TikTok came to life this past week when Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) episode three premiered on September 30. Week two saw the departure of Baron Davis and Corey Feldman. The remaining 12 couples took the floor for an evening, honoring the social media platform that made many of them stars. We will take you through all the delightful dances, lifts, and turns in this recap of Dancing with the Stars!
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
First, we have Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik, who did the cha cha to “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” by Carl Carlton. This isn’t the first time that Affleck has danced to the song. The last time was when she was days out of labor and delivery. So, they started the dance with a fun gimmick. It started with her in a hospital gown with a fake pregnancy belly, holding one of the giant water bottles that you usually get when you’re there. The judge’s comments were positive, as they usually tend to be. Though, that doesn’t mean they do not give critiques. Bruno Tonioli said it was “better placed in the foot for the cha cha “and had a “cleaner finish.” Carrie Ann Inaba said, “There was so much joy” when she danced, and Derek Hough said there were “quicker turns” and “spotting.” Overall, they said that her dancing is evolving. They scored 19 out of 30.
Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko
We had Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko do the samba to “Shake it to the Max (FLY)- Remix” by Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea. Baldwin also talked about her own viral moment when she told her husband, Alec Baldwin, “When I’m talking, you’re not talking.” Many people used the clip as an audio on TikTok. We saw her family in the audience along with Kris Jenner. Hough said she was “in a league of her own” and “vibrant.” Tonioli said she was “sharp” and “hit every bit with clinical precision.” Inaba said she was “a sensational dancer.” They scored a 22 out of 30
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa heated up the dance floor with a tango to “Anxiety” by Doechii. There was a bountiful amount of power in this number. It had so much strength and presence that you don’t really notice the considerable height difference between the two. There was even a through-the-legs into an endless spin that really wowed the audience. Tonioli said that the “improvement is astonishing” and was her “best dance yet.” Inaba said that it was “smooth and fierce.” Hough said she needed to “work on the frame.” They scored a 24 out of 30
Alex Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Alex Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy seem to have a lot of fun with their quick step to “Pop Muzik” by M. They even incorporated the TikTok dance, from which the song went viral. It was truly a fun experience, and they made it look very effortless. Hough said that she “glided effortlessly” and is “fun.” Tonioli said it was a “sparkly performance” and a “contender.” Inaba said it was her “best dance so far.” They scored a 23 out of 30.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach did a smooth foxtrot to “Yukon” by Justin Bieber. The performance itself was good, though we wouldn’t say it was the greatest performance ever. But there is a respect for the technique Efron possesses, especially for someone in week three. Inaba said he was “really learning the technique.” Hough said the foxtrot was “smooth as silk,” and there was “good control and stride.” Tonioli said it was “smoldering,” but to also “keep his bottom in.” They scored a 23 out of 30.
Daniella Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov did the Foxtrot to “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter. Fishel used it, as she and Carpenter starred together in the Disney show Girl Meets World, which was a spin-off of Boy Meets World. This was where Fishel got her start. There was a look out for her shoulders, as Tonioli had given her that note twice, and she seemed to follow it this time. It was truly a graceful routine, and she had elegant lines while also having gorgeous kicks. She seemed more assured of herself. Hough said she had “good control.” Tonioli said it was “lovely and elegant.” And Inaba said it was “really beautiful, uplifting, and she sees growth.” They scored a 21 out of 30
Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten
Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten did a hot tango to “Gnarly” by KATSEYE. Hendricks truly knows how to embody a character through each of her dances. It was smooth in and out of the holds. Though it would be great to see how Hendricks nails more of the moves than focusing on the character. Hough said she “ignited the floor with charisma.” Tonioli said she “always gets the character right” and that she has to “use her core.” Inaba said it was “powerful,” but also to “trust your partner.” They scored a 21 out of 30.
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold did jazz to “like JENNIE” by JENNIE. One of Hoying’s viral moments was his wedding dance to a BLACKPINK medley, which was performed for his husband on their wedding day. So, he chose another K-pop artist’s song. You could truly see Hoying shine throughout the dance as his personality took the wheel. They seem to really enjoy themselves. Inaba said he “owned the dance floor” and was in “his element.” Hough said he was “red hot.” And Tonioli said he was on “fire” and in your “comfort zone.” They scored a 22 out of 30
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson did a sizzling salsa to “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman. And Irwin is sure not a little boy anymore, as in the middle of the dance, he ripped his shirt off and showed off his physique. Though this seemed to show how stiffly he was moving in the side-by-side section. That’s not to say the rest was not an enjoyable dance to watch. Inaba said he was a “really great performer.” Hough said he was “strong and assertive.” And Tonioli said it was a “wonderful performance,” but the “salsa wasn’t quite there.” They scored a 22 out of 30.
Whitney Levitt and Mark Ballas
Whitney Levitt and Mark Ballas seem to still be keeping on top of that leaderboard this episode. They did the samba to “Shake Ya Ass (Radio Edit)” by Mystikal. No one is surprised that they are still doing the very best, as they seem to be having so much fun with each other and truly involving themselves in the dance. Tonioli said she had a “hypnotizing bounce.” Inaba said she “never wobbled” and “aced the dance.” And Hough was “speechless” and said she “was mesmerizing.” They scored a 24 out of 30
Andy Richter and Emma Slater
The ever-adorable Andy Richter and Emma Slater did the foxtrot to “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan and Hozier. We could see that there was a lot more comfort in Richter than in previous dances. They were less silly and focused more on technique and being smooth. They seemed truly connected. Tonioli said he has such a “natural charm” and “brought more content.” Inaba said “people loved him” and that he was “giving us his heart.” Hough said it was “a beautiful moment” and that he is “the heart.” They scored an 18 out of 30.
Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong
Finally, we had Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong do the cha cha to “Work from Home” by Fifth Harmony, featuring Ty Dolla $ign. It comes from her group’s hit music video, where some of the dance moves had gone viral on TikTok. This was also sort of a meme when the original music video came out. It seemed that Jauregui wasn’t fully in it until it came to dancing face-to-face with Armstrong. We could see it when her smile lit up. Some moves felt rushed or unfinished, but there’s no doubting that she has a command as she struts around the floor. Inaba said there is “a lot more pop” and “more dynamics.” Hough said “You better work,” and that there is “an ease to the way she moves.” Tonioli said it had a “wonderful lyrical quality” and that she needed to “punch it.” They scored an 18 out of 30.
In the end, when it came down to elimination, it was Jauregui and Armstrong who had to leave. When asked how she felt, she used one word: pissed. It’s never fun to lose, and though it could be dealt with with more grace, it is reasonable to be mad when something you work for just doesn’t pan out. But we have so much more to look forward to, as the next episode’s theme is going to be Disney week, where they will choose a song from a Disney movie or show and dance to that. Be sure to return, as we will have all the information to recap to you then!
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