First, we have to meet our esteemed guest judge. Turns out that Michael Flatley directs, produces and choreographs all of his shows, while also starring in them. He’s performed for 50 million people in 60 countries, doing shows like “Riverdance” and something called “Feet of Flames” which actually sounds like a condition you might want to get looked at by a podiatrist. So, he’s awesome, OK? And, his feet flail about as if independent from his body. Except for tonight, when he’ll be sitting in Len’s chair.
Maurice and Cheryl are doing the Viennese Waltz, and it’s actually his first ballroom dance since he did the Foxtrot in week 1. Back then, he got an 18. Cheryl explains that it’s mid-season, so the judges won’t want to hear excuses. Maurice is concerned about getting all the steps, spins and smoothness down at the same time. In an attempt to make himself more aerodynamic, Maurice has shaved his mustache. Overall, the dance has some elegance and grace, and his arms and frame are pretty decent, but they just don’t have a spark. There’s a sweep where Maurice should have Cheryl sort of gliding across the floor, but almost looks like he’s schlepping her around (sidenote: my spell check knows the word “schlep”!) Flatley goes first. He mentions the awkwardness of the sweep, but says it was great overall. Why was I expecting him to talk more like the Leprechaun from the Lucky Charms commercials? He practically sounds American. Carrie Ann says Maurice’s posture is improved. Bruno likens him to a surfer on dry land and points out the lack of both chemistry and fluidity. He wants them to work on their connection. The scores are straight 7’s for a 21 and the now-classic “winner, winner chicken dinner” rallying cry.
