Joe Amabile and Jenna Johnson (17: 5, 6, 6)
Joe Amabile worked really hard on this week’s foxtrot, and it showed. There was something sweet and gentle about this dance, although, as Carrie Ann pointed out, he did have a brief lift. He may not be “Dancing Joe” yet, but we’ll give him “Improving Joe” this week. Maybe we won’t call him a “butterfly,” as Len did, but there wasn’t a 4 paddle tonight. We’ll take it.
Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong (26: 9, 8, 9)
This couple saw Alexis and Alan’s single 9 and raised them two 9s. Tinashe had the music for a sharp Argentine tango, and she rose to the challenges of both the music and the lifts that Brandon Armstrong choreographed. They took a lot of practice, but she did well with them. Len did say it “lacked … a little flavor” of the actual dance, but the song didn’t really seem to suit that, either. This reviewer couldn’t rip her eyes away.
Milo Manheim and Witney Carson (26: 9, 8, 9)
Much like Tinashe and Brandon with the Argentine tango, Milo Manheim and Witney Carson went for a more modern interpretation of the Charleston, at least in the styling and costuming. However, that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t a lot of recognizable Charleston in there (and a lot of entertaining facial expressions as Milo pulled off tricks). “That was exhilarating!” Bruno exclaimed. Len spotted some Lindy Hop in there as well, so bonus points to Witney on that front.
Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber (22: 8, 7, 7)
The only waltz of the night, and with a Broadway star singing for her, Mary Lou Retton was almost guaranteed to have an emotional performance. But that doesn’t guarantee a beautiful dance, not necessarily. Fortunately, it was indeed fluid, particularly in the second half, as Carrie Ann praised. Bruno, meanwhile, told her to keep an eye on her neck.
Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke (26: 9, 8, 9)
Clean-shaven and in a jacket with tails, Juan Pablo Di Pace also brought the Broadway to the ballroom, this time with a quickstep. It’s clear that Cheryl Burke drilled him on his form, though, because his head was locked in place. All in all, it was charming as all get out. Len, of course, still had frame pointers, but still gave it an 8.
Evanna Lynch and Keo Motsepe (24: 8, 8, 8)
Len was right, as he often is. This samba suited Evanna Lynch more than last week’s performance did. She might still need a little work on a few things here, perhaps her hips, but this was more of what we expected in week 1 — and a big improvement overall. “She’s done it,” Bruno said. Carrie Ann dubbed her “fierce.”
Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess (20: 7, 6, 7)
He definitely contained things a bit more this week, but Bobby Bones couldn’t help a backpack kid dance at the end, which definitely spoiled the mood. Up until then, he had captured “Fake Sinatra” pretty well in foxtrot tone, if not necessarily in smoothness and grace, which Len commented on. Bruno called it “brilliantly bonkers,” which is possibly the best turn of phrase all night.
Dancing with the Stars returns tonight with Las Vegas Night on ABC.