So I’ve decided to post weekly DWTS recaps on my blog. This is for my DCC friends. Each week, I’ll explain each dance using descriptions from my upcoming novel, Dancing under the Stars, what you should look for, and then give my thoughts on every celeb’s performance.

Jive: The Spin
Dancing by himself in the middle of the floor, he jumps, bounces, and spins. Annoyed at his arrogance, she slides beside him and matches his every flick and point. He grabs her by the waist and spins her around him. She runs from him and he snaps her back like a rubber band. He grasps her behind—she pulls away from him, he thrusts her back. He seizes her and sways her head toward the floor. When he’s ready, he snaps her up into his embrace. The music breaks and he releases his hold on her. She trots off the floor, smiles over her shoulder, and counts the minutes until they can boogie again.

What to look for – bounce action in the feet, high kicks and energy, connection with the partner

Rumba: The Longing
He seduces her with a glance. He pulls her towards him and just when he has her in his grasp, she retreats. She playfully teases him, caressing his chest and fondling his hips. He wraps her legs around his waist, pressing her against him. She leans into him, savoring his scent. She wants to give herself completely to him, but alas it can never be. She turns around, gives him a longing look, then walks slowly away.

What to look for – feet should trace the floor, seductive character of the dance,

Melissa – Love her but she is at a disadvantage because Tony’s choreography was no where near on par of Mark’s or Juliann’s. If you look closely, she did not keep her feet on the floor and had a problem getting into character. Her extension is gorgeous but Tony needs to work on technique.
Steve O – I love his commitment to character. I think it comes from his mime training. Technique not there but I just love Lacey’s dancing.
Shawn - Loved loved loved this dance! 1st Mark’s choreography is beyond brilliant. Big contrast between his and Julianne’s rumba. The rumba should convey longing and teasing and should not be overtly sexual.
Lil Kim – I loved this routine. I agree with Len, not enough traditional basic Jive movements but she really got into the character.
LT – So adorable. But why oh why does Edyta wear those ugly leg warmers. Great improvement over last week. Light on his feet.
Ty – I love Ty. He seems so honest and sincere and it comes across in his dancing. He’s a little stiff and he is better in the standard dances.
Gilles – My friend Cheryl is doing a brilliant job with him. He looks better than most pros. Amazing commitment to the character of each dance. Agree with Len though, seems a little frenzied.
Chuck – I found their routine to be raunchy, not passionate. Her outfit was atrocious. He was better than last week.
What do you all think? Who is your favorite dancer? Which judge do you agree with the most? (I agree with Len).