Hines Ward pulls in first 10 score in 'Dancing With the Stars'
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Kym Johnson and Hines Ward on the stage. -
Hines Ward and partner Kym Johnson. -
Kym Johnson and Hines Ward are ready to perform. -
Hines Ward and Kym Johnson show off their moves in DWTS. -
Kym Johnson and Hines Ward during their performance. -
Kym Johnson and partner Hines Ward in a heated scene. -
From left, host Tom Bergeron with Kendra Wilkinson, Louis van Amstel, Hines Ward, Kym Johnson, Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. -
The contestants show their stuff.
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It was double the challenge, moves and glitterati on week seven of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" as celebrities were tasked with performing team dances in addition to their usual individual routines.
The two stars with the most judges points this season were tapped team leaders -- which meant Steelers MVP Hines Ward headed one trio, while Disney actress Chelsea Kane led the other.
Mr. Ward drafted actress Kirstie Alley and reality star Kendra Wilkinson for a group that prided itself for its great butt-shaking abilities. These skills were put to good use in a fun-filled cha-cha to Ke$ha's "We R Who We R." The men looked yummy in chocolate pants and satin dress shirts trimmed in hot pink to match their partners' fringy costumes.
Technically, the stars kept right up with their professional dance partners, but each had minor flubs. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba advised Ms. Alley to watch her arms, Mr. Ward had a "boo-boo," and Ms. Wilkinson needed to point her toes in her split. But they finished strong with a 30 out of 40, tying Team Chelsea.
Rapper Romeo and "Karate Kid" actor Ralph Macchio joined Ms. Kane in a cha-cha to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." It was sleek and sexy and peppered with pelvic thrusts, body rolls and fiery footwork. And when it came to showmanship, each couple carried its share of the weight.
In the individual contests, Mr. Ward channeled his silent assassin persona from the football field for a tango that earned him his first 10 and the top spot with a 36 out of 40 (66 out of 80, with points from the team dance).
PG VIDEO: THE TANGOPG VIDEO: JEROME BETTISIn rehearsals, Mr. Ward got tips from ballroom legend Luca Baricchi and a visit from Steelers great Jerome Bettis. On the dance floor, he prowled about with partner Kym Johnson, executing steps that seesawed between romantic desire and dismay (although judge Len Goodman found some moves too dainty). Overall, his musicality was on point and his charisma intact.
"You take command of every dance," Ms. Inaba said.
Mr. Macchio redeemed himself after weeks hovering in the middle with his first 10 and a tie for first with Mr. Ward. His quickstep brought the Roaring '20s into the 21st century with well-articulated footwork and plenty of personality.
Ms. Alley fell to the bottom (30 out of 40; 60 out of 80) with a jive that was high in entertainment but low in refinement. Sharing the bottom spot with her was Romeo, who just last week dominated the leader board alongside Ms. Kane.
Who will continue to contend for the Mirror Ball trophy will be announced during tonight's results show.
First Published May 3, 2011 12:00 am
