This week’s theme on Dancing with The Stars couldn’t have been more fitting for this Olympic Champion. Suni Lee and Sasha Farber performed the Paso Doble to the classic hit “We Will Rock You” by Queen.
The Paso Doble comes from a fast-paced military march used by infantry troops. The speed allowed troops to give 120 steps per minute. Its music is often played during bullfighting, always telling a dramatic story with staccato movements and striking poses.
“We Will Rock You,” Queen’s Stadium anthem came out in 1977. Written by Brian May, and one of the most iconic rock ballads of all time, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009.
Last week Suni Lee was shocked when she and Sasha found themselves in the bottom two, but they were saved by the judges. Even for an Olympic Champion there is still that fear of failure and hurt when things don’t go your way.
Upon returning to rehearsals (of which there weren’t many, due to illness) Suni remarked she had been in that situation before, where she had done everything she could and it still wasn’t good enough–that she doubted herself so much. Going into this week she wanted to show people that she deserves to be here, and that she’s not done yet.
What she did not prepare for was how big of a fighter she would have to be. Quite fitting for the music. She went out there and laid down one of the gutsiest displays she ever has, looking like a graceful bullfighter and putting an illness she was going through in the back of her mind.
As soon as the dance was completed Suni ran off the stage, leaving the audience, fans, and judges in a state of shock. Sometimes no matter how tough we are and no matter how strong our will is to win we are all human, and it will get the best of us.
The judges could tell she was not at her best but said she still rocked the Paso Doble. They scored her a 33 out of a possible 40 points. Up next it was time for the bonus dance. Not thinking she could pull it off for a second time, the rest of the celebrities and professional dancers cheered and urged her on to continue, knowing she would regret it if she didn’t.
Her partner Sasha gave her some last words of encouragement:
"“It’s a dance that goes around and around. We Are the Champions, I’m like let’s just chill. We’ve got this. You don’t have to rehearse. I’m going to go extra slow. I’ve got you. Let me worry. Just hold your breath, don’t throw up on me and we got this.”"
They went on to win one bonus point for the Viennese Waltz, which brought their score up to a 34 as Suni powered through another performance. Once again, Suni Lee showed America the type of strength it takes to be the Champion and the determination she has to be a Ballroom Champion.
Next week the remaining eight teams are set to dance to the hits of Janet Jackson and two couples will be eliminated. Catch “Dancing With The Stars” on Monday November 8th at 8pm/7ct on ABC. Tune in to see how Suni steps up to the plate with better health and more experience. War Eagle faithful, don’t forget to vote. Long live our Queen in this competition.