DonnaK:  Hot damn these dancers were on fire last night! Truly, all of the performances were out of this world, and I can never really say that. Even the weaker ones weren’t bad, just a little weaker than the others. It was hilarious at our house. I watch the show with a notepad taking down all the pertinent info I need for these posts - dancers names, choreographer, style, etc. When I like a dance but am not wowed by it, I leave the line of info untouched. When I think it was quite strong, I put a check next to it. When I *LOVE* it, I star it. When I don’t like it or am calling it for bottom three, I cross it out. This week I had FOUR starred entries and only two that were crossed out - that’s how good a show this was.

We started out with Janette and Brandon doing one HELL of cha-cha that was choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux and France. This was just out of this world. Both of these dancers are at the pinnacle of this competition and I can’t see any reason why both of them won’t make the Top 10. Janette, who I tend overlook sometimes, was just on fire, and Brandon was his usual amazing self (eat it, Mia!). My one complaint, which is something that Jim very aptly pointed out to me? Brandon kept looking at and playing to the audience instead of looking at and playing to his partner. That’s a huge no-no and I’m surprised he didn’t get called on it. One of my starred dances.

Next up were Kayla and Kupono doing a Sonya Tayek contemporary routine. This dance caused a split in our house - Jim hated it but I liked it quite a bit. Sonya’s choreography is really hit or miss with me, but this one hit, especially with Kayla giving it here absolute all like that. I’m liking Kupono less and less - I don’t think he’s growing and I don’t think he should still be here. Despite the fact that I liked this number - and especially Kayla in it - I’m calling it for the bottom three. I think it might be just too much weirdness for America.

Randi and Evan completely blew me away next with an amazing Broadway routine choreographed by Joey Dowling. I’ve not seen Dowling’s work before but I loved it - quite lyrical and smooth. Evan was TOTALLY in the zone and danced to absolute perfection, and Randi really kept right up with him. I was honestly shocked and angry when I listened to the judges tear this routine and Evan apart. I thought they were completely in the wrong and seem to be trying to find some way to get America to vote Even into the bottom 3. I don’t understand the praise for Kupono but the tearing down of Evean, especially after such a great performance. I starred this before it was even over, that’s how good it was for me.

Caitlin and Jason were up next dancing a pop-jazz routine by Brian Friedman. Caitlin my lovely, I’m so sorry but this just didn’t work for me at all on any level. I disliked the choreography and hated the costuming. I thought the two danced as well as they could, but Caitlin couldn’t seem to pull out the inner power she has to dominate the dance as she was supposed to. This was a hot mess for me and I’m calling it for the bottom three.

Jeanine and Phillip were next and blew my mind with a Napolean and Tabitha lyrical hip-hop number. Oh my god this was so beyond amazing I just don’t have words. This is one the viewers will remember forever. It’s going to go up there with the bed dance, the flowers, the bench, the door, the briefcase. Phillip was totally in his element and popped so hard I thought he would break apart. Jeanine kept right up with him and the choreography with the chain was just amazing. Bravo you two - you got a HUGE star for that, as did Tabitha and Napoleon.

Melissa and Ade upped the ante even more with a classical pas de deux choreographed by Thordal Christensen. This was just so amazing to watch - beautiful, romantic, emotional, totally in character. The lines were amazing, the lifts, the jumps - all perfection. Definitely technically the best dance of the night and a HUGE star from me. Melissa continues to be my favorite girl on this show - keep it up!

We ended the evening on a low note when Karla and Vitolio semi-butchered a quick step choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux and France. They tried, they really did, but it just wasn’t good enough. I didn’t find the technique up to par, although they certainly gave it their all and put their hearts into it. I just didn’t find their technique good enough to warrant much more than a passing thought. This is my last call for bottom three.

I know I usually put up videos here of my picks for The Awesome Dance of the Week and the Runner Up, but they’re getting yanked from YouTube as fast as they go up, so there’s no point at the moment. So I’m just going to announce it and hope you can find the clips on your own. After much thought I’ve giving The Awesome Dance of the Week Award to Jeanine and Phillip - and a choreographer award to Tabitha and Napolean for another fantastic routine. My VERY close runner up the pas de deux by Melissa and Ade, who were just amazing.

My calls for the bottom three are Kayla and Kupono, Caitlin and Jason and Karla and Vitolio. If I’m right I see Karla and Vitolio going home - I jut don’t think either is strong enough to stay.

Okay, floor’s open! What did you think? Who were your favorites and why? Let’s hear it!