Eras Night is one of my preferred Dancing With the Stars theme nights when done to its best — reasonable tributes to a period or a style, less so when involving odd mash-ups or blatant inaccuracies. Last night’s offered its own mixed bag, but on the whole presented a fairly enjoyable line-up — even if arranged in chronological disarray.
1. James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess, jitterbug
There’s a more tentative quality to the more basic dance moments here than I’d like — likely due to an MCL sprain for Sharna as well as a preoccupation with the big tricks involved — but the basic ability remains there, and Sharna crafted a nicely evocative number for their assigned ’40s theme.
2. Team Past, Viennese Waltz/court dance
Refreshing to see a real throwback number, especially given the usual Latin or modern themes of group numbers, both competitive and pro. The team used its strengths wisely and potential “weak links” comported themselves with grace.
3. Terra Jolé and Sasha Farber, foxtrot
Physical realities may have prohibited a very choreoliteral take on “Cheek to Cheek,” but Sasha went beyond the necessities of the dance style itself and made something more important for a 1930s number — he made a tribute to Astaire and Rogers. And when done well and in the right partnership, that’s always a great choice.
4. Calvin Johnson and Lindsay Arnold, jive
A history of ankle injury may limit Calvin’s flexibility in some fundamental areas, but Lindsay’s advice to show his best effort — to bring the energy to the toe-pointing he can’t fully demonstrate — served him well enough here, while a good sense of rhythm took care of the rest.
