Disco, the 80s and the future make for a fun night on ‘Dancing’

By Hillary McNabb | Monday, November 9, 2009, 11:27 PM

Alright, folks. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is starting to wrap up. We’ve got 5 couples left. Tonight each couple will dance two routines: 1 Ballroom, 1 Latin.

Instead of a play-by-play of the dances (you watched, did you not?) I’ll give my ranking for each round tonight and then an overall ranking for the night and a prediction for who will go home.

First up, the Ballroom Round.

1. Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
   
2. Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
   
3. Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
   
4. Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff
   
5. Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel
   

Pretty opposite from the judges leaderboard.

Round 2 is the Latin round. Each couple will pick an era to theme their dance.

My rankings?

1. Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
   
2. Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel
   
3. Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff
   
4. Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
   
5. Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
   

Overall my top pick for the night would be Joanna and Derek. They were great in both dances and are generally exceptional.

Tomorrow night will have 1 elimination. I think Donny & Kym should be worried. But Donny’s fans might save him. If that happens I think (sadly) Aaron & Karina are in danger.

Also on tomorrow’s results show will be singer Michael Buble and Britain’s Susan Boyle.

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Does Althea make it through to Fashion week? - Project Runway

By Craig Schrolucke | Thursday, November 5, 2009, 11:27 PM

With just five designers left before the New York Fashion Week and the Bryant Park event, the question for this week is - Who will remain to show their work on the runway during Fashion Week?

Regardless of who wins, a few things are pretty certain. Irina is likely to make a few mean and snippy comments. Christopher is likely to tear-up during the runway and Gordana is likely to love everything she does regardless of how 1980s Eastern Europe drab the design ends up being.

For the final challenge, the designers are off to get inspiration at the Getty Center, the art and culture center of L.A.

Althea, the Dayton native in this year’s challenge, is inspired by the architecture of the Getty Center. Irina chooses a painting entitled Mischief and Repose as her muse. Carol Hannah finds a French bed with feather and ruffles as the source for her runway look. Gordana finds her look in a Monet while Christopher is nearly speechless about a fountain and algae.

The workroom heats up this week as the designers sense the tension and the sense this is the last challenge before the Bryant Park.

The Workroom Tim Gunn makes his way through the workroom to inspire the designers. First stop is Christopher’s station where Tim is concerned that Christopher’s embellishments look like stalactites. Tim warns Carol Hannah not to lose the sophistication as she aims to interpret a French bedroom.

Next stop, Irina’s station where Tim says of Irina’s design, “It’s looking a lot like road kill…. it worries me… it’s like a post apocalyptic moment…” Althea gets a wow from Tim, followed by concern about the methods she’s using to create the “pebbly, puckery effect.” Last stop is Gordana’s station, where Tim heaps on praises for her interpreting her inspiration in the design.

The Runway For this pre-Bryant Park runway challenge, Nina Garcia and Heidi are the two resident judges and are joined by Cindy Crawford and Cynthia Rowley.

Althea’s design is the first down the runway, and in my opinion, she might be in trouble. The short, shear and satin cocktail length dress was confused and puckery and gave the appearance that the model had just rolled out of bed wearing the design.

Carol Hannah’s off the shoulder satiny number looked inspired and glamorous but perhaps a little too mother of the bride or prom dress for this reviewer.

Christopher’s design was an off the shoulder grey on grey satin and shear gown that was surprised those watching the show with me - He apparently lost the stalactites. Gordana’s design flowed down the runway. The crinkled crepe fabric came together to reflect her inspiration - but will it be enough to win the challenge?

Last up is Irina. This bouncy, loose fitting, satin and of course it is exactly what

The Judging The judges are pretty kind to Althea, although tonight’s design garners a “this is a bit of a mess fest” from Heidi.

Nina thinks Irina’s look has a nice element or two but the length is “a bit old ladyish.”

Gordana’s silk organza design gets high marks for interpretation, although the judges are concerned that they’ve yet to see the real designer in her work.

Carol Hannah’s French bed inspiration failed to hit the mark with the judges and again, Nina is concerned that Carol Hannah might be playing this challenge a little too safe.

Christopher’s algae inspired rock fountain number hit rock bottom with the judges. When Heidi asked Christopher if he was confident in his final design the designer teared-up.

So who is Auf’d The judges dis and banter about the designs and designers as they work to make the final choices.

The designers going back to New York to show their work at Fashion Week are Irina, Carol Hannah and Althea.

Unfortunately, this is the final runway show for Christopher and Gordana.

Do you think that the judges made the right choices?

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Which 2 couples are heading home on ‘Dancing’ this week?

By Hillary McNabb | Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 12:11 AM

Michael & Anna

Mark & Lacey

I didn’t watch all of tonight’s “Dancing With the Stars: The Results” unfortunately, but your results this week are as follows:

Going home? Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova and Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer. The other couple in tonight’s bottom 3? Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff who were saved by the judges in the dance off.

I’m a little shocked they were in the bottom after Monday’s fancy footwork by them but I guess that just goes to show that fan votes can completely make or break the results.

‘Til next week.

