tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45137378997142958202024-03-05T15:53:27.505+00:00Frankie and Clover's Strictly Come Dancing Blog!Established in 2008 to share ramblings about Strictly Come Dancing with the unsuspecting public.Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.comBlogger259125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-3590836996572344772021-12-19T18:25:00.000+00:002021-12-19T18:25:40.456+00:00It Takes Two!<div style="text-align: left;">We've made it to the final! Ironically, it seems more of an achievement than last year, what with the revolving cast of celebs and judges and injury dramas all over the shop. We're also GUTTED that we're having to do this without AJ, who has been an absolute star all year. I hope she remains part of Strictly legend for years to come, wins the tour and the Christmas special, and maybe come back and do her showdance next series? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLx1WldA6TFwMHdzczjKG4x-BX4yqh__j7SSMz3509wILSQbX6LfDZx1fd2n9dywr23HSxVHAYIRSsKYyPYN9_uyHlp9cD6MwxWdVY4ibrf3mE0SNt03U7FpAPnGY1ojk-IsPFybWNXML-cTibw_GRR1_n82K8QdzaUnEak8jbDUQESu-aXFIX5yYGhw=s1366" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLx1WldA6TFwMHdzczjKG4x-BX4yqh__j7SSMz3509wILSQbX6LfDZx1fd2n9dywr23HSxVHAYIRSsKYyPYN9_uyHlp9cD6MwxWdVY4ibrf3mE0SNt03U7FpAPnGY1ojk-IsPFybWNXML-cTibw_GRR1_n82K8QdzaUnEak8jbDUQESu-aXFIX5yYGhw=s320" width="295" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Now saddle up guys, even with one person down, we're in for a long night... <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">So here we have the judges' choices. We start with the frankly odd choice of Rose's quickstep, her least impressive and entertaining ballroom number. Saying that, she did it with such pep and charm that I can't really complain. Plus like Anton said, we got a chance to see her amazing topline. John's rumba was a better choice, as it really showed his lyricism and partnership with Johannes. A rumba in the final always deserves extra points, maybe one day we'll get that 40! Both of the couple's actual choices were great though, with Rose's iconic CC and John taking it up a notch with his pirate paso, they served us well and had a great time along the way. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right, let's get down to business...bring on the showdances!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not going to lie, I may have rolled my eyes when I heard Rose was dancing to The Rose, I apologise for my churlishness. This was lovely because it was sincere, like so much these two do, they transcend any form of cheesiness. I also liked that the routine had touches of ballroom in it and showed off Rose's great posture and poise rather than being all about the lifts. The only thing it was missing was actual Bette Midler, but I suppose the BBC budget doesn't stretch quite that far. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't know quite what to expect from this showdance, but I loved it! What a joyful number they put together, both of them really gave it that final-dance-lets-go-out-with-a-bang oomph you love to see. Plus it was quite a technical routine, the ones where you try and put in a bit of every dance can be a bit hit-or-miss, but this one definitely worked. Extra points for not inhaling any confetti. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our final treat was the annual hot-mess of a group number...and what a treat it was this year! Fun and hysterical in equal measures, I was shrieking from start to finish. Pros hiding behind palm fronds, Sara in her big boat, Gorka giving us the gratuitous furry vibe, Ugo literally flipping his wig, an en masse lobster shuffle, Nancy being reconstructed out of tinsel - what more do you need?! Maybe I'm over-excited/emotional, but I think it was the best one yet! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...and so, the big moment finally came and our winner was ROSE! It might have been obvious from mid-series, but it's been amazing to go on the journey with her (yes, you can use that word in full in the final) and so wonderful to see Gio finally win it! Thanks all for joining us on the crazy Strictly adventure this year! <br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-76974636805829679072021-12-12T11:02:00.000+00:002021-12-12T11:02:27.228+00:00The Sensational Semi-Final!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's time to load up on snacks and go to the loo, we've made it to the semi finals and everyone is doing two dances. It's going to get emotional, don't say we didn't warn you... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCTqnsBAgJNFyYp116iAtXFAzTLkKaEZ-egcioogu7LT7iq8XnjKt-BknSdPilZjmruy_IT5ELk_LuvLrmNGod2ltgov5OqXLfftQN7jLmbbApj4ByAWYLM_T53bJAK7NtLSMflKwxZt5tR4t8zlbJ2sEXn7jq_lk_59ZI_2i4on191dxMPULdG2Fe0g=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1571" data-original-width="2048" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCTqnsBAgJNFyYp116iAtXFAzTLkKaEZ-egcioogu7LT7iq8XnjKt-BknSdPilZjmruy_IT5ELk_LuvLrmNGod2ltgov5OqXLfftQN7jLmbbApj4ByAWYLM_T53bJAK7NtLSMflKwxZt5tR4t8zlbJ2sEXn7jq_lk_59ZI_2i4on191dxMPULdG2Fe0g=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's so much nicer to see these two doing proper routines in nice outfits rather than having to raid the fancy dress shop, loving Nancy's leather and tulle look. Now, I went into this wanting to hate the song, but Rhys had apparently lobbied really hard for it and I think it paid off in the end, he was clearly channeling his performance through it. It didn't have the surprise or drama of his Argentine Tango, but he drove through the routine well. His frame was a bit loose, but he's come on in leaps and bounds in recent weeks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Now personally I'm not a fan of the song for a tango but there's something to be said for a celeb really loving what they're dancing to. I was impressed with Rhys' conviction about it because it certainly worked far better than I thought it was. This was sharp and bold and I liked it. Rhys has been the biggest surprise for me this year - John, AJ and Rose have been on my list for the final since nearly the beginning, but Rhys is really giving them a run for their money.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">Was ever a more classic quickstep ever quickstepped? A joy from start to finish, they got straight into it and didn't let up for a moment, all whilst looking like they were having the most marvelous time. As ever with a quickstep, I was on Gap Watch, but no gapping could be seen. There isn't a huge amount more to say, they work so well together and I just wanted to sit back and enjoy it. A well-deserved 40! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Eeeep! Classic, classic costumes. Classic, classic choreography. And an absolute gem of a piece of music (now we have got past the fact that they re-use them...) What an absolute beauty to pull out on semi-final week. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh my cold, cynical, couple's choice-hating heart, I couldn't bring myself to hate this. It was full-on, unabashed contempo, which actually worked because it made for a fully realised routine that they both committed to. Particular shout-out to the amazing steps-in-the-air move. I do agree with Craig that it was the first time John felt like the lead of the routine, no criticism of Johannes because he is just so good, but John took a step up here like you need in the semi-final. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">It's not their fault but I soooo do not like Couple's Choice. However, there was a cool piece of choreography I did like, and that was when Johannes was walking upside down whilst being held up by John. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ah, a classic waltz from Rose and Gio. They even overcame their song being wrestled into the right time frame and carried it off with effortless grace. The whole thing was so smooth and Rose's hold is now wonderful. I also appreciated how calm and peaceful the routine was, it's nice to have a quiet moment during these insanely intense semi-finals. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">There was no doubt this was going to be lovely, was there? I'm mightily thankful they did bother to re-arrange the piece of music, and given I'm hardly familiar with the original, it didn't jar with me at all. I was mostly just captivated by the beautiful dance. Rose is quite astonishing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ALL CHANGE, LET'S GO ROUND AGAIN.... <span style="color: #800180;"><i>MAYBE WE'LL TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIIIIIIIIME...*</i></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i>*showing my age there...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you'd told me Rhys was doing a samba in week 2 I would have hidden behind the sofa, but I went into this quite excited...and they definitely delivered a party routine! Props to Nancy for this, she put together a routine with loads of samba content and let Rhys bounce to his heart's content. Oh it was as camp as knickers, but all the better for it. Some slightly manic shimmies, but massive fun.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">This. Was. So. Much. Better. Than. I. Expected. Bravo, Rhys, Bravo. And I really liked the band's arrangement too. This semi-final is really strong. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh a semi-final rumba, what a gamble. You're never going to blow the roof off with it, but you can get a lot of kudos for mastering what is genuinely the most difficult dance. If anyone was going to pull off a rumba with chemistry it was these two, but you could also see the hard work that had gone into it. Great synchronicity and fluidity about, it was a whole dance rather than a series of steps. I also really liked how Anton called it elegant and classy, thankfully they resisted the temptation to go for raunch. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I really, really thought they were going to go for raunch - and whilst it had its intensity, it managed to stay on the polite side of rumba. It was elegant and AJ's lines were exquisite. I was not expecting her body movement to be great given her salsa was a little rigid but no, I was wrong. Basically loved it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was the dance I was most worried about tonight; John's a big guy and the jive needs to be light-of-foot. Plus Coldplay. It turned out to be much more interesting than I expected! It wasn't a typical jive, quite swingy in places, and whilst there were jive steps I felt like I was watching something quite different. Which I suppose is better than the nine millionth Grease routine. John also gave it everything and pulled off the technique pretty well, so hopefully it stands him in good stead. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Unfortunately my WiFi went boo boo whilst John was dancing and I missed most of it. Having gone back and watched, I can't say I'm sold on the music. However, it was an excellent job with what they had - he really is a natural dancer. I know they've said it to AJ, but you do think if he'd started dancing as a kid, he'd be a pro. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">This looked good on ITT this week, my expectations were high, but ooft this surpassed them! The drama, the drama, from the opening seconds I knew they'd be delivering something awesome. I liked how Rose's natural fluidity wasn't lost among it, but she could do those jigsaw-legs with the best of them, she was like an electric whisk! Plus the lifts were beautiful, not over the top, but done with poise and transitioned wonderfully. What a final it's going to be next week! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Rose, you absolute BEAUTY. I haven't much to say other than reiterate what Frankie said. Expectations were high and expectations were surpassed. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-17109434319469640492021-12-05T16:12:00.000+00:002021-12-05T16:12:12.123+00:00The lifts are gonna get you... <div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEBVDM30UNmYt8KUcII0NB2feYjp9DGnIpzAIHGALkyFp2hzrRkpVTCQBXDuWXpEtmGKvYLVOuNbSm0MXflT9zYmErLmk3rKJ3kHOIbZ3NqsJjf3Bb5yLvK6Ni5zOVb1hOlbyp8Nn3y2f/s714/rhys+.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEBVDM30UNmYt8KUcII0NB2feYjp9DGnIpzAIHGALkyFp2hzrRkpVTCQBXDuWXpEtmGKvYLVOuNbSm0MXflT9zYmErLmk3rKJ3kHOIbZ3NqsJjf3Bb5yLvK6Ni5zOVb1hOlbyp8Nn3y2f/s320/rhys+.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>Well this was a short episode, but wow it was exciting! In a case very much of quality rather than <br />quantity, everyone raised their game and was really going for it. Also, quick shout-out to the early Christmas-themed number which was as camp as, well Christmas, and an absolute delight. Oti and Grazi hamming it up and even some actual ballroom, it was like an early present. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">One of two salsas this week, we've been really light on the salsa routines this year (other dips are available). Yes, it was more disco than salsa, but oh it was fun! John's more laid back style worked here and I really felt like he and Jojo were bringing a nightclub to our living rooms. The hips were good but I thought the knees were a bit too bent at times (is that a thing, Clover?) The lifts were indeed a bit ropey, but Jojo styled out his not-a-fall at the end like a charm. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Adorably styled, I must say. Also, completely demonstrated the reason why, as a social salsa dancer, I always refused to be dipped or lifted. But it's live TV and these things happen. Knees, Frankie? Nothing wrong with his knees - as a non-codified latin dance, we're not looking for the snappy straight legs you'd expect in a cha cha or rumba, so all's good there. In fact, his salsa motion wasn't too bad at all. It's just a damned shame it was mostly a disco routine. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">I really wasn't sure how an Argentine Tango would work for Rhys, it's all about controlled energy. However, he certainly pulled it off, he's come on in leaps and bounds in the last few weeks. Not just in technical skill, but much-needed performance, I genuinely forgot that was Tigger-ish Rhys in this number. I personally think there were too many lifts and the floor spin was superfluous, but what an amazing step up after so many trips to the bottom two. Plus Nancy, what an absolute star! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">YEEEEES. Have I been on Team Rhys up until now? Nope, not really. But wow. I was not expecting this and I do love a positive surprise. This was by far my favourite dance of the night. Now, I chucked all my votes at AJ but then felt so guilty that Rhys deserved some, I cast my first. phone. vote. in. YEARS. I think it was the beautifully syncopated footwork that made it for me. If he swoops in now and steals the glitterball, with dances like this, good on him! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">What a delight of a ballroom routine. The song, the moves, the dress, it was all one pretty package and exactly what Rose needed after a couple of weeks in the doldrums. I was also watching it thinking, ooh these lifts are good and Rose does the transitions really well... and then THAT lift came along! Wow, can Rose actually fly? Was Gio levitating her? I was also impressed it wasn't gimmicky and the whole routine continued to flow after we all had our collective gasp. Top work guys, well done!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Lovely, lovely, lovely. As we have come to expect from these two. I think they might be one of the most adorable partnerships in all of Strictly history. And I do wonder whether they've already got this in the bag. In typical Rose fashion, this was charming, beautifully performed and she made it look so... easy. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan and Nadiya </div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh Dan, you've come so far and stayed so wholesome. I never would have expected he could do something resembling a proper tango and the start of this. Craig was right that there were balance issues and I think that affected his posture at times, but this week was still another improvement. Perfectly respectable, but everyone else is on fire tonight... <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I've defended Dan's right to be in the competition up until now. His improvement has been astonishing, his attitude is an utter delight and he's genuinely a pleasure to watch. People who have been making out he's bad know nothing about dance. But there comes a point with the Dans of the world that the remaining contestants are just better, and that it is time to go. The other four could make the semi-final one of the best for years, and Dan's just that bit behind. If he makes the semis, I'll be happy for him, but I would be feeling genuinely sad this time that he's taking the place of someone extraordinary. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was the one dance I was nervous for tonight, since AJ hasn't had an amazing time with the party latin so far. And yeah...it turned into a bit of a hot mess. She gave it everything and performed to the max throughout, plus even with the dodgy lift at the end she and Kai just giggled away rather than falling flat. Good rhythm and synchronicity too, there were great things here, let's not just talk about the lifts! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Eeek, poor AJ and Kai! What a disaster! Let's just call this a loss. What we saw was clearly not what it was meant to look like. I'm hoping enough votes were cast to keep her out of the dance off, but if she's there, she does have a chance to pick it up and show us what we were meant to see! Whilst not salsa music, I can get always get on board with a party latin pop song - it has the right flavour and feel. This was all set up to be pretty decent - what as shame! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-40773988660093066802021-11-27T20:49:00.003+00:002021-11-28T10:21:33.675+00:00Rumba in the Jumble<p><span style="color: #800180;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #800180; text-align: left;">I think you're all painfully aware that out of the two of us, Frankie is the very lovely, positive one. Well boo hiss boo, she's not here and you're stuck with me. I've found this series very hit and miss so far, but I'll try my best to be nice. It's rarely the dancers I'm frustrated with - they all work hard and do a lovely job with what they're given. But the scoring and production choices this year have been a little more bizarre than usual... </span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwiCiRu8VS6O4nnkXMo42eGqJeVj3lXhXUUWIaxpZvJ25ZPi7jmMoa1mQlXTEW92fJTlmgXZGWa9uotu-OmTzLg-cySdZfZCNEKqIqlDGKwZT0RPoUm9_v-r9AoNcBdDnfF5L8A8M1bPV/s640/972A5DFD-F7D8-48E0-9EC0-1A39D4354E86.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="640" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwiCiRu8VS6O4nnkXMo42eGqJeVj3lXhXUUWIaxpZvJ25ZPi7jmMoa1mQlXTEW92fJTlmgXZGWa9uotu-OmTzLg-cySdZfZCNEKqIqlDGKwZT0RPoUm9_v-r9AoNcBdDnfF5L8A8M1bPV/s320/972A5DFD-F7D8-48E0-9EC0-1A39D4354E86.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">But hey, let's get on to the dancing...</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Rose and Giovanni</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Was it me or did the music blend into some notes from The Final Countdown? Now it's unlikely Rose is going to do a bad dance now. And this was - technically - her usual high standard. But something about the choreography didn't spark for me this time. So often pasos can be the most exciting, stand out dances in any series but we really do seem to be struggling with them this year. I absolutely love these two however and if they do not make the final I'll have a proper tantrum.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Dan and Nadiya</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Thi</span><span style="color: #800180;">s could have been terrible. But it really wasn't. Simple, classic choreography saved the day. Not trying to be intense and ... uh... slutty also saved the day. It wasn't the best rumba we've ever seen on the show but if you'd have told me prior to this series that Dan Walker would pull off this dance without being made to look a fool, I'd have slapped you on the head with a pickle. But yeah, credit where credit's due. A nice job.</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">AJ and Kai</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Loved the mega-fringy green dress. But what was this? Couple's Choice was bad enough when they focused on a particular style, but now it's anything goes, I really don't get the point. Anton said 'commercial jazz' - was that it then? I don't know enough about it to know. It was really well danced and they were completely in sync...but I just can't get on board with these routines.