Dancing with the Stars Recap: Switch Up Night Brings in High Scores for Bindi Irwin and Alexa PenaVega!
Welcome to the official Dancing with the Stars recap for Season 21, Week 5 “The Switch Up” episode (original airdate October 12, 2015). The nine remaining stars teamed up with brand new partners for a challenging departure from everyone’s comfort zone. Season 18 pro champ Maks Chmerkovskiy, sporting a hairdo that was trending online, was back in the ballroom as a guest judge. Let’s get to the highlights!
The First Perfecto: Alexa PenaVega & Derek Hough teamed up for a Tango to “Pompeii” by Bastille. The fog machine was crankin’ as were Alexa and her new partner in their highly-theatrical routine. It earned a standing ovation from Carrie Ann and high praises from the rest of the judges as well. Julianne said, "I could see you light up when you were dancing." The routine was outstanding enough to get the first perfecto of the season with a quartet of 10s.
Honey, I’m Right Behind You: Carlos PenaVega & Lindsay Arnold did the Quickstep to “Bossa Nova Baby (Viva Mix)” by Elvis Presley. Bruno described the routine as “turbocharged” and Maks added that it was “amazing.” It was high energy for sure and high-scoring as well. Three 10s from the permanent judges and a 9 from Maks.
Oh, Brother: Bindi Irwin & Val Chmerkovskiy teamed to do the Cha Cha to “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne. Maks loved the dance his brother turned in with Bindi claiming that it had him smiling the entire time. Bruno and Julianne both felt that, no matter who her partner is, Bindi is a ray of sunshine. Maks certainly brightened her night with a 10 to go along with three 9s.
The Heat Was On: Alek Skarlatos & Emma Slater mixed things up with a Rumba to “Let It Go” by James Bay. Alek battled through a bonk on the nose from Emma during rehearsals. He also found it tough to concentrate due to the beauty of his new partner. Nevertheless, this team turned in a steamy hot routine that turned a lot of heads. It also turned over scores of 8-7-7-7 on the judges’ paddles.
Milkin' a Spankin’ Good Time: Paula Deen & Mark Ballas did the Jive to “Shake” by Otis Redding. It was a slap-happy routine. Julianne declared, “Mark brought the milk and you brought the cookie!” The judges reactions were mixed, but there’s no denying the dance was fun and flashy seeing as how Paula semi-mooned the judges when it was over. Don’t worry, their scores of 7-7-6-6 were already locked.
A Fine Way to End the Night: A strong second half of action ended on a double high note with a sizzling Argentine Tango from Andy Grammer & Sharna Burgess and a slick Paso Doble turned in by Nick Carter & Witney Carson.
The Switch Up ended with Alexa PenaVega atop the leaderboard and nobody exiting the ballroom. All remaining teams are back in action next time with guest judge Olivia Newton-John as the stars tackle Famous Dances Night on Dancing with the Stars MONDAY 8|7c.
WATCH THE FULL EPISODE OF DANCING WITH THE STARS "SWITCH UP NIGHT"
Previous Glitter Reports:
Hometown Glory Night - The Pros
Hometown Glory Night - The Stars
