Last Night a Quickstep Saved My Life

Here we are, past halfway in this the-same-but-different series of Strictly. The numbers are thinning out and the competition is starting to matter more. Thankfully we got Motsi back this week to light up our lives once again, may we last the rest of the series without any more covid disruption! 

 

Clara and Aljaz

After last week's samba debacle I was very much looking forward to this jive and despite Aljaz wearing the ODDEST outfit ever, they came out all guns blazing. Possibly slightly too much actually because there were clearly mistakes in this and Clara forgetting the routine. Plus the shoes made her flat-footed at times, I have no idea why she was wearing them. This unfortunately does not bode well for her...

I found myself watching some old pro routines on YouTube this week (not just Rebel Yell, you know), and unfortunately that did remind me what the dances are meant to look like. Which isn't really like this. Found myself grumping about the days when a celeb would have been told off for incorrect footwear; I have a feeling they don't get much choice these days. 

Jamie and Karen

Another one I was looking forward to, since Jamie has come along a fair bit and I wanted to see him prove himself in something that is not a party dance. And fair play to him, he pulled it off! Proper music, non-invasive and appropriate theme, Karen at her most fierce - this was what I like to see in a tango. He'd worked on his frame and the footwork was sharp throughout. This does feel like Chris Ramsey last year, Karen knows how to take someone who might not be a natural and make them a confident dancer.

I'd just binge-watched The Queen's Gambit and had my fill of chess. I found this OK. He's definitely filling the role of this year's plucky underdog. I can appreciate the work and effort that had gone into this but I still found myself underwhelmed.

Harvey and Janette

Yay for the HRVY origin story, he is famous, honest! As Couple's Choice goes this was fairly inoffensive; I liked how the routine built and it wasn't just intense hip-hop all the time. There was also lots of content that looked difficult, whereas some Couple's Choice routines just look like running around. Fair play to them, they did a good job, and in those frankly baffling outfits too.

I am trying to care*, but I just can't.

*No more Couple's Choice please.

Ranvir and Giovanni

Sorry, but this was boring. Especially after last week's Argentine Tango extravaganza. Ranvir is very good at ballroom so maybe my expectations were too high, the routine just didn't seem to go anywhere. The lifts also didn't wow me. It was fine but forgettable, which means her fanbase is probably going to be tested this week.

It was steady. It was safe. I think it will just be enough, however, to carry Ranvir through to next week. 

Bill and Oti

Well at least I never have to worry about Bill and Oti being boring. There was some randomness in this routine, but so much proper jive and great kicks and flicks. Yes there were a couple of mistakes, but he recovered with ease because he's just a natural performer. Bill's not blown me away for a couple of weeks now (I still haven't gotten over that surreal-but-amazing cowboy paso) but he's got so many people behind him I don't think he's in any trouble.

When I found myself finding this slightly on the dull side, I did begin to question whether my mood was getting in the way of objectivity yesterday evening. He was a bit lumpy, but a real bouncy jive action would be hideously difficult on the knees for anyone over the age of 35 I reckon. His timing is immaculate but now I want to see something a bit different...

JJ and Amy

JJ doing ballroom, you say? Well blow me down with a feather. It did however enable Amy to wear a massive princess dress and dial the schmaltz up to 10. It was a pretty good VW actually, I saw plenty of rise and fall and the fleckerl was well-executed. Not much more to say really, it was a bit more-of-the-same rather than a real progression.

He's a nice guy, but this did not excite me either. #Sorry

Maisie and Gorka

Now this was what we were waiting for all night! I knew Maisie had a good quickstep in her from the second she did her tango and proved she could do ballroom. A full-speed quickstep packed with content, maybe a bit too much bench, but the sheer quality of the ballroom steps made up for it. The whole thing was light and carried off with aplomb, well done to both of them for keeping at it and bringing us this delightful routine.

Great. We know this was good because Frankie deployed the word 'aplomb.' I was really disappointed to see Maisie in the bottom two last week, and seeing tweets generally accepting she's just not 'likable'. Cue me getting super angry at the structural double standards applied to confident contestants. I basically want her to win now to prove a point. 

Bring Back Blackpool!

This week is normally Blackpool week, but this year is 2020 and we're not allowed nice things. We did get a jolly seaside number from the pros though, who at least don't have to freeze their bits off this year. There were donkeys and beach huts galore, too bad no one got dive-bombed by a seagull. However, the show itself was definitely a pick-n-mix of oddness, with not only some weird dances but some downright insane scoring. Bring back the Blackpool glamour and history as soon as possible please!

