Martha Koelemay

Dancing With the Stars is winding down, with only one more week. For once I will be SO glad when it's done because I don't know how much longer I could have stood Tyra Banks. I sure hope they get a different host for next season; she was just plain irritating to me, didn't seem to understand that the show was not about her and the way she talked and spat her words was jarring. I was disappointed in the costumes, and distracted and unable to see the dancers much of the time by the elaborate light show and effects that someone seemed to feel was a good idea. It's about the dancers, after all, and the audience as well as the judges need to be able to see what they're doing! All that being said, I kind of missed Len's sharp eye (and tongue) and know in my heart he would have disapproved of much of it also. But Derek is a fantastic judge, insightful and generous, and although he holds the contestants to high standards he is nice about it. Carrie Ann and Bruno are the same as always, knowledgeable and sensitive. Good judges, good contestants who worked SO hard and danced so beautifully, but I don't like the direction the rest of it is heading. I miss Tom and Erin. But especially Tom.