Dancing with the Stars was big this week. The remaining six couples competed live to survive the semifinals and the second double elimination of the season. And while they may have gotten used to dancing twice each week with danceathons and relays, but for the first time they performed two choreographed competitive performances in one night.
For their dances this week, each couple had to perform one ballroom dance and one Latin dance. Without themes, special guests, or wild events, this week’s competition was all dance.
Wayne and Witney
For their first dance, Wayne and Witney danced the paso doble. An incredible dance to start the night off, they played with choreography, lighting, and space. Len thought the dance was a great start and he liked the way the choreography matched the music. Derek had a lot of feedback for posture and framing.
Total Score: 36/40
In the second half of the night, Wayne and Witney returned with a Viennese waltz dedicated to his late grandmother. Wayne sand the opening lines of “A Man’s World” before they started to dance. “As always a polished performance,” Len said despite thinking the dance lacked content. Carrie Ann thought Wayne brought everything into this dance.
Total Score: 37/40
Semifinals score: 73/80
Daniel and Britt
Daniel had an incredible 90s night, and he and Britt followed it up with a ballroom dance to begin their semifinals. The Viennese waltz was a challenge for Daniel, but this duo impressed. Derek complimented their lines and movement with some light framing advice. Bruno said they sailed across the dance floor with beautiful connections.
Total Score: 35/40
This couple’s second dance was a samba. Derek complimented them for content and for taking on the samba this late in the competition. Carrie Ann said Daniel did the samba with swagger and said he turns obstacles, including this dance, into opportunities.
Total Score: 34/40
Semifinals Score: 69/80
Shangela and Gleb
Shangela and Gleb we’re climbing the leaderboard last week, and they wanted to keep bringing the power in the semifinals. They danced the paso doble in a wow performance that included a solo moment from Shangela. Their “Edge of Glory” Lady Gaga performance had Bruno on the edge of his seat admiring their moves (with a comment about one missed pass). Carrie Ann thought their performance was fearless.
Total Score: 36/40
It would be impossible to say that Shangela hasn’t worked hard to improve every week. For their second dance, Shangela and Gleb were back in frame for a romantic Viennese waltz. Bruno loved the fragility in this dance. He noticed a couple mistakes in underarm turns but overall called the dance beautiful. Carrie Ann called the dance “gorgeous” and “straight from the heart.”
Total Score: 37/40
Semifinals Score: 73/80
Charli and Mark
Charli called last week bittersweet. Even though she and Mark earned a perfect score and won their relay, Charli’s mom Heidi went home. For their first semifinals dance, they danced the Viennese waltz. The second dance to make Carrie Ann cry this week, this dance received plenty of compliments for gracefulness and movement. Len said they took his breath away.
Total Score: 40/40
For their Latin dance, Charli and Mark danced the paso doble. Charli needed to bring the aggression for this one as she and Mark played the roles of matador and cape. Carrie Ann left the desk to hug Charli and Mark before saying her performance was on another level. Derek said Charli has had exceptional moments every week.
Total Score: 40/40
Semifinals: 80/80
Trevor and Emma
Trevor was saved for the third time last week, so the semifinals were a big deal for this couple. Their first dance was a cha cha (which has historically been Emma’s eliminating dance). Trevor threw his shirt to Bruno, and he was very excited about Trevor’s dance. Len noticed Trevor’s growing strength over the season, but he (with the rest of the judges) noticed some small mistakes in Trevor’s moves.
Total Score: 32/40
Trevor dedicated their Viennese waltz to “Count on Me” to Emma. With some cool subtle moves and the chemistry that has been a major part of their performances the whole season, Trevor and Emma received compliments from Len for growth. Bruno said that Trevor has been a leading man the whole season.
Total Score: 33/40
Semifinals Score: 65/80
Gabby and Val
A waltz was Gabby and Val’s first dance of the night. They slowed things down for a romantic dance that would take advantage of their skills and chemistry. Derek said they did a beautiful job capturing the movements and emotions of the song. “You really looked like you stepped out of a dream, ” Bruno said of Gabby’s changes, pacing, and overall dance.
Total Score: 40/40
The final dance of the night was Gabby and Val’s paso doble. Gabby had to work to be fierce and serious as she and Val “battled” on the dance floor. The battle might not have ended well for Gabby, but the dance did. Derek complimented her attack throughout the dance. Bruno ripped his shirt open with excitement, calling their dance a “blockbuster of a paso doble.”
Total Score: 40/40
Semifinals: 80/80
The Results
The final results left Trevor and Emma in sixth place and Gabby and Val and Charli and Mark tied for first. Of course, this was a double elimination. The couple with the lowest total score to be sent home immediately was Trevor and Emma. Daniel and Britt and Shangela and Gleb were left in the bottom two. The judges voted unanimously to save Shangela and Gleb.
The other big news of the night came midway through the show. Len announced that after watching more than 3,000 dances and being part of the show since its beginning, he is leaving the show after this season.
Next week, Dancing with the Stars returns for the finale next week live Monday on Disney+ at 8:00 PM ET.