Bill and Oti

Well they have to get the death slot one week, but still brought out a gorgeous ballroom number. This should hopefully dispel any ideas of Bill being the comedy contestant, it was actually a fairly old-school routine. Bill still needs to work on his hold a little bit, but his footwork continues to impress me. Extra points for delightful costumes and a perfect song choice too.

It was charming, and I still love them. However, I found myself a little underwhelmed. I have started to expect great things from Bill, but when you're already great, how do you progress? Bill's biggest selling point has been the sense of surprise he has offered, and let's face it, if we knew nothng about him, we would perhaps expect that classic ballroom might be a relatively strong style. So what I want to see now is for Bill and Oti to knock us down with one big samba-costume feather, with an awesome latin-flavoured, latin routine.

 

Maisie and Gorka

After the not-shocking-at-all bottom 2 moment last week, it was good to give Maisie the salsa as something more naturally suited to her. Plus an epic dress, I didn't know that much fringing was possible! I really loved this, I thought they flowed really well, great hip-action and Gorka just casually throwing Maisie over his shoulder while she somersaults. Interesting match of loosey-goosey salsa and bad-ass lifts, I hope this sees her through to next week! 

ARGH the song. ARRRRRGH the song. The music on this show was shocking - this is not to knock the band, who are wonderful, but the choices? Just no. You can't just pick the correct time signature and hope for the best. Each dance has a mood and style that needs to be expressed and the music is KEY. However, this dance really suited Maisie - salsa is latin without all the rules and regs, and that is exactly her style. Now imagine this to Hector Lavoe, or Los Van Van or, La Excelencia, or Sonora Carruseles or... 

JJ and Amy

After last week's rather messy jive it was nice to see JJ back in ballroom again, but this came across as a tad...uneventful? JJ is very endearing and clearly working hard, but it feels like the others are pulling away from him a bit. The hold wasn't great and it was a bit skippy. It certainly wasn't terrible and light enough around the floor, but it wasn't worth two 9s, that's for sure...

They are just lovely but really not keeping pace with the rest of the couples. The scoring here seemed a tad off. 

 

Clara and Aljaz

Clara had a lot to live up to after last week's darling Charleston, but unfortunately she got saddled with the samba in a completely ridiculous and distracting outfit. Yes, it's a hard one and probably not the best for her, but she gave it her all. A bit lumpy in places but not as bad as the judges made it out to be. 

I actually think samba could have been great for Clara. If she had been given a samba. If she had been given an appropriate song, and an appropriate outfit, or anything at all that made it look and feel what she was being judged to do. I have no more words. #VotesForClara 

Jamie and Karen

This felt a bit jarring after the travesty served up with Clara, but their energy certainly brought the routine to life. It was fun and played for laughs, but clearly had a lot of work and sweat put into it. Plus Karen was wearing the shiniest pants ever, they could have burst into flames at any time! I didn't love it as much as last week's samba, but it's great to see Jamie careening along and having a brilliant time.

As I keep saying, Jamie is inherently likable. I was half expecting to find this routine crass, or cringe, but it wasn't. Again, it had a weird kind of charm and I very much doubt we'll be seeing these two leave this evening.

Harvey and Janette

This had slipped under the radar for me during the week so I went into it with no expectations, but I actually really liked it! There was a real commitment to the tango style from Harvey, even with the slightly odd song choice (nowhere near as bad as some tango disasters though). The outfits were gorgeous too. It felt like a piece of calm and focus in a pretty crazy night.

The song ruined it for me. 

Caroline and Johannes

I was SCREAMING at the campness of this number, Caroline's facial expressions were worth it alone. The cha cha is supposed to be cheeky and they have it in spades, I didn't think this was going to be the best for Caroline but she took the idea and ran with it, for miles and miles. The cha cha content was pretty decent and her timing was spot on - not the most technically achieved but whatever. Johannes continues on his way to national treasure status. 

Now this was entertaining and enjoyable. It just found the perfect balance between being kitsch and camp, and technically decent. I do wonder whether Caroline's Strictly days are numbered. They are an absolute joy, but she's not sprinting out ahead of the others. But it doesn't mean she won't. It doesn't mean she can't. I would love to see that.

Ranvir and Giovanni

Another clanging change of tone, but hurrah for a classic Argentine Tango with an extra layer of filth for good measure. It wasn't perfect, but it was impressive, there was everything in this routine choreography-wise, I'm always here for the jigsaw-legs. Ranvir is really wonderful at committing to a dance, which is sometimes hard for people with little performing experience, it's great to see her developing like this. A great ending to a strange show!

