Strictly WEEK 9 Blog

Picture courtesy of the BBC 

 

Strictly Come Dancing Blog WEEK 9

With only four weeks left until this year’s Strictly final, as we see temperatures start to freeze outside, which of our celebrities is heating things up on the dance floor, and who is shivering and quivering with an ice cold performance that does not impress the judges? At least none of our celebrities want to get out of here!

Susanna & Kevin Cha Cha C7  D8  L8  B8  T31

Susanna Reid, You Cha Cha minx! A very convincing, courageous Cha Cha that was full of hips, shimmies and bling, to help create a truer correct hip action now try to only have one knee bent at a time , but an excellent performance and a definite crowd pleasure, despite what the judges were saying.

Ashley & Ola Waltz C8  D9  L9  B9  T35

A lovely simple Waltz that Ashley did make it look effortless, showing signs of control, however the top line (which is the line taken across the shoulders and into the upper arms that should be a perfect straight line) was slightly slanted, and the head line ( which should be looking to the left and slightly tilting outward as if you are trying to look behind your left arm without dropping the chin) was slightly inclined to the right, the routine did have a very light and floating feel which is true to the Waltz.

Natalie & Artem Tango C9  D9  L9  B10 T 37

WOW, this is actually how a true Tango should be danced, strong, powerful and full of passion and poise, and this is how you win at Strictly, but I was expecting a higher result from the judges, did you?

Mark & Iveta Foxtrot C6  D8  L7  B7  T28

Mark to say you have only been Ballroom dancing for 12 weeks there was nothing to be ashamed of, the Foxtrot is one of the hardest dances to master for any male, the flight and softness it requires yet power and strength to control the stride is very difficult and on the whole I thought you did a pretty good job, yes I would have liked to see a little more sway which gives the Foxtrot its smoothness but well danced.

Sophie & Brendan Rumba C7  D8  L8  B8  T31

Sophie has an amazing leg, as this was a beautiful Rumba, the dance of love and you could feel the emotion through every step, Brendan’s comments to the judges after they had danced were right on the money, Rumba is soft yet powerful as a dance, and not meant to be hot and sexy, If anything I would have liked to see Sophie’s upper body moving a little more and projecting into the forward placing foot, but this was definitely a true Rumba, that was danced correctly.

Ben & Kristina Charleston C6  D7  L7  B7  T27

Ben the content in your routine this week was phenomenal and so full of character, it was light footed and you showed musicality and charisma through your dance, you have come a very long way and with your strength and determination should continue and easily an eight from me.

Abbey & Aljaz Paso Doblé C8  D8  L8  B8  T32

A very promising Paso Doblé with great strong lines and presence, if I am absolutely honest I found the music quite soft and floaty which gave the dance a more fluid feel rather than the start stop action of a March, I loved the choreography and the performance was your best yet Abbey, now keep up the hard work as I know we have not quite seen everything yet.

Patrick & Anya Viennese Waltz C8  D8  L8  B8  T32

I loved the storyline that was created in the Viennese Waltz, there was some amazing content and choreography despite the few little technical issues and the floor spin at the end was very messy, it did look as if Patrick was throwing a ball around on a piece of rope almost as if they had run out of time to finish the routine properly as the last couple of figures did not look to be part of the same dance, but as always great rhythm, great story a great Waltz.

Sunday Results Show

A ‘Great British Bake Off’ opening from our professional dancers this week which for me was not one of their best performances that they have been enlightening us with of recent, but with Mark & Iveta and Ben & Kristina in the dreaded dance off I knew there was going to be tears all round and I did agree with the judges to save Mark & Iveta, I thought Ben danced down a little almost as if he wanted to step aside, but he will be sadly missed and his journey has been legendry,  next week is Musical Special Week where we see our magnificent seven strut their stuff from Broadway to the West End!

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Strictly Blog WEEK 6 Halloween Special

Picture courtesy of the BBC

Strictly Come Dancing Blog 2013 WEEK 6

Halloween Special, with more spookier goings’ on than a ghost train at midnight! As our eleven remaining couples become ten, who will treat us with their perfect performances and who will trick us with all stunts and no dance content? Overall I was a little disappointed in Saturdays Strictly Special compared with previous year’s, the production did feel a little rushed and everyone did seem a little tired, Do you agree?

Patrick & Anya Quickstep C8  D9  L9  B8  T34

Patrick started off a little weaker than in previous weeks, he was quite flat footed, heavy in the knees and off in his top line, but as the routine progressed he got much better and really started to perform to his normal standard mastering more complicated, speedier steps than normal.

