It was a first for “Dancing with the Stars,” and perhaps the lowest point in the show’s history: Kendra Wilkinson farted during rehearsals of her team dance. Wow. Glad we got to share that Kodak moment. Thirteen-year-olds everywhere must have been giggling with glee.
Thankfully, the memory of that faded oh so quickly with the emergence of iconic ballroom champion Luca Barrichi who coached several of the pairs on this night of “ballroom greats.” Barrichi (much in the same vein as celeb Gilles Marini a few seasons back), proved that elegant lines, crisp, clean footwork, perfect holds and plenty of hair product go a long, long way to making a tango look oh so sexy.
Also in the trainer’s seat tonight was Mark Ballas’ mom, who showed the team of celebs (and pros) just how to get those intricate moves and steps just right. A champion in her own right she was having none of Chelsea Kane’s giggles and smiles during rehearsal of the paso doble, and one point remarking “you’re an actress, it’s a dramatic part. ” In the end, however, Mark’s choreography failed to win over the panel of four judges (the usual trio was joined by 16-time world champion dancer Donnie Burns, who brought a wonderfully fresh take on what the dancers were doing right and wrong).
Hines Ward turned in a tango that was nothing if not spirited, proving even he is capable of an off night (though he did score his first 10 from Bruno Tonioli). Romeo seemed a bit out of sorts during his samba, and judge Len Goodman read him the riot act.
Ralph Macchio brought everything he had to the quickstep and he pretty much nailed it (at least in Donnie’s eyes who awarded the Karate Kid his first 10 of the competition). It was a spot-on dance.
Kirstie Alley’s jive wasn’t the best I’ve ever seen, but it was very spirited and fun. She stumbled through a few passages and Len Goodman cranked out that “6” paddle with plenty of vigor.
At the end of the night it was Ralph Macchio tied with Hines Ward for first place, going into Tuesday’s results show that could prove to be an upset. While Kendra or even Romeo should be the ones most likely to be voted off, Kirstie had an off night in the judges’ eyes (I thought she did a great job in the cha cha cha).
Should be an interesting Tuesday night.
