Dancing with the Stars week 5 power rankings: No one waltzes like Juan Pablo Di Pace

Top tier

3. Milo Manheim and Witney Carson: 27

Much like how Juan Pablo should get points for wearing Gaston’s ponytail, Milo and Witney should get points for incorporating Tom Bergeron. There were no tails or slowing skirts to hide any missteps here; their quickstep was, after all, inspired by The Incredibles 2. And though they did have some moments that were not very quickstep, there was a lot of quickstep in there anyway.

It was smooth, and had the same energy throughout, unlike the other quickstep of the night. Carrie Ann called it a “fabulous routine.” Len called out a lack of body contact, but Bruno called it a “blockbuster.”

Ultimately, the scattering of the scores means that Milo can’t claim the top spot, but a solid third in the power rankings is more than enough.

2. Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten: 29

Alexis kept her feet on the floor to avoid any knocks on lifts during her foxtrot, and she put out a lovely, almost delicate dance to “Just Around the Riverbend.” It’s a foxtrot, so lightness is a requirement, but this was dainty and pretty.

Len asked for “a little bit cleaner” footwork, but he did say she’d improved. “Exquisitely lyrical,” Bruno gushed. We have to agree with Len’s assessment that she seems to have had a breakthrough, and it showed in her scores. Welcome back to the top tier, Alexis and Alan.

1. Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke: 29

See the above comments about what Juan Pablo deserves for his ponytail skills. (Hint: it’s a 10.)

But about that dance, though: it was quite graceful, even when they danced on top of a table in the middle of the dance floor. Moreover, much of it was kept in hold, and they whirled across the floor. “Gaston” seemed to suit him just perfectly, and that was a stellar Viennese waltz overall. The reason that there’s not more text here is because it is absolutely a riveting dance.

“You, without doubt, are a fantastic dancer,” Len said, before giving Cheryl some serious props for her choreography. He’s always been at a high level throughout the competition, but he just beats out Alexis and Alan because of how well he settled into every aspect of the dance.

(Also, that ponytail.)

Dancing with the Stars returns next Monday with Halloween Night, and our power rankings will be back, too.