Like it was an AFC Championship game, Hines Ward brought his A game to the dance floor tonight. Only four couples remained in the competition, and the judges said they were going to more stringent with their critiquing – yeah right and Rex Ryan can predict Super Bowl winners…. There were three dances tonight – two individual routines and then a winner take all Cha Cha. This was a hard week on Kym and Hines because of the 3 dances & sleep deprivation. For a single routine or double routine week, those two usually rehearsed 8 hours a day – this week they were up to 12 hours of rehearsal. And of course, they had Kym’s neck injury to deal with. Let’s get to it.
Dance #1
Lead-in
Argentine Tango
The couple pulled out leaps they’ve never done or seen done on DWTS. Hines said, “I’ve never done it and you’ve never done it. Guess what? It might not get done.” They focused on pulling out the tricks to help guarantee themselves a spot in the finals. This,sadly, is when the neck injury happened. Hines was trying to swing Kym through his legs & all of his weight landed on her neck (ouch!). He was worried about Kym over the competition. However, she was ready to dance as if nothing ever happened. Good thing it wasn’t somebody like Casey Hampton falling on her…
The Dance
It was a really good dance. Nice moves. The tricks worked really well. Hines & Kym were both emotional after the dance.
The Judges
Carrie (10) – emotional/crying, happy Kym is ok, Hines, so impressed with you & how you partnered her, beyond what we ask for in a routine, you really take care of her.
Len (10) – felt the emotion. the legs, they were like something from the kama sutra, do you understand, that is a tango!
Bruno (10) – who’s gonna be the dominate partner? who’s gonna end on top? (said something about sex…?!?)
Hines (on talking about Kym’s injury) – Praise to God that she’s still walking. She’s a warrior. He was sick to his stomach seeing what happened.
Dance #2
Lead-in
Salsa
The lead-in to their second dance was all about what makes Hines a strong competitor. The show Interviewed family and friends close to them to gain that perspective. So where does Hines get his competitive drive?
As we know, Hines’ mom left Korea to give him a better life – then she divorced her husband. His mom worked 2-3 jobs, and sacrificed a lot for him – that’s where he gets it from. His motto for this competition is – “Eat, sleep, dance.” Being biracial was tough growing up. That changed when he beame a football player because they looked at him for his athletic skills instead of his color or race. Hines said, “You can crack, or you can rise & shine. I like to rise & shine.” As we also know, Hines plays with a ton of heart, passion, character. Bill Cowher said on Hines: Hines always said “Don’t tell me there’s something I can’t do. Not only will I do it well, I’ll kill it.” Word.
The Dance
Fluid moves, fun, lively, jumpy – got the crowd excited/screaming a few times. There was a standing O by the whole crowd.
The Judges
Len (10) – You were steamin’ and I was beamin’. Joyful experience.
Bruno (10) – Just one sentence can describe you: you’re just beautiful man.
Carrie Ann (10) – i can’t even explain how much joy I get watching you dance.
My Take
Hines and Kym were the only couple with 2 perfect scores. They did indeed kill it. They captured the judges and the captured the studio audience. I’m thinking they captured the votes too. My one concern is that they might have to change up some moves for next week to be easier on her neck injury & not do anything too crazy. It would be pretty bad if they increased the risk factor on some moves and have a greater chance of re-injuring Kym’s neck or something else. Although, I’m sure Hines would tell you that he didn’t do this competition to get second place. So we’ll see what happens next week – yeah that’s right, next week. He’ll be there.