Prepare for a scare because it’s Halloween on Dancing With the Stars! On this spooky episode, it is not just the initial dancing; it includes a dance marathon, or a “monsterthon.” This gave dancers a chance to earn five bonus points. They had another guest judge this week, and it was two-time Mirrorball champion Cheryl Burke. Let’s jump into who danced to what and who was eliminated.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
First, we had Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas dance jazz to Brain Stew by Green Day. They didn’t rely on their outfits and contacts to bring that spooky vibe. Leavitt committed fully to the physicality of the choreography, either by becoming rigid or loose when the movement called for it. This is the second time that judges have noted her timing, and the side-by-side sections were off. Burke said, “Your partnership continues to amaze me every week,” and to “be aware of your partner.” Bruno Tonioli said, “They should lock you up, you two, because that was truly mind-blowing,” and “the tap section was genius.” Carrie Ann Inaba said, “I loved everything you did,” and that they were “slightly out of sync.” Derek Hough said, “This dance was no tricks in all treats.” They won the monsterthon and earned an additional five points. They scored a 37 out of 40.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Jordan Chiles and her partner Ezra Sosa danced contemporary to Elastic Heart by Sia. In this dance, they used a harness prop —an ambitious move. The prop seemed to take the attention away from parts of the dance, which was sensational. Overall, there were unsynchronized side-by-side sections and awkward-looking lifts. Tonioli said, “My feisty little fighter,” and to “never stop believing because you’re going to get there.” Inaba said, “You’re exploring new vocabulary movement,” and “the strength and intensity you showed was fantastic.” Hough said, “I love a prop,” and “the execution wasn’t fully realized.” Burke said, “I want to see that trust in bond through your movements.” They scored a 34 out of 40.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater
Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater danced A Paso Doble to Beethoven’s Symphony No.5 in C minor. It truly wasn’t bad, and we have seen improvement from Richter. There seems to be a pattern of contestants of a certain age hardly ever getting the opportunity to really improve throughout the show, and it has been a delight that Richter has been able to get more comfortable. Inaba said, “Every week you get better and better,” and “Your posture is improving.” Hough said, “You’re out there, you’re doing it, and you’re committed.” Burke said, “You are the heart of this show.” Tonioli said, “You really captured campy classic horror.” They scored a 28 out of 40.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten had planned to dance the Argentine tango to Bad to the Bone by 2WEI and Bri Bryant. Unfortunately, Hendrix suffered a rib injury during her final rehearsal before the broadcast, which left her unable to perform the Argentine tango for the judges and audience. When the episode finally aired, Hendrix had been checked out by doctors and was cleared to dance for the rest of the season.
Judges were then left to judge Hendrix and Bersten’s final rehearsal before the injury. We felt that if Hendrix had been able to perform, it would have been more full out, but with what they were able to do, it was confident and sultry and earned eighths across the board. Hough said, “She is a born performer.” Burke said, “In previous weeks, you have been underrated.” Tonioli said, “The lines, the placement, the effects you made with the choreography.” Inaba said, “After last week, that momentum would have taken her to another level.” They scored a 32 out of 40.
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
Danielle Fishel and her partner, Pasha Pashkov, danced the Viennese Waltz to Die With a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Though Fishel doesn’t quite have the technique down in a way that some other contestants may, her ability to emote throughout the dance was killer. Burke said, “It was solid,” and “what I want moving forward is to see that emotion.” Tonioli said, “I felt it deeply,” and “the movement reflected the turning of a dream into a mind-blowing madness.” Inaba had “mixed emotions” and said, “Use the stage.” Hough said, “I love watching you dance,” and “it’s lacking the movement and the torso.” They scored a 33 out of 40.
Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson
Robert Irwin and his partner, Whitney Carson, danced the Argentine tango to Sweet Dreams Are Made of This by The Hampton String Quartet. There were only a couple of moments where Irwin’s feet looked a little uncertain or not quite as confident. Other than that, he was a strong and solid partner for Carson in the routine. The dance ended with Irwin covered in blood, and it was a sight to see. Tonioli said, “You literally killed it,” and “you could not take your eyes off.” Inaba said, “You were in control,” and “so light and shade and powerful.” Hough said, “When you first started, the whole room went silent,” and “Well done, my man.” Burke said, “You are a natural showman.” They scored a 38 out of 40.
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
Jen Affleck and her partner, Jan Ravnik, danced contemporary to Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift. Ravnik was actually a dancer for Swift during her era’s tour. There was a noticeable chip on Affleck’s shoulder after the weeks of not great but not terrible scores. It lacked fire in the choreography that it was trying to convey. Inaba said, “That beginning was off the charts” and “there’s still a bit of inconsistency.” Hough said, “Your commitment, your attitude, fantastic.” Burke said, “Your best stance this season.” Tonioli said, “Let the beast out.” They scored a 32 out of 40.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy danced tango to bury a friend by Billie Eilish. The costuming was perfection as they wore zombie-like like torn, old-time costumes. They even bedazzled the rib cage on Earle’s dress. The tango was fast and proved that Earle wants things more challenging, and she’s proving that she can take it. Hough said, “Sometimes tough love gets the job done,” and “that was fantastic.” Burke said, “The tango was full of passion and fire, and you did all of it.” Tonioli said, “Drop dead good,” and “your footwork was incredible.” Inaba said, “Mad respect for you for joining the process.” They scored a 39 out of 40.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Finally, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach dance the Viennese Waltz to Can’t Help Falling in Love-Dark by Tommee Profitt and Brooke. Effron has a lot of momentum right now and is using it to the full extent. Along with the favor of the judges, he seems to be on a roll. There wasn’t as much intensity as the dance would like it to have, but the use of a blindfold at the beginning of the dance for Karagach was an interesting touch. Burke said, “You are the most improved couple of this season.” Tonioli said, “I actually liked it, but you had a convincing lead.” Inaba said, “What makes you stand out is the way you understand the emotional intention behind each movement.” Hough said, “You are smooth as velvet,” and “the chemistry between you is captivating.”
Elimination
When it came to elimination this week, it was Affleck and Ravnik. It was sad to see them go, but as always, we have to accept that elimination is possible for our favorites. Affleck said that “this experience has been everything to me,” and “I did this for my kids.” Ravnik said about Affleck, “She’s a rock star.” Speaking of rock stars, the next theme for this show is Rock and Roll Hall of Fame night. We can’t wait to see what this will entail for the dancers and who is next for elimination. Come by again to read the recap, and we’ll keep you informed!
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