Simone caps off the performances with an empowering Contemporary number, while Normani soars to the top of leaderboard with her powerful Paso Doble.
- Apr 18, 2017
AceShowbiz - "Dancing with the Stars" turned magical on Monday, April 17 as it brought back Disney Night theme. The nine remaining pairs danced to theme songs of Disney's movies and channeled the characters in the latest outing, before one of them was sent home. Former contestant Alfonso Ribeiro returned to open the show with a musical number.
Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater were the first pair to dance, performing "Beauty and the Beast"-themed Foxtrot. After last week's 39, Rashad's latest performance was a big letdown, scoring 32 out of 40 as Len Goodman saw some footwork flaws and Carrie Ann Inaba felt that he was "trapped in."
Nick Viall and Peta Murgatroyd danced a Jazz to "Pinocchio" theme song "I've Got No Strings". Their dance was silly and goofy, and Nick did a great job playing an awkward puppet. The judges loved how fun it was as Len said that the dance "sums up Disney, fun, entertaining, and full of the feel good factor." The former "The Bachelor" star earned 34 points.
Erika Jayne and Gleb Savchenko danced a Viennese Waltz to "Finding Dory" theme song "Unforgettable". The dance wasn't spectacular, but the judges praised her for opening up herself. "I think I saw you for the first time tonight, the woman behind the mask! You had a wonderful flow of movement," Bruno Tonioli gushed. Erika earned 32 points.
Heather Morris and Alan Bersten went with a Jazz routine set to "Frozen (2013)" song "For the First Time in Forever". Carrie Ann and Len were a bit disappointed as they expected more from a professional dancer, while Julianne Hough and Bruno loved that Heather embodied the character. The "Glee" alum earned 34 points.
Bonner Bolton and Sharna Burgess danced a "Wreck-It Ralph"-themed Tango. It was supposed to be a fun, silly number, but Bonner didn't quite capture the character. The judges focused on the technique though, and praised him for doing it "properly and correctly." Bonner earned 30 points.
Normani Kordei and Valentin Chmerkovskiy danced a Paso Doble to "Mulan" song "I'll Make a Man Out of You". The dance was powerful and had a fight sequence that represented the movie. Carrie Ann called it perfect and Len liked that it had "a lot of Paso Doble references." The judges scored the dance 39.
David Ross and Lindsay Arnold followed it up with a "Cars 3"-themed Jive. The fast and energetic routine didn't suit David since he didn't have the stamina to keep up with Lindsay. Len was being honest, but still nice as he said, "You got a tough dance tonight, but it was high energy, full octane out there. Your feet were a little bit flat, it is what it is." David earned 29 points.
Nancy Kerrigan and Artem Chigvintsev danced an "Enchanted"-themed Jazz. It was very theatrical and showed the fun side of Nancy. Carrie Ann called it "an exuberant dance" and Len said she captured the spirit of Disney. Nancy earned 36 points.
Saved for the last, Simone Biles and her partner Sasha Farber danced a Contemporary number set to "Moana" song "How Far I'll Go". It was an empowering number with some acrobatic moves. Julianne loved the beautiful choreography, Bruno dubbed it "magic," and Carrie Ann said, "What a wonderful way to end Disney night." The Olympic gymnast earned 38 points.
Next, it was time for elimination. Erika & Gleb and Nick & Peta were in jeopardy. Erika & Gleb were eventually sent packing that night, after dodging the elimination last week.