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Rhys and Nancy</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">For a dance that no one expected would suit him, what an excellent job. I saw an absolutely gorgeous step sequence in the middle of the routine, and his frame, whilst not perfect, was so improved you could have knocked me down with a handful of sequins. I'm stuck somewhere in between Shirley and Craig on this one. Not literally. That would be weird.</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Tilly and Nikita</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Even Tilly knew this wasn't going to be her dance. It was worse than I expected however - not for want of effort - <i>that </i>I could see in buckets. But Tilly's body just wasn't moving in the way it should for samba. There was a little bounce but the action was awkward, and there was no fluidity. But again, Nikita could have helped by choreographing routine that actually suited her. Loved the dress and her pure pluck with this one.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>John and Johannes</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I really wanted to love this. And it was the dance I was most looking forward to. But - oh I'm so sorry everyone, I really am a misery guts - I wasn't all that keen. And it's not because it wasn't a spectacular, well danced routine - it was. This was a paso/tango/showdance and not what I would have expected from an Argentine Tango. Craig made the point that it originally would have been danced by two men - I had forgotten that, and he swayed me a second - but no, would a tango in downtown Buenos Aires in the 1860s have looked like that? \Really? If yes, then I take it back. <br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14605087848745382267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-48819681947542392592021-11-21T16:11:00.007+00:002021-11-21T16:11:33.320+00:00Good Mornin', You Revolting Children!<div style="text-align: left;">We're back with a theme week, instead of Blackpool! Life really is cruel sometimes. As ever, whenever a theme week gives us something good, it also takes something away. In this case, the routines either looked reassuringly normal or overwhelmed by the theme, with very few inbetween. We also lost poor Craig to Covid for the week, which felt particularly mean, but did bring is us the lovely and rather impressive booking of Cythia Erivo! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLelBAtQcoZXyR19J0U7yCgqEV7w1T88lyMIkm5r-kp9JeXDiFy80512Iapds3ot-YnLYzSskbNTOM8dkXUiQr49Nns7ISG-911WgRDLBXP4RDjgZ7LJrXjdlB6fQ0d6DbEHiwZTYazEjU/s760/Dan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="760" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLelBAtQcoZXyR19J0U7yCgqEV7w1T88lyMIkm5r-kp9JeXDiFy80512Iapds3ot-YnLYzSskbNTOM8dkXUiQr49Nns7ISG-911WgRDLBXP4RDjgZ7LJrXjdlB6fQ0d6DbEHiwZTYazEjU/s320/Dan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">After last week's travesty of paso scoring, I was very happy to see AJ back in some beautiful classy ballroom. Even if she's dressed as one of the Supremes for some reason. A waltz is never going to blow people away like, say, a jive, but this was absolutely beautiful. Her frame is amazing and there was so much rise and fall in the routine. Throw in some fake snow and I'm totally happy, she's set a very high standard for tonight. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I'm glad she wasn't picked apart at a different standard to everyone else this week and also the fact that this dance could have been from any week, not just a themed one. It was pretty delightful.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not a massive change of gears after last week's Charleston, the gear being fifth and full throttle. I think this was actually my favourite dance from Rhys, he performed it really well and it felt like a coherent dance. Saying that, it was a bit sloppy in places and a jive needs to be more technically accomplished than a Charleston. Also, a round of applause for Rhys and Nancy actually being given nice outfits rather than fancy dress costumes - and in a theme week of all things! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I really liked it. Those who are saying it's unfair he got two dances in a row that suit him just think about the poor bloke if he ends up in the semi-finals with only a waltz and a rumba left. Or something like that. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom and Amy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Steeling myself for the first of TWO bloody Couples Choice this week, I notice Amy looks perfect for Les Mis. This really suffered from the style of dance for me, it felt a bit jerky in place considering it's such a flowy piece of music. It's also not easy to try and tackle contempo the week after Rose and Gio did such an amazing performance last week. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't gel and the stakes are certainly getting higher were week this series. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Can I just have a free pass not to comment on any more Couples Choice? I mean, it was kind of contempo piece, but it didn't quite come together.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Gio<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another person I'm so glad to see back in ballroom. This was downright cute, but I think it suffered a bit from the theme. I would rather have seen Rose do a full-on Hollywood quickstep. Saying that, they did it with pep and it was clearly a quickstep and Gio didn't skip on the content. She also managed the transitions in and out of hold very well, which is even more impressive when you think she has to keep time between the two. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Cute. Technically nice. Would have been far nicer if their costumes didn't look like they were from the bargain bucket at The Disney Store. Fine, keep the music but Rose in a stunning quicksteppy gown and Gio in proper ballroom garb? Yes please. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was one of the routines I was really waiting for and it totally delivered. Great song and perfectly suited to the style of dance, plus Jojo put together a really fun routine with lots of elements. John's arms are also getting really really good, so lyrical. I agree with the judges that he needs to just push it a tiny bit more, he needs to hit on another great dance for him like the paso. Slightly undermarked in my humble opinion...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I really liked this. I thought actually that Johannes looked mildly uncomfortable when taking on the follower role - his frame could have been much nicer. But yeah, I love how these two dance together; they are completely in sync.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly and Nikita<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This routine didn't seem like a great idea when I first heard about it...and yep, I was right. A slightly obscure song, unflattering outfits, and no clear dance style, I couldn't see this saving Tilly from the bottom 2 again - until she got a completely ridiculous 40 for it. Not against her personally, she did the routine well and really threw herself into it, plus Nikita in short trousers was a fun addition. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Nothing against Tilly, but I can't even. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan and Nadiya</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan in the pimp slot? Swiveling away with a jolly smile? Genuinely looking like the original musical? Who would have thought?! I suppose his natural dorkiness helped for a Charleston, but he genuinely showed some musicality, it's taken him a while to get there but him and Nadiya work so well with each other. Also wanted to mention that the lifts were ambitious but executed well. It wasn't one for the ages, but it was a delightful way to end a rather odd theme week! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">This was cute and peppy, and if it's his last week (which I'm sure is not quite yet, but is creeping upon us) then what a high to end on. He's the embodiment of what Strictly is about but his time is coming. Bill held his own against last year's best, best dancers; Dan does not. He's an absolute joy to watch though and I very much enjoyed this routine.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-20718043334946781362021-11-14T16:15:00.001+00:002021-11-14T16:35:16.484+00:00Strictly Scandalous Scoring<div style="text-align: left;">We're halfway through the series, and boy is it starting to show. An odd night fully of slightly off routines and people really trying to keep up with the hectic pace of the show. Oh yeah, and the judges possibly took some sort of communal hallucinogen at the start, read on for our journey through randomness...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-q465333kZ0HO1doTMZNdp1t3Zi36jQaDBG88DVbQEr6nvfu1UIF0TRypHvyhCCVvfaBe2MejqSXa4ED_iqQBECP3KizR6B_NHmj35o5nxjWvJ7M1W7kJGSBaUkobAk9MDcQfkKEiNWN/s615/rhys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="615" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-q465333kZ0HO1doTMZNdp1t3Zi36jQaDBG88DVbQEr6nvfu1UIF0TRypHvyhCCVvfaBe2MejqSXa4ED_iqQBECP3KizR6B_NHmj35o5nxjWvJ7M1W7kJGSBaUkobAk9MDcQfkKEiNWN/s320/rhys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly and Nikita</div><div style="text-align: left;">From dance off to death slot, they really know how to make people feel better on this show. Saying that, Tilly looked delightful, I loved her Missoni-inspired dress and the whole look really suited her. I expected her to take quite well to the quickstep and this was pretty good. A bit of a Charleston overload but she is very good at it, plus her frame has improved. She needs to tighten up her footwork a bit but she is genuinely improving. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">It was cute, but her feet looked a tad sloppy. At one point it definitely looked as though she were trotting up on her toes to catch up, when there should have been heel leads (although it is quite difficult to tell with the swooshy cameras). As Frankie says, she is improving, but feels as though she might be starting to stall a little. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">We're seriously testing AJ's ability to pull off any outfit with that omelette yellow fever dream of a dress. The whole thing felt like a fever dream actually, at first I thought it was going to be overwhelmed by the theming, but these two sure know how to bring the drama. Even the slip seemed part of the drama! I do agree it wasn't her best, but the standard we're setting for her is ridiculously high, the judges seemed so keen to point out the bad bits that they didn't actually mention any of the good bits, of which there were plenty. Craig can get in the sea. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">WTAF. OK, so it wasn't her best dance but the judges almost certainly were holding AJ to a whole different set of standards to everyone else last night. Which isn't at all fair. There was plenty that was good here - in fact, I actually liked it. And this lady would look fab no matter what costume she's given - I believe it is an impossibility for her to look awful. She got all my votes yesterday. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan and Nadiya</div><div style="text-align: left;">So glad to see Dan and Nadiya in some classic ballroom once again after a few weeks of daftness, plus in spectacular outfits! I wasn't a fan of King of the Road as a song choice but mostly because I thought they were going to set it in a motorway service station or something, so thankfully that worked out better than it could have. This was another example of Dan putting in all the hard work, it was definitely improved even though he looked terrified whenever he had to do a lift. Scores ranging from 4 to 9 is ridiculous, but that's not Dan's fault. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Craig's 4 was bang out of order. And I think the others 'upped' theirs somewhat to mitigate it - but that led to him being above AJ, which is just odd. That said, again, I really liked it. Dan is really joyful to watch - from some comments on Twitter you'd think that he's being kept in because it's bad/funny but he's genuinely dancing. His timing, performance and style are improving week on week. Do I think he's final material? No. Do I think he's a Kate Garraway? Absolutely not. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think I've been waiting for Rhys to do a Charleston from day 1, he was just made for it. This was suitably bonkers, the swivels were huge and there were limbs and knees flying all over the place. Plus the lifts were confident rather than haphazard. I don't agree it was the best Charleston of the series, you can't just wipe AJ's away, they were two different styles of the dance, although once again I am looking at you Craig... <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Yeeees, this was Rhys' dance and I loved it. I wasn't expecting a 40 but I have no idea what was going on yesterday with those judges. Something was certainly amiss. But hey, I'm really glad Rhys did a standout, memorable performance. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara and Aljaz <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was a bit of a weird one and not just because Sara seemed to have been given an early Christmas special dress. It started off well (including an amazing solo section from Aljaz) but then never really went anywhere for me. A disco song was not right for an AT, but the arrangement was thankfully paired down a bit. It was an intricate routine and Sara certainly couldn't have managed it at the start of the series, but it wasn't quite sharp enough for me. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Disco themed tango. Let's have a samba themed waltz next week, shall we? But hey, that's not Sara's fault. I thought this was good. It didn't blow me away but it was decent. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">The ITT rehearsal footage of this looked a-mazing, so my expectations were quite high. I think they might have been a bit too high, because I was expecting to be blown away, whereas this was a perfectly nice samba with lots of content and basic steps. I'm also jealous of John's shimmy, since I cannot do them to save my life. Two 10s felt like a step too far here. I think I agree with Craig though that John needs to push himself out there a bit more, he has a lovely natural way with his dancing but sometimes I just want a wee bit more oomph. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I actually missed most of this due to being so incensed by the fact that they finally had some salsa music on the show, but it was used for a samba. John is great though. Such a natural. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Amy and Tom</div><div style="text-align: left;">After last week's bonkers paso a VW was always going to be quite the gear change. Saying that, this didn't really feel like a VW to me, too many dramatic interludes and random arm-wafting for me. Once Tom got into hold, his frame really has improved but I found the routine too stop-start. I'm glad the judges finally agreed with me on a routine, <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">To be honest, at this point I was still smarting about the salsa/samba thing above. What I did catch I thought was OK. Tom does seem to be improving, which is good, and I do think he is possibly someone who could knock one of the TOP THREE (Rose, AJ, John) from a place in the final if he keeps at it. But in order to do that, he needs a standout breakthrough dance. And soon.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">Argh, and rounding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO_UL_dHtOCR3yQ08CznnnpnaAWHpeEFI687i_Njux8i5c2ylfG4Cl9FvgufkwCINlSlDCeepR46yTn0jULoc4LCjOsHDbOPsaFJpCVFqxh2mlQg4TOhF9LhrsGs7v3n58lT8I4zPkRDx/s919/rose.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div> off a weird week with Couple's Choice. Plus outfits made of grey bedsheets. The odds were stacked against me liking this, but I found it positively charming. They were so well synchronied and the choreography looked quite difficult, unlike a lot of CCs which just look like jumping around. The silent interlude was wonderful too, not just for what it showed us about Rose but also the way it was seamlessly incorporated into the routine. A real highlight to a very odd night! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">This started like a relatively standard Couple's Choice contemporary routine and I was just not prepared for how much the silence would affect me. It was absolutely beautiful and absolutely important. I am so glad it was included and this dance basically made my night. Rose has got to be the favourite to win now, surely? She is captivating to watch. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYhtJbXgFYRvm9MUgH8pMK7ePeAokfxokSu8EeCCyeU26blpYSpQaTUyHJCqMOF32U_DZVv7w6txuK4t_-szcaUwI_S7Ga07d3muJkUzE6_Ujcal36QJqWSB2hgqwjRAXFBEmd-_xSTnt/s589/Rose+CC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="589" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYhtJbXgFYRvm9MUgH8pMK7ePeAokfxokSu8EeCCyeU26blpYSpQaTUyHJCqMOF32U_DZVv7w6txuK4t_-szcaUwI_S7Ga07d3muJkUzE6_Ujcal36QJqWSB2hgqwjRAXFBEmd-_xSTnt/w320-h213/Rose+CC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-77694348821808944422021-11-06T20:50:00.000+00:002021-11-06T20:50:27.425+00:00Strictly's Roaring Twenties<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIrKjUmz6klnbNIYNvNnnjb1DUektzvoSOHwm_3LJoXjhpgt-gMzRg9hfhsJb44FA1JEPVX8dReghBN39qD9b5te_9JPGlWpdI3QW0s4Jj3OBQKVOCKvjENklgi1leNwv32vmRAmT4FZG/s1948/aj+charleston.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1948" data-original-width="1560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIrKjUmz6klnbNIYNvNnnjb1DUektzvoSOHwm_3LJoXjhpgt-gMzRg9hfhsJb44FA1JEPVX8dReghBN39qD9b5te_9JPGlWpdI3QW0s4Jj3OBQKVOCKvjENklgi1leNwv32vmRAmT4FZG/s320/aj+charleston.png" width="256" /></a></div>...we survived Halloween guys, it's safe to come out from behind the sofa. Tess is wearing a sparkly nude number and Claudia is in a man's suit, so it's business as usual. Let's roll up our sparkly sleeves and get down to some serious dancing!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adam and Katya</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was quite wary of Adam doing a jive, throw in some rather slinky pyjamas and the death slot and it looked like the odds were stacked against them. I think he pulled it off, but only just. It was a proper routine with lots of jive content, but it didn't really have any finesse and he needed to point his toes more. It would have been ok in week 2 or 3, but we're too far on for that now. Shout-out to Katya's rather lovely lemon drop dress. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">I secretly love a 60s samba, don't judge me, Ian and Penny set a precedent about 15 years ago...The band also did a great job with the bosa nova style, hurrah. This wasn't Rose's best dance, but she had a pretty good crack at the samba bounce, traveling and Gio giving her more to do on her own. And as the judges say, her timing is amazing, which is half the battle with party latin. Hopefully this will see her through and we can get back to her general awesome-ness next week. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom and Amy </div><div style="text-align: left;">After last week's wonky tango I wondered how Tom would take to the paso, I'm still not quite sure because there was SO MUCH going on in this routine. A random bridge. And the Austin Powers costumes. AND the smell-the-fart face Tom was doing. It was without a doubt a full-on paso though and Tom totally committed to it, I think we're all in agreement it was the best dance so far. I love it when a middling contestant suddenly connects with a dance and comes alive. I particularly enjoyed the cape interlude too, he swooshed that thing like he'd been doing it for years, bravo!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm still struggling to connect with Rhys and this routine didn't really do anything for me. His frame was way too loose, plus like the judges said, he continues to be much better out of hold than in. I don't really have much else to say, other than it really shouldn't have got three 9s...