Finally, an appropriate song and a dance with the appropriate mood. I felt Ranvir's frame wasn't perfect, and her legwork could definitely have been sharper. However, over all, this dance pretty much saved the show.

The One With Antonioli

It's been another eventful week in Strictly-land, losing Katya and Nicola permanently and Motsi and Rylan for two weeks - all in the space of 24 hours! But who could step into the breach in Strictly's hour of need, our knight in shining armour is...Anton? It felt inevitable in a way and after a couple of dances it became clear he wasn't going to rock the boat. In contrast, this was an odd edition of the show, a few people flagging, some surprises at the end and then it started raining 10s! Let's get down to business...

Harvey and Janette

This looked good on ITT and meant they were going into it with expectations very high, but Harvey took it in his stride! Janette threw a proper routine at him plus some fairly complicated lifts and he delivered it whilst also looking like he was having a good time. Actual hip action and good footwork, was it worth the first 10 of the series? Possibly not, but it got things off to an exciting start. 

I refuse to comment due to the ridiculous song choice, made all the more insulting by the VT featuring Janette talking about her latin heritage. SALSA MUSIC PLEASE.

Ranvir and Giovanni

I wasn't really on board with this from the start, I think Giovanni making her start on her own was a mistake as it made her nervous. It was technically ok, but she seemed to be cringing throughout it like she wanted it to end. The judges were overly kind in their comments, which felt a bit patronising as she knew it wasn't great. I hope this doesn't knock her confidence though because she clearly can dance and deserves the chance to learn more. 

Great music, but it seems as though Ranvir might be more of a ballroom girl. I actually thought the judges were a bit harsh. Her technique could have been sharper but it wasn't bad at all. Her performance however, was a little tentative. Acting lesson required klaxon! Threw some votes her way as I definitely don't want to see her leaving just yet...

Max and Dianne

Well thank goodness Max survived the yellow paint ordeal (despite appearing to be terrified of his own reflection) and was allowed to do some proper ballroom. Plus Dianne looking like a sexy Christmas tree in a gorgeous art deco number. I actually agreed with Anton, Max and Dianne work very well together, it's one of the strongest things he has going for him. He does need a breakthrough though; this wasn't technically amazing and he's going to need to standing out more soon. 

Meh. I get the sense that he's improving but it is slow and steady. He's not great, and he's not bad. And somewhere in the middle isn't the safest place to be in Strictly Land.

JJ and Amy

Ooh they were always going to get JJ in uniform given half the chance. Amy's shiny khaki playsuit looked like some sort of terrible mid-2000s fashion disaster in comparison, she does rock a victory roll though. This was his weakest dance so far, a bit like Ranvir and the cha cha, it just doesn't suit him. He did commit to it and it was decent, but his feet just weren't sharp enough and he seemed a bit stiff. Hopefully they can *solider on* into next week! 

It wasn't bouncy or energetic enough; JJ did the classic 'stand still and kick leg' style favoured by middling contestants over the years. However, I suspect this was just a style that didn't suit him. He's absolutely a ballroom guy - but will he see enough improvement in latin to make it to the end?

Maisie and Gorka

This was amusingly kitsch, I liked seeing them have fun with the cha cha and the song. However, like a lot of people this week, it wasn't Maisie's best dance. I think the excess focus on technique and footwork meant she lost a bit of her performance sparkle, that and Gorka's shorts, which looked a tad uncomfortable. Those legs were definitely straight though, which is apparently all that matters in a cha cha these days. Onwards and upwards guys!

Maisie's a natural. But she just doesn't seem to be picking up the detail of technique required. You could see she was trying, but something just hadn't clicked. I can see her shining in the non-regulated dances - salsa, charleston, 'Couple's Choice'. The judges care less about technique in these (they aren't experts after all) and Maisie's carefree style should shine. 

Bill and Oti

Oh dear, Couple's Choice, but at least it's Bill and Oti generally larking about once more. It was fun and charming, but didn't blow the roof off in they way we needed. It was packed with elements and props to contend with, but Bill took it like a walk in the park and was once again completely in time with Oti. To me it was more like a hip-hop themed piece of musical theatre, but that is the genius of Oti bringing out the best in her partners. 

I hate Couple's Choice. But I couldn't hate this. I honestly think there is nothing Oti could choreograph (although I appreciate they probably had support with this one) that I wouldn't like. Bill just shines when he is dancing. Hurrah. 

