Out of Town

I took this pic while standing in the doorway from our room in Pateros. The memorial for my Father-in-law is behind us now. May he rest in peace. 

DWTS Switch Up Night

Today is the last day to file your taxes, and I just got back from a celebration with our staff.  Tonight's update is not as much as I would like to share, but here is what I learned from what little time I had to research tonight's show.

Switch couples I know...

Nyle/Sharna

Sasha/Paige

Keo/Kim

Mark/Ginger

Antonio/Karina

Peta/Doug

Von/Lindsay
Jodie/Val
Wanya/Whitney

Disney Night on Dancing With The Stars

It was a magical night in the ballroom last Monday night. The dance teams were all decked out in their Disney garb, and they brought fantasy to their dance routines as well. There was a guest judge, Sandaya, and guest animated visitors too – both on ballroom and hanging around. There were many cameo dance appearances from Disney characters after the breaks. Antonio led the celebrity dancers Marla, Nyle, Doug, Kim, Jodie, Von, Ginger, Wanya, and Paige followed respectively. Marla Maples left the competition, to the surprise of her dance partner, Tony, so we are down to 8 competitors next week, and Maks Chmerkovskiy as a guest judge. Will you be watching tomorrow, as the competition gets fiercer?

In order of final scores (out of 40), here is my synopsis of the celebrity teams.

Ginger and Val performed a highly entertaining Foxtrot as Belle and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. This routine brought them a tie for highest score of the night. Their dance routine was performed to depict a scene in Beauty and the Beast, and had traditional moves mixed in with a cast of backup dancers (which looked like it included dance pros, Tony and Louis) set in a French town, as if they were dancing on Broadway. I loved the end where they were all in hold dancing around a fountain. This routine brought a smile to my face that just won’t go away. I’ve probably watched it over 10 times, because it is so inspiring.

Their score: 36

Paige and Mark danced a playful and lively routine with many visits to the floor as if they were toys that had been visited by humans during their Quickstep Toy Story routine to the song, Friend in Me. Their routine started off in hold doing their traditional moves that had a beautifully executed series of kicks and spins, which brought her around to a scissor kick as he spun her in the air. At some point the 6 soldiers that were standing at attention at the sides came into the dance. They did moves on the floor that were interestingly interspersed with partner moves around the ballroom floor towards the end. They deserved to be tied for first place.

Their score: 36

Wanya and Lindsay were the fiercest competitors, performing their Lion King/Samba routine. They fell from the number 1 spot to tied for second place on the leader board this week. I felt this team was robbed. It may have been due to his costume, which was too baggy to see his excellent moves. He opened the dance in full lion costume, but took off the headpiece for their dance. She looked astonishing in her cat face makeup, wild hair, and cat fur leotard. Their performance was entertaining and invigorating. The choreography was modern, but also had traditional moves that were performed expertly. He will be in the finals.

Their score: 35

Antonio and Sharna danced a jazz routine to Friend Like Me. Antonio wore a white 3-piecesuit with sequined, gold vest, and white hat. Sharna looked hot in a pastel blue Princess Jasmine costume. Their routine dazzled, and held a high kick line with four backup dancers. The choreography was an interesting mix of Antonio’s style with ballroom dance moves. 

Their score: 35

Von and Whitney looked elegant and poised as they sparkled on the ballroom floor to a Cinderella themed Viennese Waltz. This routine was one of my favorites, and this team most certainly gets my best-dressed nod for the night. He looked like a prince in a white sparkle tux with blue trim and black boots. She wore a smoky blue ballroom gown that was alight below the waist. Their routine was magical and romantic, filled with traditional steps and a variance in speed. Bruno said it best, “I am totally enchanted.” Their score was surprisingly low for the performance they gave.

Their score: 32

Nyle and Peta danced a non-traditional, thumping samba in a Tarzan theme. They wore loincloth type clothes, with the most outstanding part being his longhaired wig. Their routine was vigorous and included a lot of movement and even had pounding on a set of pot and pan, “bongo” drums. This was the routine that one of the judges should have called, “booming,” to quote Antonio Brown and son.