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Teams Paso and Tango face off on ‘Dancing’

By Hillary McNabb | Monday, November 2, 2009, 11:34 PM

Last week Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas and Bellefontaine native Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower were sent packing in a double elimination with a dance off for the judges on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ Tomorrow 2 more couples will be sent home.

This week’s costumes were designed by the stars for themselves and their partners.

Tonight each couple will dance once by themselves and then take part in a group dance.

First the pros kick things off to show us how the Paso and the Tango (tonight’s group dance numbers) should be done.

Up first in Round 1 are Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova with a Foxtrot. These two were saved by the judges during last week’s dance off.

Wow. That was really good. Much as I miss Louie (Vito), Michael may have been the right choice after all. It’s not a bad costume design either. Anna looks beautiful!

The judges give them a 23.

Next up, Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson dancing the Quickstep.

It’s pretty good but I’ve come to expect that from him. He’s really got to wow me to impress now. He’s set his own bar too high. Her costume looks like he grabbed every sparkly material piece they had in wardrobe and sewed it together for her costume. Not a fan.

And the judges weren’t too happy either based on their comments.

Their score? 24 — What? He made (by his own admission) 5 mistakes and he scored higher than Michael?

Now for Mark Dacascos & his replacement partner Anna Trebunskaya’s Samba. His partner Lacey Schwimmer is out sick this week. Even Hollywood’s not immune to cold and flu season.

A little shaky here and there but not too shabby! Especially since they had limited time to put it together. Man he’s got a groove going tonight for sure!

Bruno says it was like Kung Fu Panda does the Samba in the Planet of the Apes! Oh Bruno…

Their score = 19. Ouch.

Next up Mya & Dmitry Chaplin do the Foxtrot.

Aww. Chloris Leachman comes into their rehearsal to give her some advice. She’s so cute!

Good musicality. Decent dancing. Seemed like a lot of acting bits and fluff though.

Their score = 25.

Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff hit the floor with a Jive.

Whoa! Look at those fancy feet! Those drills Aaron had to do paid off! Oh my goodness!

Wow. Bruno cussed! “Aaron you kicked ass!”

Their score? 29! Len even dusted off the 10 paddle as did Bruno!

Time for Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel’s Salsa.

Uh oh. As I predicted at the beginning of the season, Kelly’s potty mouth comes out to play this week. Bleep!

For a few moments she seemed to really let go and get into it and have fun but the rest was completely off and at times looked painful for her… And what was with the stripping action (his pants and her skirt)? That wasn’t enough to sexy up this dance. She might be in trouble this week.

The judges loved it though… Score = 24.

Ah romance! Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough Rumba after a cheesy beach rehearsal. That whole beach blanket fantasy was high on the corny, time-wasting factor.

Ooh. That was elegant. Very nicely done. Sadly her shoe got caught in her dress at the end there… but still great.

And the judges loved it. Score = 27.

That wraps up round 1. Now for Round 2: the group dances.

We have Team Paso featuring: Aaron & Karina, Mark & Anna, Mya & Dmitry and Michael & Anna.

And Team Tango featuring: Joanna & Derek, Kelly & Louis and Donny & Kym.

First up, Team Paso who earn 24 points per couple (to be added to their earlier scores).

And then Team Tango earning 28 points per couple.

I think Team Tango takes this one. They were soooo in sync compared to Team Paso. They win this round for sure!

My favorites of the night would have to be Aaron and Karina and Joanna and Derek.

I think Mark & Anna (Lacey) and sadly, Kelly and Louis may be the ones on the chopping block tomorrow night. Although Kelly did redeem herself somewhat in the group dance.

Who do you think is going home on Tuesday?

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Is Althea Harper the “Best of the Best?” - Project Runway

By Craig Schrolucke | Thursday, October 29, 2009, 11:12 PM

After tonight (October 29), there are just two episodes left until the finale for this season of Project Runway. Will Dayton native, Althea Harper, make it through to the finale… is she the “Best of the Best (by the way, this is the title of tonight’s show)?

Tonight’s challenge is to create a companion piece that enhances and complements each designer’s previous winning looks.

The designers talk about their plans for the challenge. Althea is looking forward to playing with volume as she sketches a bouncy, full-collar jacket. Christopher appears to be creating a “Gone with the Wind” style gown and purchases 30 yards of materials to create his look.

The Workroom

The pressure is one and the workroom is filled with a new tension. Logan’s getting a lot of screen time this week, but since there are just a few weeks left, it’s about time. Tim Gunn makes his way through the workroom. Tim tells Irina that her design is completely unexpected… is that a good thing?

Tim thinks Althea’s design “looks like it’s waiting for a diaper.” I think that means Tim is concerned. A few shots of Althea being catty with Irina and the models weren’t too flattering. Is this an omen?

Irina thinks a lot of the designers should be worried. I just wonder why she has to be such a meanie? She also says that Althea has copied her look. Hmm… those might be fighting words or perhaps a little bit of jealousy coming through. Is this true?

The Runway

The first creation that comes bouncing down the runway is Carol Hannah’s lingerie inspired shear pocket dress. The design is youthful and fresh but appears to be a little too loose fitting.

