Dancing with the Stars “Season 27 Week 2” aka New York City and Las Vegas Nights 

For the first time that I can remember, the couples have to learn two dances in the second week. Those dances happened to celebrate two cities: New York City and Las Vegas.

After last week, there are already a few early frontrunners. Will they be able to capitalize on that momentum this week? Let’s take a look.

Night One: New York City

DeMarcus Ware and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Foxtrot

It’s official. DeMarcus has won me over! He was charming and light on his feet. And I agree with Len that he nailed the footwork. He has the musicality and technique in Week Two, which is pretty impressive.

Carrie Ann-8, Len-8, Bruno-8, Total: 24

Danelle Umstead and Artem Chigvintsev
Dance: Cha-Cha

Danelle Umstead definitely struggled but what was great is how Artem used her walking stick. He wanted to incorporate her daily life into their routine. Danelle started the dance by herself showing more confidence. There was a little mistake, but her recovery was great. Artem and Danelle were both sick this week but they still made it work. Good for them.

Carrie Ann-6, Len-6, Bruno-6, Total: 18

John Schneider and Emma Slater
Dance: Charleston

John Schneider has appeared on Broadway and it shows in his lightness and showmanship. His dance was polished and clean. Len said he wanted a little more Charleston but it was a fun number.

Carrie Ann-8, Len-7, Bruno-8 Total: 23

Nancy McKeon and Val Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Cha-Cha

Nancy McKeon has a fractured foot yet she still danced. Her Cha Cha wasn’t perfect — it included a small stumble — but, ultimately, the performance was top notch.

Carrie Ann-7, Len-7, Bruno-7 Total: 21

Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten
Dance: Argentine Tango

Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten danced a ballet-inspired Argentine Tango, to Swan Lake. This was a risk. Alexis’ lines were nice. She had a wardrobe malfunction but kept going. The only issue I had was her lift, which looked very clunky. Otherwise it was clean and pretty.

Carrie Ann-8, Len-9 , Bruno-8 Total: 25

Joe Amabile and Jenna Johnson
Dance: Foxtrot

Grocery Store Joe’s dance improved from last week. He’s still a little stiff but there was a lift. It feels like he has worked really hard over the last week and it paid off.

Carrie Ann-5 , Len-6 , Bruno-6 Total: 17

Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong
Dance: Argentine Tango

The lifts, which are allowed, were incredible. Brandon pushed the boundaries and Len wanted more of the Argentine Tango. Tinashe is a dancer. Is it fair since she is a singer/performer? That’s the question that is always asked when there is someone with her performance background.

Carrie Ann-9, Len-8 , Bruno-9 Total: 26

Milo Manheim and Witney Carson
Dance: Charleston

I have one word: fantastic! There is an ease about MIlo Manheim. When he dances it’s like he has been doing it for years. For a 17 year old, he seems like an old pro. Go, Milo!

Carrie Ann-9, Len-8, Bruno-9, Total: 26

Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber
Dance: Waltz

This was a great dance for Mary Lou Retton. Actually, it was stunning, natural and smooth. She and Sasha used the space and the complete body. Wow.

Carrie Ann-8, Len-7, Bruno-7, Total: 22

Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke
Dance: Quickstep

I thought Juan Pablo Di Pace’s dance was great. But something he needs to continue to work on is his frame. Having said that, he’s really good and once he again, he’s showed us that he can really move.

Carrie Ann-9, Len-8, Bruno-9 Total: 26

Evanna Lynch and Keo Motsepe
Dance: Samba

Carrie Ann said Evanna Lynch’s samba with Keo was fierce. Len said it was a proper Samba and he thought it was terrific. I agree with these assessments.

Carrie Ann-8, Len-8, Bruno-8, Total: 24

Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess
Dance: Foxtrot

Bobby Bones is clearly having a good time. He did do the floss on his own which was weird. He might not be the strongest dancer in the bunch, but he is certainly the life of the party.

Carrie Ann-7, Len-6 , Bruno-7 Total: 20

Night Two: Las Vegas

Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke
Dance: Foxtrot

Juan Pablo and Cheryl have amazing chemistry. He’s super sexy and an incredible dancer and it really came across during his foxtrot. Len still wants him to work on his frame but I didn’t notice any issue.

