Love & War

week 8: 500th episode

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The 500th episode of Dancing with the Stars brought with it an electric energy that buzzed through the ballroom. The milestone night was not only a celebration of the show's history but also a pivotal point in the competition. For Frankie and Val, the stakes were higher than ever, with two performances on the agenda: a recreation of Whitney and Milo's iconic Charleston to Robin Thicke's "Living in New York," and a challenging instant dance round.

The rehearsal studio was bustling with nostalgia as past performances played on the nearby monitor. Frankie watched Whitney and Milo's original routine with wide eyes, admiring their energy and precision.

"Wow," Frankie said, turning to Val. "No pressure, right?"

Val grinned, his confidence steady as always. "No pressure. We're not here to copy them; we're here to honor what they did and then make it ours. Let's focus on the character of this dance—lighthearted, playful, and packed with energy."

Frankie nodded, already bouncing on her toes. "Playful? I've got that down."

Rehearsals for the Charleston were a whirlwind of fast footwork and dynamic lifts. Frankie and Val worked tirelessly to capture the infectious spirit of the dance while ensuring their performance had its own flair.

"Don't let the tempo scare you," Val reminded her during one particularly speedy section. "Your instincts are good—just trust them."

"Trust my instincts?" Frankie joked, panting as she bent over to catch her breath. "My instincts are telling me to sit down and eat a donut."

"Not before you nail that aerial," Val quipped, pointing to the next section.

Despite the playful banter, the intensity of the rehearsals was palpable. Every swivel, every hop, and every lift had to be perfectly in sync. By the time they finished their final run-through, both were drenched in sweat but grinning ear to ear.

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The ballroom was alive with excitement as Frankie and Val took their places on the dance floor. The stage was transformed into a vibrant New York City scene, complete with skyscraper projections and a bustling city backdrop. Frankie's costume—a bright, flapper-inspired dress with sparkling fringe—caught the light with every move, while Val's retro suspenders completed the look.

The music began, and Frankie launched into the routine with boundless energy. From the very first swivel, it was clear that they'd embraced the spirit of the Charleston. Their footwork was sharp, their lifts daring, and their expressions full of playful charisma.

A highlight of the routine came when Val hoisted Frankie into an aerial flip, her legs kicking out in perfect timing before she landed gracefully. The crowd erupted in cheers, their applause growing louder with every trick and syncopated rhythm.

By the time the final notes rang out, Frankie and Val struck their ending pose—a triumphant, Broadway-style freeze—earning a standing ovation from the audience.

The judges' feedback was just as enthusiastic.

Carrie Ann was practically bouncing in her seat. "Frankie, you are unstoppable! The energy, the precision, the personality—it was all there. You honored Whitney and Milo's routine while completely making it your own. I loved every second of it!"