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly and Nikita</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly has been quietly delivering better and better routines each week; this week was the turn of the haughty 80s synth tango and I really enjoyed it. She's powering through her performances and really getting into the style of each one, maybe she just needs a 'wow' moment like Tom to get people to take notice? I was also very much here for her swishy pleather skirt, if this was a paso they could have made a kinky cape out of it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan and Nadiya</div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent all last week protecting those little lobsters only to be rewarded with Couple's Choice, bah. However, on the whole, I quite liked it as far as these routines go. It wasn't trying to be anything it wasn't and Dan certainly wasn't trying to be cool, it was adorkable personified. It was perky and in time, might give him a hand when party latin comes a-knocking. I hope he gets through and can do some jolly nice ballroom again next week. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh gosh, the expectations were as high as Blackpool Tower for this rumba, but ooft they delivered. It was a beautiful routine and song choice, with both of them dancing with wonderful synchronicity. Plus a flowy shirt is always good value in a rumba. I could have done with John's hips being slightly more pronounced, but I'm being really nit-picky here, hopefully he can do it again in the final and blow everyone away!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of high expectations, I think that people just accept that AJ will be great every week, but she absolutely smashed this one! Everyone kept on going on about her being too long-of-limb to do a Charleston, but she made them her own and threw in some amazing loosey-goosey moves. Plus those lifts genuinely were daring but she sprung around like a pro, and all without a gurn in sight! I want to see it again, if she doesn't get to the final, we riot!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara and Aljaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">That wig, that travesty of a wig. It's not even Musicals Week, Sara really should sue. I also think it made her shoulders look a bit hunched, but ultimately that rogue sheep distracted me for most of the number. This didn't feel like Sara at her ballroom best, it was fine but it didn't have the elegance associated with her other numbers. Good speed and limited gapping, clearly a quickstep but not one for the ages. Sara needs another stand-out dance before she slips out of the contender-tier. <br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-20605130702955043092021-10-31T16:09:00.003+00:002021-10-31T16:09:42.261+00:00Fright Night XI - Back from the dead!<div style="text-align: left;">Just when you might have thought 2020 had killed off the Halloween theme, it's lumbered back from the dead once more. Mwhaahha! The opening number felt like a bad omen, I didn't get it at all and thought it was oddly twee. Saying that, the judges all looked amazing, with an extra shout-out to Anton perfectly cast as the Riddler. He's full of surprises this year! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I hate Halloween Week so much I used to get a free pass not to blog the show. But I'm feeling particularly moany this year so let's go... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxmHNeOPSEQ0yDuQLdIveyHDPJwvLIKyN0lRZ5dMvmubljzcWAWH-VXwyb-XqKCvpjuGNKMKhmGVglb9SJpvv1tkEWiK1aLUO3lK4Ihz6cVlnMShvvdApmO6vrulwKSu0XnQiCaLRBbjr/s881/rose+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="881" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxmHNeOPSEQ0yDuQLdIveyHDPJwvLIKyN0lRZ5dMvmubljzcWAWH-VXwyb-XqKCvpjuGNKMKhmGVglb9SJpvv1tkEWiK1aLUO3lK4Ihz6cVlnMShvvdApmO6vrulwKSu0XnQiCaLRBbjr/w400-h269/rose+2.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">This got us off to a nice start; cute outfits, not too much theming and definitely recognizable as a quickstep. Bad Moon Rising is practically its own Halloween genre now (there's been 11 shows after all) but it worked for these guys. Very good frame and hardly any gapping too. It didn't set the world alight, but John should be happy with how his ballroom is progressing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">If I pretended to watch it through a magic lens that got rid of the theme, I actually quite liked this. Three couples are really starting to stride out ahead of the pack and these two are part of that. I liked the song for a quickstep. Tick. There was actual quickstep in it. Tick. But we need a huge, spectacular breakthrough number from these two now.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">You wouldn't think a Medusa-themed VW to Arianna Grande would work, but oooft this was great! These two deliver week after week and this was such a fun spin on the usual VW format without sacrificing technique. Great routine from Kai (in guyliner no less), he's proving to be a very interesting choreographer. Also, I normally think a floor-spin is a bit of a time-waster but that was a spin and a half and actually added some drama to the dance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">And very, very rarely a dance is so good I actually forgive and forget the theme. If I'm a sucker for anything at all on Halloween Week though (and that's a push), it's a dark VW. I really liked this. I think they could put AJ in dressing gown and ask her to line dance to the Hits of the 70s and she'd still make it look fabulous. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan and Nadiya</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was DREADING this dance all week, what a theme to get lumped with. Saying that, the costumes were much better than I was expecting, slightly-mad West End show rather than cheap fancy dress shop. Also, against all my better judgement, I genuinely enjoyed it! There were jive moves and kick and flick sections, Dan was never going to be amazing at the jive, but I thought he had a good stab at it and was in time for the whole routine. One for the kids I think, but they could vote for it in droves. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Oh dear. Dan's actually turning out to be a decent dancer so this kind of thing is a bit of a slap in the face. There was no need to throw him hurtling into the realms of Scott Mills/Ann Widdecombe territory. I think he'll manage to scrape through to next week and if he does, I hope there's a dapper redemption ballroom waiting for him...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is only one War of the Worlds Paso and that is bonkers-awesome Pixie and Trent in Blackpool pretending they were on Game of Thrones, sorry guys. Saying that, they didn't go too overboard with theme, it was a proper paso, but in dusty Victorian outfits. It didn't blow me away, but they'd clearly worked hard on the Spanish line and partnership of the routine, I agree with Craig though, he was pushing it a bit too hard at times. Is it enough to save him from the bottom 2?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I feel he could do really well if he could just stop powering through ahead of the beat. I thought last week was a bit of a breakthrough but it looked to me like there were real timing issues with this one - he was just ahead for too much of it, and Nancy looked as though she were struggling to match him.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara and Aljaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of Game of Thrones...and here we have Aljaz in bondage gear! Apparently this was Couple's Choice, but it looked like a paso with extra twiddly bits to me. I would say it was a victim of theming, but I didn't think that was possible for CC - it was more baffling than the lobster jive! I do agree she's better in hold rather than out, but it might also have been a bit of a step too far performance-wise. I really hope Sara's chances don't suffer because of this. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Has there ever been a contestant who has rollercoastered up and down the leaderboard quite like Sara? I don't quite know what this was but it wasn't good. Aljaz's reaction/guilt breaks my cold, hard heart though. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well done giving Rose an ice queen dress that didn't make her look like Elsa from Frozen, plus Gio rocking the guyliner, it's what you want from Halloween. This was a wonderful tango, the theming clearly gave her something to work with and her sharpness was spot-on. Great in hold and out, she's bringing us surprises and improving ever week. I didn't even mind the Ed Sheeran song! Plus these two are such a delightful pair, will Gio be dressed as a lizard at some point before the end of the series?! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">These two bring me joy. I have no more to say. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly and Nikita</div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked in week 1 whether Nikita was going to be dressed like a lothario from Grease and they seem to have run with that theme most weeks, even with a Halloween number! This was my surprise of the night, I loved how they played up the kitschy song and it was pure cheeky cha cha. Maybe a theme really helps Tilly? Plenty of content too, straight legs and they'd done work on the hips, I think this was my favourite of Tilly's so far. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I barely saw any cha cha content. What was there was nicely danced, and Tilly is progressing well. But choreography-wise, Nikita is not impressing me. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adam and Katya</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was quite intrigued by this number, Katya always goes big for Halloween. I wasn't expecting her to climb out of a piano in a pair of massive trousers though - so extra! I think it might have been a bit much for Adam, he seemed to lose it in the second half, but it was a ballroom improvement on that messy messy quickstep back in week 2. The whole thing was a great watch, but it was more about theme than his actual dancing. It does feel like he's lagging behind the leaders a bit now and needs a smasher of a dance to get back in the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">He started off so well! I was like, YES, this is what we have been waiting for ... and then it descended into the realms of lacklustre. It actually has been my favourite of Adam's dances so far, however. He has been grossly over-marked on occasion, but his score was deserved this time. And whilst I am not keen on too much theme, I actually thought the concept and choreography of this dance were very interesting. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Judi and Graziano</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nice to have Judi back, but this was the worst week for trying to shoehorn in a dance for the previous week. The CGI graphics have been ok this series, but it was just annoying in this. The timing was good and there was cha cha content, but it never really got off the ground. I feel really bad for Judi because the odds were stacked against them, but it didn't work and had come just after Tilly's triumph of a routine. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Ah, you could tell Judi wasn't firing on all cylinders but I was so glad to see her back. The dance had rhythm, good timing, real cha cha content and the beginnings of some good technique. But it lacked energy. I preferred the choreography to Tilly and Nikita's. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom and Amy</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's hard to follow a tango that got the first 40 of the series, but Tom and Amy came out and attacked this for all it was worth! And in actually quite scary costumes, I wouldn't have expected Amy to look so good as a demon, it must be the cheekbones. It was clearly a tango, but I felt like it was fighting to be a paso at times. It certainly wasn't bad and was packed with content and a more confident Tom, so hopefully it's a step in the right direction. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">It had the design, concept and music of something that should have been huge and epic. But it all felt rather small. It wasn't bad. It wasn't great. I'm still waiting for Tom to have his Rachel-Stevens-Rumba breakthrough dance. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-72500789834237399062021-10-24T15:59:00.000+01:002021-10-24T15:59:01.988+01:00The Ballroom Ascendancy <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg9Dx4ecb85k2lCmquW3WBq3rMLHZxdGUJ3By2nI8Hpxakc_vPr7PduSbxIZbntSYbscnsZhiB6w-N_5ccQ7v0xopCqCX3lzZnE48juhddU4DVxk6fmVHSvV74ssUyTdjV5092DiDuo59/s511/AJ.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg9Dx4ecb85k2lCmquW3WBq3rMLHZxdGUJ3By2nI8Hpxakc_vPr7PduSbxIZbntSYbscnsZhiB6w-N_5ccQ7v0xopCqCX3lzZnE48juhddU4DVxk6fmVHSvV74ssUyTdjV5092DiDuo59/s320/AJ.png" width="219" /></a></div>...and here we are with what I can only describe as the 'revolving cast' of Strictly this year - you really have to pay attention to who is in it each week! I hope Judi and Grazi are ok and we can get back to the full component next week. As for this week, we had some bonkers scoring, some great routines, and yet more evidence that this series is all about the ballroom. <br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Dan and Nadiya</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan really has been my surprise of the series, where did those ballroom lines come from?! Yes it was a bit twee, but that's part of the charm of these two. It's so lovely to see someone really fall in love with dancing like Dan has and he works so hard; a definite improvement once again. The fleckerl was a bit touch-and-go, but his hold was good and he's learning to perform. I kind of hope he doesn't lose some of that gawkiness that makes these two such fun...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">It wasn't perfect but Dan is having a very earnest j-j-j-journey on the show. There's nothing we love more than an absolute beginner who finds they really enjoy learning to dance. That usually makes them enjoyable to watch - which Dan absolutely is. Do I think he'll win? No. Do I think he'll be one of this year's most memorable and likeable contestants? I really do.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adam and Katya</div><div style="text-align: left;">Katya has really been channeling B*Witched this week, which was unexpected but fun. Too bad she didn't recreate Lilia's legendary samba turban in denim. This was...interesting...and also a mess. It was a fairly hard routine and Katya left Adam on his own quite a lot, which I don't think he is quite ready for yet. It was a step up in performance, but not technique. Also, whilst there was plenty of samba, I did not see a samba roll, so it should be instantly disqualified. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">URGH. Jake Wood level thrusting doth not a samba make. Thing is, poor Adam will now blithely go about the rest of his life thinking 'hey, I'm good at samba' when really the routine he performed had about as many true samba steps as your average drunken stumble home from a kebab shop. Ok, maybe that's too harsh but honestly, this was lazy choreography from the usually inspired Katya. And judges, I am ashamed of you.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara and Aljaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">I came to this with apprehension because, well, rumba. However, it was quite a sweet routine and I liked how it wasn't painfully slow or too contempo, well done Aljaz. My main issue with it was that Sara was only moving her hips about half the time, because that's what the rumba is all about. Their partnership really helped carry it though and create a mood where it was a bit technically lacking. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Are any of you familiar with the lovely dance from the Dominican Republic, Bachata? Beautiful intricate, syncopated footwork. But what you often see in Europe is a version that is basically couples dry-humping each other's thighs. My point? That is what (some of) the judges seemed to want from rumba. Raunch. But it's not about that, and Sara and Aljaz should not be marked down for doing a lovely, romantic dance with plenty of basic steps. It wasn't perfect but it was not second-to-bottom territory. I hope you all cast her some votes. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom and Amy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wholesome Tom and Amy doing a dance to a slightly naughty song, how I giggled. The arrangement by the band at least felt better for a salsa. Now, I didn't dislike this, and Tom has definitely improved, but the routine didn't gel for me. I felt like they were both trying reeeeally hard all the time, which kinda kills the salsa flow. I think it might be being a bit mean though, they carried off a complex routine and yes, for the millionth time, Tom didn't drop Amy - hurrah!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">This was <strike>not</strike> barely salsa. I saw some comments on Twitter saying the music was too slow. It wasn't too slow. Unlike the standardised dances, there is no set tempo for salsa. It was absolutely wrong, however. If Caffe Nero can play me Cuban music whilst I drink my morning mocha, why can't Strictly bear to play it? For a Cuban dance, nonetheless? Other than that it was OK. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly and Nikita <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Awww, wasn't this a sweet number? Please don't imagine I was doing that in Tess's ickle baby voice, because it genuinely was. I'm so happy to see such a traditional dance like the foxtrot become the standout of 2021. This was a pretty tricky routine too; packed with content and almost entirely in hold. Tilly rose the the challenge with grace and rightly so, keep at it girl. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Tilly showing the haters. Let's ask ourselves why it's always the young women on this show who get the toughest time from the media? I love that Tilly won't have it. Keep calling it out, Tilly. Oh, and the dance? It was pure loveliness. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">My expectations were pretty high for this, but woah AJ and Kai delivered! I couldn't take my eyes off it, they brought intensity with that really intricate footwork we demand from a AT. Great in hold and out and she never misses a beat alongside Kai, he's been a great addition as a pro so far. Plus no one ever talks about how effortless AJ is in lifts despite her long, long limbs. Definitely my favourite of the night, those people who didn't like the song don't appreciate real drama, dah-lings. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Brace yourselves for a controversial opinion. I didn't love it. Her lines were stunning, she managed some beautifully intricate footwork and it was as dramatic as a drama student drinking a dram of Drambuie in... D'rham?. But, to me, it was too intense and harsh all the way through. I would have liked some softness, some playfulness and that genuine Argentine A-frame hold. I absolutely LOVE AJ and she deserved tens in the context of last night's weird, weird scoring. But it wasn't perfect in reality. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ugo and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nice to see Ugo back, I was worried about his back injury because those things can go on forever and we don't want to lose anyone else! Bringing the poor thing back to do a rumba dressed as a DFS sofa was a bit mean, but he pulled it off better than I was expecting. His arms are terrible and it wasn't the most technically accomplished thing, but they managed to capture the right mood due to their great partnership. Hopefully he can do something a bit more fun next week? <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Poor chap. I've tried to dance with a back injury and it is not pretty. I was trying to think what dance might have been better for him, but in reality, none of them would have been much good. However, this was far better than I was expecting and Oti is clearly really trying to push the technique. They had so much against them this week though, I'll be surprised if they manage to stay out of the dance off.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">Was a delight this was, a charming little bon-bon of a number. The theming was a bit random but they were playing for camps with the baguettes and it gave us some of that amazing side-by-side action these two are so good at. The synchronisation on the swivels was amazing and I loved the changes of pace in the routine. A treat from start to finish. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Haha! Now this is more like it. These two seem as though they were made to dance together - they match up so perfectly. The routine was fun, polished and professional. John started with some natural dance ability, and is now growing into a real performer. Does anyone know if he can sing? I can hear the West End calling his name...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was a wonderful routine from Rose, but the acting and story of it turned me off a bit. It was too distracting and meant there wasn't as much gorgeous ballroom content as there could have been. Rose is going from strength to strength for me as she gets more experienced at dancing and managing the music. Her top line is amazing and Gio is doing such a good job of teaching her, long may they continue. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">My favourite. It was classy, beautifully danced and told a gorgeous story. Rose is clearly a talented actor, and brought this skill with her to the show. But she is also a talented dancer, whose natural elegance is really shining through. She is also funny. We love funny. I think she is winging her way to National. Treasure. Status personally... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite my concerns this was going to be overwhelmed by theming, this was my favourite dance from Rhys so far! It's good to know he can be reined in when needed, he just needs to do more ballroom to work on his technique. Like the judges said, his hold was a bit sloppy, but he managed the lifts pretty easily. Rhys is still one of those people I think could go either way, but this was definitely on the positive side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Yaaas, could this be a breakthrough from Rhys? I really enjoyed this number, fizzing with pep and full of beans. But, crucially, just enough but not too much energy. Hopefully the positive comments will spur him on to keep checking in on that technique. He absolutely has the potential to be one of the best. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-72833493018310236882021-10-16T21:53:00.003+01:002021-10-17T11:08:52.090+01:00The Samba Curse Returns <p><span style="color: #800180;">Hello! Nice to see you all. You'll be glad to know that my post this week isn't half as ranty as a fortnight ago. It doesn't feel like this series has hit its stride yet but we saw some nicely choreographed routines, with some lovely basic steps. And it was a genuinely nice show this evening... </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5t3DtHVyGNJByrabFsicG6OqGIz71m6JIWBrfDxUxXSwmOqhC9efIVG8RM58k4rdqD1ZcH9sl7FhE4dDDgD7U1rPcmzG-MGKx5V0lR1fCYhiQIAVCbkpdizj75_UoI_VZGBmhniefcwoX/s620/judi.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="620" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5t3DtHVyGNJByrabFsicG6OqGIz71m6JIWBrfDxUxXSwmOqhC9efIVG8RM58k4rdqD1ZcH9sl7FhE4dDDgD7U1rPcmzG-MGKx5V0lR1fCYhiQIAVCbkpdizj75_UoI_VZGBmhniefcwoX/s320/judi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><u><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></u></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></u></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></u></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></u></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></u></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></u></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></u></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Rose and Giovanni</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">At first I was like, oh here we go, six bars without a dance step and an overbearing theme, but then... off it went into a lovely routine, squished full of basic cha cha content. Rose's foot and leg action was great, and I was quite mesmerised by her trousers. I think these two have the strongest partnership of this year and I am really enjoying watching that grow. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;">Tom and Amy</u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">This was one of those routines that wasn't bad, but didn't blow me away (with a feather from the trim of Amy's truly gorgeous dress.) It's all about finesse now with Tom. He's got everything he needs to do a breakthrough routine, he just needs to refine everything - most particularly his frame. I do really feel he has the potential to do this though, so they're still a pair to watch. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;">Tilly and Nikita</u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I think Nikita has fallen into the trap that befalls many a first-season pro. He's so excited to show what he can do, it almost feels like he has forgotten it's a partnership - one that should be far more about Tilly. He should be choreographing routines that suit her skill and style, and also supporting her through them. But no, there he is going for it, gung-ho, and leaving her behind, making the routine look mis-matched. Don't get me wrong, Tilly is doing amazingly well trying to keep up with him, but she is being let down a little.</span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;">Greg and Karen </u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Oh, we have been missing some dad dancing. And some Anton-worthy samba sleeves. But Greg seemed so disappointed in himself it was almost heartbreaking. There's always so much talk about the rumba being difficult for the men (so much so that they don't even bother making most people do it anymore) but samba is the most rhythmically challenging of all the dances, and the body action is so unnatural to anyone who's never tried to move that way before. And whilst this had some real issues with technique, Greg's timing looked spot on. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;">John and Johannes</u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">These two have been slowly growing into one of my all time Strictly partnerships, but for me this week it was a little off. And it wasn't really about the technique, it was about the choreography. They got so sucked in to telling a story, the dancing itself just lost some sparkle. But they dance so well together that I have no concerns at all that they'll be back with something amazing next week.</span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;">Rhys and Nancy</u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I'm gonna say it. This. Was. Not. Salsa. It was also a tad overzealous - as now seems to be Rhys' style. This man has so much potential though. Whilst his steps were far too wide (also not an uncommon sight in a ballroom pro trying to salsa...) he actually had the beginnings of a lovely, authentic body action. Nancy needs to help him refine his technique. If he can, he could be one of this year's biggest... journeys. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;">Sara and Aljaz</u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I actually found the music distracting. Whilst I absolutely love the piece, it is not suited to a marchy 2/4 ballroom tango. Why it was not saved for an Argentine later in the series instead is beyond me. Or re-arranged for the dance in question. But never mind. Other than that I thought this was fab. I think Sara is fab. And I want to adopt Aljaz. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Dan and Nadiya</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I did not expect this to be one of my favourite dances of the night but you know what? It was. This had an infectious joy about it and actually was fairly technically sound - when they actually did a bit of cha cha. Dan is really embracing the sparkle and comes across as a genuinely lovely man. We always love contestants who just fall in love with the experience and Dan is really giving off that vibe. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;">Judi and Graziano</u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">This was understated, stylish and I basically really liked it. I would have loved more sway from Judi but the change of pace, and emotion behind it were just absolutely delightful. I thought she looked absolutely stunning in a classic ballroom dress. What a way to come back from being in the bottom two. Graziano is starting to really grow as a professional partner and I love the support he is showing.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Adam and Katya</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Well, it was about as tango as an egg custard tart. But I think Katya has realised that Adam might not be the natural we all assumed he might be, and - as the polar opposite to Nikita - is choreographing routines that suit him. Whether they look like the dance or not. So I can appreciate that, even though I would have loved to see an actual Argentine Tango. The lifts and tricks were pretty cool. This lady managed to create a routine that made it look like Seann Walsh could dance. I just hope she remembers that Adam is of a significantly higher calibre.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>AJ and Kai</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Oh AJ, I was so looking forward to this and it just fell a little flat. Her technique had a more salsa than a samba vibe for me (as did the music), but this is a lady who has never danced before. Such high expectations are unfair - and as mentioned, samba is the most difficult latin dance. And it just got the better of her this time. She looked absolutely stunning and has such a fun, engaging personality and I have every hope that she'll bounce back next week. Everyone has a tricky week.</span></p>Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14605087848745382267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-74665108638127532142021-10-10T16:55:00.000+01:002021-10-10T16:55:12.928+01:00Movie Week will go on...and ooooon<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdJjCpsLd97oYKEjxJuglHqWPGKytI6hcBNHlqYhyphenhyphenaEYIchXFwcp7LyoU13g1vCKwFlzoMoT6xetLQ610Degl6hjH2tlmkks4dQlNZhwXFIaLgPUXM_Vf9uKTQl8piQMUAKPCMX-_KLls/s633/Rose.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="443" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdJjCpsLd97oYKEjxJuglHqWPGKytI6hcBNHlqYhyphenhyphenaEYIchXFwcp7LyoU13g1vCKwFlzoMoT6xetLQ610Degl6hjH2tlmkks4dQlNZhwXFIaLgPUXM_Vf9uKTQl8piQMUAKPCMX-_KLls/s320/Rose.png" width="224" /></a></div>Lets! Go to! The movies! One day they will use that song from Annie as an opening number, mark my words...Saying that, the Johannes-heavy ballroom-themed opening number was actually quite delightful, even though it didn't seem to have anything to do with movies. Long may King JoJo reign. Almost as long as this episode, Tom and Amy are back so we have 14 couples to wade through in this epic movie marathon...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Judi and Grazi</div><div style="text-align: left;">Starting with an appropriate theme and dance, hurrah, plus Judi was perfectly cast and will probably be playing Mama Morton in the West End this time next year. This was a great routine from Grazi, I think it's the most detailed choreography so far and Judi has worked on her stamina. I could have done with a bit more swivel, but she's still good for a complete novice. I'm hoping as we go on we can see a bit more versatility from them as the weeks go on, as she's building up the experience and confidence. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan(iel) and Nadiya</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love these two together, they're dorkish and wholesome, so going full Disney Princess made total sense. Yes, there were mistakes, but it's a bloody foxtrot and he was clearly trying his best, I feel like Dan puts so much work into his dances. He clearly does feel better in hold though and I am very worried about looming party latin. Saying that, the routine was totally charming and I'm sure every nan and child in the country will be voting for it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara and Alijaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">After two relatively sensible routines, the theming comes crashing onto the dancefloor. Saying that, it was an oddly routine samba with plenty of content and basic steps, so the Shrek outfits looked even more surreal! Plus Sara has really come on in her latin, considering how hard the samba is she came out all guns blazing with bounce and rhythm. That woman can shimmy! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was probably the number I was most excited about when I saw this week's numbers, but I was not expected to actually be moved by this. Great routine, perfect costumes and casting, but I didn't think AJ could have brought the acting elements so well in week 3. Plus she handled the lifts really well and moved in and out of them perfectly, more more more please! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Robert and Dianne</div><div style="text-align: left;">The very definition of 'from the sublime to the ridiculous', bring on the Muppets! Although like the Shrek samba, this just felt like a normal quickstep in ridiculous costumes. If anything, I could have done with it being more manic, the performance just didn't feel nippy enough for a quickstep like this. Robert's clearly putting in the work with his ballroom though, just still needs to tidy things up. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Greg and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, this was probably my favourite performance of Greg's so far, but I also don't think it really got off the ground, even with the superfluous snowmobile. Karen put together a great paso routine to the light and shade of the song, but like Craig said, Greg doesn't really dance through the movements. There also wasn't enough of a Spanish line, but I did like the flamenco arms interlude and some very Confident Clapping from Greg. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly and Nikita</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank goodness the BBC has learned there are songs in Hairspray other than You Can't Stop the Beat! This was a peppy delight, I think I actually enjoyed it more than last week's Charleston. Plenty of content and kicks, Tilly seems more confident in the choreography department as weeks go on. Yes, a couple of mistakes, but I didn't think they were as obvious as Dan's. Whether Nikita accidentally whacked her in the face remains unanswered... <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">These two look absolutely delightful, what a great way to start Rose on ballroom. I genuinely do forget she's not listening the music, this was just a lovely piece of classic ballroom. Plus her top line and hand placement was perfect! Also, extra points for dancing to My Heart Will Go On and not making it a massive cheese-fest. Who would have expected the foxtrot to have a massive rebirth this year?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ugo and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">...and then came along Couple's Choice to darken our door once again. Saying that, Ugo took to this routine like a duck to water ('arf 'arf) and I think this was the first time Oti didn't completely overshadow him. Plus he threw her in the air for those lifts like it was nothing! Saying that, I think he could have had a similar breakthrough with a salsa, or even a Charleston...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom and Amy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lovely to have these two back, along with the perfect routine for Tom! Thankfully, this overshadowed the terrible Back to the Future routine Lee Ryan did a few years ago, plus Amy got to wear a variation on Lorriane's iconic prom dress rather than some odd Doc outfit. Despite the fact I spent most of the beginning shouting 'put the guitar down!' this was a pretty good jive. Tom did an amazing kick sequence with swings in it near the start and they kept the energy up. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adam and Katya</div><div style="text-align: left;">Boom, rumba in week three! I don't care how weirdly themed it was, we got a rumba! I personally think Adam had a pretty good stab at it, it obviously wasn't Kelvin-standard, but he was doing some hip action and some good extensions. Saying that, it was a bit awkward and jerky in places too, plus the costumes were mightily distracting! Although, I think this is the only time the CGI set pieces actually worked!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Katie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">After last week's under-rehearsed jive, this felt much more suited to Katie, she clearly loved camping up every second of that. Plus Gorka as a dalmatian was hilarious. It wasn't the best piece of ballroom and much better out of hold than in it, plus it was an American Smooth so where were the lifts? But it's hopefully given her a bit more confidence after being in the bottom 2. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Couple's Choice part 2, where I spent the whole time thinking 'this could have been a Charleston'. They also missed an opportunity to have Rhys literally bouncing off walls. On the plus side, Nancy looked ridiculously cute in her sporty outfit and 90s hair buns. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">John and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wasn't bowled over when this theme was announced, but oooft John and Jojo went at this full pelt! Great control and Spanish line from John, just as good in and out of hold, the only thing that was missing was a cape, but yay for the kitschy glitter cannon! These two work so well together as a team, it really adds to all of their performances, there's going to be so much more from them to come. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-84564036611636968382021-10-03T17:48:00.003+01:002021-10-03T20:06:36.299+01:00A Ballroom of Two Halves<p><span style="color: #800180;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBa20cBbDfH-uWJjtVYZf4sjdvvVCHXbgcb2me1qZixWHeb84YnvAMGJMyB56muRQUBh2K2Kwxx25hfcWwfJ1eQ2VpYicIQdWpMGG9Ve1Pv50o_CCjlWPR30afJ998Fi4DzrlpYl5G7JN/s615/0_Strictly-Come-Dancing.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="615" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBa20cBbDfH-uWJjtVYZf4sjdvvVCHXbgcb2me1qZixWHeb84YnvAMGJMyB56muRQUBh2K2Kwxx25hfcWwfJ1eQ2VpYicIQdWpMGG9Ve1Pv50o_CCjlWPR30afJ998Fi4DzrlpYl5G7JN/s320/0_Strictly-Come-Dancing.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">It's 2021. Some of us having been watching (and commenting on) this show for a <i>really</i> long time (you can tell we have; our blog design has never been updated and plants us firmly in 2008 territory.) And, we long-time watchers, superfans, bloggers, have all been on a (I'm going to say it) journey together, From the early purist days, where an illegal lift caused controversy, to that big hump where we all got very angry about props, themes, and even songs being repeated. Now I feel in recent years most of us have come to a degree of acceptance about the more 'entertainment value' aspects of the show; I wouldn't say any of us got to the point where we fully embrace the random themes but I feel some of us had got to a point where we might recognise a prop lamppost and reminisce fondly, but mockingly, of when we'd seen it before. I don't mean to say that none of us squeal in delight when we see a Foxtrot chock full of content, or a perfectly executed fleckerl, but I do think many of us have come to realise there's a possibility we might have to witness those technical beauties by contestants dressed up as characters from Scooby Doo. But sometimes, just sometimes, there's a show that sends us (by us, I mean Twitter) hurtling back to the days when we were up in arms and where we just wanted the dances to look like the dances they're meant to be, and, my friends, last night's was (well, at least the first half), unfortunately, one of those. Brace yourselves for a rant...</span></div><p></p><p><u style="color: #800180;">Rhys and Nancy</u><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I'm not denying that Rhys has rhythm, that he moves with style, nor that he has great potential. But was that dance a cha cha cha? Debatable. Sorry to get all Theseus' Ship on you, but how many cha cha moves can you take out and replace, before the dance is no longer a cha cha? This for me, was far too many. The intro was too long, there was too much random disco-bopping and his technique was really quite a way off. This is all easily solvable, and is no reflection on his capability. Nancy, get it sorted!