It’s one of the favorite episodes of the season on Dancing With the Stars, the one where the celebs get to dig deep into their emotions and put it all out on the dance floor for our entertainment. This week, we had everything from personal triumphs over serious injury to honoring loved ones who have passed to a surprise child showing up out of nowhere! And there was one star whose story felt just a little self-serving, but more on that in a bit. Really, with a night of such personal and heartfelt stories, it’s hard to criticize anyone … because for the most part all of the dancing was amazing.
Jack & Anna — Jack’s story was about discovering his unknown daughter at a concert in Florida. Okay, but a Samba full of pelvic thrusts to honor that daughter is just a little creepy, but this was the first time Jack seemed to really be having fun. I don’t think he’s got any worries about going home yet because the judges all loved his performance. And, damn it, he keeps making me tear up during his non-dancing moments!
Maria & Derek — Maria went back to her childhood with her Greek immigrant parents working as custodians in various clubs around Boston, and how she would listen to “Material Girl” and think the only way to go was up. Wowza! That dance was so steamy I can hardly see my tablet screen. I wasn’t expecting the song to sound quite like that, so slow and sexy and almost pleading, but it was amazing. I loved the part where Derek picked her up by sliding her into a stand. Like Len said, it had a smoldering intensity. But did they really kiss when they were on the floor?
Gladys & Tristan — Miss Knight is class and elegance personified. She did a lovely tribute to Sam Cooke (dancing to his “Cupid”), who was a mentor to her as she and the Pips were just getting started. She glided across the floor without any effort, and the movements just flowed one into another. Simply marvelous, and the scores proved it.
Rochon & Chelsie — With Michael Jackson being such an influence on young Rochon, it was only fitting that he honored the man who made him want to do what he does today. That tribute was so good that I was smiling and weeping at the same time. Rochon had the benefit of learning from MJ’s choreographer, and if they ever make a movie of his life, I think I know who should be at the top of any casting list. But with all the MJ moves incorporated into the dance, I knew Len was going to gripe about the lack of actual Samba (and surprisingly, so did Carrie Ann).
Gavin & Karina — Gavin’s tribute to his family who told him he could accomplish anything he dreamed was touching, and definitely his hat’s best dance yet (we actually saw him without the hat in some rehearsal footage). I think he benefited greatly from not having a lot of fancy footwork, but he did have some nice movement and extensions. He’s definitely improving with each dance. And, damn it, he made me cry when he got all choked up while talking to Brooke (but talking to Brooke will do that do anyone)!
Katherine & Mark — A heartbreaking tribute to her late father, her waltz was beautiful, simply beautiful. Even though it was hard to see through all the tears. She’s still a front runner, and if she doesn’t make it to the finals I’ll eat Gavin’s hat!
Sherrie & Val — Another touching tribute to her son who was born prematurely. And is he ever so darned cute! Loved his reaction after the dance. It was a very nice dance with lots of emotion, and it was fun to watch Sherrie trying to be serious then suddenly remember that she’s dancing and getting a huge grin on her face and then remembering she’s supposed to be serious and in character.
Melissa & Maks — There was a Little House on the Prairie musical?! Melissa’s memorable year was when she was touring in that musical and broke her back, not knowing if she’d ever walk again (much less dance). Now I know Melissa is a TV icon, and she’s going to have to rely on that goodwill to get through because I just didn’t see a lot of improvement in her dance. She started out well and I had some hope that she had improved, but it got real clunky in the middle. I disagree that she didn’t show nerves. She always seemed to be watching for a cue from Maks, and she still isn’t doing her flicks and kicks sharp enough. But the judges really are in a good mood tonight handing out 8’s all over the place, deserved or not.
Jaleel & Kym — He was Mr. Smooth in this dance, but he had the least heartfelt story. The best he could come up with was playing a character, Stefan Urquelle, that helped him get lucky? There was nothing memorable in the dance, and the judges way over-scored him. And I’m not buying those tears with Brooke either … oh wait, that’s because there were no tears.
William & Cheryl — William reminisced about his family coming to American from Cuba, and Cheryl ripped his shirt open, so he’s safe. But it was a hot & spicy dance, lots of hip action (he does excel in the Latin dances) and it looked like he was going to snap Cheryl’s neck with that one move when she was bent backwards with her head on his leg. Was that supposed to happen? Made me gasp. It seemed that Cheryl messed up a few times, so it’s a good thing she’s not getting scored.
Donald & Peta — Donald told of losing his best friend to cancer, and it was a heartbreaking story. The dance was powerful and passionate, and he shows each week how committed he is. It was a great end to a great night of dancing.
In the end, there was a five-way tie for last place with 24 points each. That is unheard of, especially when the top score is 29. And this is only the third week of dancing, and we saw three 10s handed out as well! But, my picks for bottom two based on dancing alone are Melissa and Jaleel. She’s really not improving, and between tonight and last week, Jaleel’s first dance may have been a fluke. It’s really going to come down to fan votes this week. Who do you think should be sent packing? Sound off in the comments below.
Clacked by Chuck Duncan 
on Apr 02, 2012 @ 23:16 EST5EDT
My reaction to Jaleel’s story of his memorable year was..”Are you freakin kidding me?”. Then his sobbing at the end with Brooke seemed so fake to me I was rolling my eyes big time. He just comes off as arrogant to me.
Gladys was just lovely..there were so many great dances last night. I hope Jaleel goes home and then Melissa is next. Jack may go before her though, I imagine Melissa has a large fan base.
*POST AUTHOR*
Yeah, the crying I didn’t buy one bit. But out of Jaleel, Melissa and Jack, Jack is at least the more relevant since he’s still doing soaps and occasional guest spots in prime time. He should stick around a little longer than the other two, in my opinion.
I am with you both about Jaleel. I didn’t even understand him when he was fake weeping. Also, his story was stupid. And I completely agree that Melissa is not improving. I have not been a fan of hers since she has been doing all those lifetime movies. It’s like she’s had to act completely different than her Laura character (which I loved). hope Jaleel goes home but I’d be surprised.
Oh yeah and Jack’s sambo for his daughter…that was weird.