Carrie Ann-9, Len-8, Bruno-9 Total: 26

Milo Manheim and Witney Carson
Dance: Tango

For a kid this was mature and focused. Milo is really giving everyone a run for their money. I agree with Carrie Ann that he has great range for someone his age.

Carrie Ann-9, Len-8, Bruno-9, Total: 26

Danelle Umstead and Artem Chigvintsev
Dance: Quickstep

Nice job! Danelle looked more confident, don’t you think? I agree with the judges that she and Artem filled the space. She genuinely looked like she enjoyed herself.

Carrie Ann-7, Len-6, Bruno-6, Total: 19

Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten
Dance: Salsa

Alexis and Alan danced to a song about Big Booty. She doesn’t have one. Just have to put this out there! Otherwise, their salsa dance was fun and I think Alan has a bit of crush. I’m calling it right now and right here.

Carrie Ann-8, Len- 8, Bruno-8 Total: 24

John Schneider and Emma Slater
Dance: Jive

John’s jive was super fun, but not as good as his Charleston on Night One. He and Emma are a very cool pairing and it was funny seeing them as Elvis. (Fun Fact: In the ‘80s, John Schneider covered Elvis’ “It’s Now or Never” and it became a top five hit for him.)

Carrie Ann-7, Len-6, Bruno-7 Total: 20

DeMarcus Ware and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Quickstep

I’m sorry, DeMarcus. I was on board with you 100% on Night One. But I can’t say the same for NIght Two. I didn’t love this dance. It’s not that he didn’t do it well. It’s just that he was out of sync a couple of times and like some of the other men, he needs to work on his frame.

Carrie Ann-8, Len-7, Bruno-8, Total: 23

Joe Amabile and Jenna Johnson
Dance: Jazz

I find Joe very awkward and not really dancing. He’s off tempo and it’s a bit frustrating to watch.

Carrie Ann- 6, Len-6 , Bruno-6 Total: 18

Evanna Lynch and Keo Motsepe
Dance: Jive

Evanna and Keo started good from the beginning but what’s great about her is that you can see her confidence and technique improving in each dance. I hope she sticks around.

Carrie Ann-8, Len-8, Bruno-8, Total: 24

Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess
Dance: Quickstep

Another crazy performance from Bobby, but he did keep the dance serious. He has a lot of energy and it’s Sharna job to keep harnessing it.

Carrie Ann-7, Len-6 , Bruno-6 Total: 19

Nancy McKeon and Val Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Paso Doble

I’m a bit confused by the scores. I really thought they should have been higher. What I love about Nancy is that she gets into the character and embodies that in each of her dances.

Carrie Ann-7, Len-6, Bruno-7 Total: 20

Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong
Dance: Cha-Cha

Being a new Brandon hit the jackpot with Tinashe. They are obviously very good and it looks like they have been dancing with each other forever. They display Great technique and musicality is the foundation of every dancer and they have that in spades.

Carrie Ann-9, Len-8 , Bruno-9 Total: 26

Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber
Dance: Samba

I mean…they danced to Barry Manilow! They should get 10s for that alone. I feel like Mary Lou is getting more relaxed as she dances and you can see her Olympic spirit coming out.

Carrie Ann-8, Len-8, Bruno-8, Total: 24

The Elimination

The first couple in jeopardy: John and Emma.
And joining them in jeopardy: Danelle and Artem.

The rest of the couples were safe.

The couple leaving……Danelle & Artem.

I’m so sad about this because she is very inspirational. I love John too so this was a no win situation.

Favorite Quotes

Tom: “What did you think of the big chocolate piece of steel.”
Tom: “Speaking of bananas, Bruno?”
Tom: “If Elvis Costello and Bill Nye the Science guy would have a baby this would be it.”
Tom: “That’s why it’s in the title.”
Tom: “Depending with what cable you have you will see John and Emma dancing on Animal Planet next week.”

Will the frontrunners still stay on top? Do you have a favorite or favorites? Don’t forget to vote.

Dancing with the Stars airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.