14 Dances last night! Wow. Too bad most of them were largely forgettable. Even running through the episode to make screen shots, I had forgotten half of these dances since last night. Even some of the memorable ones weren’t bouncing around in my head for particularly good reasons.

The guest judges last night were Tabitha and Napoleon, the hip-hop choreographers. You would think that with a double-judge in one seat, their criticism after each performance would drag on, but it turns out nobody can out-talk Nigel or Mary.

The first dance of the night was a Tony Meredith Jive, executed well, but without any fire or anything special at all. Again, it looks like Will is just running circles around Jessica, and the Judges finally admit it

Their second number was a Mandy Moore lyrical routine to a Heart song. This was the dance with the shirt prop. I’m still torn on the use of props, but Mandy Moore designed this routine well, where the shirt is interesting and useful but doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the dance. I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first dance.

There aren’t enough couples left to keep them out of the bottom three tomorrow. (I hope). I like Will but I think he could really shine with a better partner.

*****

Comfort did a lot better with new partner Thayne, but I doubt its enough to save them from solos tomorrow. The first dance was a West Side Story Broadway routine from first-time choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler.

The dance was better than it would have been with Chris, but nothing spectacular except this slightly steamy scene I cap’d above. I can’t tell if that chemistry is real or masterfully acted.

Their smooth waltz was delightful. The lifts were smooth and beautiful, and that flowing blue dress didn’t hurt either. I think Thayne would be right at home serving gruel to Oliver Twist with those mutton chops! I think we found the era he leaked out of.

*****

These two were fairly disappointing last night I generally have a soft spot for this couple, but there was nothing to really grab onto last night. Their hip-hop was weak and extraordinarily out of sync. I wouldn’t be surprised if they just got overwhelmed this week with the two dances format.

Plus, neither of these guys is particularly “street”. They had fun doing the Mambo with Alex De Silva:

But they got whored by the judges for not sexing it up enough and having too much fun. I thought they did an above average job, but they were obviously instructed that this was a fun dance rather than a sensual one. I think the choreography backed them up, but the judges didn’t get it. They will definitely be in the bottom 3 tonight. I’m scared for Matt.

*****

They started off extremely strong with Mandy Moore Jazz - “Kiss Kiss”.

This was probably the best performance of the night. Chelsie Hightower is growing on me because she obviously LOVES dancing and she has a blast up on stage.

Their Foxtrot was technically proficient but not an out-and-out winner

The most memorable thing about this dance was that ridiculous fluffy blue feathered dress.

I think Chelsie and Matt are probably safe from elimination, but with only 7 couples left, this is getting difficult.

*****

Hmm Kherington and Twitch.. Can no longer do no wrong. Their Paso Doble was uneven. It had some great bits, and Kherington was on fire, but the whole thing fell a little bit flat somehow.

Damn Kherington is pretty. Pretty SAUCY.

As I said earlier, I’m not a big fan of props, and literally dragging an entire bed onto the stage was completely ridiculous. It feels like cheating, and it inevitably makes the routine in which it was used stand out in people’s minds. That creates voting inequity if you ask me.

I mean, when someone goes to pick up the phone, do they recall “Kiss Kiss”, or “that one with the bed!”?

In any case, I thought this routine was pretty damn good and both teammates carried it off in the way it was intended. That doesn’t mean I have to love Mia Michaels or love dances with props. (Except umbrellas ok!)

*****

The first routine for these guys was definitely the best. They too had a contemporary piece from Mia Michaels. It had the jump+quick+stop (see picture below), and the assisted run. Really enjoyable.

They also pulled the Benji Schwimmer guest choreographer spot out of the hat. This was unfortunate for them, because neither could really handle Benji’s dance and make it look as good as Benji did. They had fun though!

Flying Giant Peppermint! As fan-favorites, these two should have no fear tomorrow.

*****

Not sure what happened to Gev during the first dance. They had hip-hop, but even sporting a different style than he is used to, Gev needed to kill this to impress the judges. Courtney was killing it!

I think I give this an extra star just because they’re in Eli jerseys. Go Giants!

This New York, New York Broadway routine was my second favorite of the night. I ended up voting for these guys again. I hope they don’t end up in the bottom again, or up against Matt or Will or Thayne, Gev could be in real trouble. I would hope they would send home Thayne before him, but the judge gods are fickle.

*****

Last but not least, What the hell Cat Deeley?

Love you and your ludicrous wardrobe