Archived: Jan 22, 2008

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A night “Dancing with the Stars”

Bradley Center graced with a night of sensational celebrity performances

By Matthew Gillespie

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Sliwiniska and Alec Mazo performed an extraordinary partner dance in act two that had Sliwiniska’s leg extended in attitude around Mazo’s back. Mazo then grabbed Sliwiniska’s leg and spun her around upside down. Her head was inches from the floor.

The ABC hit show “Dancing with the Stars” brought its dazzling tour to the Bradley Center Friday, Jan. 11. Wayne Newton played narrator for the two and half hour live show that showcased celebrities and dancers from past and present seasons.

Newton serenaded the crowd with “Danke Schoen.” During the song, he walked around the edge of the stage and kissed women in the crowd on the lips, proving Mr. Las Vegas has still got it.

Crowd favorite dance couple Mark Ballas and Sabrina Bryan (from Disney Channel’s “The Cheetah Girls”) shook the floor with their rousing hip-hop routine to The Pussycat Dolls tune, “Don’t Cha.” Bryan’s sassy attitude and Ballas’ cunning choreography left the crowd screaming for more.

Bryan sported many beautiful dresses throughout the night, including a Randall Christensen black gem number that matched Ballas’ suit top. Their playful chemistry ignited fire on the dance floor.

Monique Coleman (from Disney Channel’s “High School Musical”) performed an insane cha-cha with dance partner Tony Pututau. The dance showcased stellar moves and surprise tricks and was accompanied by the song, “Bop to the Top” from “High School Musical.”

Joey Lawrence put forth good effort into his dance performances as well. When Lawrence was paired with several female dancers at the beginning of act two, he looked confident and suave, but his duet with partner Edyta Sliwinska was a little shaky.

My favorite moments of the night came from the professional dancers who performed a variety of creative numbers. Sliwiniska and Alec Mazo performed an extraordinary partner dance in act two that had Sliwiniska’s leg extended in attitude around Mazo’s back.

Mazo then grabbed Sliwiniska’s leg and spun her around upside down. Her head was inches from the floor.

Also in act two, the dancers performed an exotic mix of Brazilian themed dances. Each dancer was dressed in bright pastels and performed many different styles of samba.

The live band played infectious Brazilian music during this number, filled with driving percussive rhythms. The live music, under the direction of Will Hollis, added vibrancy and color to the night’s performance.

A video montage of bloopers from the past seasons played on the large LCD screens on the main stage. The hilarious video proved that even though the celebrities spent many hours in the dance studio, they had a lot of fun doing so.

After this, Bryan and Newton came out on stage to thank the audience and say how much they appreciated their ability to perform every night for people around the country.

The night ended with all the celebrities and dancers performing a group number to the song “Shout” by The Beatles.

The ensemble kicked, spun and shimmied to a blazing speed across the floor. While confetti fell from the ceiling, the ensemble took a final bow and the crowd gave a standing ovation. Minus Newton’s fading voice I was very impressed with the “Dancing with the Stars” tour and I can’t wait to tune in next season.

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