</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Nina and Neil</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Oh dear, poor Nina. Not only was she placed in the death slot, but she also faced unnecessarily complicated choreography. Neil - why add Argentine kicks and flicks into a ballroom tango, in week 2? Seems to me like you were making it more about you, than about your partner. Nina really shone in the group number and her samba last week showed promise. But when a celeb does not get the pro they need - the pro that choreographs to show them off, who teaches them the technique they need to execute the dance well, then they have little chance of succeeding. I sent some votes Nina's way last night as I do not believe she deserved to be bottom. But this is to you, Neil, get it sorted!</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Adam and Katya</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I mean, again, it took ages for them to do so, but I think they actually started off in hold pretty well. I just reached for my phone to tweet as such, and POOF, it all went a wee bit iffy. Or at least skippy. And <i>very</i> gappy. We often celebrate Katya for her creative choreography but at least most of the time, there are decent number of actual dance steps in the dance. This, like the two dances above, was verging on nonsense. Katya* - get it sorted! </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">*At this stage I'm going to asterisk. Yeah, it seems like I'm being pretty harsh on the pros here. I really am. And we all suspect they less creative control over their dances than their Hardy/Waite/Bennett predecessors of yore, so a great deal of this might not be anywhere near their fault. But as (or indeed if) you continue reading this piece, you'll see the show gets better, we do see some dance content and - ultimately - It. Can. Be. Done. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Katie and Gorka</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">So Katie's costume looked as though it had been pulled from a bargain bin at a fancy dress stall at a run down indoor market of some nondescript English town. The dance wasn't horrendous but it was hardly great. Again, Katie shows, promise, but I didn't see her given much opportunity to show it. For one thing, her shoes looked as though they were far too high for her, which led to the whole dance looking wobbly and heavy. Her feet were messy and, as Craig said, there was no retraction. But again, I'm not blaming Katie. If they had spent more time working on technique instead of faffing about running in and out of doors (and seriously BBC, had no one risk assessed those obvious trip hazards there?), then I'm certain that could have been far, far better. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Greg and Karen</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">As sweet as his story was, and how touching his memories of his sister were, I cannot get on board with Couple's Choice - which it now seems, can be any style at all the couple fancies. I was about to get into a long explanation about why this is, and how I don't blame the individual couples... but I'm tired. I honestly don't have the will... Does anyone like this aspect of the show? Can we find anyone who thinks Couple's Choice is a positive addition? Tweet us.</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">John and Johannes</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Ah, OK, so we're sorted of getting here. Now, content-wise I was not impressed by this (again, where was the cha cha?) but John is one of the most naturally talented dancers on this year's show and he was so synchonrised with Johannes, it was (despite the lack of actual content) a relatively good dance to watch. And it had joy. John seems like he's the contestant this year who is showing the most self-doubt. he really shouldn't. I could see these two winning this thing. And whilst I'm all for celebs occasionally dancing to the ballroom classics (La Cumparsita coming up, guys) I do love it for a contestant to dance to a song they really love. It really shows in the performance. In this case, it definitely did. </span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">AJ and Kai</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Ooooh, nice one. AJ's jive last week was fab, and this was... also fab. I knew it. I knew she would be a ballroom girl too and I'm delighted that that's the case. I googled to see if she has had previous dance experience and it really appears not. Like John, she just seems to have a natural talent for dance and I adore it when an untrained celeb discovers that for themselves. High, high hopes for these two. I really have my fingers crossed that Kai trains and pushes her, choreographs routines sensibly and they continue to wow us.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Judi and Graziano</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I actually thought I saw some fair technique from Judi in parts of this, but the way the judges spoke of it made it seem like it was terrible. It had far more dance content than a lot of last night's efforts, but what it did best was really capture the spirit of the samba, in a way we don't always see on Strictly these days. I could have done without the launderette (I'm on one today, just let me go with it) but all in all, I enjoyed this one. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Robert and Dianne</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Now Robert should have been bottom last week. He nearly fell over - did they <i>miss </i> that?! So. I was not expecting this to be any good. But in a total shocker, it was... quite good. A little bouncy and soft in the knee for me but, much like Judi's samba above, it captured the spirit of the dance. But - he did have an advantage. La Cumparsita. La Cumparsita is to tango what Espana Cani is to Paso Doble; it is the quintessential tango piece and, even a parody of a tango would look like a tango to this. So, I remain open-minded about this pair and still think they could go one way or another. Or, can they? Anyone who's studied Strictly knows that many a favourite contestant starts of pretty wobbly and has a j-j-journey. Conspiracy here, but does Robert know that...? *looks to camera a la Miranda Hart* </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Rose and Giovanni</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Salsa. Are you expecting me to scream at you IT'S NOT SALSA? Please don't be disappointed but I actually thought it had a fair bit of salsa to it (are you shocked?) And whilst a song just saying 'Salsa' in it, does not make it Salsa, it's certainly not the worst choice we've had on Strictly. At least it had the right sort of mood. The transitions in and out of lifts could have been smoother (but who cares about the lifts, really?) - her actual salsa dancing was pretty decent. Nice, but understated body action, good timing and just...having a fun time with it. Hurrah. Nice dress too.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Sara and Aljaz</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Has anyone jumped from bottom week one, to top week two before? That was a meteoric climb, Sara and actually really well deserved. Let's not buy in to the narrative that Sara was bad last week. She wasn't. She was self-conscious and tentative but it wasn't Robert-Webb-Levels-Of-WTF. But still, this foxtrot was a huge improvement and Aljaz's simple, let's-just-get-into-the-dance choreography was the tonic we all needed after a show of more intro than dance steps. Sara's next challenge is to bring it in the same way in a latin dance. I'm betting all in on the paso.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Dan and Nadiya</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I'm not sure why Dan's costume was half Starfleet Commander/half flamboyant Roman Centurion. But never mind. He unfortunately fell into the trap of thinking that the Paso Doble involves striding over to one spot, striking a pose, and striding over to the other. His movements were not joined up into any kind of coherent dance and I'm glad the judges picked up on that. We haven't had a drag quite like that since John Sargeant gave the dancefloor a quick polish with Kristina Rihanoff's left thigh. His quickstep showed real potential though, and I'm confident he'll take on board the comments and do his best to improve. </span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Ugo and Oti</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Is there nothing this lady can't do? Ugo seemed the most wooden and out of his comfort zone in the group dance but week two, and he does this? Oti's track record at teaching speaks for itself and - whilst this was by no means perfect - if he continues to improve at this rate, they could get further in this competition than any of us ever expected. I liked that this had content, I liked the music and I liked the whole sunshiney vibe. This is what happens when you have a pro that focuses on the right things. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Tilly and Nikita</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">It's a CHARLESTON. AND IT'S THE LAST DANCE. AND WE'RE SO DESPERATE TO LOVE SOMETHING. IT WAS AMAZING, right? Was it amazing? I mean, it <i>was</i> good. But these young 'uns with a dance where the technique doesn't quite matter as much, they just tend to do well. I actually thought she could have done with a degree or two more swivel, but I guess, yeah, apart from that it was all there. High energy, entertaining, and she had clearly worked very hard indeed. Lots of potential here too. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></p>Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14605087848745382267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-89656205978792306122021-09-26T12:35:00.000+01:002021-09-26T12:35:14.297+01:00Back with a bang!<div style="text-align: left;">Spoiler: Strictly is back, with bells on. The opening show brought us some great numbers, surprises and partnerships that show we're in for pretty exciting series this year. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9eXdREOOHhAqF6zIwUWCEClRd-FryPlr6wWHA8wckhkVBz9SG4r5v4ccQVL6retJrt04rymHtbH1DB19MigfnCLFBeMTjl-dJlQP6AIMUIu4j9-x-Jb0268TqUrsNiryeYLZ4_dkfWmN/s898/week+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="898" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9eXdREOOHhAqF6zIwUWCEClRd-FryPlr6wWHA8wckhkVBz9SG4r5v4ccQVL6retJrt04rymHtbH1DB19MigfnCLFBeMTjl-dJlQP6AIMUIu4j9-x-Jb0268TqUrsNiryeYLZ4_dkfWmN/w400-h225/week+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Since it's the start of the series, we also had to have a theatrical group number, but I didn't connect with this one too much. These were the literal notes I took: '<i>Gorka being whimsical near a bench. Karen flying. Something with a bike</i>', so I hope that's enough to jog your memory. We also had Tess in a rather nice red number and Claudia in Colonel Sanders' pyjamas, so business as usual. Now, let's get down to that amazing collection of dances!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom and Amy</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think the variable that whoever dances first gets to the final is going to stick, Tom's been a favourite to win since he was announced! He must have been nervous though, because he didn't remember to smile until halfway through, he looked quite pensive until the Cuban breaks. It was a good start, a bit tentative and scrappy in places but clear rhythm and he obviously knows how to perform. Plus it looked like an actual cha cha, so that's a good start to things. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly and Nikita</div><div style="text-align: left;">We always knew Tom would be vaguely competent, but Tilly (and Nikita) was an unknown quantity. This was better than I was expecting actually, nicely graceful and good in hold. As ever, I could have done with more hold, but there were attempts at rise and fall too. Certainly passable for week 1 and will definitely help build some confidence going into the next show, it'll be interesting to see where they take it next. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ugo and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">Can Oti do the treble? She didn't make it easy with a week 1 samba, plus props and the health and safety nightmare that is fire. It was fun, but lacked any real polish - but I'm probably being a bit harsh for week 1 there. Ugo did at least give good shimmy! Samba school with Oti was also fun, I don't think I've heard volta said so many times on the show! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys and Nancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another new pro on the floor, can't wait to see what Nancy has in store for us over the series. I was a bit worried the ever-bouncing-oodles-of-energy Rhys got the VW for his first dance, but this was my favourite dance so far. The outfits, the song, the routine all came together as one lovely piece. I can see why Nancy broke the hold a few times, but the stuff in hold was good and the transitions between the two were pretty impressive. Bring on next week!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara and Aljaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our first job-themed number of the series, they've thankfully reined those in recently, but it was actually really fun and added some cha cha cheekiness. Sara and Aljaz's partnership is clearly going to be their strength, so I think she's going to be great at ballroom stuff in hold. Like the judges said, she was a bit reserved, but there are clearly vast reserves of camp waiting in the wings! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan and Nadiya</div><div style="text-align: left;">This surprised me too! I was expecting Dan to be dad-dancer supremo, but that was neutralised by the quickstep. I was worried that his massive long legs would get in a tangle like a whisk in a kitchen drawer, but he actually managed to execute some pretty frantic footwork. Minimal gapping too and jumping over furniture like he does this every week. Maybe a tad overmarked and we still have party latin looming over us, but it appears he's not without talent and willing to work very hard. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">Loving Rose's unicorn car wash dress, a Strictly classic right there. A jive is hard week 1, but I do wonder if she found the strong rhythm of it helpful, even if she did admit she didn't like the dance that much. This was perky and just what you want to see from an early jive, plus I liked the 60s shimmy bits Giovanni put in there. Also, a jive is mostly about the feet, but Rose looks like she's got some pretty good arms too. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Katie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't think Katie would get something as dramatic as a tango as early on as this, but hurrah that she did because she was properly smouldering in this number. Longstanding readers of this blog will also know that I have hated about 90% of tango song choices in recent years, but this was a great choice and allowed them to actually have some intensity. She did seem a bit nervous at the start, but got into it and became sharper and neater in her footwork as it went on. Another one to watch! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Robert and Dianne</div><div style="text-align: left;">I take my spangly hat off to Dianne for putting together the perfect routine for Rob. It was camp and gave him something to have fun with, but also stopped any attempted to go full comedy. Plus basing it on an actual dancing competition was rather meta but made it look like an actual cha cha! It was a bit rough around the edges, but Rob's got the tools he needs to learn, so hopefully he'll get some weeks to work on it. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Greg and Karen <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Greg has felt like the most fish-out-of-water person so far, but giving him an old-Hollywood number plus top hat and tails was a nice turn. It was probably more style than substance, but it's only week 1 and you might as well go with a crowd-pleaser. I think he's going to need to work on his posture, plus we've not had any exposure to hips or rhythm next, but I'm very interested in what's to come. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nina and Neil</div><div style="text-align: left;">A week 1 samba should be terrifying, but Nina really attacked that number. As with a lot of people, it was fairly rough around the edges, she needs to work on her transitions for example, but there was bounce and a dirty samba roll and that's what we're all after. I love to see someone being really fearless on the dancefloor this early on, do we have a dark horse here? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John/Dante and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">We all knew this was going to be good, but the two of them really rose to the occasion with an amazing routine performed with so much power. You could see how much work had gone into it over the past couple of weeks, Johannes really didn't skimp on the choreography. The only thing that I didn't like was the matte black suits, too dark and made it hard to distinguish them at times, they could have done with some blue sparkles! But who really cares, I can't wait for next week! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Judi and Graziano<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These two are a wonderful pair together, the party latin is going to be a real treat from them. Also props to Judi for looking like an absolute movie star. I don't want to sound like a kiljoy, but it didn't feel like ballroom, it felt like a Couple's Choice musical theatre routine. I know it's week 1, but I could have done with more content. Hopefully there's more to come...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ and Kai</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd been really looking forward to this one, and not just to see what shade of spangletastic AJ's frock would be, but this blew me away! The speed at which she did that early kick section and kept pace throughout the dance, all while selling it for all it was worth. There was even an incredibly sassy chicken walk. Was Kai there? I barely noticed, but that's probably a sign of him doing a great job. More please!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adam and Peaty<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was so much pressure and expectation on Adam as probably the most high-profile signing, but it didn't seem to phase him at all. Those hips! The legacy of Kelvin Fletcher lives on. Katya was clearly able to drill him during training and it certainly paid off, it wasn't perfect, but it was much more fluid and technically accomplished than I think we were expecting. Also, shout-out to Katya's bondage gear and manga ponytail, may she bring us all the weird and wonderful stuff once again this year. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-57483575428241038022021-09-23T18:00:00.002+01:002021-09-26T22:21:54.429+01:00The Winning Forumla - Version 13!<p></p>Unlucky for some? It's my thirteenth attempt to use *science* to predict who is going to win Strictly this year. Last year the Winning Formula managed to predict two out of four finalists, which I'm quite proud of, and still maintain Nicola had final potential. Much like 2020, it's a topsy-turvy world, but we can always rely on the show to bring us some sort of consistency....or can we? <p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_GJWGs77r_HhvrdnuMRd_JnGvvPOz2owApyfkFb27boiRkbgKi_co8w0DEiJfd8MOoIye5jvyOQtIsUDmlm25JAhnwpWvPdNnO76AuXTSlleLFmUzetDFow-XXfhRfo0ffVvAPA6fGsd/s436/bill+oti+win.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="436" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_GJWGs77r_HhvrdnuMRd_JnGvvPOz2owApyfkFb27boiRkbgKi_co8w0DEiJfd8MOoIye5jvyOQtIsUDmlm25JAhnwpWvPdNnO76AuXTSlleLFmUzetDFow-XXfhRfo0ffVvAPA6fGsd/s320/bill+oti+win.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>1) Get the party started</div><div style="text-align: left;">Every year I wait with baited breath to see who is going to dance first on the opening show and almost guarantee a spot in the final, and who comes out first in 2020 but little Jame Biscuits. Doing a rather wooden cha cha. In tight white pants. To the Icelandic Eurovision entry. I thought we were done for, ready to throw this long-loved variable in the sparkly Strictly bin. But no, 2020 threw us yet another curveball and Jamie and Karen slogged their way to the final with spangles and a smile. No, he was never going to win, but by golly he got to that final and proved me right once again. I always liked that lad....Keep your eyes peeled for whoever is out on that floor first! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2) Quit your day job</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, it's hard to win Strictly whilst doing another job, but in 2020 most of the celebs had their day jobs on hold anyway! Bill practically admitted he was doing Strictly because his tour had been cancelled, which gave him more than enough time to train whilst having a massive lark with Oti. It feels like history is repeating this year, with only a few celebs doing something else at the same time as the show. However, I do imagine Eastenders will provide Frankie with a massive storyline to keep Rose working like a loon, because they do it every single year! Plus we have Tom on tour with McFly this year taking Amy along for the ride, hopefully it won't be too rock n roll considering how many kids they have these days. Also keep an eye on Dan Walker, those BBC newsreaders somehow manage to pull off working and learning to tango around the clock...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3) Blondes don't have more fun<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We're still in the rather odd situation that only one blonde has ever won Strictly (Abbey, it was eight years ago, but we remember) and they were almost overtaken by the gingers last year when Maisie made it to the final in fabulous fashion. Yes, Jamie was a blonde finalist, but we all knew, including Jamie, that win was never going to happen. So where do we stand this year? Katie McGlynn was very blonde in Corrie and I still blink with confusion when I now see her as a brunette. Adam Peaty might possibly be a dark blonde, but he also shaves...a lot...for swimming, so it feels like Tom, Tilly and Sara are the ones flying the blonde flag this year. Plus John Whaite has made the rookie error of dying his hair blonde, change it back quick!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4) Latin fever</div><div style="text-align: left;">This variable might be on its last legs, since Anton was the only pro who specialised in ballroom and he's been farmed out to the judging panel. Latin specialist pros have clearly won both the battles and the war, but maybe a 10 dance person like Nadiya could pull it out of the bag like Flavia did all those years ago. Maybe I could just change this variable to 'dance with Oti' instead?! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5) Age is more than a number</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've never been so happy to see a variable disproved. Up until Bill's much-deserved win, the only Strictly winner over 40 was Joe at the age of 42, but then Bill came along and pushed that maximum age up to 55! Is this the start of a new trend? Is Strictly going to be entirely boomer-populated in a few years? Saying that, two out of eighteen series isn't particularly significant, so let's have a look at this year's cohort. Dan Walker is quite a baby-faced 44, Judi just snuck over the line at 41, plus there's Nina, Greg, Rob who might all have a chance at proving the over 40s are on a roll. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">6) Embrace the sparkle!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is all I will ever need to explain what 'embrace the sparkle' means...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ayX-R-w2FP8jRN_Liqe6NXE01eL-HkJnw5XGN5DvEaXYYM7stC13rjM3usugY-87hlhkUJeU3sTl3-DaU_LyEToRJzVWGezJN_Tw2ygLmy5j2oHdXTDWo9sC9pcEfQscojO47fEyp8eG/s2048/adam+dress.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ayX-R-w2FP8jRN_Liqe6NXE01eL-HkJnw5XGN5DvEaXYYM7stC13rjM3usugY-87hlhkUJeU3sTl3-DaU_LyEToRJzVWGezJN_Tw2ygLmy5j2oHdXTDWo9sC9pcEfQscojO47fEyp8eG/s320/adam+dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So here is that all-important equation once again, and our predicted finalists for 2021...<br />
<br />
Dance first - day job + brunette x latin pro - 42 years old + sparkle = winner!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Adam</div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ</div><div style="text-align: left;">Katie</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ugo</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
As ever, the first dancer on the opening show will be added to the list -
in the meantime, let us know what you think and vote in our poll! </div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-64359370870414653922021-09-19T19:14:00.003+01:002021-09-19T19:14:53.015+01:00We're in the Mood for Dancing<p><span style="color: #800180;">Hello, Happy 2021, folks! (For the year does not truly start until Strictly Season is upon us.)</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I cannot believe how quickly it has come round. One minute we are looking forward to the summer sunshine and in the blink of an eye we're snuggled in front of the TV tweeting our #StrictlySnacks (shout out to the lady last night with a bucket of wine.) </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Whilst last year's Strictly felt like a warm hug in the middle of chaos, this year seems far more normal and I have to confess, it's crept up on me; I'd even forgotten Anton was going to be a judge. Nevertheless, last night's show was a joy and here are some thoughts on the couples...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHdcPCh4IwzdiRTduU7HTxWLvidEEJ8NpJYniBXmpsUOGD01DPlFPxyc1cTC2sU7fnqFLPJeVu6YVeIG81bkHprbdhbIdrUJeGphLGvNabwE1bjflQxexE3ShP9AXPJ1BvPkIDPL1VPlc/s640/strictly-come-dancing-2021-cast-1631515535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="640" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHdcPCh4IwzdiRTduU7HTxWLvidEEJ8NpJYniBXmpsUOGD01DPlFPxyc1cTC2sU7fnqFLPJeVu6YVeIG81bkHprbdhbIdrUJeGphLGvNabwE1bjflQxexE3ShP9AXPJ1BvPkIDPL1VPlc/s320/strictly-come-dancing-2021-cast-1631515535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><u style="color: #800180;">Robert and Diane</u><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #800180;">When I first heard about Robert, I was like YES. HE. CAN. DANCE. But - can he dance seriously? Can he dance when he's not deliberately sending himself up? I'm not so sure. The wee clip of him in the group dance displayed a glimmer of self-consciousness and a man more awkward-of-movement than I expected. The choice Diane might need to make is do they join the race to the top, or join the Race To The Bottom</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">â„¢? </span>If I were her, I'd give it a week or two, test him out, gauge the audience's reaction, then go for whichever is going to create the most joy. If that is the way of Bill Bailey, so be it; if that is the way of Russell Grant, then bring that on too.</span></span></span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Katie and Gorka</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">In a night full of northerners, here's our first reet proper one. (We'll claim her for Lancashire under the historic County borders.) I have to be honest, whilst her face was familiar to me, not being a big soap-watcher meant I wasn't quite sure who she was. But we've got to have a soap actor or two on the show from time to time. I didn't catch much of her in the group number, which means she didn't stand out either like a shining star, or a sore thumb. And going into Week One with no public expectations can be a powerful position. I'm looking forward to seeing what she can do. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Rhys and Nancy</u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Well Rhys is a springy, zingy bundle of energy isn't he? I'm going to call him this year's Tigger. He certainly has <i>some</i> moves, looks to have rhythm...and, crucially, is clearly a natural showman. But can those moves be disciplined into something that resembles ballroom and latin? I have an inkling that they can, but perhaps in a way that keeps his own style, much like le olde Joe Sugg. And so glad that Nancy has a partner this year - their partnership reaction was adorable. </span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Sara and Aljaz</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Having not watched Dragons' Den for many years, I was still under the impression that Debra Medan was the sole flyer of the female flag on the show, but no. And Sara seems really popular going by the reaction to her taking part in Strictly. Again, I didn't really spot her in the group number so how good she's going to be is still in question. However, on googling her, I am impressed with what she's achieved and slightly put out she is younger than me. Pfft. Aljaz is just a sugary cupcake baked with joy and sprinkles, so we know she will be well looked after. I'm rooting for them because we've never had a winner quite like her, and I'm all for difference. </span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Dan and Nadiya</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Ah Dan, are you are first true dad dancer of the evening? There was a sweet awkwardness about his appearance in the group dance and he seems like a jolly nice chap. I haven't got all that much else to say however, as I don't think he's going to be a real contender in the competition. But that all could change with some charm and determination. Nadiya had a pretty good run with Davood back in 2017, but not much luck since. I'm going to call an early elimination... (disclaimrr: I'm often very, very wrong.)</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Rose and Giovanni</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Despite the disadvantage, Rose genuinely stood out in that group number as one to watch. She was graceful (particularly in the arms), bang on point and a natural performer. Her journey is going to be enlightening and we should all learn from it too. Representation and opportunity are so important; dancing is an absolute delight and everyone in the world should be encouraged to share it if they want to. I thought starting with a jive was an incredibly harsh choice, but after seeing them in the group dance I'm just plain excited. A couple to watch.</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Adam and Katya</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Another stand out performance in the group number. Add that to being coupled with the Queen of Choreography, Katya, and we could have absolute dynamite here. And who doesn't love an Olympian? I suspect they could be very, very popular. Shall we have a bet about how early in the series he dances to <i>that </i> Spandau Ballet song? (You've got the power to know...)</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">AJ and Kai</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Yaaaas, a proper Lancashire lass. She'll be reet gradely (I have lived in Lancashire my whole life and have literally never heard someone say that seriously). AJ seems warm and likable and full of energy. But Kai, I'm unsure- it's not always a disadvantage to have one of the new pros, but it is an unknown. Is he forgettable? Or could he be a new Kevin? It's incredibly disappointing AJ Pritchard is no longer on the show because I would have just paired them up for jive kicks and giggles. </span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Greg and Karen</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">WILLOUGHBY! Let me not to the marriage of true minds... Wee fact: Shakespeare is not actually in the <i>book</i> of Sense and Sensibility; Marianne's poet of choice in the text is actually a chap called Cowper. But I digress. Mr Thompson is our second somewhat of a dad-dancer of the evening, but I'm pretty sure he has the potential to be polished up. He strikes me as the type who might take to ballroom more than the latin but contestants can surprise us in that respect. I'm expecting some regency costumes. Pride, Prejudice and Zombies for Halloween, anyone?</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Judi and Graziano</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I'm really excited about these two as well. Judi looked great in the group number, and I think has the potential to shine in the latin. Graziano just hasn't had the chance to show us what he can do after Vick Hope was eliminated way earlier than we all expected. Judi's humour should work in her favour too. I also love that she has a degree in social work. That is such a normal person thing to have and there's nothing I love more than someone close to being a normal everyday person as part of the Strictly cast.</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">John and Johannes</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">YES. YES. AND YES AGAIN. Firstly, about time (worth the Whaite...). Secondly, if I had to pick out <i>the</i> standout celeb from the group number, it would be John. Johannes has become one of my all time favourite professionals in the last couple of years and it is just perfect that he is part of the first male-male partnership. But back to the dancing. They were so in sync. It just worked. I am so excited to see these two progress. John is humbly crumbly sweet (see what I did there?) and I do so hope those nerves don't get the better of him. </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Nina and Neil</u> </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Ah, someone ELSE who caught my eye in that group number (perhaps it's true this year and the standard genuinely will be really high). Neil slightly disappointed me somewhat when he was last partnered - but perhaps that wasn't his fault. We'd all been waiting so long and hyping it up, it was potentially always going to go that way. Maybe this is his year. I had heard of Nina. I could even have told you who she was. I also really like her. Fingers crossed! (But not whilst in hold, oh no...)</span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Tom and Amy</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">I might not have remembered this quite correctly as we have been going for oh so many years, but I think Frankie's fantasy Strictly playlist jive might have been Five Colours in Her Hair at some point. So yeah, it would be fun if they did that, or maybe for a quickstep. He's going to be compared to Harry Judd. Obviously. But is he in his league? We'll have to wait and see. Super cute that Amy is a proper fan. </span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Tilly and Nikita</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Who's your dad again, Tilly? But hey no, I jest. She's a social media influencer and has had her own show, so there's nowt wrong with her taking part. She also comes across as incredibly sweet. I always like the young 'uns to do well because I like the idea that they'll encourage other young 'uns to get dancing. </span></p><p><u><span style="color: #800180;">Ugo and Oti</span></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">Now I'm actually convinced that Oti can do most things. But teach Ugo to dance really well? That might be a challenge. He seemed the most wooden of all the dancers yesterday but if anyone can do something about that, Oti can. Actually, I wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised if they win. This is Oti after all. She is the Queen of Everything. </span></p><p><br /></p>Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14605087848745382267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-30509625673857627602021-08-14T18:28:00.001+01:002021-08-22T15:02:15.281+01:00Strictly 2021: Ready for the Floor<div style="text-align: left;">We're here, in August, what's that about?! Actually, it's not too early for those who keep track of dates and whatnot, but the years keep coming around quicker and quicker like a Viennese Waltz careening out of control. Who cares though when we're back to a full-length series and this intriguingly mixed bag of characters, let's dive in...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepm6Hf_0pbnA4kLGxBlUcEHW-LVGePYMstJXgBrEhMtHi6DxN8OUnT6QKDqmgKaGgVOYGxFKC5dDsyiGBThzTwuw0GmEYGZ3g8JDcM10GhyEsOEN9RIKjCCrTQ2b3_h8jllUn3WMXBT3R/s1062/class+of+2021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1062" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepm6Hf_0pbnA4kLGxBlUcEHW-LVGePYMstJXgBrEhMtHi6DxN8OUnT6QKDqmgKaGgVOYGxFKC5dDsyiGBThzTwuw0GmEYGZ3g8JDcM10GhyEsOEN9RIKjCCrTQ2b3_h8jllUn3WMXBT3R/w400-h394/class+of+2021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom Fletcher </div><div style="text-align: left;">Ah, after 10 years McFly return to our doors, alas no more Brucie to chase them with a broom. Is Tom now older and wiser? I'm not sure, but he's had a serious glow-up in the last decade, which I'm sure all the mums will appreciate. I went back to our 2011 blog to see what we said when Harry Judd joined and hilariously we were exclaiming how nice it was to see a young man aged 25 on the show...I'm feeling practically geriatric now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Robert Webb</div><div style="text-align: left;">Flashdance! The banana dance! This guy is no stranger to a comedy routine or committing to an outfit, maybe he could be a dark horse? I already have hopes for something high-concept at movie week (Am I looking forward to movie week? What has the pandemic done to me?). I also want David Mitchell in the audience looking painfully awkward and Victoria Coren having a whale of a time. Ok, he'll probably be a bit dad-dancer, but have fun along the way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">AJ Odudu</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know much about AJ apart from bits of random shows I've seen her in, but she seems like a massive laugh so I'm looking forward to getting to know her better. Plus she's the first of a very strong Northern contingent this year. She even gave a shoutout to a misspent youth dancing in Preston's nightclubs and if you can handle Tokyo Joe's then Strictly holds no fear!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John Whaite</div><div style="text-align: left;">This felt a bit left-field but I remember John being lovely on Bake Off (that and when he nearly chopped his hand off) so I'm pretty happy to see him. At least he won Bake Off while it was still on the BBC dahlings, cake puns ahoy, but please don't bring back Clara's chef's outfit of doom! Maybe he's wisely spent his time on Steph's Packed Lunch buttering up Anton...geddit? Pair him with Johannes for our first all-male couple, the nation demands it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhys Stephenson</div><div style="text-align: left;">Due to not having kids, I'm not really aware of Rhys, but gosh he seems like a jolly nice young man. Plus he did a video saying he really wants to dance in a cape, so we should not stand in the way of making his paso dreams come true. A bit of online research also shows he was is the National Youth Theatre, so maybe he has some underlying dancing experience to dazzle us with? <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara Davies</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another Dragon on the series, it's been a mere eight years since Deborah Meaden had a good ol' boogie with Robin. I'm not as familiar with Sara, but she's another strong representative of the Northern army this year and seems like she's going to throw herself into it. Plus she's famous for a craft business, so I kind of want her to start customizing her frocks with pipe cleaners and crochet like a Pintrest mood board. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Katie McGlynn</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our first soapstar and she's been in not one, but two Northern soaps! I don't really know what she's up to in Hollyoaks, but she was wonderful in Corrie and had such a powerful storyline that I feel like she needs the fun of Strictly as a nice change, even though it was more than a year ago! Really hoping Katie does well and gets the chance to do some dramatic dances. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan Walker</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh my gosh it's Dan Walker, the least surprising contestant after this narrative has been drawn out for years! He seems fairly excited, although I'm not sure he knows quite what he's let himself in for. Plus I've only now discovered he's a whopping 6ft 6! Can we get Natalie Lowe back in a pair of platforms to partner him?! Whoever he's dancing with, he's got the longstanding successes of BBC Breakfast presenters to live up to, so good luck Dan.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tilly Ramsay </div><div style="text-align: left;">Ah, our yearly yoof contestant, I don't really know who Tilly is, but 9 million followers on TikTok would disagree. She's also got plenty of TV experience under her belt on CBBC, so I wouldn't count her out. Plus, fingers crossed, we get the joy of Gordon Ramsay in the audience as part of the family bubble - I cannot wait for Tess to shove a mic in his face and try and question him on live TV.