Caroline and Johannes

Oh gosh, the hammiest of songs, this was more musical theatre than last week's Couple's Choice. This was definitely Caroline back in her comfort zone and it showed as her and Johannes were able to work together and produce a lovely classic waltz. I wish someone would compliment my ankles the way Shirley did!  

Classic beginner ballroom waltz song. This was OK. Caroline is clearly enjoying the experience but I would like to see her start to improve even more...

Jamie and Karen

This was the unexpected surprise of the night, Jamie and Karen suddenly brought the party and woke us up! Extra points for attack and teamwork, they just pointed themselves at the end of the dance and hurtled towards it like there was no tomorrow. Fair play to Karen, there was plenty of samba in there and a good stab at samba bounce. I think she just decided to keep Jamie moving at all times! Overmarked but joyful. 

Wow, well this was a bundle of joy. Jamie's timing isn't the best but props to Karen for keeping this under control. This was cheeky, bouncy and fun. 

Clara and Aljaz

Hurrah for Clara finally getting a breakthrough and some love from the judges! This was a super-charming routine from start to finish, well done Aljaz, and gave Clara a great way to channel her musicality. Lovely swivels and great attention to detail, it was the best way to end the show. What a joy to see her at the top of the leaderboard!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaas! <3 

The Good, The Bad and The Simpsons

Welcome back everyone, it's been an eventful week but we always have Strictly ready on hand to bring us sparkle and joy. Plus a rather fun James Bond pro routine with every gimmick in the book plus Johannes flying dressed as Grace Jones - that's right, it's Movie Week! Alas, despite us killing off Halloween week, we had an extra abundance of theming this year, but there's also some treats thrown in for good measure. Grab your popcorn and off we go

Boo theme week!

Nicola and Katya

In a week with a LOT of costume insanity, these two came off loooking pretty cool, including Nicola's epic victory roll. In fact, given it was a half decent song choice and theme Katya managed to put together something that was pretty much a normal jive, hurrah! Nicola performed this well, she just seems to have natural cool, but it wasn't as well-executed as some of her other dances. A bit flat-footed for the jive in some places, it just needed tidying up a bit. These two have oodles of more to give, but maybe have them dance something slow next time?

As far as themes go, it wasn't the worst or most inappropriate; I can accept a Grease-themed jive. Nicola danced well, and the choreography was decent (although not as epic as Katya has shown she can do in the past). The dance could have been sharper however.

Maisie and Gorka

Here we are with massive wig number 1, Maisie could be charging a lot to attend children's birthday parties in that outfit. This wasn't terrible by a long way, but it was my least favourite of Maisie's dances so far, I think Gorka might need to calm down a bit and stop throwing everything possible at their routines. She also suddenly came alive when they broke hold, but we know from last week's epic tango that she can do well in hold.

I was mildly underwhelmed, which is a shame, because Maisie is a beautiful dancer. 

 

Caroline and Johannes

Caroline going full luvvie during Movie Week, well why not?! All the bits were here, the dress, the staging, the hammy acting at the start, but I felt a bit underwhelmed by it. Caroline did a great job with what she was given, but it just looked a bit simplistic, especially coming after Gorka throwing the frozen kitchen sink into his routine. Marvellous arms and musicality as ever, I still want them back every week.

Again, underwhelmed. And I have LOVED these two the past two weeks. I think, we gotta get rid of the gimmicks. This year's bunch of celebs are really good - the themes distract from rather than enhance their performances. No more theme weeks! 

 

Jason and Luba

Ah, the Star Wars paso doble, I remember when we used to use the term "It was one step away from a Star Wars tango" to describe a ridiculous routine, now we get something like this at least once a year. This incarnation was...a bit weird but not totally dislikeable. I think the music was a bit too sweeeeeeping for a paso doble and they just couldn't get over it looking incongrous. On the plus side, Jason gave it his all and that is quite endearing, the impassioned kneeslide was something to behold! 

Yes, I remember the days when we thought a Star Wars tango was a weird, weird thing from across the Atlantic. But that tango actually had tango in it. Where was the Paso in this? 

JJ and Amy

Could these two be any more wholesome? I barely even noticed the theme, it was just a sweet, light number with two people who work really well together. JJ clearly has some good ballroom talent in him and he's really light on his feet. I worry for him when party latin comes along, but for now I think we should enjoy watching someone learn.