Fiona & Anton Charleston C6  D7  L8  B7  T28

For me this was easily Fiona’s best dance to date, an amazingly well choreographed true Charleston routine, Fiona was fun in her presentation lighter on her feet than normal and performed the whole routine really well, her timing was off slightly a couple of times but I thought it was a real Thunderball, and I loved it.

Ben & Kristina Paso Doblé C7  D8  L9  B8  T32

Ben obviously has been working really hard on his routine this week, and in the gym! The choreography as a show routine was fantastic; however there were still several technical issues with his footwork and arm lines, but as a performance it was great.

Sophie & Brendan Jive C6  D7  L8  B7  T28

I did not really understand the storyline behind their performance this week, Sophie looked as if she was playing it safe again and not letting go, it felt heavy and quite hard work on Brendan’s behalf who also looked a little off, Sophie now needs to concentrate solely on her technique, and let her hair down.

Natalie & Artem Viennese Waltz C9  D10  L9  B10  T38

I loved the production these two performed this week, a haunting show routine, they are matched well as performers, but I do agree with Len’s comment that the routine had more of an American Smooth Viennese Waltz feel than a traditional one, but as always it was flawless.

Mark & Iveta Paso Doblé C6  D6  L7  B6  T25

Mark has some good, well controlled steps, it did feel a little limp at times and lost the true Paso feel of the Matador, especially with his little disco section which does show Mark’s fun side, however his timing and musicality are fantastic.

Rachel & Pasha American Smooth (Viennese Waltz) C7  D7  L8  B8  T30

A fabulous characterisation of this style, amazing true Pasha choreography a great Viennese Waltz, Rachel performed her heart out and made the whole routine look effortless, which is the main aim of any Viennese Waltz.

Ashley & Ola Tango C8  D9  L8  B8  T33

There were some good recognisable step patterns from Ashley this week, I am not quite sure if his top line and head line were distorted for him to stay in character as Frankenstein or whether it was a fault, his feet were a little sloppy at times but he showed great strength and staccato timing.

Abbey & Aljaz Rumba C8  D8  L9  B9 T34

Rumba, the dance of love and these two perform it wonderfully together, for a non dancer Abbey performs and moves fantastically, the energy they create together is truly inspirational.

Dave & Karen Jive C4  D5  L6  B4  T19

This was not one of Dave’s best performances however he did have quite a lot of Jive content in his routine, despite some of the judge’s comments and again he has worked extremely hard, even though he was a little flat footed, but has he done enough to stay or has he burnt out.

Susanna & Kevin Charleston C8  D8  L9  B9  T34

A great little Charleston routine, with great comical timing coupled with strong kicks and a great Charleston Swivelling action, I would have preferred a little straighter in the knees at times from Susanna, but to maintain the energy on such a speedy dance is really difficult and she did not falter one bit.

Sunday results show.

Another great opening from our professionals with the male pros being puppets! This has to be one of the most haunting Sunday results show’s ever with Abbey & Aljaz and Rachel & Pasha in the dreaded dance off, with neither couple deserving to be there, I honestly thought someone was playing a trick! Rachel did look very nervous and did make a couple of little mistakes, so unfortunately her Strictly journey ends, we will miss you Rachel, we see Abbey & Aljaz dance again next week (thank goodness).

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Strictly Blog week two

Strictly Come Dancing 2013 Blog Week 2

 

As the dark nights slowly creep in over the country, the dance floor really starts to hot up and with all our contestants dancing their hearts out, and with the talent being one of the best we have ever been graced with on any series of Strictly, which of our couples will be first to leave? And with no Sir Bruce to watch over the proceedings what chaos would unfold……… actually none.

 

Suzanna & Kevin                              Tango                                    C7  D8  L8  B8  T31

It is now official Suzanna Reid is now my favourite news presenter ever! There was lots of content and strong staccato timing, however there was a slip up near the beginning and a little too much intense concentration, which then allowed her body to become disconnected from Kevin’s frame, but I do agree totally with Darcey’s comment, “Suzanna when are you going to give up your day job” well played.

 

Tony & Aliona                                   Charleston                          C2  D4  L4  B3  T13

A very daring dance choice for week two from these two this week, I liked the little golf storyline performed to It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) Tony’s steps were correct and the performance overall was quite good, a little higher on the ball of foot would have helped the Charleston action and I loved the control on the lifts but is it enough to keep him in the competition?

