Time for the solos! Karen hits the stage in a studded bra top and black-lace tutu. It's a good reminder of the thin line between what works for Dance and what would totally land you on Go Fug Yourself. Karen's good, if hampered by the usual difficulty that ballroomers have with the solos. Victor... well, if this is the last we see of Victor, I'll be sad but satisfied. First of all, he's dancing to a piece of music from the "Blood Diamond soundtrack (?) that's all severe, urgent strings. Add that to the shredded tank top and the fact that he's flying around the stage in a near-panic and this feels like a well thought-out piece of dancing. Only one pirouette, as per the judges' instructions last week. Instead, we get a lot of powerful movements that have an odd animalistic quality to them. Good work, boyfriend.

Next up is Mollee, whose solo is not as impressive as last week's. This one feels more like an acrobatic exercise (maybe it's the red unitard?), including a back handspring thing that felt like proof that her ankle injury isn't that bad. Nathan's solo, as it did last week, reminded me why I liked him so much in the early stages of this season. There's a varied quality to his movements that make you think he'd be more versatile than he's shown. Maybe the partner switch really will help him.

After the break, it's Ellenore, who once again displays those quirky staccato movements that have become her trademark. But unlike her previous solo, this routine also puts her remarkable extensions on display, as well as showing some serious control. Very effective solo -- the best of the girls tonight. Ryan -- who did kind of poorly with his last solo (remember that ill-fated tumble?) -- just goes for straight-up Latin ballroom bombshell. It's very "stripper at the bachelorette party for Elaine's second wedding." But in a good way!