This week, the dance floor turned spooky as Dancing with the Stars got werewolves and ghosts to show off their moves for a Monster Night Halloween special. Scary makeup and music weren’t the only things the contestants were up against this week. As the eliminations narrow the competition pool, the show moved into its first two-round episode of the season.
The Highlights
- DWTS alum Niecy Nash-Betts joins the judges’ panel as a special guest.
- After their performances, the contestants went “claw-to-claw” in a Dance Monster-thon.
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Jason and Daniella
Mummy zombies? Jason and Daniella have been scaring up incredible points over the last few weeks, and they were after their first 10 with their undead contemporary performance. Derek praised them for opening Monster night with “Zombie yoga.” Niecy said she’d give this duo a Grammy for their tricks.
Score: 36/40
Alyson and Sasha
After a heartfelt memorable year, Alyson and Sasha went for fierce in a vampire pasodoble this week. Alyson was all determination during this routine. Bruno complimented her “paso with a bite” and how into the dance she was. Carrie Ann was also impressed with how in sync this duo managed to be from prop work to the floor.
Score: 29/40
Xochitl and Val
Dance continued to be Xochitl’s superpower as she followed her first 10 with a spooky contemporary routine. “It was so good. You should pitch it as a movie,” Bruno said praising their storytelling in this routine. Carrie Ann continued the compliments calling Xochitl and “brilliant aerialist.”
Score: 37/40
Harry and Rylee
Taking the bottom of the leaderboard last week had Harry struggling to keep his head in the competition this week. With some mentorship from Lindsay Arnold, DWTS fav and Rylee’s sister, they worked to step up their movement and tricks for an extraterrestrial Argentine tango. Carrie Ann was excited to see the moments when Harry was into the dance and wanted to see him attacking the choreography more. Derek agreed, encouraging him to remember the fans that have been voting for him and to get into the dance.
Score: 28/40
Barry and Peta
Can we call Barry and Peta Team Enthusiasm? They had a great pasodoble last week that got them their highest scores yet. Riding those compliments from last week, they went after the Viennese waltz with a dark Red Riding Hood story. The audience loves Barry, and they were not happy to hear Derek’s feedback about balancing character and dance. Bruno agreed, reminding him to maintain his technique and not get distracted.
Score: 31/40
Ariana and Pasha
Pasha matched Ariana’s intense love of Halloween with an intense Argentine tango to show off the technique this duo has been working on. Bruno was full of praise for their “authentic, real Argentine tango,” and Carrie Ann said that she thought Ariana could win the whole competition.
Score: 37/40
Lele and Brandon
Are you scared of spiders? Lele and Brandon weren’t afraid to jump right into the web with their many-legged pasodoble this week. Channeling Wednesday Addams before moving into a fast-paced dance. Bruno praised the speed and cleanliness of their dance, but Carrie Ann wanted to see her finishing her moves to clean up her dance. Derek agreed, but was excited to see the strength of her performance.
Score: 33/40
Mauricio and Emma
Balancing dance practice with work, Mauricio and Emma practiced in New York this week before returning to the ballroom to show off their Argentine tango. Carrie Ann complimented Mauricio’s progress and intensity, encouraging him to keep working on his technique. Derek loved the confidence in his upper frame.
Score: 31/40
Charity and Artem
A standout contestant for the past few weeks, Charity and Artem turned the studio into ballroom bootcamp this week to prepare for their skeleton jive. Niecy wanted to see more power and Derek wanted to see more attack, but the consensus across the judges’ table was this jive was well done. Charity wanted all 10s this week
Score: 35/40
Dance Monster-thon
Dancing for bonus points from the judges, the contestants made their way to the floor for a more traditional ballroom competition. Dancing the hustle and the Charleston to keep stay on the floor as long as possible, the couples had to bring their technique and tricks for four minutes.
Barry and Peta were the first off the floor, receiving only one bonus point. They were followed by Harry and Rylee, Mauricio and Emma, and Alyson and Sasha who were reaped from the floor after receiving two points each. Charity and Artem were the last to hustle off the floor for three points.
The Charleston was the end for Jason and Daniella who received three points. Lele and Brandon and Ariana and Pasha left the floor with four points. Xochitl and Val were the last ones dancing, earning five bonus points and a bucket of red confetti.
The Results
At the end of the night, Xochitl and Val had the lead with 42 points, and when the combined results were revealed, Mauricio and Emma were the ghouls going home this week.
Dancing with the Stars returns next week for Music Video Nigth with guest judge Paula Abdul live on Tuesday on Disney+ and ABC at 8:00 PM ET.