The Dancing With The Stars semi-finals were not all we could have hoped for. The DWTS judges were particularly harsh this evening resulting in mediocre scores for most of the couples. To be fair to the judges for the most part the performances were pretty mediocre. Even Brooke & Derek had a dismal performance tonight. Lance & Lacey though had their best night of the season. Read on.

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough
Dance: Jive
This was not one of my favorite performances by Brooke & Derek. Brooke seemed totally off which we found out later was because she missed the first step. Len called it a disaster. Bruno was totally shocked said they went for the wow but their technique went down hill. Carrie Ann was especially disappointed that they threw a blatantly illegal lift into the routine. This performance resulted in Brooke & Derek’s lowest score ever.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 7
Len Goodman: 7
Bruno Tonioli: 7
Total: 21

Cody Linley & Julianne Hough
Dance: Paso Doble
Welcome back Julianne! I thought this was one of Cody’s better performance. The serious demeanor he had to affect for the performance made him look much more mature. Bruno was disappointed with the timing and the complete lack of Spanish lines. Carrie Ann said it was a 10 for determination but it was nor smooth enough. Len told Cody that he was afraid he was going to get his marching orders. Len said it was stiff and wooden.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 8
Len Goodman: 7
Bruno Tonioli: 7
Total: 22

Warren Sapp & Kim Johnson
Dance: Mambo
Hey Tequila! Warren Sapp cracks me up. He is awesome on the dance floor. Warren & Kim also seemed to have some timing issues like everyone else tonight. However I thought this one was better and much more entertaining than the previous two performances. Carrie Ann told Warren he could up the content a little more. Len told Warren that he does a great job performing even if his technique is not great. Bruno called it flat-footed but very entertaining.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 8
Len Goodman: 8
Bruno Tonioli: 8
Total: 24

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer
Dance: Mambo
Technique-wise I thought this was the best performance of the first round. That was a really great performance. I was a little worried about what Len was going to say. Len however called it the best dance so far. Bruno called it semi-final material. Carrie Ann said it was a show stopper.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 10
Len Goodman: 9
Bruno Tonioli: 9
Total: 28

Round 1 Judges’ Leader Board

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough
Dance: Salsa
This dance was much better than their first performance. Although I can’t imagine why they decided to have Brooke wear pants. I only saw one flaw in the performance when their kicks were not synchronized towards the beginning. Bruno said Brooke is back! Carrie Ann told Brooke good job. Len also liked it and told Brooke to keep to her strengths for next week.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 9
Len Goodman: 10
Bruno Tonioli: 9
Total: 28