Next up is Althea’s sweater wrap with balloon pants. She is confident in her design, although from this reviewer’s perspective, it is very safe if not slightly off the mark.

Logan’s high-collar, short dress is a compliment to the original design’s high-tech look.

Irina’s sweater jacket looks a lot like Althea’s design… or is the other way around. The short patterned dress underneath is formed perfectly to her model.

The runway challenge of jackets continues with Gordana’s grey wool number. The darting and pleating around the waist gives the otherwise plain ensemble some much-needed movement, but will it be enough?

Christopher’s design is the last down the runway and reminds me of something Carmen Miranda might wear, sans the fruit on her head.

The Judging

“I don’t think this is fun, fashionable at all,” says Heidi Klum of Gordana’s grey jacket skirt combo.

Logan tells the judges that he knows his space age design is on the brink, and Nina Garcia agrees and suggests that work is more reminiscent of a fashion school project. It screams a little bit Judy Jetson.

Christopher - The judges think the dress looks like a carnival float and that it could have used some editing along the way.

Althea - Heidi loves the pants and says she wants a pair. The judges agree and quiz Althea about the common, sweater jacket look present on the runway. Irina attempts to take the conversation in an accusatory direction, but the judges quickly reign her in and heap on the praise on Althea and her design.

Uptown chic, elegant and cozy are just a few of the words the judges used to describe Irina’s design.

Carol Hannah - The judges think the look in its simplicity is delicious.

Who stays and who goes?

Will it be zipper neck pretty boy (Logan)? Or will it finally be Christopher’s night to go?

Remaining to compete for another week are Carl Hannah, Irina, Christopher and Gordana.

The winner of tonight’s challenge is Althea… all of the judges wanted to walk away with her outfit - I’m not sure about Nick (contestant and judge from Season 2).

The designer who is leaving is Logan. His tricked out design was too much for the judges.

So, is Althea on track to win this season of Project Runway? Thoughts on tonight’s show - share ‘em here!

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How did our local ‘Project Runway’ designer fare this week?

By Zack McGhee | Thursday, October 29, 2009, 11:06 PM

Last week, Christopher was in the bottom again but was saved (again) when they sent Nicholas home.

Althea Harper, the Oakwood native and University of Dayton graduate, thinks that Irina, Carol Hannah and herself are the top 3 most talented designers remaining. I agree.

This week, the designers have to create a new look inspired by one of their best designs from a previous challenge.

Continue reading "How did our local ‘Project Runway’ designer fare this week?"...

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How many designer lives do you get? - Project Runway

By Craig Schrolucke | Thursday, October 22, 2009, 11:23 PM

Thanks to a miscue on my part, I missed the first half of tonight’s show (tear). So I’ll do my best to capture the show as I watch from the middle - perhaps I can figure out what’s going on.

What I do know is that tonight’s show is titled “Around the World in Two Days.” I’m guessing the designers are going to get two days to design fashions that would represent a region of the world.

The designers ready their models and Althea is pretty confident in her design as she asks why no one had ever designed it before. Based on her comments, I’m thinking her design represents San Tropez.

Carol Hannah is second-guessing her open back, floral print dress. Nicolas drones on like always… he sure likes to hear himself talk, doesn’t he?

Finally, Michael and Nina are back! Perhaps missing the first half won’t be so bad after all.

The first look down the runway is Logan’s Hollywood inspired design. I think is ultra plain pants with suspenders could have been from Iowa or Atlanta, but I didn’t get Hollywood. Dude, where’s the glitz.

Next up is Althea’s her San Tropez inspired skort with a sheer jacket combo.

Nicolas’ model represents Greece… I’m just getting gray and white.

Carol Hannah’s floral print, off the shoulder flowing long dress definitely reads Miami Beach - but is missing the wow factor.

Christopher’s model is sporting a shear; layered skirt number that is represents Santé Fe. As his model walks down the runway, Christopher is sounding pretty confident. The belt was a great choice

Irina thinks her model looks like a sexy, rich snow bunny in her cowl necked brown on brown top and pant set.

Gordano’s location is New York. She’s created a short, gray on gray number with satin trim and crystals.

The Judging

For the second week in the row, Althea is first off the runway and safe for another week.

The judges like Irina’s design although Michael Kors that it looked a little 1980s.

Christopher’s design, more specifically the belt, has a 1983 charm for one of the judges.

Carol Hannah earns an “I would live in that dress” from this week’s guest judge.

Michael Kors thinks Nicolas may have had “Grease” the movie instead of Greece the country in mind when he was envisioning his outfit. Nina wants to know where is the fantasy in this outfit.

The judges like Gordana’s Park Avenue inspired dress… without the crystal necklace, the short, gray on gray dress would have underwhelmed all.

Nina thought Logan’s design was just clothes and missed the influence of Hollywood.

The Results -

Irina’s design took the top spot in this week’s challenge with this week’s luxe look. That’s three wins for Irina. Also sticking around for another week are Carol Hannah, Gordana, Logan

A wishy-washy design gets Christopher by for yet another week. How is it possible that Christopher is still in this competition?

Auf’d this week, Nicolas.

Is anyone else wondering why Christopher is still in the competition?

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