Dancing with the Stars: The Finale
Posted by LisaC on May 21st, 2008
“Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the Attack”- Sun Tsu
What else could Kristi Yamaguchi prove? It was the moment when her name was officially announced that everyone watching said “Season 6 Winner”. OK, that and as soon as she and Mark Ballas did that uncompromising foxtrot in Week 1 that set the first of many records by a contestant in a single season. All the routines she did this season showed that as effortless as the two made it look; that mirrorball trophy was going to go home with a woman this year. Her freestyle was the routine that adolescent dancers will copy for pageants and talent shows. Her portion of the cha cha cha faceoff put her in a package all her own. Her revisit of the perfect Week 6 jive couldn’t get any higher than another perfect score. At the end of the day; the season belonged to Kristi. And to Mark, who was now officially validated for Season 5. Poetic justice. (Final score: 90/90) Congrats!
Jason/Edyta: After six seasons, a gallon of spray tan, George Hamilton AND John Ratzenberger; Edyta earned her first trip to the finals; a personal best since her Final Four visit in Season 3 with Joey Lawrence. And if these two don’t deserve a “WHOA!”.. These two were the ones to watch..once again the NFL represented and the fans listened/watched. Jason’s celebrity level just got kicked up a notch and Edyta now is the Professional Partner To Have. Their routines showed just what happens when The Beautiful People are paired off. Their trick for the freestyle was to use the Miami Dolphin’s 6′6 height to their advantage; and while Latin is not so much a flavor to watch with him; ballroom was. They delivered another ambitious routine and much praise from everyone. (Final score: 51/30)
Cristian/Cheryl: The motivation and drive of The One Armed Bandit made him this season’s Cinderella story. Although there was a minute last night when he fell on his injured arm during practice my heart leapt into my mouth; he came out swinging again. His tenacity for not giving up showed in his limited routines, and Cheryl deserves mucho love for choreographing some of the most interesting moves for their situation. At times moves seemed clipped; but for someone who said that he had no Latin rhythm in his blood he proved himself wrong. He captured the full spirit of his Chilean heritage and the hearts of many women watching. While it wasn’t expected for Cheryl to win a third trophy, she won a personal contest in her own right. She opened her own dance studio and held off the tabloids on those rumors that started about her and Drew Lachey. It shows just how dignified and classy of a woman she can be.
So after 2857 training hours, 89 routines, and 3 trips to the emergency room (Derek’s two trips alone were a record!) Season 6 is done. Thanks for following and see you guys in September!