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Greg Wise</div><div style="text-align: left;">Period dramas are not my thing, but Greg's announcement sent all quarters of Twitter a-flutter. I really hope they play up the whole Jane Austen brooding romantic gentlemen bit, because why not? His story about doing Strictly in memory of his dance-loving sister is also very touching and suggests he's an all-round good guy. More audience potential too, as we're all desperate for his wife Emma Thompson to turn up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nina Wadia<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">National treasure Nina, so well-loved by the British public that some people were convinced she'd already done Strictly. I love it when that happens. I'm not sure what to make of her dance-wise yet, she doesn't seem to have any prior experience so it could really go either way, hopefully whilst insisting you could make the Strictly props at home for nothing!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose Ayling-Ellis</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's our current Eastender for the year, so cue poor Frankie getting a massive storyline somewhere around Christmas! Hopefully not, because she looks really excited about getting her glam on and out on the dancefloor. As Strictly's first deaf contestant I am also looking forward to seeing the process of her learning to dance, lots for us to learn there too. More fun audience potential too; maybe Danny Dyer getting excited and deciding to sign-up for next year...? <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Adam Peaty</div><div style="text-align: left;">This as the big signing for the year, I hope you all squealed like me! Getting an Olympian is always good, but a young guy at the top of his game when there's only three years to the next Games is really spoiling us. I hope we don't break him...On the dancing front, he's clearly fit but he's also built like a tank, whichever lucky pro gets him will be able to go hard on the training so I hope he has rhythm. The wardrobe department are probably buying a job lot of sheer material as we speak...</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Judi Love</div><div style="text-align: left;">Loose Woman, stand-up, radio presenter and all-round no-nonsense missus, Judi is set to have an awesome time on Strictly. I don't think we've ever had a female stand-up on Strictly before, so glad to have ticked off that first. Plus, if you happened to see her trying to teach Curtis Pritchard how to do comedy for Stand Up to Cancer earlier this year, you will know she definitely deserves a treat... <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ugo Monye</div><div style="text-align: left;">A rugby player came as a surprise, I don't think we've had one since Ben Cohen back in in 2013, but they've historical done quite well. This really is the season for nostalgia! This is also the only way I ever learn anything about rugby, ever (don't get me started on cricket), so happy to welcome Ugo to the fold even if I don't know much about him. He's also 6ft 2, which is rounding off a series of really quite tall men in 2021, what have they been feeding them in the BBC canteen?! Bring on the female pros in their biggest heels.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">So that's your class of 2021, who are you most looking forward too? Who will be the person you've never heard of, but will be stanning by week 2 and having t-shirts printed of by the final? Don't forget to vote in the poll and we'll see you here for the launch show!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-41227289876824181982020-12-19T20:51:00.003+00:002020-12-20T14:13:30.665+00:00Yes Bill, he can boogie!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0cgLX1Y27nBkOPnMGoxTCHeUk2O0WCL23bHL9CvZxQMbWMjZMxNPACtOIIQ29efJ3KA8hcZqJ-_GxidtbQZvb1wQGdV9g1tQW7jkPahaXaxfC8PJL-Fb7H5lKOrvO6Cwwnz187T8qEBo/s600/bill+win.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0cgLX1Y27nBkOPnMGoxTCHeUk2O0WCL23bHL9CvZxQMbWMjZMxNPACtOIIQ29efJ3KA8hcZqJ-_GxidtbQZvb1wQGdV9g1tQW7jkPahaXaxfC8PJL-Fb7H5lKOrvO6Cwwnz187T8qEBo/w256-h320/bill+win.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>We made it! Welcome to our final blog of the series in the weirdest year of all (apart from maybe series 7), so glad you could join us. It's been emotional, it's been crazy, it's been covid-compliant, but most of all it's been Strictly and we should thank our lucky stars for that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">There may have been some questionable music choices, way too much theme-age and the hell-on-earth that is Couple's Choice*, but I AM SO GLAD that BBC managed to make Strictly happen this year. The sheer normality of this show being on has been a joy for millions.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">*I actually make an exception for Bill's which, against my better judgement, I found myself loving.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As ever, we're not going to discuss dances that have already been done. A whistle-stop tour tells us that Harvey brought some extra sharpness to his jive despite his twiglet legs, Jamie brought his infectious fun to the Charleston, Bill tripped the light fantastic in his improved quickstep, but Maisie definitely brought the house down with her rip-roaring samba!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harvey and Janette</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was expecting this to be a disco-showdance with extra lifts, and that's pretty much what we got! It was Harvey in a nutshell, fast and precise and modern. However, it didn't blow me away, the lifts broke up the flow of the routine in a few places and it just didn't seem like anything new. As ever, it was technically achieved, but whether it connected with people is another matter. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">The best Strictly winners have the perfect balance of technique, performance and heart. Harvey's natural dance talent shone through from the start, and - perhaps tied with Maisie - was the best <i>dancer</i> of the series. Perhaps. But for me, he didn't quite improve enough from beginning to end, and I didn't connect to his showdance . </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was also Jamie in a nutshell; over-excited, bonkers, but still dancing away like your life depends on it. The flying interlude at the start was unnecessary but hilarious and they managed to keep up the energy levels throughout the whole thing. Jamie and Karen work so well as team and this was their joyous goodbye to the series - thanks for so much fun along the way! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">While many think Jamie shouldn't have been in the final, I do not feel that strongly about it. What Jamie exemplified this year was pluck, springing back and working hard. He came out week after week and put on a show, with a smile on his face and a bounce in his step. I can't knock that. This dance was very.... him. I think they will have known that a win would be unlikely and they just had fun. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was genuinely nervous about this dance, as I expected the to take a fair few risks, but this totally fell into the 'bonkers-awesome' category! There was plenty of content and classic dancing, but also the excitement and daring that makes us whoop for a showdance. The pyrotechnics and Oti flying was just the icing on the cake, it was so ambitious but they certainly pulled it off!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Bill's showdance - out of all of them - was the one that stood out as being different from the other two dances he was down to do, yet it showcased skills he had learned throughout the series. Bill's other standout dance was the paso so it was perfect to bring that in here. This dance made me <i>feel</i> in a way the others didn't, and in a final, that can be what leads me vote...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so happy when I discovered they were doing a Christmas routine, it's just what we needed to top off the final this year. The whole routine was ridiculously charming from start to finish, it was light and fun and sparkly. The fact that this was ballroom-based was also impressive and shows how much she's come along in the competition, plus that glorious dress made her look stunning. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">This was peppy, cute and perfectly danced. I love that Maisie took to the ballroom and showcased her skills in that area, having previously felt it wasn't really her thing. I would have been absolutely happy with a Maisie or a Bill win ...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Slogging towards the final dances, Harvey razzmatazzed his heart out in the American Smooth, Karen and Jamie made a daft choice with the Couple's Choice but I still laughed, Bill and Oti did the only couples choice ever worth talking about, while Maisie and Gorka took things out with a bang with that perfect quickstep. Who else is totally exhausted now?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Special shout-out to Nicola and Katya for coming back with a showdance that was much better than it needed to be, I feel like we really missed out on something there. Bloody Covid. But of course, we still had the customary car-crash group number for the year! It was as brilliant as ever, even with social distancing, we had highlights including Caroline's pussy, Jason standing still, JJ on a bike, I loved every second. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Just want to chip in here to say how much I loved that Nicola and Katya were allowed a final dance. I really loved it too. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But of course, series have to end, we came to the big moment and the winner was.... BILL! Congratulations to the two of them for always delivering something different and bringing us such joy all series. Plus Oti is now a record-breaker! You love to see it. Also congratulations to everyone at the BBC who made this series happen, it's definitely been worth it. <br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-50007938697327736932020-12-13T14:58:00.003+00:002020-12-13T14:58:56.350+00:00One is the Loneliest Rumba <div style="text-align: left;">Well how about that, we're at the semi-finals and Strictly 2020 is almost over. In a way it feels too soon, but as ever, everyone seems pretty tired and slightly overwrought, meaning it's pretty normal for a semifinal! This was an interesting mixed bag of stuff and highlighted to us that the reduced schedule has meant not everyone has done a range of dances this year. The biggest casualty has been the rumba with only one this year; if you'd told us 10 years ago we'd have wanted more rumba we'd have laughed, but here we are! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2bTycLXK2FS5yxjN6ETEMEawnyHEyGKlpT3l-pk7oYBcjJW98SuuJiZ5Ib7ue9IiiuPvBLbfBzc5AEjx62k4buN4iCbvo-9r95hBxjZTudpLtTr2rvVMVR3H_lqWnSaTskJB7jq6w2Nw/s682/bill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="682" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2bTycLXK2FS5yxjN6ETEMEawnyHEyGKlpT3l-pk7oYBcjJW98SuuJiZ5Ib7ue9IiiuPvBLbfBzc5AEjx62k4buN4iCbvo-9r95hBxjZTudpLtTr2rvVMVR3H_lqWnSaTskJB7jq6w2Nw/w400-h241/bill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">We were promised a Studio 54 salsa and we certainly got one! Props to Karen for bringing this one out first and not having their last dance to...Last Dance. So it wasn't salsa canon obviously, but I thought it was Jamie's journey in a nutshell, thinking about his lumpy cha cha in week one this was a real progression. His timing, musicality and just ability to do a routine have all improved. Not too bad on the lifts too, plus the unprecedented male floor spin. A fun way to start the show!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">It wasn't salsa.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ranvir and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ranvir continuing with her run of lovely delicate ballroom and what a frock! This was an old-school delight, full of proper moves and only a couple of tiny breaks in hold for dramatic effect. As Shirley said, great frame and hold. They may have even overcome the issue of having a staid (translation: boring) dance in the semifinals when everyone else gets showstoppers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">This was lovely but somewhat underwhelming for the semi-finals. Ranvir is a naturally-talented dancer, particularly with the more elegant styles, but she hasn't shown all that much improvement in terms of technique. Her improvement in confidence and performance should be noted though.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ah, the quirky Charleston was always going to be a good one for Bill and he carried it off with his regular aplomb. I agreed with the judges it could have had a bit more oomph, but that might be because they're doing two dances this week. It was charming and confident, which is 90% of the work with a Charleston, with his customary great timing. Plus Oti's dress should've looked like a pair of curtains but, being Oti Mabuse, she made it look fabulous. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Throughout this process it has been evident just how much time Bill spends perfecting each dance. This was slightly less polished than some of his others, which I think it down to having to squeeze two dances into the same amount of time. He is an absolute joy to watch however, and I hope he inspires lots of different people up and down the country to have a go.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">So. I don't want to see Couple's Choice or hip hop on Strictly, but I cannot take away the fact that Maisie had this down from the first second and was always going to walk it. She's had a rough ride during the show, so it was worth it just to see her having an awesome time. Plus anyone who can slide onto the floor and then get up without looking like a sack of potatoes is impressive in my book. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">It was great. But it was Couple's Choice and therefore I don't care.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harvey and Janette</div><div style="text-align: left;">Only rumba of the series klaxon! I quite liked this, they took out the sexiness and went for sweetness, which probably made sense to avoid the traditional cringe you can get with this dance. A bit stop-starty and not a huge amount of hip, but it was a good effort from Harvey. If only we could have seen some more rumbas this year!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I thought it was pretty harsh to give him a rumba when no one else has had to suffer it. Yes, as a viewer I would have liked to see more of them but if there's only going to be one... and then he gets a wee bit slated for it (I'm sorry, I don't think it deserved less than Jamie's marks) it seems a little off. I understood the judges' comments but it wasn't terrible. HVRY is naturally a very talented dancer and I don't think there's any doubt he's already one of this year's finalists.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*DING DING DING* LET'S GO ROUND AGAIN!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">Quickstep, yay, cowboy theme, boo! This was movie-week levels of theming and for no discernible reason. I'm a Jamie fan and I think this routine did him a disservice, he has enough bounce to do a normal quickstep in an entertaining way. The quickstep parts were good enough, but I could have done with more though. Karen in a Pipi Longstocking wig was an interesting diversion. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">BOO THEMING. It was jolly and peppy and would have been so much better with a top hat, white tie and tails vibe, but hey we're 16 years into this and I don't think we'll be getting away from CGI animals any time soon. The thing is with Jamie is that he really does sell it to us. Do I think he's one of the best dancers? No. Do I think he has shown more improvement than most in the semi-final? Most definitely. He is NOT a natural at this so the fact he comes out and presents something so... presentable... is a huge credit to him, and to Karen.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ranvir and Giovanni<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It always felt like the jive would be a sticky one for Ranvir and that certainly came to pass. They could have gotten away with it in week 2 or 3, but this was a very bad choice for her. A rumba would have been better! She was in time, but didn't have the right energy or picked her feet up enough. Hilariously camp sailor outfits though, give the people at home what they want! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Oh poor Ranvir. This wasn't her dance and it was damned bad luck to get it at this stage. But she's been very lucky with her selections most weeks, favouring the elegant (or dark and moody) styles. The ones that are a bit...slower. I get it. In my 20s I could dance about my living room making easy attempts at the jive without collapsing into a heap. Now, well into my thirties with a little added weight, I run the risk of my knees giving way under me. NOT EASY. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">There had been so much chat about this one that expectations were so high! They just about pulled it off for me, it wasn't a tango for the ages but it was jolly good fun and had plenty of attack. I agree there were some mistakes, but the momentum of the routine carried it along fine. Extra points for Oti's gorgeous Game of Thrones goth look too, she looked like she was about to ride into battle!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I was so looking forward to this. Perhaps I'd hyped it up in my head too much. And it was good, but that's it, it was good. I really wanted Bill to have another big explosive dance moment but it just didn't come.The best thing about this was the clip of Dave Arch living his best life.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even with the rather odd Taylor Swift floaty guitar opening, this was lovely. They built a story in a way that I don't think I've seen before, so along with improved footwork this was a treat. I could have done with more in hold but all bets seem to be off with this. Well done to Maisie for proving she can do both ballroom and latin, I have my fingers and toes crossed for her. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I would have liked more actual Viennese Waltz, but what there was, was lovely. I think Maisie being in the bottom two surprisingly set her up as a bit of a series underdog. And we love an underdog. If you'd asked me several weeks ago could she win it, I'd have said no. Ask me now, I think she could. I have no doubt she will be in the final and if she pulls out the same level of dance ability she has shown in the semis, then my votes she will get.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harvey and Janette <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was sunshine and light and Harvey totally nailed it. It felt like a lost Musicals Week routine, but one of the better ones as there wasn't too much theming and a lot of content, the boy sure can swivel. It was predictably good, the Charleston was always going to be his dance, but it didn't offer us anything new like Bill or Maisie. Saying that, I can't deny his talent or work ethic, it's just that I still haven't connected with him as a contestant yet. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I really liked it. It was charming, well-performed and the technique was good (as much as you need for Charleston, anyway) Another almost dead-cert for the final, but much like Ranvir (and Bill to some extent), what I haven't seen from HRVY is a great deal of improvement. I think it's a while that we have gone into a final without having a clue who might come out victorious. Next week is going to be EXCITING.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-21258529941403278742020-12-05T20:48:00.000+00:002020-12-05T20:48:35.805+00:00Little Shop of Showstoppers<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD3JvVCUHN0AN26sfMQC37UZpuL8UajvTK5y3Ecgf4gTZD3DkbFVQmN2uANiUGdpgEIrj6prK6HhqVawzfLW-PdcnM_GKmAnhGo-pS7JovvtBixiDj4F2l8kUE1rOh5Wx6BtWBR9B1Stb/s748/Harvey.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="489" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD3JvVCUHN0AN26sfMQC37UZpuL8UajvTK5y3Ecgf4gTZD3DkbFVQmN2uANiUGdpgEIrj6prK6HhqVawzfLW-PdcnM_GKmAnhGo-pS7JovvtBixiDj4F2l8kUE1rOh5Wx6BtWBR9B1Stb/s320/Harvey.png" /></a></div>It's the quarter finals, it's Musicals Week, where the hell has the year gone?! Actually, this year's Musicals Week actually proved to be quite good, what with mostly-appropriate theming and no extra dancers, it meant the majority of dances looked like what they're supposed to. We also got a pretty awesome opener with the tribute to Priscilla Queen of the Desert, with even more camp and sequins than even Strictly usually manages. Curtain up, let's get on with this...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">JJ and Amy </div><div style="text-align: left;">This was pretty much the perfect choice for these two, family-friendly and cute with pretty outfits. Amy could easily be Truly Scrumptious, I wanted a more poofy dress! This, like last week, was FINE, but not much more. There needed to be more performance and Charleston zing. But it was all in time and JJ can swivel. Is this uneventful performance enough to save him for another week? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ranvir and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wasn't sure what to expect from this as I haven't seen Waitresses, but this was beautiful. The song brought a real sense of the dramatic to it, which is what Musicals Week should do without interfering. But it still needed their great partnership to lift what could have been a more subdued performance. And it wasn't just the performance, there was great hold and footwork, plus a fleckerl - hurrah!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">I loved that they got Little Shop of Horrors, might as well give them something a bit bonkers to have fun with. The jive was always going to suit Maisie and she really pulled it off; I liked all the swing-jive bits in it that gave her more stuff to work with. Hilarious facial expressions too. It was sharp, funny and funky and it was also great to see them having such a rollocking good time! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This felt like the one dance that was negatively impacted by the theme, but I think these two just about managed to pull it off! Bill is committed to technical detail and sharp footwork and that is what the Argentine Tango is about. They were never going to do a...sexy AT, so giving him the Phantom character meant he had something to work with. Not vintage Bill, but definitely showing he can do the technical stuff. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harvey and Janette</div><div style="text-align: left;">Someone had to get the jazz-hands all-star spectacular rolled in glitter and it was these two! I think this was my favourite dance of Harvey's, he took on a massive routine but delivered it with musicality and great teamwork. A couple of slips and a never-ending-Janette lift meant it wasn't perfect, but they can definitely be proud of that performance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was very much the unknown quantity for the evening and when they were in the pimp slot I thought we were in for something spectacular. Alas, it was essentially a normal jive, which I wouldn't normally complain about but it didn't seem much after a Broadway showstopper. Jamie's timing has really improved and there's no way he could have done that dance in week one, but this wasn't particularly memorable, he could be in trouble this week. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-45011129694305231612020-11-29T14:24:00.000+00:002020-11-29T14:24:11.593+00:00Last Night a Quickstep Saved My Life<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXboEYr-bu-fMT9F751HJQnhxFc6SgU5XdnsHOFTnIh6e8uV2xc6UK0ICJIc-oZKf7jcKA6MPKmuOnK345ue51b-DAoahAIwSTHz_A6bbewOpd00BiVF8s2W9O5OuYp7IiFALzB4bIulZ/s683/maisie+quickstep.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="546" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXboEYr-bu-fMT9F751HJQnhxFc6SgU5XdnsHOFTnIh6e8uV2xc6UK0ICJIc-oZKf7jcKA6MPKmuOnK345ue51b-DAoahAIwSTHz_A6bbewOpd00BiVF8s2W9O5OuYp7IiFALzB4bIulZ/s320/maisie+quickstep.jpg" /></a></div>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! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Clara and Aljaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">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...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I found myself watching some old pro routines on YouTube this week (not <i>just</i> 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. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harvey and Janette</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I am trying to care*, but I just can't.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">*No more Couple's Choice please.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ranvir and Giovanni<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">It was steady. It was safe. I think it will just be enough, however, to carry Ranvir through to next week. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">JJ and Amy</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">He's a nice guy, but this did not excite me either. #Sorry</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-9689421557932231942020-11-22T11:41:00.000+00:002020-11-22T11:41:00.440+00:00Bring Back Blackpool!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEdQQRwtLoTXFRjPsa8gTGb3XN8dUOmiAzCXuYj4E7EN9dsOEDHFCvFSdZAHJ-nOh94hb1kEjGCpCLsRZG1diXgSo8qiUJbFkP4xkNjPSCA6Nw00X_dT_EaNfknKjOH9RTGZmzMENPddd/s526/Maisie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEdQQRwtLoTXFRjPsa8gTGb3XN8dUOmiAzCXuYj4E7EN9dsOEDHFCvFSdZAHJ-nOh94hb1kEjGCpCLsRZG1diXgSo8qiUJbFkP4xkNjPSCA6Nw00X_dT_EaNfknKjOH9RTGZmzMENPddd/s320/Maisie.png" /></a></div>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! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">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! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">JJ and Amy<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">They are just lovely but really not keeping pace with the rest of the couples. The scoring here seemed a tad off. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Clara and Aljaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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 </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harvey and Janette</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">The song ruined it for me. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Caroline and Johannes<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ranvir and Giovanni<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-51914024459705549992020-11-15T09:33:00.001+00:002020-11-15T09:33:35.241+00:00The One With Antonioli <div style="text-align: left;">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...<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X0Hfh7QZMs1dMYJHpuN6LRs2D3icmf7ma8pU_ckhIoI35SiJtbXkwKjKJynPPTDyj4fQdW3raOjIRWWLYh4KfN3tTralmStBRG6gbbK-98SpdkgFRZPJ2vgyrr2yqEC_5EbPBFRqYzSP/s748/Clara.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="748" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X0Hfh7QZMs1dMYJHpuN6LRs2D3icmf7ma8pU_ckhIoI35SiJtbXkwKjKJynPPTDyj4fQdW3raOjIRWWLYh4KfN3tTralmStBRG6gbbK-98SpdkgFRZPJ2vgyrr2yqEC_5EbPBFRqYzSP/w400-h280/Clara.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harvey and Janette</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ranvir and Giovanni</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Max and Dianne</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">JJ and Amy</div><div style="text-align: left;">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! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">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!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Caroline and Johannes<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clara and Aljaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">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!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaas! <3 </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-9454919531991366052020-11-07T21:45:00.004+00:002020-11-08T19:48:41.790+00:00The Good, The Bad and The Simpsons<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">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<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Boo theme week! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIkObJYUeU4M0kgDmSzP9KmFpuu2TTduvT0uKzUmouGWevUBWZQIwMzcPSdhw8mqObGieScwWz1CbQWP0xRO2vZTIR1VjZZsLGW1gIRPvLNjrmEml94Sy-xeigfo1tzbN1I12WARZmXqQ/s588/ranvir.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="588" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIkObJYUeU4M0kgDmSzP9KmFpuu2TTduvT0uKzUmouGWevUBWZQIwMzcPSdhw8mqObGieScwWz1CbQWP0xRO2vZTIR1VjZZsLGW1gIRPvLNjrmEml94Sy-xeigfo1tzbN1I12WARZmXqQ/w400-h301/ranvir.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nicola and Katya</div><div style="text-align: left;">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? <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">I was mildly underwhelmed, which is a shame, because Maisie is a beautiful dancer. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Caroline and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Jason and Luba</div><div style="text-align: left;">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! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">JJ and Amy<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Cute. Well executed. Nice frame. One of the best dances of the night. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p>HRVY and Janette</p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p>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.<span style="color: #800180;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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. </span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p>Ranvir and Giovanni</p><p>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.<span style="color: #800180;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">YAAAAAS, this is more like it. Loving the Lancashire lass coming top of the leaderboard. This was genuinely lovely. </span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">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! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clara and Aljiaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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 </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Max and Dianne</div><div style="text-align: left;">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? <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">MY EYES. MY EYES! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">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! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">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! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-62484594196225886112020-11-01T10:38:00.001+00:002020-11-01T10:57:41.875+00:00No Hallo-theme Week<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR8tYoJmACuQGH1oIy7lnT6iDkUHh4Ny2zGJ5xQIehXpjKjdNGL8DxM_m7r6ZTxNcPxk5-m5FIJSdy5U-8clU4SrpAvf_p_7ixQ1oyLnotu_Yh-ymM39aKBxzrBLirtAPZMYdvncGSPGl/s774/BILOI.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR8tYoJmACuQGH1oIy7lnT6iDkUHh4Ny2zGJ5xQIehXpjKjdNGL8DxM_m7r6ZTxNcPxk5-m5FIJSdy5U-8clU4SrpAvf_p_7ixQ1oyLnotu_Yh-ymM39aKBxzrBLirtAPZMYdvncGSPGl/w256-h320/BILOI.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="color: #800180; text-align: left;">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. </span><span style="color: #800180; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="color: #800180; text-align: left;">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.</span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Max and Diane</b></u></div><p><span style="color: #800180;">He's no Jay. But that's OK. I haven't got much more to say.*</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">*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.</span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Clara and Aljaz</b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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 <i>too</i> 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.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">*correct me if I am wrong.</span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Bill and Oti</b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>JJ and Amy</b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><u><b>Jamie and Karen</b></u></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Maisie and Gorka </b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">*Completely freaked out by the realisation that I am old enough for Maisie actually to be my daughter.</span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Jacqui and Anton </b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>HRVY and Janette</b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">He <i>is</i> good. He is <i>very</i> 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. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Ranvir and Giovanni </b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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.</span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Nicola and Katya</b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Caroline and Johannes</b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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. </span></p><p><u style="color: #800180;"><b>Jason and Luba</b></u></p><p><span style="color: #800180;">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 <i>bad</i> 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. </span></p>Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14605087848745382267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513737899714295820.post-9772759532989793632020-10-25T11:20:00.001+00:002020-10-25T11:20:22.473+00:00Strictly Sunshine<div style="text-align: left;">Welcome back to the land of dance, camp and glitter! Strictly is here with a very interesting selection of people and loads of excitement to come for the series. It's the vitamin D injection that the government may/may not insist on you having to get through the winter. We even got a super-sunny opening number with the pros living it up in a street food market, bring me a margarita and let's get down to business! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_beKk9A-a7DWKYZSjcPsEQk3vjQNKtLGBXYPijbgpJpKa6pGlsJT6UmJp7zsKPxWUZoorte14RSoAVPJaOW_qOYQNHNL4Z-6f3EQs7Xkx98igsPKvSxVPO9RkojWSQrgF5ikxbCwxk_E/s662/week+1+pros.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="662" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_beKk9A-a7DWKYZSjcPsEQk3vjQNKtLGBXYPijbgpJpKa6pGlsJT6UmJp7zsKPxWUZoorte14RSoAVPJaOW_qOYQNHNL4Z-6f3EQs7Xkx98igsPKvSxVPO9RkojWSQrgF5ikxbCwxk_E/w400-h211/week+1+pros.png" width="400" /></a> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie and Karen</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was not expecting Jamie in the coveted first dance position! Does this mean he's getting to final? It's not a given, but this fun little number showed some possibilities. He didn't look great during the launch show but Karen has clearly whipped him into some sort of shape in the past couple of weeks, there was more rhythm for sure. I also loved the reinvention of the song as an 80s party anthem, especially when it gives us Karen starting 2020 with yet more amazing outfits. A promising start for a beginner. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Caroline and Johannes</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't think I've seen an interview with Caroline yet where she hasn't mentioned her dancing experience, she's owning it and it seems to be a good tactic. She's clearly confident out of hold with great arms and knows how to perform her moves, but she'll need to do more work on the stuff in hold. This was a lovely performance and exactly what we wanted, even if the CGI porn train was quite a distraction! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Max and Dianne</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't normally approve of a week 1 tango, but Max seemed to grab the technicality of this fairly well. He seemed to adapt to hold well enough and was in time, very very bent knees though. Plus compulsory blue-steel tango face. Like Craig though, I was left wanting a bit more, he's going to have to express a bit more in the latin dances. Rubbish tango song, but that's what we've come to expect in the past few years. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clara and Aljaz</div><div style="text-align: left;">These two are very much on my 'Ones to Watch' list, so I was very excited for this and Clara's tinsel outfit. This was a brilliant opening cha cha! It was all you wanted to see, with cheeky accents and a great relationship between the two of them. She has some rough edges but clearly a lot of raw talent and I can't wait to see what Aljaz can bring out in her. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jacqui and Anton</div><div style="text-align: left;">A week one foxtrot with Anton, you say? Well blow me down with a feather. This wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't very good either. Jacqui had a fair stab at doing this rather difficult ballroom dance though, so I wonder what she has for week 2 to build on it. However it was also ridiculously prop-tastic and the fireworks were needed to wake things up. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">JJ and Amy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh this was schmaltzy, but we could do with a bit of that right now. Amy knew just how to pitch this and gave JJ a good waltz but nothing too advanced for week one. I saw rise and fall and a good stab at musicality for someone with no performing experience. Good tactic with the judges to go for classic and lots of basic steps and in lovely classy outfits too, it felt a bit old school. There's a long way to go but we might have a contender here.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maisie and Gorka</div><div style="text-align: left;">What. A. Frock. This was an old-school Strictly samba dress and all the better for it, just bring us the camp we want! As expected, these two came out all guns blazing with the kind of energy we love to see. Gorka must be having the time of his life after being benched last year. Yes, it got a bit wild at times and that impacted on the technique, but the girl has rhythm and boy can she shimmy! Ballroom will be a different beast for her, but I'm excited to see it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Jason and Luba</div><div style="text-align: left;">Can Jason shrug off the lumbering male sportsman tag? Possibly. This dance was actually quite bonkers, there was skipping about and dad dancing interludes when I was expecting, well, something smoother. He was light enough on his feet but also a bit hunched. He does however have enthusiasm in spades, so maybe he'll be better at party latin? </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ranvir and Giovanni<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A Beyonce paso in week one for someone with no dance experience was....ambitious, but they certainly gave us good frock! Extra points to Ranvir for coming out on her own too, Gio wasn't going easy on her. This dance was about 80% attitude and 20% technique, her footwork wasn't that great but she performed it much better than I was expecting. I was even occasionally distracted from Gio's weird emo fringe. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nicola and Katya</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another highly anticipated dance, this didn't disappoint. A lovely peppy quickstep that played to Nicola's strengths with lots of flying around the dancefloor and changing of direction. The switching of hold was also pretty impressive. I'm sure there's lots more to come from these two and Katya is ready to dish us up all sorts of choreographic treats. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill and Oti</div><div style="text-align: left;">The return of champion Oti Mabuse here to bring us sunshine for 2020 and she's also bringing the unexpected delight of Bill into our living rooms for the winter. This was a joy from start to finish, Bill might not be a boyband ringer, but he has rhythm and musicality and is clearly hell-bent on having a marvelous time. I'm already desperate to know what dance they're doing next week! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Harvey and Janette</div><div style="text-align: left;">The young upstart was in the pimp slot so he needed to impress, but this boy can move! As with a lot of people tonight, it wasn't technically perfect, but the raw materials were certainly there. He was fast and bouncy and clearly very suited to the jive. A bit flat-footed at times, but I don't want to be too Craig about it. A good way to finish off the night too, there's clearly lots of excitement to come this series! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08516556509871214501noreply@blogger.com0