Dancing with the Stars took on Halloween this week as the live show fell right on the spookiest night year. Opening with a horror movie skit that featured all four judges, the dancers and celebrities dressed up in frightening looks for terrifying tangos, spooky sambas, and other dark dances. Plus, for the first time, all of the contestants form teams led by last week’s lowest-scoring celebs for a Team Dance round.
There was a small change to the lineup this week. Gabby and Alan partnered because Val tested positive for COVID.
Jordin and Brandon
These two tangoed as skeletons to “Oogie Boogie’s Song” from The Nightmare Before Christmas. “Just like your name, sparks were flying. I’m telling you.” Len said to Jordin. He said this was her best dance so far, and Derek agreed, saying she deserves to be at the top, but she needs to be more consistent.
Total Score: 36/40
Charli and Mark
Facing some partnering issues this week, Charli and Mark learned the Argentine tango with Pasha as a stand-in because Mark had a flare-up of a back injury. Luckily these two were able to dance together as usual. Bruno said these two had his head spinning for turning a scary dance into a beautiful piece.
Total Score: 39/40
Daniel and Britt
A fast paso doble challenged Daniel and Britt this week, but Bruno said all the elements of paso doble were in this performance. Carrie Ann had more feedback, though. She wanted to see better shaping and footwork.
Total Score: 34/40
Shangela and Gleb
Dancing to “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift, Shangela and Gleb worked to step it up from their high score last week. Their dance had Carrie Ann on her feet. She said she loved every minute of the dance, calling it Gleb’s best choreography yet as well as and amazing dance for Shangela. Len also paid high compliments to this couple and said it was perfect for Halloween.
Total Score: 40/40
Vinny and Koko
The second paso doble of the night featured Vinny and Koko in caution tape for a toxic dance that they hoped would showcase the best of their skills. Len started off harsh saying the dance wasn’t super or natural, but it wasn’t all bad. There weren’t any mistakes in the routine. Derek agreed that he had all the steps down and now just needed “texture” in his dances.
Total Score: 30/40
Heidi and Artem
Heidi and Artem tangoed for a dark dance that they hoped would keep them in the top 3. Derek loved their confidence and intent in this dance and even complimented their prop work. Carrie Ann agreed that the dance was amazing, but went against Derek saying the beginning was the weakest part of the dance despite Derek’s compliments.
Total Score: 37/40
Gabby and Alan
Vampires out for dinner with their dinner, Val and Gabby prepared to tango to “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran, but unfortunately, Val tested positive for COVID leaving Gabby with a mid-week partner switch. Bruno called this dance “Love at first bite.” Carrie Ann said she was proud of Gabby for her passion and skill and flexibility with her new partner.
Total Score: 38/40
Wayne and Witney
Last week, Wayne and Witney had lower scores than they wanted, and to move on, they danced a contemporary cyborg routine. “Undoubtedly you get this audience going,” Derek told this duo with compliments for their isolations. Bruno called their routine “clever” and praised their subtle details throughout.
Total Score: 37/40
Trevor and Emma
The final performance of the night was another contemporary routine from Trevor and Emma. A romance between a ghost and her living husband, the story wasn’t the only thing full of love. Trevor admitted that he loves dance as Derek and Bruno complimented the choreography and emotion of their dance. Bruno said, “I actually forgot you were dancing. I was watching you two play the most beautiful, honestly played scene.”
Total Score: 39/40
Team Dance Round
The dancers teamed up to work for a team score of 40 that would be added to their scores from the evening. Trevor served as captain to Team Scream which also included Charli, Wayne, and Daniel. Vinny headed Team Wicked with Gabby, Shangela, Jordin, and Heidi.
Dancing to “The Witches are Back” from Hocus Pocus 2, Team Wicked worked to create a team dance that also featured couple solos. Len liked the group section but wanted more from the ensemble during couple solos. Derek also called this a “solid team dance.”
Total Score: 33/40.
Team Scream danced next to “Heads Will Roll” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Going for intricacy in their group dances as well as exciting solo moments, this team wanted to make the judges scream. The praise was loud for this group. Derek loved the complexity of their performance. Bruno also applauded the balance and artistry in the solo and ensemble parts.
Total Score: 39/40
The Results
The scariest part of the night was truly the eliminations. Before the votes were brought in, the updated scores placed Vinny and Koko at the bottom and Trevor and Emma tied with Charli and Mark for first.
Jordin and Brandon and Heidi and Artem were the couples in the bottom two. Carrie Ann voted to save Heidi and Artem. Derek and Bruno voted to save Jordin and Brandon. This left Len to make the final decision. He decided to save Heidi and Artem.
Next week, the ballroom will be full of stars for 90s night. En Vogue, Salt-N-Pepa, Kid ‘N Play, and Vanilla Ice. The contestants will also take on a Relay Dance Round that will shake things up. Catch it all live Monday on Disney+ at 8:00 PM ET.
