The opening started differently with a performance of “Wake Me Up” by Aloe Blacc, who popped up between dances and performed a few songs. An interesting twist was announced right off the top of the episode: Tom pointed out that a female celebrity should be going home if the scores don’t change with the judges’ scores. Did the dancing change enough of the scores to save the women this week?

Christina & Mark - Cha-Cha - Christina picked the birth of her daughter and her divorce, 2010, and hoped that she could still be strong after heartbreak. Christina had a lot of shake in the beginning but I hated the miming of the lyrics. Christina was very sharp in her motions which worked really well for her outfit which helped over-emphasize with the amount of fringe. I just don’t think that Mark’s choreography did her a lot of justice; generally speaking, his choreography hasn’t been the sharpest this season. The judges felt that the performance was special and the technique was sharp. Score: 28 (9,10,9)

Jack & Cheryl - Waltz - Jack picked 2012 because of the highs (the birth of his daughter) and lows (finding he had MS). This was probably the best week to really endear himself to the audience and probably what motivation to move him into the same league as the celebrities with natural rhythm and dancing skills. Jack was strong in hold and I appreciate Cheryl’s choreography. I’d prefer Jack’s arm to be a bit more graceful and to check his bottom because it occasionally sticks out, though the judges did note that it improved. The judges loved Jack’s lines and quality of movement. Score: 27 (9,9,9)

Leah & Tony - Contemporary - It was pretty obvious that Leah was going to pick something quite current and she went with 2012 and discussed leaving Scientology but without having to say “leaving Scientology” in a sentence. Leah loved “Roar” but Tony was nervous about the choreography and I would be when this isn’t your teaching style. Leah suggested a puppetmaster and her breaking away. The beginning felt more like Jazz than Contemporary. I think Tony depended too much on lifts and tricks for his choreography, but I congratulate Leah for taking the risk and being lifted in the air so many times. The judges agreed about the lifts being clunky. Score: 22 (7,7,8)

Corbin & Karina - Foxtrot - Corbin didn’t think he needed a story this week because his sister’s scoliosis diagnosis in 2011 was enough. He had enough motivation to see such a young girl’s strength. The dance started off with a lot of spinning and it didn’t throw Corbin off. Some of the moments of the dance, I felt like Corbin or Karina was waiting for the other to connect hands when they were separate, but it was beautiful to watch. For me Corbin continues to strive for perfection, but he (like Amber or Elisabeth) are under higher scrutiny because of their backgrounds. The judges loved the character of the movement, but Carrie Ann thought there were lifts. Score: 28 (9,9,10)

Bill & Emma - Viennese Waltz - Bill loved that he could prove that hard work could keep him surviving week after week. He chose the year 1982 because it was when he married his wife. He wanted the song to be dedicated to her as his rock. The opening sequence by himself looked a bit silly, but once they got into hold, the routine was beautiful. I thought the passes were done decently and Bill occasionally showed some rise and fall. He needs to sharpen his timing. The judges loved how he used his heart, but he may have been ahead of time several points. Score: 24 (8,8,8)

Nicole & Sasha - Jazz - Snooki picked 2012 because of the birth of her son. She admitted that she was young and drunk prior to her son and the world doubting her parenting skills made her shift her mindframe. She wanted to work as hard as the Britney song she chose. The side by side in the beginning or near the middle wasn’t exactly the tightest, but at least unlike Leah, Snooki’s lifts were fluid and she kept moving after that. The judges appreciated the good timing and energy. Score: 27 (9,9,9)

Brant & Peta - Contemporary - Brant explained that 2009 was his year because that was when he moved to Hollywood, but also when his father died. He was motivated even stronger to become an actor afterwards. He picked “Your Song” because of how influential his father was. I liked the combination between sharp and smooth movements even though some of Brants movements weren’t natural looking on him. The judges were positive about the movements and dedication to the dance. Score: 27 (9,9,9)

Amber & Derek - Foxtrot - Amber’s most memorable year was 2009. Previously, she worked at Ikea and auditioned for American Idol and failed. She succeeded at booking Glee. I liked the theme of the song as they danced and Amber showed a lot of character. I liked that the Foxtrot had a strong tempo that she kept with Derek. There was minor issues here and there. The judges loved the performance citing her perfect timing; Len wanted more hold in the dance. Score: 26 (9,7,10)

Elisabeth & Val - Jive - Elisabeth explained that 2012 was her most memorable year because of the birth of her son, but professionally she appreciated her big break from Saved by the Bell. Val and Elisabeth were inspired by the “I’m So Excited, I’m So Scared” scene. I loved the early 90s nostalgia of the whole routine. I thought the routine was high energy and fast. I appreciated that she could spot turn, but she wobbled out of her pirouette. She wobbled once in a while as if the energy got the best of her dancing. The judges thought she was good especially considering how taller contestants struggle with jives Score: 26 (8,9,9)

Week 5 Scores

High
Corbin & Karina - 28
Nicole & Sasha - 27
Jack & Cheryl - 27
Brant & Peta - 27

Middle
Amber & Derek - 26
Elisabeth & Val - 26

Low
Bill & Emma - 24
Leah & Tony - 22

Eliminated - Christina & Mark