Dancing with the Stars Week 2 Recap: The Drama, The Dances, and My Thoughts on Improvement
This past week’s Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) was full of excitement, drama, and memorable performances, ending with a double elimination that left fans with mixed feelings. As part of Season 33’s Oscars Night theme, contestants danced to iconic movie soundtracks, bringing their all to the dance floor. However, it was bittersweet for most as DWTS had to say goodbye to 90210 star Tori Spelling and “Inventing Anna’s” Anna Delvey in an emotional farewell. While many performances stood out, I was especially disappointed to see Anna Delvey leave so soon, especially since I believe her potential was just starting to show.
The Standout Performances
Let’s start with the top ranking Chandler Kinney. Chandler’s rumba, set to Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, was nothing short of an amazing performance. The judges agreed, awarding her the highest score of the night with 24/30. Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli applauded her control and emotional connection to the dance. She has set a high bar for the competition, and I’m confident Chandler will continue to be a top contender moving forward. Her performance had a fluidity that was both graceful and grounded, and it was easy to see why the judges were so impressed.
Beyond the technical achievements, Chandler’s ability to emotionally connect to the audience was one of her standout qualities this week. It’s not easy to maintain such precision in a dance that requires both intimate connection and clear technique, but she found that balance. In previous seasons, we’ve seen stars who, despite their technicality, fail to engage viewers emotionally, but Chandler bridges that gap effortlessly. Her movements felt personal, as if telling a story beyond just the music. This level of artistry is what often separates the good dancers from the great ones, and it’s exciting to think about how much more she’ll achieve in the coming weeks.
Another notable performance came from Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik. His paso doble to the Superman theme was a high-energy routine that showcased his athleticism and dramatic flair. Judge Bruno Tonioli, while praising his ability to bring excitement to the stage, noted that he needs to refine his technique and not let his enthusiasm take away from his form. With a score of 22/30, Stephen showed he has what it takes but could use a bit more finesse in upcoming weeks.
Rylee Arnold, his partner, has stated in multiple interviews how hard-working he is. She says he will come back from practicing at home, and this dedication makes viewers love him even more! It’s this willingness to put in extra effort outside of rehearsals that may give Stephen the edge he needs to remain competitive. His physicality is a clear asset, but translating that athleticism into dance is no easy task. The paso doble, known for its dramatic, sharp movements, can sometimes be challenging for those used to fluid athletic motions like gymnasts. However, with Rylee’s guidance and Stephen’s determination, I’m certain that he will work out those technical issues and improve week by week.
Ilona Maher, the rugby star, brought a Dirty Dancing-inspired salsa that was full of dynamic lifts and high-energy moves. Both Ilona and her partner Alan Bersten managed to keep up the excitement while executing the technical aspects of the dance. The judges admired their chemistry, and the performance earned them a solid score of 21/30. However, the judges hinted at Ilona needing to focus more on refining her footwork to match her strong presence on the dance floor.
For athletes like Ilona, maintaining energy is often not the challenge; it’s figuring out the smaller details that can make or break a routine. Her lifts were stunning, but the dance is more than just a series of tricks—there needs to be a seamless flow between the lifts and footwork. I believe with Alan’s experienced coaching and Ilona’s natural athletic prowess, she can quickly fix these weaknesses. It’s interesting to see how someone from a physically demanding sport like rugby adapts to the artistic and sometimes delicate movements required in Latin dance. Ilona’s strengths lie in her ability to engage the audience with her presence, but she’ll need to match that charisma with improved technique in future performances.
Lastly, another standout performer this week was The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei, who took on a sensual rumba to A Star is Born’s “Shallow” alongside his partner Jenna Johnson. The judges praised Joey’s ability to connect emotionally with the routine, with Carrie Ann Inaba calling his movements a “treat to watch.” Joey has been impressing us for the past two episodes. I’m not sure everyone expected him to be as good as he is. He definitely deserves the credit he’s being given!
