The competition has come to it's final week. Many celebrities have faltered and only Janel, Sadie, Bethany, and Alfonso are left. We begin the night with the finalists reiterating how hard they have worked to make it to the last week of competition. A group dance began the night. Tom reminded us that there are two rounds, the second being the fan-favorite freestyle. Len looked for improvement with their picks and no holds barred for the Freestyle.
Round One: Judges' Pick
Bethany & Derek
Dance: Jive
Song: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Bethany was scared that Bruno picked the jive from week one because she needed to show her improvement from the whole season. Bruno explained that there was a lack of transitions and during rehearsals; Bruno emphasized anticipation in the movement. The couple began with the same opening, Bethany with extra confidence. I still saw a few transition issues with Derek's choice of choreography. Bethany forgot a few hand motions here and there but the routine showed strong improvement from her first week. There were also issues with the camera crew and the set.
Len saw a great improvement even with a few small mistakes. Julianne saw how comfortable Bethany has become. Bruno knew everything counted and appreciated that she listened to Bruno's critiques. Carrie Ann saw tremendous improvement, but knew there were mistakes.
Score: 36 (9,9,9,9)
Sadie & Mark
Dance: Samba
Song: “Hunter” by Pharrell Williams
Sadie was excited about her scores that she threw up into a trashcan after the dance. Len picked the Samba because he never saw the performance the original week. Mark knew there was a creativity line between him and Len. Len emphasized it was the little things that will make the movements better. Liam Payne from One Direction popped up to boost her confidence. As Sadie danced you could see that she was a little heavier in her motions but to a point where she lacked some finesse. I actually preferred this version because of it. It seemed like her timing wasn't as good as it could have been when she was in hold, but at the end, she was right on next to Mark.
Julianne loved the performance more than the first time. Bruno thought she was slightly behind in the timing. Carrie Ann pointed out that Sadie proved why she made it to the finals. Len appreciated the choreography and basic samba usage.
Score: 38 (10,9,10,9)
Janel & Val
Dance: Samba
Song: “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz
Val was nervous because for three days, the couple couldn't practice because Janel was taping Pretty Little Liars. Julianne picked the samba and when she entered she explained that she was looking for more couple interaction instead of audience interaction. During the last Freestyle rehearsal, Janel's ribs started taking a toll on her and she knew she could dance through the pain. Janel began the dance and she was still moving her hips as aggressive as if she didn't have an injury. I thought her leg movements were much better and she didn't feel like she was standing in place. I was happy that Val left his shirt on this time.
Bruno thought the routine was sexy and loved the passion, but her ribs clearly caused issues. Carrie Ann knew the turns lost footing. Len didn't notice the mistakes on the turns, but he saw great rhythmic dancing. Julianne loved that they listened to her critiques.
Score: 37 (9,10,9,9)
Alfonso & Witney
Dance: Jive
Song: “3-6-9″ by Cupid feat. B.o.B
Alfonso knew that everyone had a chance of winning. Carrie Ann arrived to help with their Jive. She explained that she knew it was going to be physically harder for Alfonso and Carrie Ann knew the two had to stretch. The couple began and Alfonso was still dancing like he wasn't in pain. I thought his posture still wasn't as good as it could be, but it had to be because of his injury. The side-by-side sequences were good and Alfonso had great timing the whole way through.
Carrie Ann stood up for him and knew the routine was amazing. Len compared Alfonso's dancing to Frank Sinatra's singing. Julianne loved everything. Bruno was also amazed.
Score: 40 (10,10,10,10)
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Round 2: Freestyles
The pros explained that they were going for everything with their routines. They were playing to their strengths and trying to be visually appealing. Bethany & Derek had the lowest score, but were first up to perform.
Bethany & Derek
Song: “Revolution” by Diplo
For the freestyle, Bethany explained how opposite the routine was for the jive. She explained that it was a thank you for her fans. There was a feeling of dedication during rehearsals because she wanted to go out with a bang. The routine began with Bethany breaking out of a shroud. I liked how hard hitting Bethany was with her movements. The couple got into hold and I loved the shapes that Derek created for Bethany.
Len was very positive about the routine calling it five-star. Julianne was proud of Bethany. Bruno compared her to Katniss Everdeen. Carrie Ann saw that she was a fighter through the whole performance and was the center of the routine.
Score: 40 (10,10,10,10)
Sadie & Mark
Song: Theme from Super Mario Brothers
At the training studio, Mark seemed like he couldn't say the phrase "Super Mario Bros" but he put every bell and whistle in the routine. Mark knew he was a risk taker and Sadie knew there were a lot of challenging tricks. I was taken aback by how accurate the routine seemed to the video game itself. Sadie seemed to have missed a little here and there in the side-by-side. I loved that the routine went to the underground music then to the invincibility music. I will say the routine was fun to watch but was it the best Freestyle ever? Not even close. Is it the most memorable in a very long time? Definitely.
Julianne thought it was the cutest thing she's ever seen. Bruno thought it was an absolute joy. Carrie Ann thought it was the most memorable freestyle. Len would never forget the routine.
Score: 40 (10,10,10,10)
Janel & Val
Song: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by Sleeping At Last
Janel knew she was behind this week and was nervous. Val decided to strip down the routine and keep it purely Val & Janel. Val explained it was about emotional connection between the couple. The two were exhausted, but they had to dig deep. The couple began on a small stage in the middle of the floor; there were beautiful shapes as they effortlessly danced next to each other. I appreciated how Janel fell right into Val's arms from the stage. The lifts were beautiful and the transitions between moves were great. If Janel was in any pain, she didn't show it at all.
Bruno called it a visualization of a long poem. Carrie Ann thought that the dance moved her on the inside. Len loved that it was just the two of them. Julianne loved the authenticity and trust.
Score: 40 (10,10,10,10)
Alfonso & Witney
Song: “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)” by Benny Goodman
Alfonso knew his back was going to be a problem. He wanted to make a best of routine and wanted to add a tap solo. Witney knew that she was the last woman pro standing up against seasoned guys. Alfonso had to give everything he had. The couple began jumping off of platforms. The couple then displayed some of their Latin moves as they transitioned into more Broadway/Charleston movements. The song transitioned to Apache just to get that 'Fresh Prince' crowd. Alfonso then had a solo moment where he got to tap on his own. Witney joined in after a few bars and then the couple got back into some couples choreography to end the routine.
Carrie Ann called that success; it was everything. Len called it an all you can eat buffet of great dancing. Julianne knew that 10 years was worth the wait. Bruno agreed as he flailed around.
Score: 40 (10,10,10,10)
After all the performances were finished Tom announced Alfonso & Witney and Sadie & Mark were safe. With the other two couples in the bottom, Tom announced that Bethany & Derek were eliminated.
Week 11 Night 1 Total Scores
Alfonso - 80
Sadie - 78
Janel - 77
Bethany - 76 - Eliminated