So I took the advice of a loyal reader and gave ABC’s Dancing with the Stars a try last night. All in all, I’m not sure I can do it on the regular. It’s just SO long. And I know you all are probably pointing out the hypocrisy of someone who watches 3 hours of Bachelor Pad saying a show is long so I will bring up another point: the Commercials. They are endless. Seriously, you can’t get into a rhythm ( no pun intended) with this show because every two seconds there’s Tom Bergeron telling me it’s time to take {another} break.

Why are there so many of you?!? (Photo: ABC/Adam Taylor)
I present, for your consideration, my abbreviated recap of DWTS. In the interest of honesty, I gave up after an hour so there is probably a huge chunk (and by huge chunk I mean two dancers) missing. Feel free to hate on me in the comments section, after all – isn’t that what they’re for?
Let’s Cha Cha.
So here we are it’s the premiere and for as many times as I’ve caught moments of this show, I’ve never once watched the intros (or for that matter the entire show. I’m still working on that part.) We’re only two minutes in and I feel like I’ve been magically transported back to 1977. Not sure how I feel about it. One thing I am sure of though, I love the fancy announcer voice on this show. It’s like ABC knows how cheesy it is so they try to class it up with a fancy, accented announcer. I like it.
Everything is new this season. New ball room, new loft/viewing area, new name for Brook Burke, new “celebrities.” And then there’s Ron Artest (I don’t like how auto-correct is always trying to change his name to arrest. Who knew auto-correct was so racist?) with his new name, Mehta World Peace.
Ron is also sporting a new look or an old look based on how old you are and whether you remember what Dennis Rodman looked like circa 1997. But really, what’s up with the yellow hair with the mustache and all the tongue sticking out -ness? I don’t like it and I’m not sure this is something the voters will get behind (wait, wasn’t Dennis Rodman on this show already?).
Brooke Burke is on the scene looking fancy and classy and thankfully, NOT wearing Sketchers Shape-Ups. I’m digging the one should green dress. But for as much as I’m loving Brooke, I realize quickly that the show is not about her. So let’s get to those dancing fools.
Ron Artest:
First up, Mr. World Peace (no really, that’s his name now) himself. For all his nonsense, I am genuinely touched by his story about his daughter asking him to be on the show when she was battling cancer. You go Mehta.

I'm an Outtie! (ABC/Adam Taylor)
So Dennis Ron Mehta shows up with a bang. He’s rocking the sequin vest with ease and the odd, slightly vulgar/slutty faces make me feel like I am in a musical/porno mash-up. The dance itself it’s painful to watch it’s all the added touches that make it a little uncomfortable. Also, the music. It’s bad.
The judges aren’t sold on Mehta’s new look or his new moves. I like Bruno’s description best. “You look like a weird dancetron.” (Did he say that or did I make that up? Who knows, it’s in my notes.)
Scores: Carrie Ann – 5, Len – 4 (always so harsh), Bruno – 5
SE Score: 6.5 (the higher the score, the more the SE).The dancing would have earned him a solid 5 but he was bumped up on account of the costumes, facial expressions and music.
Rob Kardashian
So is it me or does Cheryl Burke (one of the only dancers I know by name) LOVE to get her flirt on with her partner? Ole girl is coming strong with the sexual innuendo and playful banter in the practice sessions. I think she’s trying to become the fourth Kardashian (but no where as cute as the other psuedo-Kardashian’s, the Jenner’s -Kendall & the other younger one).
So these two take the Waltz route rather than the Cha-Cha-Cha road taken by Mehta. Rob is automatically scoring points (the good kind) in my book with his classy outfit. And by classy I mean, not wearing only a sequin vest. The music is still pretty awful but his dancing isn’t piss poor. His smile is keeping me mildly entertained (it’s still early aka two commercial breaks in) and I appreciate that he doesn’t seem to mind being paired up with an Elvis impersonator.