Their score: 34

Kim and Sasha danced their Quickstep routine in a Jungle Book dance routine to the song, I Wanna Be Like You. As much as I love Kim, I can’t say much nice about this dance, but not based on the dancing. It was because of their hideous costumes. They both had brown Park Ranger colored tops, but her yellow chiffon skirt made her look awful– and she is lovely! They had 4 backup dancers that were a nice addition, but one of them was wearing a green sequin costume that clashed with everyone else. The choreography was traditional, and it looked like she hit all the steps ok, but because of the costumes, this seemed like a smoke and mirror routine. 

Their score: 32

Jodie and Keo had a tough night performing their Zootopia themed Cha Cha. She made visible mistakes in routine, and although she really held her poise throughout them, the judges were quick to judge and penalize her. I believe this routine wasn’t traditional enough, and they seemed to either miss connecting with one another, or the choreography had her dancing alone too. Jodie obviously has talent as a dancer, but I’m not sure why we didn’t see it. I’m starting to think it’s Keo’s inexperience – and I love his dancing. I believe he needs some tutoring from a seasoned dancer from the show (I’m thinking Derrick). It will be unfortunate if Jodie gets sent home next week. I was surprised to learn she was in the bottom 2 at the end of the show.

Their score: 27

Marla and Tony danced their Little Mermaid themed dance in an underwater set. Their waltz routine was their best dance to date. This was a beautiful routine. It contained a moment where Marla stood in arabesque while Tony slowly spun her in a circle. There was another part where he held her under her arms, twirled her in the air, and gently threw her swirling onto the floor. I loved this routine, and was disappointed at her low score for the night.

Their score: 28

Doug and Karina danced a cute Marry Poppins themed Jazz routine to the song, Spoon Full of Sugar. I really liked this routine, but the judges didn’t. He was dressed in a black button up, black pant, and checkered black and white vest, and hat. She came in with a long red double-breasted coat, which she removed to reveal the cutest white and red backless dress, and an adorable pair of white and red shoes. Their Jazz routine had a little illusion mixed in with some acrobatic moves as well as the Charleston and Moonwalk. It intensified into Quickstep type moves towards the end and was quite entertaining.

Their score: 24

Surprisingly, the two celebrity dance teams that were in the bottom two were Jodie and Marla. It was sad to see Marla go home, but she was gracious as she said good-bye at the end of the show.

DWTS – Disney Night Spoilers

DWTS will drop to nine competitors tonight. Here is what I discovered about what will happen tonight. Scroll to the bottom if you wish to know who went home.

Marla and Tony dance a Waltz to Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid.

Ginger and Val’s costumes look like Belle and Gaston.

Kim and Sasha dance the Quickstep 

Antonio and Sharna will do an Aladdin theme. Sharna looks cute as Jasmine.

Nyle and Peta will do a Tarzan theme.

Doug and Karina do a Mary Poppins themed dance to A Spoon Full of Sugar.

Mark and Paige do a Toy Story theme. They dance as Jessie and Woodie.

Wanya and Lindsay look like a Lion King theme.

No word about Jodie and Keo yet.

Celebrity order: Antonio, Marla, Nyle, Doug, Kim, Jodie, Von, Ginger, Wanya, Paige.

Maks Chmerkovskiy will be a judge next week. He announced that he would be going on a dance tour with his brother Val.

Marla got eliminated tonight. She felt like she did her best dance tonight. Tony said he was in shock. Marla said she had the most incredible time, they had much joy. What a class act!  This was a surprise for me.