Cute. Well executed. Nice frame. One of the best dances of the night. 

HRVY and Janette

And in a clanging change of gears, we are back to theme-o-rama with this cha cha based on gnomes. If only there was a recent film about Elton John they could have used....As the judges said, this was very light on cha cha content, but they delivered it very well. Harvey just knows how to dance, when you can see him through the CGI and stuck-on beard. 

HRVY is really good. What was waste of a cha cha. He couldn't apply decent technique because of stupid footwear, and the whole gnome theme? Seriously? It completely overshadowed what should have been a joy to watch. Badly done, Strictly, badly done. 

Ranvir and Giovanni

An over-the-top wig that actually works, the 60s were a crazy time and Ranvir looks a million dollars. This woman just comes alive with the right outfit. Once again, the less gimmicky you are, the better your routine is, Gio did a great job with this and Ranvir had clearly worked on her ballroom basics. Her hold had improved since last week and she seemed more confident in her footwork. My favourite routine of hers so far. 

YAAAAAS, this is more like it. Loving the Lancashire lass coming top of the leaderboard. This was genuinely lovely. 

Jamie and Karen

When wigs attack, Hercules will be here to drop you on your head. It gave a shot of energy and hilarity to the show, plus Jamie was clearly more comfortable with a daft Charleston than suave ballroom. Saying that, it was pretty messy and Jamie could have done with a bit more swivel. Extra points for Karen's amazing gold boots, although maybe not points as high as 8s! 

It was entertaining but not really charleston. Jamie still has potential for a journey, but I really question whether Karen is the pro that can take him there.

Clara and Aljiaz

I'd been waiting for this one all week and I absolutely loved it! It was not a traditional tango song, but what they missed in dark drama they made up for in sex. Aljaz also did amazing things with the choreography, pulling out some sharp tamgo moments from a disco beat is quite the thing. That then gave Clara the confidence to sell it for all it was worth, I whooped more than once. She's progressing each week and had better be back for more.

This song for me way more suits a cha cha, but this was decent. In fact, it was more than decent and I don't really know what the judges were laying into. This rings of Anita Rani. #JusticeforClara 

Max and Dianne

The dance I was least looking forward too and it played out like the acid trip that I was expecting. Yes, I suppose it was in time and Max executed all the steps, but I'm still not sure what it was supposed to be. Maybe we just make a pact never to mention this routine ever again?

MY EYES. MY EYES! 

Bill and Oti

Well thank goodness for these two, just bringing us technically detailed, offbeat amazing routines week after week. Bill's Spanish line was only beaten by his footwork in the technical achievement stakes. Oti also put together a marvellous paso, she really used the way the music built to give us something with real tension. Plus the genius of the flamenco interlude, it was a like a nod to Movie Week gimmickry, but didn't break the mood of the dance. Long may they reign!

Of course Oti wouldn't let a little issue such as an out-there theme or over-the-top costumes get in the way of a dance actually looking like a dance. She is exceptional. Bill is growing each week. Hurrah! 

No Hallo-theme Week

So, often I don't blog this week; Frankie usually excuses me due to my extreme dislike of theme weeks (particularly Halloween) but hey, NO HALLOWEEN WEEK. It also hit me mid-show yesterday evening that there's no way 'human props' aka backing dancers can be used this year.  Silver linings, eh? I am here for this pared back old-school-Strictly vibe; add that to the generally high standard of dancing so far this year, and I think we are in for a great series.

Max and Diane

He's no Jay. But that's OK. I haven't got much more to say.*

*I just wanted to make that rhyme. In all fairness, this was a decent jive. The judges praised the energy of it but to be honest, I would have liked to see more bounciness and spring action from Max; he was a tad stompy, and when he travelled across the floor, it looked like he was on a purposeful walk - you know, the sort of walk you do back to the shop when you realise you've forgotten to buy milk? Yeah, that. However, the timing was spot on and the dance was full of content. All in all, a job well done.

Clara and Aljaz

Ah, they were not going to let us get away with no Halloween theme-age at all, were they? I can handle this level and I quite liked the dark, smoulderiness of this dance. They got into hold nice and quickly, and there wasn't too much messing about. Clara's feet were skippy however, and it looked as though she messed up some steps (although that could have been when she got her foot caught). I am not convinced that was a real fleckerl* but at this stage in the competition, we should be able to forgive that. Props for the alt prom dress frock - Clara looked amazing. She definitely has potential so I swung her a vote.

*correct me if I am wrong.