Am I doing okay Kim? (ABC/Adam Taylor)
The judges are a little nicer to Rob. Bruno tells him to lighten up while Len tells him he’s “not impressed but not depressed.” This is the highest form of compliment Len knows how to give so Rob smiles accordingly. Carrie Ann, on the other hand, is looking to steal Rob away from Cheryl and tells him he has “potential” as a mating partner. Okay take off the last part. She didn’t actually say that but her eyes did.
Scores: I have no idea. It appears I accidentally deleted them.
SE Score: 4 - Cheryl brought most of the SE to this waltz. Good lord Cheryl, you’re better than an old Elvis costume. Can’t they whip you up a sequin jumpsuit without a giant collar?
Kristin Cavallari
“I’m Kristin and I’m not a bitch.” Oh c’mon Kristin just embrace the bitch. It’s what made you psuedo-famous so just own it.
Kristin has the unique pleasure of competing with Elisabetta Canalis for the hottest chick on the show category. She does win in being the youngest and the contestant who most resembles previous DWTS faves Stacy Kiebler and Erin Andrews.
Kristin comes out in a fun ‘fit full of sparkles with minimal amounts of tackiness. I like it. It doesn’t hurt that her body is amaze balls and she has the skinniest legs ever. Despite her perfect dancer body, KCav is a little stiff. It seems like she’s a little embarrassed. Like she knows her “friends” are watching and is worried what they will blog tell the tabloids say about her.

East your heart out LC. (ABC/Adam Taylor)
Just let it go K. Let the haters hate and let your inner tiny dancer out.
The judges do not share my opinion and have a serious crush. I think they just are loving those stems.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 7, Len – 6, Bruno – 6
SE Score: 7 – Kristin just gave off a weird vibe. I loved her but I just want her to own it next time (if I watch). I think she could easily win (as long as LC doesn’t start a campaign to crush her and break her and Steven up again. God I miss Laguna Beach).
Chynna Phillips
First off, is anyone else wishing, hoping, praying, starting a petition for Chynna to sing “Hold On” with the rest of Wilson Phillips on an episode this season?
While I haven’t heard Chynna sing since 1993, she says she’s putting down the mic and putting on her dancing shoes. Am I confused? Didn’t Wilson Phillips break up like 10+ years ago? Details…
Chynna, who is married to the Hottie McHotterson Billy Baldwin (no judging), clearly knows a thing or two about dancing. She comes out looking like Cinderella (what was that hairdo?) but kills it with the dancing. It’s like she was dancing for her shot with Prince Charming. Ole girl had moves.

Cinderelly, Cinderelly (Sung in Gus Gus voice) (ABC/Adam Taylor)
And how old is she? She hasn’t aged at all. I want whatever product she (and the equally age-less Mr. B Baldwin) is using.
Len is in love. I think I see little cartoon hearts floating off him as he discusses her moves. Billy B recognizes this and throws the viewers at home a wink so we feel included in the flirtation. I love it.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 8 (so generous), Len – 7, Bruno – 7.
SE Score: 6.5 – The dancing was on point but the dress and hair were not.
Side Note: How have I only watched FOUR PEOPLE? This show has been on for an eternity already.
Nancy Grace
I am legitimately scared of Nancy Grace (as Drew says I very well should be). I just think that if I don’t vote for her she is going to lunge through the TV and accuse me of a crime against children or something.
But I see a little sass in Nancy. It’s like the mean sass from her show has melted away and all that’s left is fun, spunky sass. So Nancy G. throws on a glitter dress, some heels and decides to sparkle her sassy-ass all over the {brand new} ballroom.

Don't make me accuse you of a sex crime. (ABC/Adam Taylor)
Her moves are a little questionable but I like the confidence. I also like that she could probably take out her dancer partner in a matter of seconds if she is disappointed with his performance. Don’t make Nancy angry. Seriously, don’t.
Carrie Ann recognizes the spunk but I can also see a little of the fear of Nancy in her eyes. Len is not scared though and he lays it out on the line. I think he’s unfazed because there’s nothing to fear when you’re a robot from the waist down.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 5, Len – 6, Bruno – 6.
SE Score – 5. Not gonna lie, I liked it. But I’m still frightened.
David Arquette
Aw, I like David Arquette. Have since the days of my favorite scary movie, Scream. He looks good. Skinny, cleaned up, healthy. Nice work DA.
Did anyone else freaking love it when they showed his daughter Coco at the end? She is precious.
As for the dancing, David looked classy and cool. The tails were a little much but I liked the mix of formal and silly. He kind of had a cartoon character feel to his look. I like how he seemed to be enjoying himself too. I think he may be my favorite.
It was nice that he wasn’t bad either. The guys have it much easier but he looked like he could actually be good at this. My votes for him (and Nancy, don’t tell her I’m voting for David too).

