DWTS: The Happiest Theme on Earth, Disney Night

By Katherine Schreiner

Miska-mouska-mickeyyyy mouse: it's Disney Night!

Intro Dance: 

What a whimsical way to start Disney Night. Having Danny Gardner (Lumiere) from the North American Tour of Beauty & the Beast as well as the classic Disney characters was so nostalgic. This is a cute opener and really pays tribute to the 70th anniversary of Disneyland.

Dylan & Daniella: Life is a Highway from Cars (Quickstep)

This was the improvement that was needed for Dylan to continue. His technique was strong, and it was an overall strong dance. Quickstep can really be a make or break for some celebrities, but this really showed Dylan as a front runner. Like Bruno said, he’s on the highway to the finale. Daniella’s choreography has always been strong but tonight really shows how good she is not just at choreography, but as a teacher.

Score: Derek: 8, Bruno: 8, Carrie Ann: 7

Total: 23

Do We Agree: Ummm Carrie Ann… where is Dylan’s 8?

Danielle & Pasha: I Wanna Be Like You from The Jungle Book (Quickstep)

The character work is always so fun when there’s an actor as the celebrity. Having them play as Baloo and King Louie was so fun. Overall though, this dance was not as strong for Danielle as her past weeks. It was so fun, but some points were off-timing. Hopefully a little off time moment won’t hurt her too much with elimination tonight.

Score: Derek: 7, Bruno: 7, Carrie Ann: 7

Total: 21

Do We Agree: Valid scoring, this wasn’t as strong as Dylan’s dance

Scott & Rylee: Bop to the Top from High School Musical (Salsa)

What a perfect song pick for this duo! Scott is very confident on stage now and after last week Scott and Rylee have proven they have the energy to make it to the end. There was a good combination of character and salsa, but it works. The judges pointed out the little mishap they had, but honestly, they played it off so well.

Score: Derek: 7, Bruno: 7, Carrie Ann: 7

Total: 21

Do We Agree: Just because there was the mishap, this score makes sense

Alix & Val: Once Upon a Dream from Maleficent (Viennese Waltz)

The character work is so strong in this episode! Playing Stephan and Maleficant really came through in their story. Alix is potentially the new frontrunner. Not only was the character strong, this way a beautiful dance. The technique, the fluidity, the movement. Val and Alix work so well together and there is no way they will not make it to the finale after what was shown tonight.

Score: Derek: 8, Bruno: 8, Carrie Ann: 8

Total: 24

Do We Agree: Absolutely… but also no one would be mad if she got a 9!

Hilaria & Gleb: Cantina Band from Star Wars: A New Hope (Quickstep)

Hilaria saying she has never done the quick step before was the best thing to hear for everyone that hates her. Sadly though, she did better than that comment would give off. Just like last week, there were moments that were off in musicality. While the judges didn’t say anything about it, there are moments where she is behind Gleb. Was she good, sure, was it the best, no. Thanks Derek for knocking her down a notch!

Score: Derek: 7, Bruno: 8, Carrie Ann: 8

Total: 23

Do We Agree: No, but at this point, not many people agree with any good score she gets. Once again, thanks Derek!

Andy & Emma: Le Festin from Ratatouille (Viennese Waltz)

Whoever on the makeup team that keeps turning pros into animals needs to be stopped as soon as possible. Seeing Emma’s makeup was almost as scary as Alan as the donkey last year. Was this dance technique the top of the bunch, no. There are many issues with this dance. But there is a lot of fun and improvement here. Comparing the movement from week one to now is inspiring. Anyone can cook, and anyone can dance! Not our frontrunner, but the fan favorite that no one can forget.

Score: Derek: 6, Bruno: 6, Carrie Ann: 6

Total: 18

Do We Agree: Once again, this is valid.

Robert & Witney: Try Everything from Zootopia (Cha Cha)

We all knew that Robert would be doing an animal themed dance for Disney night, but wow this was a perfect choice. A lower energy dance really showed that Robert can have variety in this dance. It wasn’t as out there as some of the other dances they’ve done but that was a wonderful thing. Witney and Robert dance so well together and there are places for improvement, sure, but Robert clearly wants to learn and improve.

Score: Derek: 8, Bruno: 7, Carrie Ann: 7

Total: 22

Do We Agree: No, I wanted at least one more 8, but I know they’re being so picky this season.

Elaine & Alan: Space Mountain from Space Mountain the Ride (Quickstep)

How could Alan become scarier than when he was a donkey last year? I don’t know how he did it but for some reason he became an alien. Also, Elaine being a part of a Space Mountain preshow is so cool, that’s probably something that’s not well known! To have an assignment like this which is much harder than a movie or show assignment, they crushed it. Elaine is so talented and she is so underrated. If she goes home tonight that will be just as shocking as Lauren last week. There was so much content in this dance, including Alien Alan doing a split, and they are so fun to watch. Get Alien Alan off the screen but keep Elaine and Alan on the show!

Score: Derek: 8, Bruno: 8, Carrie Ann: 8

Total: 24

Do We Agree: Absolutely! Keep Elaine at the top of the leaderboard!

Whitney & Mark: The Room Where it Happens from Hamilton (Foxtrot)

Every week Whitney really shows out and this dance was another top performance for sure. Whitney’s husband’s outfit is hilarious to start out. Mark and Whitney flow so well together. There was a great combination of foxtrot and jazz. Whitney is likely to win this show, it is clear. She hits everything perfectly while still improving week after week.

Score: Derek: 8, Bruno: 8, Carrie Ann: 9

Total: 25

Do We Agree: Very clearly yes!

Jordan & Ezra: Special Spice from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Quickstep)

Another hard assignment like Elaine’s. Going off a ride is much harder than a movie/show. The height difference showed in this dance more, with Jordan changing from the platform to Ezra’s level. Even with these difficulties, Jordan and Ezra killed it. After last week, Ezra will never have people saying his choreography again, and he’s keeping that energy this week.

Score: Derek: 8, Bruno: 8, Carrie Ann: 8

Total: 24

Do We Agree: Absolutely!

Jen & Jan: Friend Like Me from Aladdin (Jazz)

Once again, character work is on point all night tonight! Also, calling Jan “Uncle Jan” is the cutest thing EVER. Get scary Genie Jan off the screen. Right now. it was suspicious he was getting no screen time but now it is easy to understand. Other than the fear of Jan and giggles at Jen’s husband’s Jafar outfit, this was a fun jazz routine. Great way to showcase both Jen and Jan as dancers and it was a fun way to end off this week’s show!

Score: Derek: 8, Bruno: 8, Carrie Ann: 7

Total: 23

Do We Agree: No, Carrie Ann needs to stop being picky with who she critiques.

Elimination:

THANK EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD. Everyone knew Hilaria was being sent home sometime soon and this was the perfect time for her. Excited to see Andy and Danielle next week.