Dancing with the Stars: The Semifinals

After many, many weeks, it’s the semifinals! Who will make the finals? Will Bristol make it one more week? Important questions, these are. Tonight, two rounds – first, the Latin Round, which requires that our stars perform a solo, and then the Ballroom Round, in which our couples must each dance a style they haven’t done previously.

Latin Round

Brandy and Maks – Paso Doble: I know everyone loves Brandy, but I was not impressed with this one. Sorry. I think dancing in leggings instead of the more traditional paso skirt was a mistake, because showing off her legs means showing off her flaws. And while she pulled plenty of faces, it just didn’t seen like there was any real passion behind this number. Len said it was a great start to the show, Bruno said she lacked finesse at times, and Carrie Ann said she loved the devotion to the character. Scores: 9-9-9.

Jennifer and Derek – Cha Cha Cha: Jennifer’s solo section wasn’t really dancing – she just stuck various body parts in the judges’ faces – but apart from that, this was a great routine. Tons of fun, lots of polish, a really solid performance. Jennifer is going to be shaking herself all the way to the finals, no doubt. Bruno flailed about and called it a luminous, vibrant cha cha cha, Carrie Ann said she had been waiting all season for Jennifer to step out solo, and Len said combined technique and entertainment. Scores: 10-10-10.

Bristol and Mark – Paso Doble: Bristol keeps having the same problem week after week – the steps are there, but the emotion is not. However, this was a great performance from Bristol. And while no amount of stern pouting is going to convince anyone that she has the aggressive spirit that the paso demands, she gets serious points for technique and chutzpah. Man, the competition is tough tonight. Carrie Ann gave her a hug, Len said it was her best dance, and Bruno said she is turning into a tigress. Scores: 9-9-9.

Kyle and Lacey – Samba: Kyle actually moonwalked for his solo, so – automatic win. The samba is traditionally known as the party dance, and I don’t know if there’s ever been a contestant who epitomized it more than Kyle. So fun! So joyous! Who cares about technique?! Len said it was great entertainment, Bruno called him a bouncing bundle of joy, and Carrie Ann said it was an amazing blend of entertainment and technique. Scores: 10-9-10.

Ballroom Round

Brandy and Maks – Argentine Tango: The set design for this routine was awesome, and the routine almost came to match it … almost. Was this a good Argentine Tango? Yes. Was it better than Jennifer and Derek’s AT from earlier this season? No. But I think it was enough to secure her a spot in the finals. Len said they created an atmosphere (*cough* I think that’s the set design *cough*), Bruno said it was full of flavor, and Carrie Ann called it a whole bunch of nice superlatives. Scores: 10-10-10.

Jennifer and Derek – Waltz: Jennifer has had some great moments on this show, but I don’t think she’s ever looked more beautiful than she did in this dance. It was pure magic. Total perfection. I look forward to seeing what she does next week. Bruno called it a gem, Carrie Ann said it was one of the most beautiful things she’d ever seen, and Len said it was quiet and poignant. Scores: 10-10-10.

Bristol and Mark – Waltz: This was not the waltz I was expecting from Bristol – it was dark, dramatic, and really powerful. It’s unfortunate that she had to follow Jennifer, because the comparisons are inevitable, but this was an incredible performance. Beautiful technique, lots of passion (the music helped) – a total surprise. Carrie Ann thought she drifted out at times, Len thought it was beautiful, and Bruno loved the haunting quality of the dance. Scores: 8-9-9.

Kyle and Lacey – Argentine Tango: This dance was probably Kyle’s biggest challenge to date, because the Argentine Tango is one of the only styles where Kyle can’t rely on his charisma, because it’s a serious dance. And yet, he pulled it off! The footwork was shaky in places, but the spirit was there and he didn’t drop Lacey. C’mon – you know you’re dying to see what these two would do in next week’s freestyle. Len called him a star, Bruno called him Mr. Charisma, and Carrie Ann said he is reminiscent of Emmitt Smith … who went all the way. Scores: 10-9-10.

So who do you think will make it to the finals? Everyone did really well tonight – tomorrow’s results show is going to be brutal. Shout out your predictions in the comments below!

The Disney Chick blogs regularly over at www.thedisneychick.com.