Back to suds, Aiden!
There was a lot of drama this evening on the ABC Network's hit show "Dancing with the Stars".
While viewers at home chewed their nails on the edge of their seats - as they wondered if Kate would make the cut and return triumphantly next week - the determined reality-show Mom was distracted (teary-eyed one moment) about a custody battle she was now facing in her personal life.
Whew!
The gal - who cleans up good - breezed through cliff-hanging moments at the close of the show.
Wisely, the producers interspersed the proceedings tonight, with a couple of live performances which were top-notch.
Seasoned pro - Shaday, for instance - wowed audiences with two sets that were soothing to the senses.
While her stage persona (wardrobe choices & oversized "bun") left a lot be desired, fans were undoubtedly inclined to overlook her ho-hum stage presence, and tap their feet to the catchy beat of the engaging tunes.
In fact, back-up dancers (who performed out front on the roomy stage) rustled up a routine or two that were thoroughly entertaining.
Their appealing threads - jeans, colorful t-shirts, and caps - are sure to spark a street trend.
Probably the highlight of the night was a dramatic performance by Tiler Peck - a dancer - with the New York City Ballet.
The dramatic piece - choreographed by Travis Wall - was part of the respected Macy's "Stars of Dance" series.
The staging for - "Nuttin But Stringz" - was nothing short of dynamic.
The thrilling highly-stylized dance routine was impeccably in step.
In fact, the tricky moves signalled an innovative trend in dance.
A troupe of young dancers starting out in their illustrious careers - also offered up their own particular brand of ballroom dancing in another segment - that was fresh, professional, and traditional in many respects.
In a nostalgic moment, the in-house dance instructors took a stroll down memory lane.
For the most part, the hoofers glided onto stages around the world when they were just toddlers.
A myriad of aged snapshots - capturing the aspiring two-steppers in early performances, tugged at the hearstrings.
Anna started at age 6, and followed after her mother, who was a role model.
Chelsie cried before each lesson when she was a kid. Hated it!
Tony was frustrated by the fact he was always playing a mushroom or tree.
At one point, Tom Bergeron spied a couple of the outfits one dancer was forced to wear in those early stages of his budding career, and was inclined to crack a joke.
"Gosh, I'm surprised Maks didn't have to go through therapy after being forced to wear those costumes."
The dancers recalled that it was a nasty experience coming up through the ranks.
"There was a lot of pushing and shoving among the contestants - nail scratching - too," one instructor laughingly remembered.
"It's not like here where you have one couple on stage. Twenty couples were packed in and bitterly elbowing for position."
In a preivew of what is to come next week, audiences were treated to movie clips featuring the "Dancing with the Stars" talent pool.
One segment next Monday will be a scary horror genre piece.
Preview shots revealed the footage primarily focuses on macabre fright-night bill-of-fare straight out of the howling B-movie classic selections oft screened at revival houses at the stroke of midnight at the witching hour.
In another spoof, a studly dancer assumes the fictional character of "Glambo"
Can't wait! Should be a hoot!
Neicy and Evan will be "starring" in a black & white tribute to classic films in the romance genre.
Cleverly, it's been titled: ChaChablanca.
Brooke - who I singled out as shabbily-dressed Monday night - made a star turn tonight.
This evening the hostess was dazzling in a blood-red body-fitting gown, swept up "do", and a smattering of diamonds at the neckline which caught the light and threw zillions of eye-catching rainbows here and there.
For some inexplicable reason, Tom Bergeron's jacket sleeves were all wrinkled, though.
If the stylish suit was fashioned in linen, that may be the reason why, since that fabric is so susceptible to crinkling and soiling.
Len stood out as a fashion plate, too, in a smart-looking suit, pastel-colored tasteful tie, and pocket pouffe.
As the elimination round started to inch forward, Jake noted he was saddened by the whole process.
"I've been so close to everyone that my heart goes out to anyone who may be cut."
Kate was upbeat and ecstatic.
"For the first time I was totally relaxed and had a lot of fun."
Chad, one of the most confident dudes on "Dancing" - down-to-earth and able to poke fun of himself - described himself as a work-in-progress.
Now, that's a true artist, speaking up!
Finally, the moment arrived, and everyone collectively held their breath.
Drum roll, please!
Kate escaped the axe, but Aiden got the old heave-ho.
At this juncture, fans in the audience jumped to their feet, and expressed their wild appreciation.
Tom Bergeron was so swept up in the emotion of the moment, he was inclined to poignantly note for the record, that Aiden was the first contestant to exit in the fourth round to every garner such a generous heartfelt send off.
Then, he noted that Aiden would be appearing on Jimmy Kimmel later tonight.
Ooops!
Watch out, Aiden!
In a promo earlier in the day, the perky talk show host made a quip about gonging loser contestants or feeding them to hungry crocodiles back stage.
Go in the front door, please!
And, exit quickly.
Fans (myself included) still intend to tune in on romantic afternoons to catch you on the soaps.
Skimpy attire appeals!
