Last night, Dancing with the Stars surprised both audiences and its contestants in a magical way in honor of “Disney Night.” With just minutes remaining of week 5’s live episode, co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews shocked viewers and the two couples – DeMarcus Ware and Lindsay Arnold, and Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten – that were in jeopardy of elimination.
“DeMarcus and Lindsay, Alexis and Alan, on this fifth week of competition, the couple leaving right now is,” Bergeron said, before shocking audiences, “neither of you, it’s Disney night!” “You’re all safe!” Bergeron added. “No one is going home tonight!”
Ren and Bersten performed a Pocahontas-themed foxtrot and were awarded 29/30. Len Goodman thought it was a “well-crafted routine, beautifully danced”; he also notices the “lovely chemistry” between the two of them. Bruno Tonioli said it was like “two hearts beating as one … It was gorgeous.” Carrie Ann Inaba saed the dance made her believe in fairy tales, adding, “It was your best dance so far this season.”
Ware and Arnold performed a Hercules-themed Charleston and earned 26/30. Carrie Ann said, “A hero is born … We have been waiting for this breakthrough the whole season,” and she never even noticed Lindsay was missing a shoe. Len thought it was “jam-packed … You finish it, and you just feel great … Not a lot of Charleston going on, however, I enjoyed it.” Bruno adds, “You were always the leading man … You never missed a beat … It was your most complete performance to date.”
Upon hearing that they were safe from elimination, Ware, Arnold, Ren and Bersten were visibly shocked and relieved. Audience votes from last week and Monday will carry over to week 6 along with the judges’ scores.
Here’s a breakdown of how the other celebs did:
Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke danced the Viennese waltz to “Gaston,” from Beauty and the Beast. Bruno said, “You nailed that character right on the bull’s-eye … Spot-on on every level.” Carrie Ann thought he had “flair for days … and every detail is perfect … spectacular.” And Len liked that “the dance mirrored the music. It was full of gusto and zest,” and he loved the choreography despite a missing step up on the table. They scored 29. If not for grumpy ol' Len they could have had a perfect score. (see below)
Evanna Lynch and Keo Motsepe danced Jazz to “When Will My Life Begin?” from Tangled. Len liked “the light and shade … It had a lovely feel to it,” but it wasn’t “a spectacular number.” Bruno thought she has found her “stride,” but she has a tendency to get either behind the music or ahead of it. Carrie felt she “did the Disney name proud,” but she needs to open up her movements more. They scored 24.
“Grocery Store” Joe Amabile and Jenna Johnson danced a Jive to “Zero” from Ralph Breaks the Internet. Bruno said, “I can sense a faint glimmer of hope,” and it was “a baby step in the right direction.” Carrie Ann exclaimed, “Go Joe! That was a vast improvement … You didn’t miss a step, truly,” but “you close your shoulders a little bit … I want you to own the stage.” Len liked how he dusts himself off after getting knocked by the judges ever week, but “there wasn’t enough jive in that jive,” so if he comes back next week he needs to embrace full choreography and “give it some welly.” They scored 17.
Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber danced Contemporary to “Reflection” from Mulan. Carrie Ann said, “I saw you open … And in that moment you connected with all of us deeply.” Len appreciated how “gentle” and “understated” it was, with great “musicality.” Bruno loved her “determination … You don’t give up, and you get there eventually.” They scored 25.
John Schneider and Emma Slater danced the Quickstep to “I Wan’na Be Like You,” from The Jungle Book. Len thought it was “full of quickstep content,” though he “lost a bit of energy as the dance went on”; nevertheless, it was his “best dance to date.” Bruno thought he “brought some sparkle to the jungle” and he was “much lighter on his feet than Baloo.” Carrie Ann thought it was his “best performance” despite a couple of “snafus.” They scored 24.
Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess danced a Waltz to “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. Bruno thought it was “a bit slippery at times,” but it was “brave effort” even though he was off the beat. Carrie Ann appreciated his posture and his improvement, though he needs to stop giggling and raising his shoulders. Len admired that he “played it straight” and performed a proper waltz. They scored 21.
Milo Manheim and Witney Carson danced the Quickstep to “Incredits 2,” from Incredibles 2. Carrie Ann thought it was a “fabulous routine,” especially performing all that choreography in a unitard. Len felt it had “plenty of zippidee-doo-dah,” but he thought they needed more body contact, due in part to the spandex. Bruno called it a “blockbuster … Bring on the sequel!” They scored 27.
SURPRISE!