While his performance had the intensity and fluidity necessary for the rumba, there were still areas where he could improve, particularly in grounding his footwork and maintaining consistent control throughout the dance. Earning a score of 22/30, Joey has shown great potential, and if he continues to refine his technique and channel his emotions effectively, he could become a serious contender in the weeks to come. Joey is a perfect example of someone who might have flown under the radar initially but is now emerging as a serious force in the competition. His ability to connect with his partner and the audience emotionally sets him apart, but as the competition progresses, that emotional connection must be matched by flawless technique.
The Disappointments and Room for Improvement
Unfortunately, the night wasn’t perfect for everyone. Anna Delvey and her partner Ezra Sosa performed a quickstep to The Devil Wears Prada’s “Suddenly I See,” but it failed to impress the judges. With a score of 17/30, it was clear that Anna struggled with the technical demands of the routine. The judges pointed out timing issues and a lack of energy. However, I believe this elimination was premature. Anna had the potential to grow under Ezra’s excellent coaching, and it’s disappointing that her journey was cut short, especially considering the improvements she made between Week 1 and Week 2.
Anna’s departure was particularly hard for fans, as many of us were curious to see how she would grow. I can’t help but feel that Ezra’s choreography, which was tailored to emphasize her strengths, could have helped her improve in the weeks ahead. The quickstep requires a lot of stamina, and while Anna’s elegance was present, she couldn’t quite keep up with the pace. That said, I would have liked to see more from her, especially since her unique charisma was something different for the show. While some may argue that Anna’s background as a controversial figure in real life affected viewer support, I think her personality was beginning to win people over. The chemistry between her and Ezra hinted at potential breakthroughs, both in her technique and her on-screen persona.
Tori Spelling, too, had a tough night. Her rumba to The Greatest Showman’s “This Is Me” lacked the fluidity and emotion needed for this style of dance. While the judges commended her effort, they noted she seemed stiff in some sections, with mistakes that could have been avoided. Tori received a score of 19/30, but unlike Anna, her improvement arc seemed more gradual. It was a shame to see her go, as she did show potential, but I believe her nerves got the better of her.
Thoughts on What Could Improve for Next Week
Looking ahead, there’s room for improvement for many of the contestants. First, Stephen Nedoroscik needs to focus on controlling his energy. His excitement is contagious, but it also leads to mistakes in form. I think some more technical focus on his part will allow him to strike that balance between passion and precision, which is what the judges are looking for.
As for Ilona Maher, while her athleticism is impressive, she needs to work on her transitions between moves. The salsa is all about fluidity, and while her lifts were spectacular, the moments in between could be more polished. If she can focus on the finer details, I can see her climbing the leaderboard quickly.
Jenn Tran, who struggled with a tango marred by a technical issue when the music cut out, should be given credit for keeping her composure under the circumstances. She and her partner Pasha worked through the difficulty, but their score of 19/30 suggests that she will need to come back stronger in the next round. For Jenn, it’s about refining her posture and not letting minor mistakes derail her overall performance.
The Big Goodbye to Anna Delvey
As someone who was genuinely excited to see Anna Delvey on DWTS, her early elimination felt like a missed opportunity. Yes, the quickstep may not have been her best dance, but I felt she had the potential to grow with Ezra’s guidance. Ezra, who is a patient and skilled coach, had clearly put thought into bringing out Anna’s unique strengths. It’s upsetting to see their journey cut short so soon. Anna’s no-nonsense attitude was refreshing, and I can’t help but wonder what more she could have achieved had she stayed.
Though her parting comment, “I’m taking nothing,” might have come off as dismissive, it’s exactly the kind of unpredictability that made
Final Thoughts
Overall, Oscars Night was an exciting, dramatic episode of Dancing with the Stars. While Chandler Kinney and Stephen Nedoroscik continued to impress, it was a night of mixed results for others, particularly Anna Delvey and Tori Spelling. Although the double elimination may have felt harsh, it’s part of the competition’s tough nature.
As the competition heats up, I look forward to seeing how the remaining contestants take the judges’ critiques and push themselves even further. There’s a lot of potential for growth, and next week’s Soul Train and Heavy Metal Hair themes promise to bring even more fun and unpredictability to the ballroom!
I can’t wait to see how everyone improves, especially after such a dynamic Oscars Night.
