Judging by his performances this week, I guess it’s a good thing Cristian decided not to quit Dancing with the Stars.

I was a bit under the weather tonight, so apologies for the lean recap.

Ballroom Round

Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas — Quickstep

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…9, Len…10, Bruno…10 = 29/30

Mario & Karina Smirnoff — Viennese Waltz

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…9, Len…9, Bruno…9 = 27/30

Marissa Jaret Winokur & Tony Dovolani — Fox Trot

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…9, Len…8, Bruno…8 = 25/30

Jason Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska — Tango

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…10, Len…9, Bruno…10 = 29/30

Cristian de la Fuente & Cheryl Burke — Tango

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…10, Len…9, Bruno…9 = 28/30

Latin Round

Kristi & Mark — Samba

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…8, Len…9, Bruno…9 = 26/30

Mario & Karina — Jive

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…9, Len…8, Bruno…9 = 26/30

Marissa & Tony — Mambo

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…8, Len…8, Bruno…9 = 25/30

Jason & Edyta — Samba

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…8, Len…7, Bruno…8 = 23/30

Cristian & Cheryl — Mambo

Judges’ Scores: Carrie Ann…10, Len…9, Bruno…10 = 29/30

Judges’ Leaderboard (out of 60):
57 — Cristian & Cheryl
55 — Kristi & Mark
53 — Mario & Karina
52 — Jason & Edyta
50 — Marissa & Tony

Cristian was the highlight of a lackluster Latin Round, and he was certainly the biggest surprise of the night. He & Cheryl earned the lion’s share of my votes, with the rest going to Kristi & Mark and Mario & Karina for their enjoyable performances.

Jason & Edyta’s Samba was uncharacteristically bad. Still, I don’t think Jason’s in any danger of going home; in fact, he might avoid the Bottom Two altogether. Mario and Marissa probably have the most reason to be concerned.