Dancing with the Stars Recap: Top 7

The first perfect score and a favorite falters last night in the ballroom.

What a delightful start to the week! The “Dancing with the Stars” stars really got down to business performing some of the hottest dances of the season. 

Mario and Karina Smirnoff set the ballroom a blaze with a steamy Rumba that had Len complaining that it was too sexy.  Can you believe that? I thought Mario was fabulous out on that floor. Gorgeous lines, totally sensual, he really got into character. Ironically, this was the week he dedicated his dance to his little brother back home. How sweet was that interview piece? I’ll bet little bro is going to be a real lady killer just like Mario. They placed second for the night.

Taking the number one spot with the first perfect score was. . . you guessed it, Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. They did a fun and funky Jive that put a smile on everyone’s face. They were good, but I think the judges have always been a bit too generous with Kristi. Most of the enjoyment in this dance came from Mark’s character and sharp kicks.  Kristi’s kicks weren’t nearly as precise as they should be. Still a great performance, but I didn’t think they earned those tens.

My favorite dance of the night was third place couple Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke. I love Cristian and I love the Foxtrot, so this was a perfect combo for me. He was so elegant and yet he had that old time Hollywood sparkle in his eye.  I’m worried though. Head judge Len said that he’d bare his bum in the grocery store if Cristian ended up in the bottom two again this week. I’m not sure if that’s a blessing or a curse!

Coming in next was Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani. How’s that for a nice surprise.  They had the Viennese Waltz and Marissa looked just like a fairy princess. Her costume was wonderful, the best I’ve seen on her all season and she simply floated around that dance floor. Watch Tony when they stand at judging. You can see how proud he is of her week after week and that’s a really nice touch.

Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough looked like they’ve been practicing more than just the Rumba this week. Geez, I wanted to shout, “get a room!” How many romances have been born out of this TV show? It’s like “The Dating Game” with movement. I liked their dance and once again, I feel like the judges were too hard on them.

Falling from grace were Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska. Their Cha Cha failed to impress the judges and I say, about time! I’ve never seen what the judges see in Jason, so I wasn’t disappointed by his low score this time around.

Dropping to the bottom, and probably out this week is Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez. The Mambo really did her in with more missteps and an awkwardness that was tough to watch. I loved seeing the visit from pal Henry Winkler.  His encouraging words were heartfelt and sweet but I think she’s reached her limit. No crime in that. Even if everyone was perfect this week, someone would still have to go home.

You’ll see who that someone is tonight at 9:00 on the results show. Tonight Ashlee Simpson performs. We’ll see another pair of juniors battle it out and Riverdance is in the house! I do love those Macy’s Stars of Dance numbers.

Oh! Almost forgot. Last night, the stars performed their first group dance. A western number with the female sheriffs chasing down the bad bad boys. What a mess. But at least no one landed on their head with all those lifts they were doing.  Still, you gotta give them credit. A football player, an ice skater, a singer and a deaf actress in a full on production number! Only on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Tune in tonight at 9:00 on ABC.