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Learn more- The dancers' spirits were lifted as, with just five couples remaining, the judges decided to allow them to do a lift in their routines, which is usually a no-no that results in being penalized one point.
NFL star Jason Taylor crept into the top spot a week earlier by finally bumped Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi down a notch, but all eyes this week would be on Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente, who is continuing through the competition despite the ruptured tendons in his left arm.
Kristi & Mark: Kristi was coping with not being the leader for the first time. Kristi's partner Mark Ballas Jr. opted not to do a lift in the samba because it didn't fit with the character of the dance. First up, though, was their quickstep, which they finished was the lift. Judge Len Goodman said he's been fed up all day, but Kristi's dance made him feel better. Bruno Tonioli said it was beautifully moved around the floor. Carrie Ann said Kristi and Mark just got a little out of sync, but "I still think you're fantastic." Scores: 9, 10 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: R&B star Mario was still reeling from being called "not the most elegant dancer," and sought to prove that he's more than just a Latin dancer. Mario and Karina first danced the Viennese waltz. They incorporated a sweeping lift in the middle of the routine. Bruno called Mario "Prince Mario," and said "everything we've asked you to do, you've done it." Carrie Ann said Mario's posture was the best she's seen from him and she thought the lift was great. Len said it was the most elegant he'd seen Mario dance. Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur got her best scores of the season last week, but still landed in the bottom two. Marissa's partner Tony Dovolani said he decided to put a lift into their dance to show her that he really believes in her. Marissa and Tony danced the foxtrot to "New York, New York." The couple worked a lift into the final move. Carrie Ann said she loved it and said that Marissa brought the most joy out there. Len said Marissa looks great when she's in holds. Bruno said some of the couples' movements weren't quite appropriate for a dance in the quarterfinals. Scores: 9, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: Now in the top spot, Jason said he'd have to pull out all of the stops to continue to impress the judges. Jason and Edyta seemed a little overzealous about their lifts in rehearsal. Would that come cross the in the performance? They did a total of about three lifts. Len said it was more like an Argentine tango than a ballroom tango. Bruno said it was stunning. Carrie Ann thought they brought a whole new dynamic. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl: Cristian was working on a dance that would disguise or avoid his injury. Playing up the one-armed situation with a Michael Jackson-inspired single glove on his good hand as he and partner Cheryl Burke danced the tango to "Beat It." Bruno said there was absolutely no way that one could see any problems with this. Carrie Ann agreed, saying she was looking for what could go wrong and found nothing. Len appreciated the performance and complimented Cheryl on the choreography. Scores: 10, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Scoreboard (after the ballroom round):
Jason & Edyta: 29
Kristi & Mark: 29
Cristian & Cheryl: 28
Mario & Karina: 27
Marissa & Tony: 25
Kristi & Mark: Kristi and Mark followed up their quickstep with a samba that didn't include a lift. Carrie Ann look perplexed and said she couldn't believe she was going to say it, but, she "didn't care for it" and said it felt a little bit out of control. Len said that the dance lost something. Bruno defended Kristi and Mark, saying that of course the routines are difficult. Scores: 8, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: For their second dance of the night, Mario and Karina danced the jive, starting with Mario doing a cartwheel over a seated Karina Smirnoff. They ended their dance with a complicated run of lifts and throws that nearly saw Mario drop Karina. But they pulled through. Len said the whole thing had a roughness about it. Bruno said it was the spirit of what the jive should Carrie Ann said they brought a whole new flavor to the jive and she loved it. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa and Tony danced the mambo for the Latin round and Marissa appeared to forget a step early on. The whole thing had a choppiness to it that made it tough to get excited about. Bruno said he wanted more of that. Carrie Ann said, "I love the way you go for it." Len said it was "just a little bit careful." Scores 8, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: Jason tried to tap into his flamboyant side for a turn at the samba. It included a huge lift at the end, where Edyta swung her legs straight up, doing almost a handstand in Jason's arms. Carrie Ann said Jason's attempt at flamboyance didn't work out and said it proved that the samba is a difficult dance. Len said it was "alright," but said that nearing the semi-finals, "I don't alright is good enough." Bruno said that after a series of blockbusters, Jason "got a turkey tonight." Scores: 8, 7 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl: Coming off a 28 in the first round, Cristian and Cheryl went for the mambo. Cristian was working the heck out of his one good arm, finishing the dance with a one-armed lift where he held Cheryl in the air over his hip. Len said it was full of energy and that he was surprised at how many under-arm turns they could do with just one arm. Bruno said it had more energy than a volcano in the Andes. Carrie Ann said they were definitely on fire. When the scores were read, Cristian pumped his good fist in the air and received congratulations from the rest of the dancer. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Scoreboard:
Cristian & Cheryl: 57
Kristi & Mark: 55
Mario & Karina: 53
Jason & Edyta: 52
Marissa & Tony: 50
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