Dancing With The Stars – Most Memorable Year Night

Week three was the DWTS “Most Memorable Year” night, and included singer, Andra Day, as a guest on the show. What follows is designed to spark your memory about the costumes, the dances, the scores, and other noteworthy points about this past week of competition. The celebrity dance order was: Ginger, Doug, Kim, Von, Marla, Antonio, Paige, Jodi, Mischa, Wanya, and Nyle. I have written my recap about the dance teams below in order from highest score to lowest score. In the final moments it was announced that those who voted would be permitted to select switch up partners and their dances for a show that will air two weeks following this episode. Next week will be Disney night with Sandaya as a guest judge. As the final credits rolled, the second celebrity left the ballroom competition. For more details about who left the show, scroll down to the bottom of this post.

Nyle/Peta

Nyle’s most memorable year was 2012. It was the year the DWTS deaf contestant traveled the world without an interpreter. They danced the Tango. He wore a dark blue suit with a high waist vest style jacket, a black shirt, and a royal blue tie. She wore what looked like a dark blue halter bodysuit paired with a pleated pant. Their dance was fast paced and highly entertaining with a nice pose in the middle as well as several kicks and spins. It ended as they walked off hand in hand past a single chair. They also walked away with the highest score of the night.

Their score: 25

Wanya/Lindsay

1996 was the year Wanya marked as most memorable. It was the year when Boys II Men sang the National Anthem after a terrorist attack - in front of their largest audience. They danced the Waltz to the BIIM acapella rendition of the Anthem. He looked handsome in a red three-piece suit with tails and black bow tie. She wore a red cutaway evening gown with a lengthy slit down the leg. Their Waltz was graceful and elegant. Len thought Wanya lost his posture in parts of the dance, but the other judges were complimentary.

Their score: 24

Paige/Mark

2014 was Paige’s memorable year because it was the year of her first UFC fight. Paige was inspired to become a fighter because of being bullied in high school, and she recounted her story about that time as well. They danced the Paso Doble inside the set of a mock octagon, UFC fight ring. She wore a black and gold two-piece costume with a fringe short skirt. He wore embellished boxing shorts with black compression leggings underneath. They were both barefoot. Their Paso routine mimicked a fight with lots of kicks and punches combined with traditional Paso dance moves. It was too contemporary for Len.

Their score: 23

Jodi/Keo

This past year was Jodi’s most memorable year. She tells the story about her fame from Full House ending and how it influenced her ensuing drug and alcohol abuse. This year marked her sobriety for 5 years and a reintroduction to acting in Fuller House, a new Netflix series. She said it was a gift to go back to working at something she loved again. They danced the Foxtrot to a live Andra Day song, Rise Up. The dance was an elegant, emotional, passionate interpretation. She wore a long, mauve colored evening gown. He wore a mauve tuxedo shirt and black pant. All the judges were complimentary.

Their score: 23

Kim/Sasha

1976 was her most memorable year, when she booked and filmed her first television commercial. Kim's family left Harlem for the commercial in Los Angeles. The commercial was the launch of her acting career. They danced the Foxtrot to the Facts of Life theme song, in costumes and on a set that depicted the same theme in red and blue. It was a polished routine, although quite basic. They were trying to get the feel of going back in time, and they achieved that goal. After a complimentary review from Len, Kim jumped for joy.

Their score:  22

Ginger/Val

First to dance tonight were Ginger and Val. They practiced in New York. Her most memorable year was 2013 – when she met her future husband, became engaged, and started her family. They danced to the song, Home, because her family and her home are what’s most important to her. She wore a simple peach dress trimmed in soft flowing lace, and he wore a light blue button up that was partially tucked into khaki colored jeans. They danced a contemporary routine, barefoot, which had two lifts and ended with a moment that implied that she would become pregnant. Her baby was brought in as the judges gave their score, and although she tried to quiet her child, the infant was inconsolable.

