We are excited again to have commentary from Julia Powers, Core Rhythms Co-Creator and former Dance Champion:

It was nice to see everyone recovered and at full force with the exception of few nasty bruises here and there. The night started off good with David & Kym performing a lively and fun Lindy Hop that really seemed to suit David. He captured the character of the dance and maintained a strong lead throughout the routine. I couldn’t help but bop along with him and get into his performance.

I have to mention how much I enjoyed the strong performance by Lil’ Kim and Derek. She looks soft and sweet but gave a powerful and sexy presentation that was extremely well choreographed. I think they are still one of the top couples.

By far the best Argentine Tango of the night, without a doubt, had to go to Gilles and Cheryl. He portrayed everything you would want to see in the role of a male Tango dancer. He was strong and charismatic, intense and sensitive, and clearly in control of every move. If he was faking it he was definitely making it.

The Argentine Tango is fast and articulate and yet has to have a wild passionate look about it. You must be both a great dancer and a great actor to pull this off. The dance requires a strong frame and center from both the man and the lady. The man must counter balance the ladies strong swivels and kicks and lady must maintain her frame in order to react to the man’s lead. This can only be done with a strong core and legs, making Tango an excellent strength building dance.

Melissa and Tony were the couple to beat in the Lindy Hop. Many of the couples did incredible tricks and flips, but no one had as much of balanced routine as this couple with both clever chorographical highlights and solid basic technique. I was part of their standing ovation.

I really expected Shawn and Mark to make a run for the top spot but their routine was not as strong when it came to the essence of the dance. It needed to be lighter and have more bounce in the legs. I did appreciate how powerful and precise Shawn executed every jump and flip.

Lindy Hop has to be one of the best dances for building cardio endurance as well as an athletically challenging to the couple. It is similar to a plyometric type of workout, with the added element of synchronization, making incredibly difficult. Even the fittest dancers are out of breath at the end of their routine.

If I were to predict the winner I would have to go with Gilles. He maintained his composure, won over the crowd and had another great night. This kind of consistency can only be achieved with hard work, great ability and a very good teacher.

The most improved title again goes to Ty Murray. Maybe because he had such a rough start, his progress has been dramatic. In his last two performances I was nervous for him remembering his first routine. Now I can relax and have come to expect nothing but good things. That shows great improvement in my book.

I feel like the top couples are really raising the bar making it tough for the rest of the pack. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to make such a strong push in the weeks to come.

Julia Powers

Core Rhythms Co-Creator and former Dance Champion