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Week 4:

Last week's unexpected double cut of Debi Mazar (eliminated) and Tom Delay (sidelined for injury) made tonight's competition even closer. With "Tens" already in play—Mya earned two tens last week for her Rumba—low scores now just wouldn't do.

On top of that pressure, tonight brought four all-new dances to DWTS: The Charleston, the Bolero, the Lambada, and the Country Two-Step, which meant even the pro dancers were swimming in uncharted waters having to learn—and teach—unfamiliar steps.

We saw highs and lows. Chuck, Michael, and Louie all faced the judges' wrath for not dancing enough and just walking through their routines. Aaron didn't fare much better with what the judges thought was a passionless Lambada. Mark, Kelly, Natalie and Donny all stepped up and impressed the judges, but there was a lot of constructive criticism to go around.

Shining at the top was Melissa's near-perfect energetic Charleston, and Mya's and Joanna's steaming hot Lambadas.  Mya racked up another two tens and ended the evening on a high. But we'll never forget Derek's first shirtless dance—the heat he and Joanna generated in their Lambada could be felt though the TV.
 

Top Three Scores

Melissa & Mark (Charleston): 28
Mya & Dmitry (Lambada): 28
Joanna & Derek (Lambada): 26
 

Highlight of the night:

Melissa Joan Hart's Charleston. Suddenly we were watching an old black and white film. The music began, and we were hooked!

It's been a bit of an uphill struggle for Melissa, working hard in rehearsal but never quite clicking with the judges. Tonight, though, she arrived! Looking glamorous in her vintage (but sequened) headband with her dapper, mustachioed partner Mark Ballas, she completely embraced the role of a roaring 20's Hollywood flapper. Carrie Ann called it a breakthrough, saying she needed to take that dance on the road. Len loved the three E's: energy, excitement, and entertainment. And Bruno... well, he gave her a 10.
 

Comments from He Said/She Said

"Holy cow, that routine made me BLUSH. A shirtless Derek and a scantily clad Joanna doing the passionate Lambada? Afterward, Carrie Ann commented, 'I hope the children are in bed...' Seriously. This was hot stuff. Very naughty." -- Karl

"Aaron's Lambada was painful to watch. Hey, even Carrie Ann agrees with me! ... Less tricks, more rhythm, please!" -- Meg

Read more and join the conversation at He Said/She Said