Tonight on Dancing with the Stars, long-time followers of the show were offered a very nice treat. For Season 7’s halfway point, the remaining eight couples were challenged with four entirely new dances.

For the first time, the parquet floor saw the pairs take on either the Hustle, Jitterbug, West Coast Swing or Salsa. Interestingly enough, the styles were so new—even some of the professionals struggled. (Derek Hough even had to research online!)

Which competitors rose to the challenge…and which ones needed more schooling? Read on!

Lance Bass (partner Lacey Schwimmer)

(Dance: West Coast Swing/ Song: ‘Breakin’ Dishes’)
Eeek. I think Lance might have gone backwards tonight. Although he clearly has enough rhythm for the style, I had a hard time seeing anything swing-related out of him. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if that was a performance or choreography issue. (Lacey seemed to be doing most of the hard stuff.) He also had a small stumble, but the professional performer (who looked a lot like James Spader tonight) recovered nicely.

Len said Lance proved last week that he has the ability to dance. Unfortunately, Lacey needed to give up more of her talent to show off her partner more. Bruno said Bass – who had a promising beginning – wound up doing window dressing for Schwimmer. Carrie Ann thought Lacey did a nice job introducing the style to the competition. She just wished the professional had paid more attention to the novice’s dancing.  Score: 7/7/7 (21)

(Dance: West Coast Swing/ Song: ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’)
Although I wasn’t crazy about Toni’s short wig, I thought her performance looked great. Ironically, her partner assigned her more footwork than the West Coast Swing Champion (Lacey) gave Lance. Tonight, Braxton was challenged with some nice spins – and the moonwalk!

Bruno said the slinky and sexy performer did a nice job with the sections that were actually considered West Coast Swing. He was just a bit confused by the moonwalk. (Hello – they were dancing to Michael Jackson!) Carrie Ann thought Toni “overdanced” it a bit. She said it should have been more about the feeling. Len said Braxton has all the credentials; she just needs to sit down and regroup. He wants to see more excitement from her performances.  Score: 7/7/8 (22)

(Dance: Hustle/ Song: ‘Upside Down’)
I think this was one of her best performances to date. Lucci – who looked absolutely sassy in her Austin Powers-esque number – was completely at ease with the style. Even though Susan was dealing with an ankle injury, she kept her energy up (and a smile on) throughout. She even managed to pull off some nice spins despite her gold go-go boots.

Although she felt Susan represented the disco well, Carrie Ann thought the actress still needed to break out of her “glass box.” Len said Tony needed to stop treating Lucci like a china doll so that she could start showing some flair. Bruno thought Susan did a good “Uptown Girl” version of th the hustle. All the required steps were there.  Score: 7/7/8 (22)

(Dance: Hustle/ Song: ‘Funkytown’)
This performance was so energetic, it almost seemed erratic at points. Fortunately, Sapp again proved that he could master any performance that was associated with the word “funky.” He moved across the floor well, did some nice solo work and carried off some amazing lifts. He, like Toni, also did the moonwalk.

Len said that was the performance he was waiting for. He thought it was fun and enjoyable. Bruno said Warren eased his way in, built up rhythm and then delivered a large climax. Carrie Ann thought the pair did a nice job tapping into the nostalgia.  Score: 8/8/9 (25)

(Dance: Salsa/ Song: ‘Tres Deseos’)
I thought the dance started off on a very fun note. I also liked Cloris’ beginning solo. Unfortunately, there’s only so much time one should spend swishing their ruffles. I was actually a little frustrated by her number tonight. Last week, Leachman proved she could be serious when she needed to be. Why did they have to start throwing sexual innuendos back into her performances now?

Bruno said on the plus side, Cloris actually pulled off a salsa. On the minus side, she looked like she had downed a margarita pitcher. Carrie Ann said Leachman did a good job of making people forget that it’s a dance competition. Len thought Corky did a great job under great difficulty.  Score: 7/7/7 (21)

(Dance: Salsa/ Song: ‘Everything I Can’t Have’)
Maurice did a great job mastering this fast and furious dance. The performance required a lot of character and energy, both of which Greene delivered. He also did an excellent job being there for his partner during some tricky moves. Cheryl might not have known what she was doing initially, but she taught him well.

Carrie Ann gave the Olympic athlete a big hug. She knew he had that dance in him. Len thought Maurice’s energy level deserved a 10. Bruno said Greene was a master of the theater tonight. He said the sprinter did a good job taking “possession of the stage.”  Score: 9/9/9 (27)

(Dance: Jitterbug/ Song: ‘Don’t Be Cruel’)
Brooke and Derek’s performances tonight were completely over the top – and I mean that in a good way. I wouldn’t have known by their personalities that the choreography was based on things Derek learned from the internet. The dance was bouncy, lively – and extremely difficult. I think the Jitterbug just might be my favorite DWTS style to date.

Len said Brooke is consistently good with whatever style is thrown at her. Bruno thought the “glorious” performance was vigorous and upbeat. Carrie Ann said it was simply perfect.  Score: 10/9/10 (29) **highest score so far of the season**

(Dance: Jitterbug/ Song: ‘Big Time Operator’)
I don’t know that Cody and Julianne could have been assigned a better style. The animated number was perfectly suited for the young couple. It was energetic, fun and extremely entertaining. I just couldn’t help but imagine them drinking in a soda shop.

Bruno said the Jitterbug was like a “firebug.” He thought the frantic energy was incredible. Carrie Ann thought the dance was perfectly suited for Cody’s limbs and personality. She also said Cody could start giving Brooke a run for her money. Len agreed with the other two. He said it was a fun and entertaining performance.  Score: 10/9/9 (28)

(You can find all the Dancing with the Stars: Season 7 posts here.)