DWTS: The Spooktacular Episode

By Katherine Schreiner

Boo! It’s Halloween Night! Joining the panel tonight is two-time Mirrorball champion, Cheryl Burke!

This episode, Elaine actively was in the hospital due to an injury earlier in the day during a rehearsal.

Whitney & Mark: Jazz to “Brain Stew”

Fun little zombie theme to start the night off! Side by side is clearly Whitney’s downfall, this is the second time timing became an issue. Mark was very strong with this choreography, there was great musicality and character play in this piece. There was a lot of content to it, and other than the side by side, this is definitely a strong start to the night!

Score: Carrie Ann: 9, Derek: 9, Cheryl: 9, Bruno: 10

Total: 37

Do We Agree: Sure, not sure about the 10 but it was strong so it can pass

Jordan & Ezra: Contemporary to “Elastic Heart”

This dance feels like an elevated version of the Anxiety dance on TikTok night. The harness really worked out for these two. This was also the first week that Ezra incorporated some of Jordan’s gymnastic skills in a way they worked: it did not take away. An intense dance, and it seemed  to have worked for the most part. Was it as impressive as the Rumba from Wicked? Likely not, but this was still solid. 

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

Total: 35

Do We Agree: Yes, not as strong but still a good performance

Andy & Emma: Paso Doble to “Symphony No. 5 in C Minor”

To begin, happy birthday to Andy. The shock of a century, this performance showed real improvement. Each week, it’s been seeing him move more and more. This week, he seemed to really understand the technique. Cheryl had good notes for Andy, especially telling him to move his whole arm instead of just throwing the full arm up.

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

Total: 28

Do We Agree: Would have to agree this week

Elaine & Alan: Argentine Tango to “Bad to the Bone”

This is so unfair to Elaine. Injuries are bound to happen, and fortunately she is not out of the competition completely from it, but being injured on a night with an extra event such as the Monster-a-Thon is really difficult. Even just watching the rehearsal for this performance, this would have been a favorite of the night. Alan has hit a big stride in his choreography this season with Elaine. Strong dance, lovely moment. Keep Elaine in!

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

Total: 32

Do We Agree: If it was in person it would have been higher, and it sucks to know that.

Danielle & Pasha: Viennesse Waltz to “Die With A Smile”

It’s wonderful to see Danielle really get into choreographing as well with Pasha. This dance was fun. The story was clear, the blood element worked well, and the technique was strong. There was a change in the choreography with the reveal and it worked. Not sure was Carrie Ann is saying, but this was better than last week's dance, that completely lacked emotion. Cheryl and Derek had great feedback, Carrie Ann is once again difficult to understand and shows her bias couple to couple.

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

Total: 33

Do We Agree: Bruno knew what was right! This was a 9, not last week

Robert & Witney: Argentine Tango to “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This”

Robert not doing anything this dark is so on brand for him. The character work on this one was strong. On top of that, it was a wonderful dance. There was a lot of tension and the technique was just as strong. Robert really took the lead and he has really good chemistry with Witney. Definitely deserving of a ten. 

Score: Carrie Ann: 10, Derek: 9, Cheryl: 9, Bruno: 10

Total: 38

Do We Agree: Completely agree!

Jen & Jan: Contemporary to “Look What You Made Me Do”

This dance started out looking like it was going to be the strongest dance of the night. But for once, Carrie Ann was right, it was inconsistent. Jan keeps putting trick after trick instead of putting more technical work in the dance. It is for sure their best dance, but there are many missing pieces with this couple. The tricks need to be tossed to the side for a week, so technique is the top concern.

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

Total: 32

Do We Agree: Yes, didn’t provide anything new

Alix & Val: Tango to “bury a friend”

Alix wanted strict Val and it paid off. This dance hit a new level for Alix, who was already a top contender. If Val keeps pushing her like this, Alix and Val are winning the season. Not much to say, this dance was the clear best of the night.

Score: Carrie Ann: 10, Derek: 10, Cheryl: 9, Bruno: 10

Total: 39

Do We Agree: Cheryl needs to change that to a 10!

Dylan & Daniella: Viennesse Waltz to “Can’t Help Falling In Love”

Thankful Dylan’s nose is okay! Daniella is the queen of Halloween week choreography. Dylan and her have such a great chemistry, but techniqually, Dylan was unable to keep up. The posture was not as strong as most of the other couples that did waltz or tango this week. If the technique was up to the same level as the character work that would be a top contender.

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

Total: 35

Do We Agree: Sure, was expecting another 8.

Monster-a-thon:

Whitney and Mark and Alix and Val were both so strong and had great performances. Alix and Val were really giving a story, though. They would’ve been highly deserving winners.

Elimination:

Thank you to everyone who voted for Elaine. The odds were stacked against her so thank you for getting her through. Sadly, while Andy still should be the person who went home, Jen and Jan are stagnant and have shown no improvement at all. They needed to be this week's choice out of the last three.