Mickeyland was the company’s decision to reinstate many executives’ pay who had taken salary cuts during the pandemic just before announcing they would then be laying off 28,000 employees in its theme parks. As if that decision wasn’t bad enough, when they were called on it publicly by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Walt Disney Company responded by saying Warren’s open letter was “full of inaccuracies” without providing further details on what those inaccuracies were.
But who’s got time to worry about such matters when there’s dancing to be done!
•Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart shante, sashay, and eventually stumble their way through a Salsa to Jennifer Lopez’ “On The Floor.” The fluidity necessary in a Latin dance is not Johnny’s strong suit, which is a shame, because had he had those moves, they would have properly showcased his mesh catsuit’s many, many fringes. It’s not often that the male partner’s costume is more accessorized than the female’s, but then again, “DWTS” has never had a contestant quite as vivacious as Johnny Weir.
•“Catfish” host Nev Schulman andJenna Johnson dance jazz, which is perfectly described by judge Bruno Tonioli as, “I don’t know what it was…I have no idea,” but also “deliciously bonkers.” Carrie Ann Inaba praises the routine as having proper jazz moves (again, whatever those are), while Derek Hough states what we’re all thinking: Who assigned this dance style to “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch?Hopefully Len Goodman will someday soon provide a pre-taped tutorial on just what this dance style requires.
•“Cheer” coach Monica Aldama tells Val Chmerkovskiy her marriage story. She and her husband-to-be first met in middle school, married years later, then divorced, and have since re-married. As for her Rumba, it consists of lots of poses and extended arm sweeps, and despite its simplicity, receives high marks from the judges.
•Poor Skai Jackson. She loses her place during her Cha Cha with Alan Bersten, who can be seen attempting to coach her back onto track. His efforts have only a mild effect, but ever the performer, Skai smiles throughout the performance.
•After last week’s questionable save from elimination, Vernon Davis and partner Peta Murgatroyd stumble through their Cha Cha tonight. Tyra vouches for Vernon’s booty swivels, as Bruno is hypnotized by the print of Vernon’s suit.
•Nelly reminiscences about his 2004 duet “Over and Over” with Tim McGraw to partner Daniella Karagach as he’ll be dancing a Viennese Waltz to the country singer’s more recent hit“Humble and Kind.” It’s only mildly awkward, compared to the evening’s other performances, even though the last section of the dance calls for the couple to simply walk in a circle.
•Tyra appears in a new outfit and bang-heavy wig, likely leftover from Tina Turner’s last world tour.
•Derek Hough performs a special paso doble with girlfriend Haley Erbert. The performance stands out for its strength and power, and also because it’s the only “pro” dance we’ve seen this season. Also refreshing: the couple dances to “Ucccen (The Wolf)” by the Taalbi Brothers and not another overplayed Top 40 hit. Parts of the dance include some color guard-inspired flag work as well as Derek’s iconic slapography, previously seen in tributes to “Step in Time” from “Mary Poppins.”
•Jeannie Mai shares the story of her grandparents’ harrowing immigration to the United States. The story is as moving as her rumba with Brandon Armstrong, which receives strong marks for being sultry and sensual.
•It’s probably safe to say that throughout his career AJ McClean never partner-danced with any of his fellow Backstreet Boys. Any choreography he’s done has been “solo,” even if it was in sync (pun intended) with his bandmates. That history shows in his performances with Cheryl Burke. In partnered hold he tends to struggle but release him to dance side by side with Cheryl and he really shines. Tonight’s Samba is a far better combination of the two, earning AJ his highest scores yet.
•Chrishell Stause has had it rough lately, losing both her parents to lung cancer in the last year and a half. Tonight, she honors them with a contemporary routine with partner Gleb Savchenko that’s filled with emotion and intensity, even if she needs to point her feet.
•Kaitlyn Bristowe admits to being a fan of Justin Beiber and tattoos after learning she’ll be dancing a Samba with partner Artem Chigvintsev. Though she’s had better dances, it’s still quite strong for a week six performance. Saying she wasn’t super impressed and was left “wanting more” from the former Bachelorette, Carrie Ann gets booed by the non-existent crowd for her comments (“Boo all you want, people,” she says to literally no one). Nevertheless, she awards Kaitlyn with a nine.
•Justina Machado share the support she’s received from fans since appearing on “DWTS,” representing “curvy queens,” “full figured women,” and girls with thick thighs. She’s happy that her curves empower other women. Her Viennese Waltz with Sasha Farber to Billy Joel’s “She’s Always A Woman” is light, radiant, and beautiful.
Vernon Davis is back in the bottom two, this time with… Johnny Weir??? Derrick votes to save Johnny, Carrie votes to save Vernon, leaving Bruno to break the tie. He properly votes to save Johnny, if not just to see what creature the skater will inhabit during next week’s Villains-themed Halloween episode.
I, for one, would love to see Johnny dress and dance as Carrie Ann as payback for her voting against him tonight.
Tune in next Monday at 8 pm EST on ABC or check back here the following day to see what you missed!
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