The first dance is Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong dancing the salsa to the song “Spicy Margarita.” Kinney and Armstrong have been a force to reckon with all season and this week was no different. Kinney has grown into the competition and looks very comfortable on the dance floor. Kinney has a very strong presence on the floor.
Judges scores: 10, 9, 10
I give this dance a nine. I have seen better performances from this partnership, I think that last week’s dance was stronger than this weeks, but this was still a great performance from them.
Dance number two is Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei’s foxtrot to “I Won’t Dance.” This was an amazing performance from them; Graziadei’s frame was strong and consistent throughout the dance. He looked like he could have been the professional in the dance. Johnson played to his strengths and continued make her partner look impressive on the dance floor.
Judges score: 10, 10, 10
I have to give this dance a 10. Graziadei commanded the floor, having good musicality and his movements matching the song and style of dance. He was strong throughout the performance and is consistently getting better throughout the season.
The third dance is Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten’s Paso Doble to “Unholy (Orchestral Version).” This was another great performance from tonight. This dance was very dramatic; Maher playing her role impressively. She has gotten better and better every week; growing so much throughout the weeks. There were some small issues with this performance, but it was better than her past couple of weeks.
Judges scores: 9, 10, 9
I would give this dance a nine. It was one of Maher’s best performances all season, but some small mistakes prevented her from getting a 10. In some parts of the choreography she was a little early, therefore I can not give this dance a 10.
For the fourth dance, Danny Amendola and Whitney Carson performed a viennese waltz to “Gravity.” This was an amazing performance from them, it was an extremely elegant dance. Amendola’s dancing ability has grown significantly. The only negative I have to say about this dance is that he lacks emotion sometimes and always looks so focused.
Judges score: 9, 9, 9
I have to agree with the judges, this performance was a strong nine. Amendola lacks the performance factor sometimes. He always delivers the steps and does well, but he is always so focused that he lacks personality while dancing.
The fifth dance is Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold performing the cha cha to “Bailar.” This was a stellar performance from them. However, Nedoroscik struggled a little bit at the beginning of the dance with some missteps. This was not his best performance, and this performance did not meet the standard this partnership has set.
Judges score: 8, 8, 9
I am going to give this dance an eight. Nedoroscik was not keeping up with Arnold at the beginning of the dance and when he finally started picking it up and performing it was too little too late.
The next dance is Kinney and Armstrong’s second performance, a foxtrot to “Too Sweet.” This was an amazing the best performance of the night. Kinney is a very strong performer and has great chemistry with Armstrong. They perform well together and command the floor when they are out there.
Judges score: 9, 10, 10
I am giving this dance a 10. I loved the choreography and think that this is a great partnership. I have no bad thoughts about this dance; it was outstanding.
Next up is Graziadei and Johnson’s paso doble to “Come Together.” Graziadei is on fire this week. This performance was dominating. It had my complete attention even though there were some small mistakes in the dance. A small bobble at the end where Graziadei ended up tripping could not stop this performance from being great.
Judges score: 9, 10, 9
I give this performance a 10. Even with the small stumble, it was a captivating performance. I think that it was one of the best performances of the season.
Next up is Maher and Bersten’s second performance, a viennese waltz to “Golden Hour.” I love this costume and this performance. This week has been Maher’s best performance, showing her growth as a dancer.
Judges scores: 10, 9, 10
I have to give this dance a 10. Maher and Bersten have great chemistry and have grown as the competition goes on. This was a beautiful routine and one of the best of the night, this waltz was very elegant and showcased their abilities.
Next up is Nedoroscik and Arnold’s tango to “Sweet Disposition.” This dance did not feel like a tango, as it was a little slow. Nedoroscik started the dance with his glasses on and they fell off in the middle of the dance. However, he continued to dance which is very professional of him.
Judges scores: 10, 9, 9
I give this dance an eight, it was a little slow for me and not up to par with some of the other dances, however, think that his ability to keep going after losing the ability to see is very impressive.
The last dance of the night is Amendola and Carson’s salsa to “I Like It.” The tricks in the dance were superb, the lifts boosted the performance to an all-time high. The lifts were executed very well and showcased Amendola’s strength and athleticism. The trust in this partnership is insane and this was a great performance from them.
Judges scores: 9, 9, 9
I give this dance a 10. The lifts in the dance added to the performance and played to Amendola’s strengths. The pair looked like a well-oiled machine on the dance floor.
Overall this week was a very fierce semifinal and every single dance was highly competitive and showcased the stars very well. All the couples are going through to finals with Kinney and Armstrong are still at the top of the judge’s leaderboard and in a very good position going into next week.
