DWTS: Latin dances set stage for tonight's elimination duel

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G on last night's sultry Latin dances:

I got my wish people. Last night's Latin dances were all accompanied by Latin music! And, we had the incredible Carlos Santana on stage the whole two hours doing his Latin thing. Well done DWTS folks!

Jaleel and Kym began the evening with a samba. Len loved Jaleel's rhythm and also told him he had his "bum going like he was chewing toffee." Now there's a picture. Bruno loved the "wiggle" as well, adding that it appeared Jaleel had a Mimi Me inside operating it. Carrie Ann loved his attack and fire. Nothing like a good "bum" to get the party started. Judges' scores - 8's from all three for a total of 24.

Melissa Gilbert (pictured here with Maks) made a brave return to the dance floor after suffering a mild concussion and whiplash last week. Her salsa with Maks seemed a little tentative, though I have to give her props for coming back. Bruno told her she always goes to the "max" but that she needs more control. Carrie Ann complimented her on gaining confidence over the season but also mentioned her lack of control. Bruno liked her rhythm and feel for the dance. Judges' scores - 7's from all three for a total of 21.

Maria and Derek did a salsa that used Dr. Drew as a prop.  Really, a prop! Carrie Ann thought it was hot, but wished they had skipped the full-on kiss in the middle. I'm with CA here - it was a TMI moment. Len said the dance had two reveals, one of Derek's shirtless body and the other of Maria's talent. I preferred the Derek reveal. Bruno had three questions: Was it legal? Can I get you two a room? Can I join in? Just Bruno's way of saying it was "sexy and hot."  Judges' scores - 9's from all three for a total of 27.

"NAUGHTY PARTS" MOMENT - Katherine and Mark's rehearsal revealed how dangerous the Argentine tango, with all its kicks and flicks, can be for the male partner's southern area, otherwise known as "naughty parts" to Katherine. I'm sure Mark is grateful that Katherine is such a quick learner.  Len compared her to a rose - beauty with a thorn. Bruno said it was the highest quality dancing and choreography yet, telling a story to perfection. Carrie Ann called it "Poetry in motion." Judges' scores - 10's from Carrie Ann and Bruno, 9 from Len for a total of 29. C'mon Len, this was a ten, maybe even an eleven performance.

Gavin and Karina did a samba that was, as Len said, more "Sham-ba" than samba. Carrie Ann said it lacked form but loved him for "trying." Bruno said he enjoyed it.  I say Gavin is in deep trouble this week. The poor guy just can't dance, even with Karina for a partner. Judges' scores 6's from Carrie Ann and Len, 7 from Bruno for a total of 19.  

EN FUEGO DANCE OF THE NIGHT - William and Cheryl with an Argentine tango that raised the temperature of the planet! Carrie Ann, after "gathering herself," called it "ridiculously amazing." It was! Len said it had "mood, passion, sensuality and color." Yes, it did.  Understated as always, Bruno commented on the "pulsating passion and throbbing intensity." Yes and yes.  Judges' scores - 10's from Carrie Ann and Bruno, 9 from Len for a total of 29.  Oh puhleese, Len! This was a ten, maybe a twelve performance.

Gladys and Tristan danced a samba that I loved for its rhythm and flow. Len complimented Gladys on her great musicality, noting that the choreo was simple but effective. Bruno felt her stage presence was magic. Carrie Ann loved the way she commanded the stage. I just like the way Gladys dances, little mistakes and all. Judges' scores - 7's from Carrie Ann and Len, 8 from Bruno for a total of 22.

Roshon did his best to channel his inner "William Levy-ness" in his salsa with Chelsie.  Bruno told him he was "wired for salsa." Carrie Ann liked his "sexy mojo." Len liked his enthusiasm but reminded him that sometimes less is more. Actually we almost had a less is more moment when Chelsie's costume started to slip at the top. Good dance but not enough "William Levy-ness" for me. Judges' scores 9's from Carrie Ann and Bruno, 8 from Len for a total of 26.

Donald and Peta finished up the night with another dynamic Argentine tango. Carrie Ann called it "divine," raving on about his fabulous technique on the lifts. Len also thought the lifts were spectacular but the rest, not so much. Bruno felt something was lacking after an amazing build up. And he didn't like Donald's walk which I thought was one of the best parts of the routine. Judges' scores - 10 from Carrie Ann, 8 from Len and 9 from Bruno for a total of 27. If you haven't yet seen the part of this dance where Donald lifts and twirls Peta forever, warm up your DVR - it's spectacular.

In other news, the Dance-Off we thought was supposed to happen last week will, in fact, happen tonight and continue for three weeks. Called the Dance Duel, it will feature the two couples with the lowest scores doing a cha cha for the judges who will decide who stays and who goes. I'm picking Gavin and Melissa as the duelists.

-Lenni G