Their score: 21

Marla/Tony

1993 was the year she gave birth to her daughter Tiffany, and her most memorable year. She discussed a little about her ex-husband, Donald Trump. They divorced in 2000, and it sounded like she enjoyed being a single mom. She wore a v-neck, drop-waist yellow dress with blue embellishments, and a blue mock petticoat at the hem that flared out when she twirled. He wore a yellow blazer trimmed in blue with a blue puzzle piece on his lapel, blue tie, white shirt, and blue pant. They danced the Jive to the Pharrell Williams song, Happy. It was an athletic routine that had a flip/roll over Tony’s back, as well as other lively Jive moves. 

Their score: 21

Doug/Karina – Best Costumes of the Night

In 2015, on the day his father passed away, Doug’s mom kissed his father on the forehead, and then she passed away – on the same day. This family tragedy was his most memorable year. They danced the Waltz in what I thought was the best costumed pair of the night. He looked dapper in a gray vest and suit pant ensemble. She wore a sheer white nightgown with sheer parts that were accented by a row of buttons down her back. She also had a beautiful hair fascinator that accented the adorned bodice of the front of her dress. Their routine was an emotional romantic twirl of a waltz that stunned the audience and judges alike. Doug unfortunately ends up in the bottom three at the end of this show. If he goes home next week, it will be a shame.

Their score: 20

Von/Whitney

2016 was his most memorable year because his NFL football team, the Denver Broncos, won the Super Bowl. They danced a Contemporary routine to a song by Phil Collins, In The Air Tonight, because he would listen to that song before every game. He wore charcoal gray sweatpants and went shirtless, except for a gold cross on a chain showing off his tattooed torso. She wore a dark blue bodysuit with a long, sheer wrap skirt. Their routine contained many lifts, one with a throw, and another while she posed on his shoulders as he twirled. This routine looked challenging and graceful at the same time. Carrie Ann gave the harshest criticism of the judges, although Len gave the lowest score. This couple deserved a higher score because of the difficulty of the choreography.

Their score: 20

Antonio/Sharna

Antonio’s most memorable year was 2007.  He was a freshman in college, and he broke a record the same day his son was born. They danced the Foxtrot with his son, Antonio Jr., in mauve colored costumes to the song, 7 Years, by Lukas Graham. Antonio and son wore matching three-piece suits, and his son joined into the dance at the end of the dance at a poignant moment in the song. Her floor length gown was backless and embellished on the bodice. The judges weren’t critical, but also not very complimentary. His daughter also made an appearance on the show as Antonio and Sharna received their scores.

Their score: 20

Mischa/Artem

Her year was 2008 when the OC was “at its prime.” She discussed how she left the show that year to recover the turmoil she felt that stemmed from her overnight success. They danced the Samba and she ran onto the dance floor taking off her long sparkle coat to reveal a sparkle tee and short costume. He wore a black casual outfit with a denim jacket. Their dance came across fun and happy. The judge’s reviews were positive, but they all gave the dance a 6.

Their score: 18

The Conclusion/Elimination

The conclusion of the show was the elimination portion that placed Doug, Mischa, and Jodi in the bottom three. Mischa left the show this week. She was poised while delivering her final words, saying that it was a “wonderful experience.”

Most Memorable Year on Dancing With The Stars - Week 3

Dancing With The Stars holds its Most Memorable Year competition tonight.

Here is what I learned from their live feed...

Von/Witney dance the to celebrate MVP while his father was watching. Viewers may get to see some throwback pics from his younger years playing football.

Marla/Tony dance the Jive in dedication to Tiffany Trump’s birth year.

Doug/Karina dance the Waltz in honor of his dad… Emotional dance. Karina wears a beautiful white ballroom gown.

Antonio/Sharna dance the Foxtrot. Antonio celebrates the love of his son, who is there in the audience.

Paige/Mark They dance the Paso Doble inside a boxing ring set celebrating her first ring fight. They get a 24 total score.

Ginger/Val dance Contemporary with love and support from her sweet family who are in the audience.

Nyle/Peta dance the Tango

Jodie/Keo dance the Foxtrot  to what sounded like Andra's song, Rise Up.