 

Natalie & Artem                               Waltz                                    C8  D9  L8  B9  T34

A beautiful Waltz with great content, top line, poise and performance, there were however several little footwork issues that should lose them a point or two and I do feel that Natalie looked slightly hesitant in places, but you could see her Ballet training shining through on the beautiful leg extensions.

 

Dave & Karen                    American Smooth (Foxtrot)        C3  D5  L5  B4  T17

A very good dance choice for Dave this week, a lovely, lively little smooth number showing some good lines and poses, Dave now needs to work on his rise and fall to create the elegance and flow of this dance.

 

Patrick & Anya                  Tango                                                    C6  D7  L7  B7  T27

I loved the concept of their routine this week and Patrick had obviously rehearsed lots, overall it paid off, some of the steps were a little stompy, but a good attempt at a convincing Tango.

 

Deborah & Robin                Cha Cha                                             C5  D7  L6  B6  T24

A lovely little Cha Cha with great interpretation, the confidence Deborah oozed out at the beginning of the routine was fantastic, she now needs to work on her leg action and take more care with her footwork, but all the foundations are in the right place.

 

Rachel & Pascha               Salsa                                                      C4  D5  L6  B5  T20

Rachel’s legs go on for miles, and her hip thrusts were fantastic, again with some of the other celebrities a bit more work was needed on the technique to improve the overall performance at this early stage, however some elements of their routine were a little careful and the Salsa is not a careful dance, but keep up the hard work and start to take more chances which will keep you ahead of the other female celebrities.

 

Vanessa & James             Waltz                                                    C5  D6  L6  B6  T23

Vanessa’s VT of their training this week summed up what dance is all about, she was so overwhelmed by the emotion the dance created and the feelings that the movement gave her, to feel this having only danced for five weeks is amazing and truly special, I know Vanessa will continue dancing long after Strictly, because of all her emotion she now feels, dance is a passion,  she owned the floor, yes there were some technical issues with her leg line, but no celebrity in week two of Strictly ever has moved the nation as much as she did on Saturday night.

 

Julien & Janette                               Tango                                                    C3  D5  L5  B5  T18

A very dramatic Tango that reminded me of the King and I somehow, Julien now needs to work on his posture more to correct his performance, his feet were a little scatty and as with last week  I was expecting a more softer performance from him but I was pleasantly surprised.

 

Fiona & Anton                   Cha Cha                                                C6  D6  L5  B5  T22

Fiona you little sex kitten! A great little hip action and leg line, you own the dance floor and show great spirit ‘Nobody does it better’ unfortunately forgetting the steps towards the end of the routine is a real ‘Dr No’ and you did not really recover after that.

 

Mark & Iveta                      Salsa                                                      C4  D6  L7  B5  T22

Mark you are the envy of every male in the country, the moves you performed with Iveta are what most men dream of, you have a good little action developing, an amazing show performance, enhanced by Iveta but I loved every second.

 

Sophie & Brendan           Charleston                                          C9  D9  L9  B9  T36

This has to be one of the best, if not the best Charleston ever performed on Strictly, amazing choreography with fantastic lifts, performed, presented and polished to a tee, this was a real showstopper and I cannot wait to see this routine performed again! Sophie even gave Brendan a run for his money, if we were several more weeks into the competition I know we would have seen a couple of tens for this.

 

Ben & Kristina                   Waltz                                                    C6  D6  L7  B6  T25

This routine had the making of a great performance, everything was there, it just needed more, now learn to let your inhibitations go and feel the music a little more to help soften your performance.

 

Abbey & Alijaz                  Cha Cha                                                C7  D7  L8  B8  T30

These two really do have a special connection, but I think tonight the nerves got the better of Abbey, is she feeling the pressure perhaps? She has a great leg line it just needs pushing and extending a little further to show it off to the full potential.

 

Ashley & Ola                      American Smooth (Foxtrot)        C7  D9  L8  B8  T32

A very believable Smooth, with some very fancy footwork from Ashley, a couple of technical footwork issues which just took the edge of it for me, but I loved the content and the polished performance and cannot wait to see where these two go.

 

Sunday results Show

 

Another Burn the Floor number from our professional dancers to open the first results show for 2013, that put Julien & Janette and Tony & Alina in the dreaded dance off, both couples for me, deserved to be there and I agreed with the judges’ decision that we see Julien & Aliona dance again next week, for Louuuuve week!

 

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Strictly 2013 week one

 Picture Courtesy of the BBC

 

Strictly Come Dancing Blog 2013 Week 1

 

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

 

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