Dancing with the Stars Season 34, Episode 5 Recap: Book Signing Party

Tonight’s “Dancing with the Stars” recap is dedicated… to the 10 couples who will continue to compete after this week’s elimination! It’s true: no one went home!

As longtime viewers know, “Dedication Week” traditionally allows the show’s contestants to dance in tribute to someone special in their life. It’s also usually an episode that requires tissues, given the stories behind each dance and the emotions that reign as the contestants prepare and perform. And when the recipients of the dedications joined in the choreography? Watch out for aqueducts!

Speaking of tears, Hilaria Baldwin shed a few after her (and partner Gleb Savchenko’s) ouster in last week’s episode. Despite a quick judge-approved move to “Cantina Band” from “Star Wars: A New Hope” and a score of 23 out of 30, voters decided it was time for the, what do you say?, author and wellness influencer to move to a galaxy far, far away.

Keep scrolling for our recap of all 10 performances, which were rated by the usual judges as well as former pro Kym Johnson, then sound off in the comments!

DANCE STYLE: Viennese Waltz (to “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle)

Wow, that opening dive was really beautiful, but a bunch of other moves (that pose with Jen’s mom Maria in the middle comes to mind) seemed rushed. Still, I agree with Carrie Ann: Jen seemed the most emotionally connected we’ve seen her so far.

JUDGES’ NOTES: 29 of 40

DANCE STYLE: Viennese Waltz (on “Daughters” by John Mayer)

Major props to Jordan’s dad, Timothy, for staying on the floor for almost the entire duration of his dance. He was so good! Which made me really happy because Jordan is improving every week and this routine used him to highlight his strengths. There was also something so beautiful and elegant about Ezra’s simple but poignant choreography and movements, particularly at the beginning. Beautiful all around.

JUDGES’ NOTE: 32 of 40

DANCE STYLE: Contemporary (on Coldplay’s “Sparks”)

A breathtaking tour de force for Alix, who looked like a natural. If there was anything to criticize, it was that sometimes she didn’t seem to know what emotion to convey with her face. “But who was looking at his face,” you ask, “with that wonderful extension and depth of feeling in his movements?” And you would be right.

JUDGES’ NOTE: 35 out of 40

DANCE STYLE: Contemporary (on “Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya)

Can Dylan’s adorable little sister, Olivia, be on the show every week? He was locked in in a way we’ve never seen before, with a grace and strength (that crazy elevator!) with Daniella that perfectly complemented the tenderness and care he had for his little sister.

JUDGES’ NOTE: 36 of 40

DANCE STYLE: Jive (on Twenty Cent Crush’s “Boy Meets World” with Phil Rosenthal)

Oh, how cool: William Daniels, aka Mr. Feeny from Danielle’s Topanga on “Boy Meets World,” was both the honoree and his dance special cameo this week. The jive itself? Uh. But the nostalgia factor alone – including the theme song and costumes – made it a fun watch.

JUDGES’ NOTE: 29 of 40

DANCE STYLE: Foxtrot (on “This Will Be (An Everstanding Love” by Natalie Cole)

I could have watched this routine — which included Elaine’s best friend, “Abbott Elementary” star Lisa Ann Walter — all night. It was smooth, fun, funny and sweet, and the whole thing turned out much better than I expected! Side note: Not that I judge based on costumes, but Elaine + that skintight metallic number = YES, MA’AM.

JUDGES’ NOTE: 30 out of 40

DANCE STYLE: Foxtrot (on “Parallel” by Scott Hoying)

I’m not going to lie: during those first moments, I was afraid Scott was going to try to sing AND dance the whole thing. Phew. I thought it was really beautiful and was surprised by all the “watch your lines” and “check your posture” comments from the judges: is it just because Scott is so tall? Either way, he and his husband Mark were ridiculously cute, and they’re going to be dads! The joy was palpable.

JUDGES’ NOTES: 30 out of 40

DANCE STYLE: Contemporary (on Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart”)

From the moment Robert started crying in the montage package, I knew this number in honor of his mother, Terri, was going to destroy me. And that’s what happened! His head lowered in the opening pose, these side-to-side movements perfectly synchronized – it gave “So you think you can dance“ from the first notes of the cover of “Tarzan” (which is an incredibly high compliment by the way).

JUDGES’ NOTE: 35 out of 40

DANCE STYLE: Contemporary (for “Heal” by Jamal Roberts)

No shade to Whitney’s husband Conner… but I’m totally going to blame him for this being a rare downfall for her. Not even a wind machine could have saved this one, which seemed very sketchy instead of the sleek, semi-professional vibe Whitney exuded all season. My favorite part was when it was just Whitney and Mark on the floor, and unfortunately that part was very short. I know, I know: WHY DO I HATE LOVE? The judges, as you can see below, disagreed.

JUDGES’ NOTE: 33 of 40

DANCE STYLE: Salsa (to “Jump in the Line” by Harry Belafonte)

This number was quite strong before the arrival of Richter’s daughter, Cornelia – to whom he dedicated his performance. And after she hit the dance floor, well, the child’s cuteness just took over. Seriously, I was so proud of Andy’s strength and focus in the first few moves of this one! We love progress!

JUDGES’ SCORE: 24 out of 40