Justina Machado, ladies and gents!
Raise your virtual hand if you arrived at the premiere of season 29 (!!)
You are not alone.
Eric McCandless/ABC
Well see how this goes!
It could be fine?
Well see how this goes!
Eric McCandless/ABC
There is no live studio audience anymore.
Well see how this goes!
That could be an issue but, say it with me: Well see how this goes!
Eric McCandless/ABC
Well be getting to see our new dancers ability and progress front and center.
So how about we meet the new crop ofStarsvying for mirrorball glory?
AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke
Jive, Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
Theres another Backstreet Boy in the ballroom!
It doesnt seem to mess with their chemistry, which is clearly on display during their jive.
She is so cute and this is a great format for her to shine.
Unfortunately, the judges rip her tango technique to shreds.
That could go a long way.
Theres zero awkwardness in this new partnership, which is a feat on week 1.
Brunos especially pleased to see Vernon get the rise and fall of the dance down so well.
See guys, some things never change!
Then she reveals she has hotpants on under her coat.
It is a wild ride and also perfect for this setting.
Per usual, Bruno wants more hip action, people!
Should we already be obsessed with these two?
She wants the tricks and the lifts!
There is so much energy in that rehearsal studio it is exhausting (in a good way!).
It also makes it extra-surprising to see how committed Skai is to her serious and mature tango routine.
She carries the feel of this dance so well.
It needed more traveling, says Derek.
Even with those critiques, Skai and Alan are the first to break the “6” ceiling.
Even just meeting Artem another wrong righted, blessings brings squeals.
I mean, I get it, its Artem.
That intensity is a little lacking in Kaitlyns cha cha.
Her arms were placed rather than hitting her lines.
Carrie Ann wants to see more tension in her feet.
These highly-technical critiques are actually a good sign it means the judges see a lot of potential.
That’s what we call ajourney.
He and Jenna are shooting for old school Hollywood glam, and it is mostly there!
Carrie Ann calls the routine uplifting and refined, but the rise and fall was too staccato.
Bruno thought the side-by-side choreography was great, but that things went hairy while in hold.
Lots of constructive notes for Nev and Jenna to work on for next time.
Im very excited that she has Johnny Weir as her partner.
AND I AM VERY EXCITED THEY ARE DANCING TO “BUTTONS” BY THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS.
What a time to be alive.
Justina Machado and Sasha Farber
Cha Cha, Respect by Aretha Franklin
JUSTINA!!
Her showOne Day at a Timeis lovely and delightful and so is she.
She and Sasha are a dynamite pairing.
Wait, can I do anything?
Its agoodtime, and we really need a good time, you know?
Thats 6 feet and 9 inches.
The fact that theyre dancing to In Da Club doesnt help much either.
For such a big guy, Charles dances small and he needs bigger movements and more intention behind them.
Carrie Ann calls out another minor lift because guys, Carrie Ann is gonna Carrie Ann.
Will someone make a Hot in Here joke every week?
On the, ahem,flip side(youre welcome!
It feels inevitable and very fitting for the year 2020 because honestly, what is this world?
He brings out the “3” paddle for this one.
Judges Score: 11/30
Well, we did it.
We made it through the first night of this strange newDWTS.
Who was the biggest surprise of the night and who are your early favorites?