Kim/Sasha Foxtrot 

Wanya/Lindsay dance to the National Anthem by BoysIIMen

Surprise announcement: Zendaya will be a guest judge next week for Disney Night.

Who goes home?

Mischa/Artem, Doug/Karina, and Jodie/Keo are the bottom three.

Mischa/Artem go home.  In her exit interview, she said she loved working with everyone, and has enjoyed the journey. She feels like this experience has made her stronger. Artem said their experience was like being on a roller coaster. He said, the beginning was a challenge for them, and felt badly that now that they are just starting to get things right, they have to go home.

DWTS - 1st Elimination

It was Latin Night, and the first elimination show, on Dancing With The Stars this past week. Here is my breakdown of what happened.

Jodie/Keo

In their rehearsal, Jodie got frustrated and said she was feeling the pressure. She eventually stormed out of the room to cry in the women’s restroom. Keo said not to be desperate, and she apologized. They danced the Samba. She was wearing a gold sequin one piece with a fringe flair bottom. He wore a neutral sparkle pant with gold body paint across his chest and around his biceps. The routine looked like fun with a lot of shaking and shimmying. I saw no mistakes in their routine. 

Their score: 21

Marla/Tony

In rehearsal, Marla said she was out of her comfort zone by trying to be sexy and pushing her inner limits. Tony said she lives a wholesome, healthy, spiritual lifestyle, calling her a “bit of a hippy.” They danced the Argentine Tango. She wore a backless, red dress with a black lace overlay. He wore a black pant and black vest with a red button up underneath. Their routine was at the beginning to intermediate level. She stumbled a little at the beginning and her legs looked weak throughout the dance. She needs to improve if she wants to remain on the show. 

Their score: 20

Geraldo/Edyta

Geraldo did a parody of a “president” Donald Trump. He said he has no feeling in his right foot due to a prior back surgery. Their routine opened up with him sitting at the Oval office, and hanging up on Vladimir Putin to dance the Salsa with Edyta. He wore a blond wig, a floral long sleeve holiday shirt and black pant, he had orange hued skin. She wore a hot pink sequin body suit with a boa bustle on her bum, shaking it wildly as she danced around him, which seemed designed to serve more as a distraction to hide his mediocre dancing. 

Their score: 13

Paige/Mark

Mark watched his partner dance from afar, due to a back injury. They aired a conversation that happened in rehearsal about his strength doing the lifts, and her insecurity about it. He injured himself pulling her up through his legs at their Camera Blocking rehearsal on the day before the show aired. She danced the Salsa with a substitute dancer, Alan. She wore a pink sequin body suit with an attached fringe angular skirt bottom. He wore a hot pink unbuttoned long sleeve shirt and black pant. She looked strong and didn’t miss a step of their intense routine that had her getting thrown around like a rag doll, and she did it all with a different partner! It was impressive to say the least.

Their score: 24

Antonio/Sharna

Antonio was challenged to bring out the sexy with Sharna during their Rumba routine. He wore an unbuttoned pale purple/gray long sleeve shirt and gray pant. She wore a skimpy gray sequin backless bodysuit with a delicate gray veil draped around her hips. It was sexy. He had great lines and energy. The routine didn’t look too challenging, but they definitely had chemistry.

Their score: 19

Kim/Sasha

Kim said she felt frustrated with her dancing ability, and cried about Sasha's critique of their turns. He felt sorry for her, so he got Gloria Estefan to video chat with them at their rehearsal. This raised her spirits dramatically. They danced the Salsa to Estefan’s song, Conga. She wore a sparkle bodysuit with a green fringe bottom, and he wore an unbuttoned lime green shirt with a white pant. The choreography was a little focused on the upper body, but her legs looked strong, and there was an excellent dip. She didn’t miss a beat until the very end. 

Their score: 19

Nyle/Peta

Nyle says he sets the bar high for himself, and his performance didn’t disappoint. Now that he has made it evident that he can dance, even with his hearing disability, he says he wants to continue to improve over time. They danced the Rumba. He wore a white button up shirt and black pant, and she wore a silky white flowing dress. The routine was beautiful, sexy, and well executed. Unfortunately, they were docked for doing a lift. 

