Carrie Ann Inaba blogs 'DWTS,' week 4First of all, I’m sorry for the late posting. My cat had to go to the hospital last night so I didn’t get to finish up the blog. He’s doing well but he’s quite aged -- 19 years old -- and he’s got a large growth in his lungs. So, we welcome prayers for his health. He’s a wonderful cat and has been a strong support system in my life. He’s the one with me in my PETA ad. His name is Shadow…and if you met him, you’d love him…but I know you are all are waiting to hear about this week and ready to share your thoughts.
Thank you again for your responses last week. Some of you were still confused about the voting but I think if you re-read what I wrote last week, it will make sense. This week, nothing went wrong with the voting or scoring from the judges, but I think most of you saw that when Tom announced a contestant, the wrong video package started -- that was a little mishap that happened. From what I hear, our technical director was sick -- and considering the state he was in, he made it through the show with flying colors. We had a lot of sick folks this week. Samantha was under the weather, although looked gorgeous as usual. Her voice was a few octaves lower than usual (and quite sexy I might add) but we give her props and congratulations for making it through what was quite a rough week on her. She’s on vocal rest this week, so if you happen to run into her, don’t tempt her to speak. It’s very bad for the vocal chords to whisper….so let’s wish Samantha well this week and a speedy recovery!
This week was an exciting week. There were performances that really shifted the dynamic of who is who in the top three contestants and why they are there. Lil' Kim really came out from behind and pushed her way past Shawn Johnson to secure a nice spot in the top three. She proved herself with that incredible routine choreographed by Derek Hough. Her sophisticated side came out in the Argentine Tango and I think she has found a new side of herself as a performer. With Lil’ Kim, I have to say that I am very curious to see where her career will go after this season. No matter where she ends up in our show, I do believe that she will have rejuvenated her career and will have many opportunities open up to her if she continues like this, unveiling layers and unearthing new facets of her performing persona.
Once again, the star of this week was Gilles. Yes, he is a sexy performer and exudes something very attractive on the dance floor; however, what made his performance this week was the minimalist approach to the routine. You see, performers who don’t have substance cannot do routines like that. The choreography was without flashy and distracting moves, it was instead filled with sustained simplicity that required real control and a sustained emotional connection to the dance and performance that cannot be faked. This is what made Gilles the star in my opinion. Yes, the “sexy” is great, but what is fantastic is the depth with which he performed that Argentine Tango. I think it may have been the most powerful and moving dance I’ve ever seen on our show. Congratulations to Gilles and Cheryl for creating real art on our television studio stage. It was not an easy accomplishment.
Another exciting moment for me was seeing Ty Murray and Chelsie’s Lindy hop. This guy is such a wonder to me. I have spent a lot of my career working with non-professional dancers, performers who are new to the idea of “performing.” I would put Ty into this category. Although he is a highly respected bull rider, I would not consider that a performance -- you are not trying to please the crowd with what you are doing. In fact, the crowd is there more to witness the “ride” and your ability. This is a different dynamic than creating a performance for the audience’s enjoyment. Usually, non-performers do not know how to use their arms very well. In general, if you look at society, a lot of people have terrible posture. Their upper bodies are lifeless and expressionless. They never learned how to use that part of their body. (Of course, Bruno is the opposite of what I am talking about.)
Because of this, I find it so great to see a non-performer with such strength and control and agility in his upper body. This is what makes him so fantastic to watch and has helped enable him to grow by leaps and bounds. This is also without a doubt because his partner Chelsie is a great teacher. They have wonderful chemistry together. Chemistry is not always sexual. They have a partnership that is filled with a mutual respect and understanding of each other that is apparent with every step they do on the dance floor. Real trust means that they can take real risks in rehearsal so that he can grow the way he is growing on the dance floor. Congratulations Ty and Chelsie! Great work this week. How will he do when he gets something like the Samba? I’m not sure how his hips will work but I’m sure he’s up for the challenge. Next week there are two dances that he should do well with -- the Paso Doble and the Viennese Waltz. Both of these dances have a structure to them and a posture that is more on the upright side of the scale of upright to sensuous and curvy. So, I expect that they will do well next week again.
BTW, did you see Jewel in the audience? She looked beautiful. I love that simple look of an easygoing hairstyle with very glamorous jewelry and a classic black dress. She’s adorable. I hope she ends up doing our show next season. It looks like her foot is slowly healing. I didn’t see her come in with crutches this week. I’m glad there wasn’t permanent damage.
Okay -- on to what you all want to talk about -- the double elimination. What did you think? I found it quite sad. I didn’t like losing two couples. Especially because the two couples we lost were obviously very nice people. Holly Madison -- I just have to share this: Because I’ve been working in television for over 20 years doing dance and choreography, I always watch people’s professionalism on stage when the camera’s are off. Let me tell you that some of the coolest people on screen are completely self-absorbed and rude off-screen. I’m sure you all know this already. But what was so impressive about Holly was that she was usually the first one out on her mark when we’d come back from commercial break. The stage manager Rob also told me after she was eliminated that she was like that at rehearsals as well. We are not allowed in the building during their rehearsals but I think she should be commended for that. It is a nice quality to see in a person. From a choreographer’s point of view, that is an important quality to have. So, it was sad to see her go. I found her also to be an interesting person to get to know. I wish her well on her next adventure.
Now what about the WOZ? It was his time. I think had he lasted any longer, it would have been uncomfortable to watch. I know he pulls at your heartstrings. He pulled at mine too, and I am honored to have had the chance to meet such a genuine and sweet person. And it was a joy to see someone find such joy in what I have committed my own life to -- DANCE. That does not happen often and for that I will always hold a special place in my heart for THE WOZ. Good luck Steve…I bet he continues in social dance classes…look for him on dance floors near you!
I would now like to share with you ladies out there something about the dress I was wearing on Monday. I get questions in my inbox about what I wear on the show. Designers loan me dresses to wear -- so far, I’ve worn dresses from Nikolaki, Randolph Duke and then this week I wore a dress from Jean Fares Couture and I have to say it was incredible. I have never seen a dress like this and since you all only get to see the top half of my dress, I wanted to share it with you. It will be posted on my website later today
Last but not least -- I thought Tuesday's performances were fantastic! I loved watching Artem dance. He was in the number that Derek choreographed to Kevin Rudolf’s performance. It was fantastic. That number was impactful! You didn’t see that Julianne’s top almost fell off during the first pre-tape. So they had to do it again. The performance by Boyz II Men was incredible. They are so talented and such crowd-pleasers. I haven’t seen such an energetic performance in a long time. I’d like to see Wanya Morris (the one in the middle last night) come on our show as a contestant. He’s got such a sweet face and can move like you wouldn’t believe unless you saw it in person. Well, for now, we’ll just stay focused on this season.
Until next week, thanks for being here and reading. Sorry I didn’t answer a lot of questions, but I will next week. This week was very busy -- I choreographed the finale of the Kids' Choice Awards with Dwayne Johnson and a special appearance of the Jonas Brothers, and then presented at the Genesis Awards, where they honor the media for various levels of exposure of inhumane treatment of animals. So, I’m a little pooped this week. Keep sending me your questions and I will answer more next week.
Have a great week. And thank you for watching our show. I LOVE THIS SEASON!
Best,
Carrie Ann
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