Loves. (ABC/Adam Taylor)
The judges were pretty complimentary and even a little impressed. If I wasn’t sold on him yet, it was in the bag once I saw he had PeeWee Herman on his cheering squad. Pee Wee, Courtney and Coco. That’s a pretty solid group. Throw in Patricia and Rosanna Arquette and it’s a hands down winner.
SE Score – 4. No SE here. Just maybe a little cause I want him and Courtney Cox to get back together and watching them made me feel a little awkward.
Elisabetta Canalis
No argument here, this girl is a knock-out. No wonder George Clooney hung out with her for so long. But c’mon all you’re famous for in this country is for dating one of our favorite Hollywood hunks. I think it’s a bit of a stretch to call her a “star.”

Cause Varisty Jackets were meant to be worn like this. (ABC/Adam Taylor)
It’s clear from her dancing that looks can only carry you so far. She is NOT good at this. Whether it’s nerves, forgetfulness or just sheer awfulness – this is full of the SE i’d been waiting for.Yikes. I just wanted it to end from the minute they rolled out that prop bed. What would George Say? (someone should make bracelets that say that? could change lives.)
Poor Elisabetta was lost in translation from the start. The judges agree but it doesn’t matter since she has absolutely no clue what they’re saying.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 5, Len – 5, Bruno – 5
SE Score: 8.5. Woof. I haven’t even mentioned their Grease Lightening costumes yet. This. was. bad.
Hope Solo
I like Hope Solo. I also like that she is at least as tall, if not taller, than her partner Maxim. I also like that her partner is named Maxim. I’m a fan all around.
BUT I did not like her cut out, pale pink dress. Was this an attempt for her to look really girly? Woof. She isn’t a bad dancer though (I’m only half paying attention at this point) though. I just think it’s weird watching her follow when it looks like she should be leading the dance. It also appears that she could snap him in half with a few well-placed “dance moves.”

No you cannot kiss me. (ABC/Adam Taylor)
The judges aren’t so critical but give her the worst comment you could give a female athlete who is already probably struggling with this issue. Be more feminine.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 7, Len – 7, Bruno – 7.
SE Score: 5 – The dress mostly.
Carson Kressly
Eek! I loved Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (Bravo in its infancy). I totally wish they would bring it back so seeing Carson is a little piece of joy.
Carson decides to spot an outfit from the same collection as Ron’s Mehta’s. Except this one has sleeves and a glitter scarf. Carson has by far the worst moves of any of the dancer’s so far (well, except Elisabetta) but he definitely has the most spirit. He is one of the few people who looks like they are having fun so it makes up for the horrible, stiff moves.

They're bringing back Queer Eye! (ABC/Adam Taylor)
To quote him, “he puts the C in caucasian.”
The judges feel kind of bad telling him he sucks but he owns it.
I am struggling to stay with the show at this point so I don’t get his score but his SE Score is a 6.5. The moves are bad but the personality is so fun.
Sorry JR Martinez, Ricky Lake and Chas Bono – I just couldn’t stick with it to see the end. I know everyone was anxious to see Chas Bono dancing but that did not include me. I could have cared less. I’m a little bummed to have missed Ricky Lake who I kind of love but otherwise, I feel like I should receive a medal for making it through 9 of these routines.
I’m going to try to stick with this but I’m not sure if I can.

Don't let me die here. (ABC/Adam Taylor)
What did you think of my DWTS recap/experience? Are you watching this 70′s Variety Show? Who’s your favorite?
Help me make it to week two with your comments.
Until then… stay tuned.
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