Dancing with the Stars - Week 2

Week 2 of “Dancing with the Stars” brought all 14 couple together to duke it out on the dance floor. Celebrities and their professional dance partners took on the aggressively sexy Tango, the fast paced fun loving Jive, or the fast but elegant Quickstep. One couple even had an appearance from some special guests in their dance.

Head judge Len Goodman was working in England so a special guest judge joined Carrie Ann InabaCarrie Ann Inaba and Bruno TonioliBruno Tonioli at the judging table. Academy Award winning director Baz LuhrmannBaz Luhrmann, who brought “Moulin Rouge”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Australia”, and “Strictly Ballroom” to the screen, took on the judging duties. High scores were tough to come by this week with only three couple scoring above a 21.

First on the dance floor were Joanna and Derek who performed a Jive that Carrie Ann said had great energy and was a great way to start the show. Bruno told Joanna not to hold back, adding that the dance was not real clean; and Baz told the couple that they needed to connect a little more. Joanna and Derek earned a score of 20 for their Jive.

Next Natalie and Alec took on the Quickstep. Bruno noted that their was a buzz in the room and telling Natalie that she needed to relax a little more. Baz agreed with Bruno and Carrie Ann said that so far Natalie and Derek was her favourite adding that Natalie moved well but noted that she needs to think more on the performance and working on becoming one with Alec . The judges gave the couple a score of 21.

Chuck and Anna were the first couple to take on the Tango. Chuck channeled his fighter image for the dance showing off his bare chest at the end of the dance. Baz called the performance fantastic while Carrie Ann said it was scary but had impact. Bruno called the Tango savage and primeval and while it wasn’t perfect the dance had all the steps and was a Tango. Chuck and Anna received a score of 19 for their Tango.

Melissa and Mark came out dressed in red costumes with large white polka dots for their Jive. Carrie Ann said they had great energy and was happy about the performance after last week. Bruno called the couple two flittering ladybirds but said that Melissa needed to balance her movements – top and legs. Baz said the dance was a big improvement from last week. The couple received a score of 19.

Football star Michael IrvinMichael Irvin and Anna took on the Quickstep. Irvin said that he joined “Dancing with the Stars” because he wanted to challenge himself. Bruno noted that last week the judges asked for more content and this week they got the content. He called it a proper Quickstep. Baz called Michael a performer adding that the dance was gorgeous and fantastic. Carrie Ann called the performance a touchdown compared to last week (Irvin scored a 13 last week). Michael and Anna received a score of 20 for their dance.

After a pre-dance video showing Debi and Maks in a bit off a tussle, the couple performed a Tango to the “Moulin Rouge” version of The Police song “Roxanne”. Baz said that it was an achievement working out the story in the dance. Carrie Ann called Debi a drama queen adding that the dance was amazing. Bruno told Debi to assert herself because it works in the performance. Judges gave Debi and Maks a score of 21.

This season’s youngest couple Louie and Chelsie took on a Jive that host Tom BergeronTom Bergeron called impressive and fun. Carrie Annsaid that there was so much joy when they danced; while Bruno told Louie that he can really do the dances but that he didn’t do enough. Baz called it tremendous adding that it was what a Jive should be. Louie and Chelsie received a score of 19 for their Jive.

Aaron and Karina took on a star studded Quickstep. Dressed in a tuxedo that rivaled Kermit the Frog, that lovable wild monster Animal opened the song on his drumset; his fellow muppet star Gonzo played his customary ending. Dancing to the theme from the “Muppet Show” Aaron and Karina gave the judges a reason to break out of their pattern. Bruno said it was spectacular and called Aaron a mini Fred Astaire adding that Aaron was in command of the performance. Baz said that it was great to see a performer grow adding it was a real Quickstep. Carrie Ann called truly a pleasure and a tight and sharp dance. Receiving the first score above a 21, Aaron and Karina earned a score of 27 for their Muppet Quickstep.

Kelly Osbourne and Louis took on a Tango that had Kelly very nervous. Baz noted that there were mistakes in the dance but said that he was moved by the dance. Carrie Ann agreed with Baz but noted that Kelly was building on her technique and likes what she is seeing. Bruno wad that when she got it right she looked like Eva Peron adding that with no mistakes Kelly could be amazing. Earning a score that Kelly felt was generous the couple earned a 19.

Kathy and Tony danced a Quickstep that Carrie Ann said suited Kathy better. Bruno called it elegant and beautiful but added that Kathy needed to be more engaging. Baz said that the dance lacked excitement. Kathy and Tony tied for the lowest score with an 18.

Mark and Lacey took on the Quickstep without any kung fu moves that Bruno called a great performance but added that Mark needed to get his feet under control. Baz called it an incredible comeback telling Mark that he could be a great ballroom dancer. Carrie Ann called it explosive and clean. Mark and Lacey received a score of 21.

After sparking a near dust up between Bruno and Len last week Mya and Dmitry took on the Jive that Baz called the real deal. Carrie Ann said it was a great performance and Bruno called her Mya the magnificent calling the dance original and a great performance. Mya and Dmitry tied for the hightest score with a 27.

Tom and Cheryl perfomed a Tango that Baz called a cliffhanger saying that the dance had grace and dignity and Tom had strong holds. Carrie Ann said that their was something alluring about the couple and Bruno said that they nearly pulled it out saying that Tom was distinguished and determined. Tom and Cheryl tied for the lowest score of 18.

The last couple on the floor was Donny and Kym with a Jive that Baz called fantastic. Bruno told Donny it was mission accomplished adding it was very good and well danced. Carrie Ann called it an amazing performance. Donny and Kym was the third couple to break out of the mold and scored a 25.

Along with the results and an elimination of another couple tomorrow night the Macy’s Stars of dance will top the stage filled performance of last week with a performance by members from “Stomp the Yard” and the USC Trojan band. Selina Gomez and the barefoot countessa Joss Stone will also perform.

The design a dance contest has returned for this year. Last week the fans chose the dance they wish to see – the Paso Doble’.

Kathy and Tony – 18
Tom and Cheryl - 18
Chuck and Anna – 19
Melissa and Mark – 19
Louie and Chelsie – 19
Kelly and Louis - 19
Joanna and Derek – 20
Michael and Anna - 20
Natalie and Alec – 21
Debi and Maks – 21
Mark and Lacey – 21
Donny and Kym - 25
Aaron and Karina – 27

Mya and Dmitry - 27