Picture Courtesy of the BBC
A great new studio set, brilliant new professionals to join
our Strictly family and a celebrity line up that I think is really going to wow
us this year, and no real joker in the pack everyone looks determined and as if
they are in it to win it.
Friday Night Show
Ashley & Ola Cha
Cha C
5 D6
L7 B7 T25
A very lively Cha Cha routine to open this year’s series,
full of tricks and stunts, Ashley has a good strong presence on the dance floor
and combined with a very carefully choreographed routine means that the hard
work has already started for the celebrities who want to do well in this year’s
competition.
Tony & Aliona Waltz C2 D5
L5 B4 T16
Tony is very light on his feet, although a little hesitant
in places, he shows good shaping in the arms, a little more relaxed in the
shoulders though would help the overall appearance to his performance, but very
good for first time out.
Mark & Iveta Tango C5 D6
L7 B6 T24
A very well dramatised and characterised standard Tango with
a great little storyline, it was obvious how much work had gone in to making
this routine, and it paid off.
Susanna & Kevin Jive C6 D7
L8 B7 T28
O’ Susanna you little minx! A great lively Jive routine with
great rhythm and timing and a surprising cartwheel at the end which gave her a
deserving standing ovation from the studio audience, and to think that the BBC
keep her stuck to a sofa all week, they just do not appreciate the talent they
have working for them, I am really looking forward to see what Susanna has in
store for us!
Sophie & Brendan Waltz C7 D7
L7 B7 T28
Some lovely shaping along with footwork and presence in this
graceful Waltz routine which was portrayed beautifully.
Natalie & Artem Cha
Cha C8 D8
L8 B7 T31
One of this year’s bookies favourites to go all the way in
the competition, and you can tell why. Natalie if your Ballroom is half as good as
your Latin then see you in the final, a truly week ten performance.
Saturday Night Show
The show was opened with one of the best performances from
our professional dancers we have ever been graced with on Strictly, a real Las
Vegas feel opening.
Ben & Kristina Cha
Cha C3 D5 L6
B5 T19
A very good positive performance from Ben, his showmanship
really shone through, there is still quite a lot of work needed in the studio
but well danced.
Fiona & Anton Tango C5 D6
L7 B6 T24
Once a Bond girl always a Bond girl! Fiona looked like a
view to a kill, stunning, and performed the Tango characterisation beautifully,
If anything I thought the routine, for a week one dance, was a little too full
of content and a little over complicated but I cannot wait to see what else
these two Moonraker maker.
Dave & Karen Cha
Cha C2 D5
L5 B4 T16
A very lively, fun interpretation of the Cha Cha and I do
feel that dancing Dave is going to keep us all amused and entertained for quite
some time, but the little bit of Cha Cha content that he did dance was actually
not at all bad, watch this space!
Rachel & Pasha Waltz C6 D7
L7 B7 T27
This really was a beautiful interpretation of the Waltz, I
always admire Pasha’s teaching skills as he does teach his partner to dance and
to become a dancer, Rachel looked amazing moving around the dance floor and if
Pasha works his magic on her Latin next week they could be one of the dark
horses of this year’s competition.
Julien & Janette Cha
Cha C3 D5
L6 B6 T20
I thought Julien’s Cha Cha was very strong and masculine
which did surprise me a little as I was expecting a softer approach to his dancing,
there was so great line and shaping and now if he works on his leg action could
have the makings of a real contender.
Deborah & Robin Tango C6 D6
L6 B6 T24
Their routine started off very well I thought with a strong
entrance and confidence feel, but a few little mistakes half way through made
it lose its energy and attack but overall a very good first attempt at one of
the more difficult dances.
Patrick & Anya Jive C7 D7
L7 B7 T28
I loved there routine as it made me smile from start to
finish, Patrick has a great kick and flick action combined with true soul and
rhythm, I loved the storyline and the fluid body movements, another real contender
but very careful scoring from the judges I thought.
Vanessa & James Cha
Cha C3 D5
L6 B5 T19
A confident little Cha Cha routine, Vanessa’s timing was
good but for me it was a very careful routine with a bit too much emphasis on
gimmicks, but I did find the judges’ comments quit harsh and a little uncalled
for a this early stage.
Abbey & Alijaz Waltz C8 D8
L8 B8 T32
A stunning couple with an amazing beautifully told Waltz
routine, graceful, elegant and pitched perfectly for an opening number, these
two are definitely going to give Natalie & Artem a run for their money, I cannot
believe she has had no previous dance experience, Wow!
Next week the voting starts, who will be the first dancing
flop and who will be the leader of the pack? Next program is Saturday 6.20pm
BBC 1
