I think you did a great job dancing in the competition with Lori! I was quite excited when they brought out her Professional partner and it was you!
I couldn't figure out why her initial teacher had her going back so far, it was like he was going for the "look" -- but the student was so new that she just hadn't developed the strength or awareness or flexibility to really do it, and so was just leaning backwards. I think people can learn a lot in five weeks (it's been demonstrated on the show many times), but going for that full-on stretched-out Pro Standard hold is rather much, especially since newbie women usually achieve it by just leaning backwards and so never find their own feet.