Dancing with the Stars

One of the best parts about Dancing with the Stars is that we all get to be armchair dance critics. Probably very few of us will ever get a chance to learn the samba from a world-class ballroom champion, but from watching the show, we still do develop a good, critical eye and taste for all things ballroom. And now that the two-night Dancing with the Stars premiere is over, we've had a chance to mull over all 12 performances, so let the analysis begin!

What did you like best about Monday and Tuesday night? Which couple had the best performance? Who had the best costume? Who has the best attitude and the best chance at winning? Read on to see what I thought, and then post your own thoughts.

Best Performance

This one's easy. Hands-down, Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas easily had the best performance of the two-night premiere. Everyone expected Kristi to be a great ballroom dancer, but I didn't think she would be so good so soon. She's determined, competitive, mentally and physically strong and graceful. These are all characteristics that helped her win Olympic gold, and they are the same ones that will help her and Mark advance far in Dancing with the Stars.




Best Costume

I loved Tony Dovolani's outfit on Tuesday night. He was wearing a filmy, sheer black top with a plunging deep V-neck that went past his belly button, kind of like Jennifer Lopez's notorious Versace. And because the top didn't quite look manly enough, it had to be polka-dotted with sequins and topped with black satin lapels. For the icing on the cake? Shiny, shiny black pants. I live for outfits like this. It's easy to pick out any of the glitzy gowns that the women were wearing, but I have to give more props when a man goes overboard like this. Now, all I'm hoping for are the male celebrities to follow suit and start wearing some gaudier outfits. I'm looking at you, Cristian de la Fuente! You can do better than that tasteful black affair you wore on Monday!



Best Attitude

Steve Guttenberg and Marissa Jaret Winokur are tied for this distinction. Neither of them scored very well, but it was just so endearing to watch them bubble over with enthusiasm. As my BuddyTV colleague John Kubicek pointed out, Steve Guttenberg is probably just grateful to be back in the public eye again, but he looks like he is also truly enjoying himself too. And Marissa looks like an honest-to-goodness diehard fan of the show who is just tickled pink to have the opportunity to be a part of it.

Having people like these two on this show is why Dancing with the Stars is such great, wholesome entertainment. You find yourself rooting for people who are actually good people, and there isn't any of that pesky backstabbing that is so prevalent on other shows.


Best Chance at Winning

The obvious choice here would be Kristi and Mark, but let us not forget that their fates are partially in the hands of the fickle public. Also, as talented as Kristi is, I'm not so sure that she'll be as strong in the Latin styles as she was with last night's foxtrot. She might be accustomed to the specific hip action required for the mambo, say, and she'll definitely have to get in touch with her inner sexpot to deliver a convincing performance.

At this point, I think it's going to be down to Marlee Matlin and Jason Taylor, as I predicted in my preseason rankings. Marlee is a great performer. She's funny, she's sassy, she practically eats up the spotlight. People might be initially inclined to vote for her because she's also such an inspiring figure, but they will fall in love with her too for just being so awesome. As for Jason, his technique was surprisingly solid Monday night, so you know he has potential. All he needs to do is relax a bit and learn to have fun.

Also check out the Worst of the Dancing with the Stars Premiere.



-Debbie Chang, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Images courtesy of ABC, BestofFashion.Blogspot.com)