Near the season’s halfway point, the standouts are established and the reliable choreographers can be expected to deliver. Here are a few routines that I prized from this season’s Latin Night.
1. Calvin Johnson and Lindsay Arnold, Argentine Tango
A refreshingly stripped-down Argentine tango where the focus is on pure dance connection — and a few spectacular tricks; Calvin, too, overcomes the challenges often faced by long-limbed (and large-footed) celebrities in managing relatively quick, light footwork. And don’t underestimate the power of an original artist’s recording — in this case “Hotel California” in a live (recorded) rendition from the Eagles — an all-too-rare accompaniment on this show.
2. James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess, Rumba
Given the haul of contestants over 23 seasons, Julianne Hough may be overstating the case to deem James the show’s best male celebrity dancer — but he’s easily one of the most natural and well-rounded inexperienced male dancers to emerge. Rumba is typically one of the tougher assignments for a man given the balance between a fluid hip action not called for in standards, a slower, steadier rhythm than demanded in the faster Latin dances, and comfort with both flowing extensions and romantic expression.
3. Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy, Salsa
A bit of a conundrum brews with Laurie, who has wonderful natural rhythm and musicality, expression, and the athletic assets of an elite gymnast — but, with Val, is not necessarily delivering the potential dances she could be given natural talent level. Choreography has been good but inconsistent, and not standout on the level of some of the best routines given to top dancers (including by Val himself) in recent seasons. But despite some faltering here (such as synchronization issues on turns at one point), Laurie’s ability makes her a reliably enjoyable watch.
And honorable mention to Terra Jolé and Sasha Farber’s paso doble, which, though a bit flamenco-flavored, demonstrates Farber’s continued drive to be DWTS’s Content King:
