DonnaK:  Last week I had a lot to say about how I felt the choreography was off this season and not giving the dancers as much to work with. Well, this week the choreographers delivered… it was the dancers that failed, some quite miserably. For at least four of the eight couples it was somewhere between an off to a really bad night and it had nothing to do with the choreography. It was just bad dancing left and right last night… perhaps all the claims that this cast is superior to last season’s isn’t quite as accurate as everyone has been saying? With the early loss of Billy and Bianca - two of the biggest and brightest of the season - combined with the loss of Mia Michaels, I’m doubting this season will have the strength of last season. I’ve one more choreographer rant for the week, though… but I’ve save that for later.

Despite all the missteps there were some wonderful moments on the show and I think some clear stars are emerging. We started the evening with Karen and Kevin doing a Maria Torres hustle - a dance I admit I know nothing about. I’m going to have to trust the judges that this was technically strong although it didn’t particularly move me.

Jakob and Ashleigh followed that up with a Mandy Moore jazz number… which I hated. I want to cry for Jakob because I love him so but I just really cannot stand Ashleigh. I didn’t buy her performance at all because I didn’t feel she ever got into character. She’s just not capable of disappearing into a role because of her own need to be noticed, and because of that I felt the routine suffered badly. Why the judges continue to praise her is simply beyond me as I feel she one of the weakest links on this show. Let’s hope America starts agreeing with me.

Pauline and Peter danced the dreaded quickstep next and, from where I’m sitting, did surprisingly well. Let’s face it - no one is going to ever nail the quickstep so focusing on the technical mishaps isn’t entirely fair. What is fair is that the performance was light, fun, and full of chemistry and life, which easily glossed over and errors that were present. I liked this dance a lot.

Kathryn and Legacy were up next and danced a simply amazing Andy Blankenbuehler Broadway number. I admit it - I was happy that Legacy made it into the Top 20 but I didn’t think he’d last through the Top 18. All I can say is WOW! This kid is growing and learning at a rate that is simply astonishing. Legacy is quickly becoming a favorite of mine and I’m loving watching his growth. I love Kathryn as well and I thought she did exactly what she was supposed to do in this routine. I didn’t feel the judges criticisms were fair, especially about Kathryn. What’s with the judging this season?

Channing and Victor should have had an easy time with their Stacey Tookey contemporary routine, but it was just… meh. Technically it was impressive but I felt no passion and no chemistry in it at all. Huge disappointment for me and I immediately marked these two down for the bottom three.

Things continued to go downhill as Ellenore and Ryan made a gigantic mess of a Lil’ C hip hop routine. Honestly there is nothing good to say about this dance - these two were simply horrid. They’ll wind up in the bottom three for sure and they deserve it, as much as I like both of them. However… I have to note something here. Remember I said I had another choreographer beef? It’s with Lil’ C, who for the record I love as both a choreographer and a dancer. My problem? This entire dance was reused from a routine he did in season one. Don’t believe me? See for yourself. There is NO excuse for reusing an entire dance like that, and frankly Lil’ C should be ashamed of himself for doing it. I will say this though… watching Natalli and Vincent is season one slam this routine makes Elllenore and Ryan look even worse. *cringe*

As if things weren’t bad enough, they got worse when little Mollee and bubbly Nathan had to get dirty and sexy in a Gustavo Vargas samba. This was horrible, embarrassing and proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mollee simply does not have the maturity (or the hips) to be on this show. I could barely stand watching it, that’s how awful it was. Mollee needs to go and she needs to go TODAY. Bottom three for sure unless the fans save them.

However, the show saved the best for last. Noelle and Russell ended the night with an Afrojazz numb er by Sean Cheesman that was simply outstanding and walked away with the Awesome Dance of the Week prize. Russell is easily my favorite guy on the show and he showed why again this week with his power, character, intensity and his partnering skills. Noelle really blossomed as well and the two of them are definitely going to grow as a couple. I’m delighted to give the Awesome Dance of the Week Award to these two.

By my count this leaves Channing, Ellenore and Mollee as our bottom three girls and Victor, Ryan, and Nathan as our bottom three guys. I don’t see the judges sending Mollee home as much as she deserves it, so my gut is telling me Channing is out. I’m sure the judges won’t touch Ryan, but both Victor and Nathan have weakness. I would cut Nathan and I hope the judges agree.

So what did you think? Guesses, comments, thoughts? Let’s hear it!