Young, cute, ever-charming entertainer Percy “Romeo” Miller Jr. and handsome hip-swinging Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward appear to be surpassing expectations this season on “Dancing With the Stars.” Both performed an outstanding foxtrot and rumba, respectively, with their professional dance partners during the show’s “Patriotic Week” and were deemed “safe” on Tuesday’s results show.
Ward led on a scoreboard of a different kind this week, netting a phenomenal score of 27 of 30 points. He was decked out in a white, formal military uniform and hat while his partner, Kym Johnson, wore a white, one-shoulder gown as they whirled to “God Bless the USA.” Ward and Johnson have performed consistently well so far this season. Judge Bruno Toniolo regularly makes comments about Hines’ hind after he glides around the dance floor with excellent technique and pizzazz. Ward appears to take it all in stride.
The show often allows viewers to listen in on the “private” comments of the dancers during and shortly after their routines, much like the NFL does on the football field. This week, Ward could be heard saying, “I hope we get 8’s!” To their delight, each judge presented them with three 9’s for a near-perfect score.
Miller and his partner, the very youthful, energetic Chelsie Hightower, were one point behind with 26 of 30 points. Dancing the foxtrot to “New York, New York,” he sported a formal, long-tail, black tuxedo and top hat, and she wore a black formal gown.
Earlier in the competition, one may have thought that Toniolo’s comments about Ward’s hind parts would have frightened Miller away from the show because he was constantly concerned about “looking too feminine” as a ballroom dancer. With time, effort and patience, Hightower finally convinced him to “let go of his inhibitions,” as the judges called it, and began to enjoy learning, dancing and competing. He has become quite smooth and nimble on his feet.
Their dance this week was the one selected by the judges to be repeated on results night. Miller’s growth has been obvious and tremendous, unlike that of his father, rap legend Percy “Master P” Miller, who goes down in the annals of “DWTS” history as having the lowest scores in the show’s 12-season, six-year run with dismal scores of 12, 16, 14 and 8 before being voted off of the show in season 2. It’s amazing he lasted four weeks. His loyal hip-hop fans and fellow New Orleaners must have helped him hang in there. –arnell pharr