Their score: 20

Mischa/Artem

Mischa discussed Len’s critique from last week, and while she tried to stay positive, it was obvious that she felt poorly about it. In rehearsal she came across as uninspired and confused and said she didn’t feel confident. They danced the Cha Cha. She wore an orange hued headband with a flower in her hair, a yellow crop top and uneven hemmed skirt. He wore an unbuttoned orange long sleeve shirt and white pant. His goal for her was to have fun. The routine was extremely basic, but she didn’t look as awkward as last week. She walked off after receiving their scores leaving the cast members looking uneasy. 

Their score: 15

Von/Whitney

Von calls Whitney a super small Barbie drill sergeant. They danced an untraditional Cha Cha on a taco stand set that looked a little like West Side Story. He wore a purple bandana across his brow, a white tee shirt with a purple bomber jacket, and a black Latin style pant. She wore a two-piece floral, sequin bustier and skort with a cropped jean jacket and the cutest athletic wedged sneakers. Their routine was intermediate, and had a nice break in the middle that showcased his personal dance style. They had four extra dancers who backed them up in the later part of the routine. It was an entertaining performance. 

Their score: 20

Wanya/Lindsay

These two rehearsed this past week while Wanya was on the road with Boys II Men. They danced the Salsa. He wore a low cut silky royal blue long sleeve shirt and royal blue pant. She wore a cutaway sequined royal blue bodysuit with a short bustle. Their routine had drops, swing elements, a lot of wiggle, and their road rehearsals didn’t make any difference. They were very, very good. The choreography looked difficult and polished. This is the couple to beat! Erin remarked that Wanya has lost 15 lbs. already. 

Their score: 24

Doug/Karina

Doug seems to be truly enjoying this competition. He said he was channeling his family’s fight with his son’s autism for this performance. They danced the Paso Doble. He wore a black tank with a thin black cummerbund at his waist, and a black pant. She wore silky red flowing tea length dress that crisscrossed at her chest. They danced with four extra male dancers. He was throwing her around like a cape, as he should for this dance, and he brought power and charisma to his performance. Their routine had intermediate choreography that used a lot of space on the ballroom floor. He brings more grace to the competition than one might expect. I don’t think he should go home anytime soon. 

Their score: 20

Ginger/Val

Ginger said she felt “at home” on the ballroom stage, and Val said this week’s goal was for her to work on her “swag” or in other words: bring on the sexy. They danced the Samba. She wore a cute little black ruffle dress with a colorful petticoat under the flare portion, and an aqua blue hair fascinator to finish the look. He wore an unbuttoned black blazer with white trim along the edges and a blue pant. This couple get my best-dressed award for the night. Their choreography contained a cute story about an argument. It was performed to Justin Bieber’s song, Sorry. The routine contained all the basics, but unfortunately, she delivered a few missteps. 

Their score: 21

Who Went Home:

This was an elimination night with Mischa/Artem and Doug/Karina in the bottom three along with Geraldo Rivera, who went home this week.

… This Blog entry is dedicated to my father-in-law who watched the show for the first time with us when he came to visit several years ago. I believe he was hooked after that. He called the show, “Dancing with the Ladies.” He was always up for going out for a night of dancing, when he was still able. Dancing was what he chose to do on his first date with his second wife. I have faith that he is dancing again with ease and grace, just as he had as a young gentleman when he was living in this world.

Today He Passed

He was a strong and powerful man

He was a supportive friend and trusted confidante

He was a ladies man and survived two fine wives

He was generous and social

He was a college football player and a two time golf club champ

He was a soldier and a hunter

He was a Louis L'amour fan and one of my most avid blog readers

He was a horseback rider and a campfire storyteller

He was loved and respected

He was my husband's father and my friend

And I will always love him

RIP Dad