We are at the half-way point in this season’s “Dancing with the Stars” and four new dances had the stars and their partners struggling. It was quite enjoyable to watch the professionals out of their comfort zones, trying to teach dances to themselves as well as their celebrities.

West Coast Swing, Jitterbug, Hustle and Salsa made their competition debut with mixed results.

Brooke Burke and partner Derek Hough led the pack for the fifth week in a row with a season-high score of 29 for with their Jitterbug to “Don’t be Cruel.” It was lively, fun and entertaining. There’s a reason Brooke and Derek are favored to win the competition: They deliver every week.

Close behind are Cody Linley and Julianne Hough with a 28 for their Jitterbug. Dressed as Lucy and Ricky, their dance had the comical nature that defines the Jitterbug. If Julianne can keep Cody focused, they might have a shot at this (If Brooke breaks something, which at the rate the show is going…).

Maurice Green and Cheryl Burke’s Salsa earned them a spot at third. Scoring three 9’s and a hug from judge Carrie Ann Inaba, Maurice is definitely at the top of this season’s roster.

Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson took us to “Funky Town” with their Hustle. Bright and energetic, this team earned that 25 from the judges and the standing ovation from the audience, 

Speaking of injuries (when you are talking about “Dancing with the Stars” this season, you are always speaking of injuries), Susan Lucci fractured a bone in her foot. But like Erica Kane, you can’t keep this woman down. She danced through the pain with partner Tony Dovolani performing the Hustle to “Inside Out.” It may have been the injury — though I have my doubts — but it seemed like they were a pace behind this evening. They were methodical and measured. Not the words you would usually use to describe the iconic ‘70s dance.

It still earned Susan and Tony a 22 from the judges, putting them in a tie with Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo.

Toni and Alec danced the West Coast Swing to “The Way You Make Me Feel.” The judges keep asking to see Toni’s potential but so far it’s missing in action.

Tied for last with scores of 21 are Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer, and Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas.

West Coast Swing is Lacey’s dance (She’s the current world champion and her father introduced the dance to ballroom competition), and they were hit hard for showcasing Lacey instead of Lance. Judge Bruno Tonioli referred to it as “dancing around the stars.” 

Lance slipped at fell during the performance, but his quick recovery seemed good enough for the judges.

Cloris and Corky, as usual, attempted their dance (the Salsa this week). The judges were polite and Cloris was entertaining. But it’s getting a little creepy. The sexual innuendoes, Corky grabbing those 82-year-old boobs, and teaching Cloris the phrase “skanky ho” — one of these days it’s just going to be too much. It’s all good and fun, until you remember that you really should treat your grandma with a little more dignity.

Tomorrow night’s show promises another star will go home (or at least to a spectator’s seat), Brian Setzer and his orchestra will perform and Len Goodman’s fill in for next week will be announced.