Weekend Talker: Who Will Take the 'Dancing' Mirrorball?

"Dancing With the Stars" is one of the best shows on television.

Yes, I said it. I mean it.

Watching ballroom dancing every season, hearing the critiques of the judges and watching the professionals do it right, viewers develop a working knowledge of the sport. Er, the art. SportArt. Whatever.

You understand the correct posture required of the man during the Paso Doble and how the woman's hips should move during the rumba. You see heels when there should be toes and whether or not arms are fully extended through the fingers. 

And it's fun, too! When a contestant (because let's face it, using the term "star" for some of these folks is a stretch) does well, you cheer for them because learning those steps and moves and the rhythms unique to each dance is no cake walk. When a dancer performs really well, it's impossible not to smile.

Take Hines Ward this past week. The Pittsburgh Steelers tough guy and Superbowl MVP scored two perfect dances, and he deserved it! Last week, Ward's professional partner, Kym Johnson, fell on her neck during rehearsal, bringing Ward's weight down on her at the same time. Her recovery was questionable, but they came out during the semi-final and nailed both of their performances, the Argentine Tango and the Salsa, respectively.

Kristie Alley proved herself a good dancer. She took to the floor with a grace and fluidity I did not expect, and despite some mishaps (the jive, wardrobe issues, falling), Alley really used her experience as an actress to get into the character of each dance. Last week her Viennese Waltz was kind of "meh," but her Argentine Tango was spot on.

Disney star Chelsea Kane is adorably cute and gets most of her dances with sharp moves and challenging choreography from her professional partner, Mark Ballas. She started the season under the radar and with few exceptions, gets good marks from the judges. Her Argentine Tango lacked some energy, but her rumba was exactly what it should have been: sexy and strong.

So the question comes down, really, to a matter of popularity. Before Johnson's injury, I would have said that Ward was going to take it just because he's so smiley and dances so well and has such a great outlook. I hope the audience doesn't use Johnson's fall as a reason to vote, but I fear they will.

Either way, Hines Ward will have a mirrorball trophy to add to his NFL Superbowl MVP award.