In the world of competitive reality TV, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro showcases a unique twist on the classic dance competition format. This week's episode, titled "But Can You Teach? Coaching Superfans with Witney Carson," delved into the art of teaching, a skill just as crucial as dancing itself.
The remaining five hopefuls, Allen, Selena, Nina, AJ, and Adele, faced the challenge of not only showcasing their own dancing prowess but also proving their ability to elevate an inexperienced partner to their level in a matter of days. It's a delicate balance, as we saw with the elimination of Erik Linder, whose creative interpretation of the challenge fell short in the eyes of the judges.
The Teaching Challenge
For this episode, the contestants were tasked with teaching a ballroom routine to amateur dancers who were superfans of the show. It was a test of their teaching skills, patience, and ability to adapt their style to suit their students.
Nina, who manages a dance studio, embraced the coaching aspect, stating, "I absolutely adore coaching. My students are my life." On the other hand, Selena, with only three years of ballroom experience, approached the challenge with nervous energy.
The contestants were paired with social media influencers, each with varying levels of dance experience. Selena was matched with Jeremy for a quickstep, while Allen was paired with Zaira for a waltz. AJ, a favorite due to his experience on Strictly Come Dancing, was partnered with Bailey for a Viennese waltz. Adele was teamed up with Anthony for a tango, and Nina was paired with Jay for a foxtrot.
Teaching Styles and Strategies
Adele adopted a strict teaching approach from the start, pushing Anthony to his limits. Selena focused on repetition, drilling the moves with Jeremy until he mastered them. Jeremy's concern about his physical limitations led Selena to devise a spin move that showcased his skills within the ballroom rules.
Allen, with his experience coaching adults, kept the choreography simple to best showcase his partner's abilities. Bailey, a drill team veteran, had to adapt to AJ's rapid teaching style and the new technique of the Viennese waltz.
Nina's take-charge attitude, previously seen as steamrolling, proved effective in teaching a novice. However, her focus on perfecting Jay's posture ate into their time for learning the steps, causing Jay's worry.
Evaluating the Teaching Process
On day two, Witney Carson, along with judges Mark and Shirley Ballas, observed the rehearsal sessions. They praised AJ's straightforward instructions and Allen's strong rapport with his student. Adele's "no-nonsense" approach raised concerns about the complexity of her routine, while Nina's time management and Jay's posture issues came under scrutiny.
Witney also spoke to the students, gauging their progress and relationships with their teachers. Anthony's confidence was low, likely due to the challenge of Adele's routine and her intense teaching style.
Performance Night
Performance night revealed the fruits of the contestants' labor. Nina and Jay's foxtrot received praise for Jay's comfort level, but criticisms were leveled at the hold and footwork. Adele and Anthony's tango impressed with its movement and dynamics, showcasing Adele's strict but effective teaching method.
AJ and Bailey's Viennese waltz was deemed "beautiful" and technically sound, with AJ's craft and precision earning him high praise. Allen and Zaira's waltz was filled with beauty, but mistakes in the steps highlighted the need for technical refinement.
Selena and Jeremy's quickstep had great energy, but the choreography lacked quickstep content, and the dance needed to travel more across the floor.
The Results
In a tough decision, Nina and Selena were placed in jeopardy, with Shirley explaining that both lacked knowledge in certain areas. Ultimately, Nina's journey came to an end, leaving her with a newfound appreciation for her worth as a dancer.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro highlighted the importance of teaching and the unique challenges it presents. It's a reminder that success in the ballroom isn't just about individual talent but also about the ability to impart knowledge and inspire others. As we head into the semifinals, we'll see which contestants can strike the perfect balance between dancing and teaching, proving themselves as true stars in both roles.
