It was Eras Night on Dancing with the Stars, and Kym and I found ourselves transported back to the 8’0s. When we heard we had the Argentine tango this week, we were thrilled! Then we heard it was going to be to “Word Up”—and I won’t lie, I just couldn’t visualize it all coming together.
The more we listened to the track, we realized how inventive and unique this version was. I’m really pleased with our performance! We got to be serious (despite the squirrel moments) and show off some lifts. Our scores are headed in the right direction, and we find ourselves into week eight with the dreaded double elimination looming.
I need to take a moment to thank the #TeamSharkaroo supporters out there. Twice now you’ve saved us from being on the bottom of the leaderboard, and Kym and I want to thank you so much for helping us continue this journey. I’m learning each week, and we want to keep performing for you—so thank you for your votes and for believing in us!
After our individual performances, we had a dance-off. I pictured this as two dueling couples, facing off—you do a move, then I do a move. Secretly I think Noah Galloway did too! It would be hilarious to see us do that on live television. We both danced Cha Cha, and came out with a tie—but Len’s vote for Noah and Sharna guaranteed him the points. To see Willow eliminated at the end of the night was heart-breaking. She’s a beautiful young woman who has shown such maturity and poise throughout this competition. We are really going to miss her on set!
Tonight is the 10th anniversary special of Dancing with the Stars. Can you believe it? 10 years on television. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved in the show—the dancers, the judges, the competitors, the crew, the production team. It takes a village, and this village has been growing and thriving. It’s such a fun and talented team to be a part of.
Next week, Kym and I will dance to America’s Choice—a contemporary number to Jessie Ware’s “Champagne Kisses.” Keep the feedback coming on what you want to see in this dance: costumes, theme, creative ideas—we want to hear from you. Tag #TeamSharkaroo and give us your thoughts.
Image Credit: Robert Herjavec
Here are the answers to some questions we were asked online last week:
@Maudinot asked: When #DWTS is over, what are you going to take away from this experience?
For me, the greatest joy in this competition has been doing something so far outside of my comfort zone and persevering to see it through. I’m not a natural dancer by any means, and this is very hard work. It’s easy to get caught up in the show, the scores, etc.—but it’s about the challenge and pushing to be your best self.
@daviesallison1 asked: what’s your most embarrassing moment on set?
Not sure I have just one. I get pretty embarrassed every time Kym demonstrates my reaction the first time we met. She asked me to show her how I would dance if I was out at a nightclub. I just starred at her. My feet, my arms—nothing moved. I DID NOT dance before this show!
Don’t forget to tune in to tonight’s 10th Anniversary Dancing with the Stars Special at 8pm ET on ABC. And please, please, please don’t forget to vote for Kym Johnson and I. Call 1-855-234-5609 or vote online from ABC.com, or through Facebook.
