Dancing With The Stars: Episode 10/31/11

Halloween week on Dancing with the Stars was quite entertaining with Rob Kardashian’s bum being talked about a lot by the judges, Ricki Lake nails yet another routine, and the Teams out dance each other.

ROB KARDASIAN and CHERYL BURKE performed the Tango to The Addams Family.  It was one of Rob’s best performances.  The choreography was incredible so kudos to Cheryl for that one.  Bruno complimented Rob as the "Dance Master of the House" and I must agree.  The only critique that the judges had for Rob was about his cute “bum.”  He needs to keep in under.  Stop sticking that booty out Rob…would ya?!   

Dancing with your “bum” out is a common problem that most people face while they are performing.  It is best to have a neutral pelvis. Neutral is the position that respects the natural curvature of our spine, which is the most stable position and allows for the most movement potential. By tucking under, one creates the illusion of lengthening the low back, but in reality, it compresses the front of the spine. It creates a “gapping” of the back spine that actually increases tension in the low back muscles in an effort to create stability.  Try popping into a Pilate’s class or ballet class.  Yoga is great too for achieving that “bum” of yours to stay under.

RICKI LAKE and DEREK HOUGH danced an outstanding Paso Doble. I got chills watching them dance with such grace and energy.  Their shapes and transitions were mind blowing.  It was an absolute breathtaking performance even with RICKI’S injury.  She sure pushed through and was a Team player.

RICKI is a hard worker and extremely dedicated to this competition.  She is in it to win it!  Once you set your mind a certain way, you can do anything.  For example, if you have always wanted to take a dance class, but fear you cannot do it then rethink things now.  Turn the voice off in your head that says, “I can’t dance.”  Then, put your confidence hat on and strut into a dance class.  You might not get the entire routine the first class, but I promise by class 3-4 you will be dancing around like RICKI LAKE.

NANCY GRACE and TRISTAN MACMANUS performed the Jive this week, which is the most athletic dance in ballroom.  Let’s just say that stamina is needed big time when dancing the Jive.  Holy moly calories are being burned for sure!  Going Down to Georgia was their song, which made the routine fun and playful.

If you want a killer dance workout then the Jive is your best bet.  Talk about a major calorie burner!  Louis Van Amstel, past DWTS Professional Dancer has a great new program, LA Blast that provides an hour workout covering all styles of ballroom dance with different level options and the best part is that you do not even need a partner for it.  Check it out and get yourself into a class now to burn some major Jive calories.

J.R. MARTINEZ and KARINA SMIRNOFF’S Tango to Ghostbusters was not their best dance.  Their timing was off a lot and J.R.’s technique was not all there, which was quite surprising.  A bit of a disappointment this week, J.R. as in your past weeks have been outstanding.

The footwork in Tango dance is very difficult and challenging to grasp. Like anything worthwhile, it takes effort to learn. There is nothing quite like the synchronicity of a perfect Tango: when two bodies, two hearts, two minds, two souls move as one in perfect harmony with each other, with the music, with the floor, with the other couples ... ah, there is nothing quite like it! So, yes, it takes some effort, but it is well worth it!  Start with a beginner class and then work your way up to advanced tango.  It will take some time, but can do done!

DAVID ARQUETTE and KYM JOHNSON performed the Cha Cha this week and it was very entertaining.  I love DAVID’S improvement each week and his willingness to work harder and harder.  His opening jump in the routine was fabulous.  Go DAVID!  He just has this prestige about him that adds to his overall performance.  I was sad and disappointed that he was let go this week.  America, bad choice!

Overall, this week was fun and entertaining.  I loved the Team Dances and how Team RICKI Paso Doble stole the show.  Powerful…Dramatic…Fabulous!!!  Team J.R. Tango was nothing to write about...sorry to be so blunt, but it is true.  Team Ricki all the way as I felt the same way as the Judges.  :)

Congrats Dancers! Can’t wait for next week’s episode.  Please remember to join me on www.twitter.com/ilysebaker for my live twitter party 8pm PST.  When you tweet, please type #DWTS #DWTSPartywithIlyse

Thanks so much for reading and come back next week for another weekly dose of dancing dirt!