Tuesday, October 9, 2007

UPDATED Dancing with the Stars Mark Cuban watch: Week Three

By April Powell

Updated 08:02 a.m., October 9, 2007

UPDATE: Mark Cuban appeared shocked to discover that he will stay in the competition. [Insert joke about buying audience votes here.]

After a week of apparently grueling rehearsal, Mark Cuban and professional partner Kym Johnson presented their third dance performance Monday, October 8, on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. They danced the Jive to a cover of Paolo Nutini's "New Shoes." Practice footage showed Cuban struggling to learn the bouncy, fast-paced dance, hampered by the residual effects of his recent hip replacement. He recounts the process at greater length for readers of his blog. Cuban's blog also mentions his concern that Dallas-area viewers might forget to vote for him because they'll be too wrapped up in the Cowboys game. It's a valid concern, considering the high scores given to several of Cuban's competitors.

Three teams were tied for first place with 27 points each, while Wayne Newton and former champion Cheryl Burke were again at the bottom of the field with 18 points. Cuban's performance earned him 20 points from the judges, who were critical of his technique but encouraging of his efforts. Although he again trailed in points, I agree with the judges that Cuban's made some improvement. It was a personal relief to me that Cuban's routine was taxing enough to keep him from singing along with the music this time.

Tune in to the results show Tuesday, October 9 at 8 pm to see if Cuban can garner enough non-football-watching fanbase to dance another week.

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