Bill and Oti

I was NOT expecting this. Bill, your footwork and timing were exemplary. Oti, you are basically amazing. This was so full of fun, and joy; it was genuinely technically sound, and it was my favourite dance of the night. The only negative I can think of is the CGI menagerie but we can't really blame Bill for that. I suspect Bill will definitely continue to be strong on the ballroom; if Oti can help him master the latin too, there'll be no stopping him. Their reactions to the well-deserved scores were all kinds of adorable.

JJ and Amy

JJ was visibly nervous - and who wouldn't be - but I would like to commend his shaping. He was precise throughout and you could see how much work and thought had gone into it. It needed more oomph, but to be honest, I don't think the song/musical arrangement helped in that respect; it was a little delicate for a Paso, in my opinion, and the choreography seemed a little sparse - perhaps in reaction to that. I have no doubt that JJ has potential.

Jamie and Karen

Jamie is very likable and this makes him fun to watch. I had suspected he might have had a bit of informal ballroom dance experience; he definitely seems like the sort of person who may have found himself at a formal ball before now. However, now I have seen him dance, I suspect that even if he had, he probably bopped along on the edge of the dancefloor, rather than swept a lady up into a waltz. This was much better than last week, and I think if Karen employed the same level of extreme training methods as Oti, Jamie's sticking-out-bottom would be sorted out in no time. We can tell Jamie has potential because of the high standard to which he executed the out of hold segments. I was mildly distracted by the song, which just makes me think of Joey dancing with Trigger.

Maisie and Gorka 

Let's talk about Maisie. She is young, talented and confident and I am so disappointed by some people's assessment that, for some reason, this makes her annoying. The audience rarely punishes young men for confidence, so let's not punish Maisie - isn't this exactly what we would want our daughters (if we had them) to be?* I really loved this dance. It had attack and drama. It needs some refinement, technically, but for her to be dancing like this so early on, is a credit to her.

*Completely freaked out by the realisation that I am old enough for Maisie actually to be my daughter.

Jacqui and Anton 

I was most surprised - and quite put out - by the lack of flouncy sleeves on Anton's shirt. I was expecting those, and if I am honest, I was also expecting maracas. This dance particularly took me back to Strictly's early days, with no theme, and when the dancing standard was generally much, much lower. It had classic, basic samba steps but do I think it's enough to keep Jacqui in beyond this week? Probably not. But I'm often wrong. 

HRVY and Janette

He is good. He is very  good. He also has the endearing cheeky-chappiness of Joe Sugg, and clearly a very good working relationship with his dance partner. In other years, he might have been a dead cert winner from the beginning but this year, he does have some very strong competition. 

Ranvir and Giovanni 

In an evening of surprises, this was unfortunately one of the more forgettable dances. Ranvir is beautiful, and has potential, but there were some technical issues that can't be ignored. Footwork could have been cleaner and there were some timing issues. I don't get all the hating on her dress though - I really liked it - it's very picnic-in-a-field, which is exactly the vibe I expect they were going for. I hope very much that Ranvir doesn't get lost in this. If she can come out with a breakout dance in the next few weeks, that will certainly help.

Nicola and Katya

Ugh, Couple's Choice. Perhaps I should be happy one of my favourite partnerships has got it out the way early. I could tell Nicola really loved this, and that was a joy to see, but I am just not here for it. However, I think it did show how much potential she could have in Charleston, Salsa, Jive... and I just can't wait to see those. 

Caroline and Johannes

Oh, just cancel it all and let's see a Caroline and Bill final. How awesome - and different - would that be? A traditional Paso Doble is what we all needed yesterday. This was beautifully placed, but I agree with the judges that Caroline seemed a little hesitant this week. And I too, urge her not to be. She is clearly naturally an exquisite dancer and I can't wait to see more. Now let's talk about her partner: Johannes for Prime Minister. Johannes for anything, really. Give him his own show. He is one of the brightest things about 2020. 

Jason and Luba

A surprise choice for the pimp slot. I had my tweet typed out ready - you know it - THAT IS NOT SALSA. I found myself in the weird position of having to delete it, and confess that it actually did have some salsa in it. Not only that, the musical arrangement had a latin segment. I'm not saying the dance was perfectly executed (it wasn't bad thought) but the simplicity of it was really nice. I know some people on Twitter disagreed with me regarding the fact there was salsa in it, but hey, I danced it for 10+ years and it's actually not about the tricks and jumps and lifts; it doesn't really have many complicated steps and this one was packed full of fun basics.