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BBC Strictly 2014 Couples – our thoughts

learndance — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:26:09 +0000

So the line-up of couples was announced on Sunday night, and with a new baby in the house we’ve only just had a chance to catch up with our recording (thanks TiVo).

In terms of the much discussed presenting pairing of Tess and Claudia, we’re all for it. They seem to work really well together and Claudia brings a great sense of humour and wit to the show.

In case you missed it the announced couples are as follows:

Our Strictly 2014 line-up of couples

Alison Hammond with Aljaz, Jake Wood with Janette, Caroline Flack with Pasha, Steve Backshall with Ola, Pixie Lott with Trent
Judy Murray with Anton, Gregg Wallace with Aliona, Frankie Bridge with Kevin, Scott Mills with Joanne, Tim Wonnacott with Natalie
Sunetra Sarker with Brendan, Mark Wright with Karen,Simon Webbe with Kristina, Thom Evans with Iveta,Jennifer Gibney with Tristan.

Straight after the show the BBC interviewed each of the couples for their initial reactions to the pairings, though as always we’d love to hear how some of the pro’s actually feel!

Having watched the show, and the all important first group dance, we’re definitely looking forward to seeing more from Alison Hammond, Pixie Lott (already touted by the Daily Star as a ringer), Frankie Bridge, Simon Webbe (Christmas Special participant 2011) and Thom Evans.

It will be interesting to see how Scott Mills performs as him and Jo have an obvious connection that could prove fruitful when it comes to performances, but he seems quite shy which could be a stumbling block.

Anton will have his work cut out in the initial weeks with Judy, but as a former sportswoman her competitive streak should see her put the requisite hours in.

There’s always room for a few surprises and we look forward to seeing some of the early training footage if the BBC release it like they did last year – keep checking back as we’ll update you if they do.

Who are you looking forward to seeing this year, and who should be sent to one of our LearnToDance classes to brush up before the show starts?

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Your Personal Best Gallery

learndance — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:02:44 +0000

Your Personal Best Photoshoot

We’re finally getting round to uploading some our photos from the last 18 months of events, and they’ll trickle through over the course of this week.

First up is a promotional shoot we were asked to do for the Your Personal Best campaign – a campaign to encourage over 55s with a long-term condition, such as Parkinson’s, to keep active.

They were hosting a launch event for the campaign with Len Goodman and Arlene Phillips and wanted a dance group of over 50s to perform at the Olympic Park (which was still under construction at this point).

If you want to see the gallery (and the Youtube video!), head on over to our website.

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Change in Strictly line up – No Erin, Vincent, Flavia or Aliona

learndance — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:00:03 +0000

For those that haven’t heard the news the current Strictly Come Dancing professionals line-up has been announced.

Professionals not returning this Autumn are Erin Boag, Aliona Vilani, Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace.

Comments from the professionals were:

Aliona [from Twitter] – “To those of you who are asking “WHY?” I’m leaving Strictly and asking me to stay and come back

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Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – The Results!

learndance — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 22:06:13 +0000

Now for our first elimination…
The fourth placed couple then is Dani & Vincent. Harsh for them, but they were the worst couple out of the final four unfortunately.

So our top three are:

Denise & James
Kimberley & Pasha
Louis & Flavia

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan – Charleston

So a dance that should really have got a 40 at Wembley, can they convince Craig to give them a 10 this time?

I’m not sure the change to the start worked quite as well as being carried in at Wembley, but overall a good performance. The cartwheel lift wasn’t held quite as well this time round.

I didn’t actually feel it was quite as polished as Wembley, a 9 for me.

Craig: 10 “It is simply the best Charleston we’ve ever seen”
Darcy: 10 “A memorable Charleston…a true professional”
Len: 10 “I will never forget your Charleston”
Bruno: 10 “That was world class…technical ability…versatility…you’ve been fantastic”

Total = 40

Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev – Tango

I’m still not happy with their frame in this dance, and it still doesn’t do it for me I’m afraid. Balance is much better though but I think I’ll give them a 9 this time.

Craig: 10 “10 times better than the last time you danced it”
Darcey: 10 “I so enjoy it when you’re moody…the tension in that Tango”
Len: 10 “You’ve improved your technique and your footwork”
Bruno: 10 “Strictly irresistible…in the last few weeks you really have blossomed”

Total = 40

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace – Charleston

They really don’t look in time with the music at the start, but Louis has definitely improved his acting. An extra back flip above Flavia certainly got the pulses racing.

An improvement on his previous Charleston but the start seemed out of sync with the music, so I’m going to give them a 9

Craig: 9 “Basically I loved it”
Darcey: 10 “I love that you add the cheeky Louis into your performance”
Len: 10 “I’ve never doubted your ability to dance, or the potential you had…that was a gold medal performance”
Bruno: 10 “Just what the doctor ordered”

Total = 39

So the leader board (my combined score in brackets) stands at:

1. 119 – Denise & James [28]
2. 118 – Louis & Flavia [27]
2. 118 – Kimberley & Pasha [26]

Really Denise should win this, but there’s been so much bad press about her having previous experience that I’m afraid she won’t, it’s all down to the voting public.

The Winner

The winners are Louis & Flavia!

Louis: “I can finally say I’ve won something in 2012…[Flavia’s] been an absolute legend…I have to [keep dancing]”

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Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – The Final!

learndance — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 19:59:54 +0000

So it’s that time of year again, the Strictly Come Dancing final, will we see more 40s tonight and if so will it come from someone other than Kimberley?

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan – Jive/Showdance

Jive
They start well, and they’ve made some changes to the original routine. Unfortunately Denise starts to look puffed out by the final third and it gets a bit stompy.

I’m going to give them a 9 though.

Craig: 9 “Sharp, clean, full of fantastic energy…timing as always impeccable”
Darcy: 10 “I loved it the first time, and your style is perfect for the Jive”
Len: 10 “I thought you combined athleticism with artistry there…fantastic Jive”
Bruno: 10 “That was a premium grade Jive”

Total = 39

Showdance

I’m never a big fan of the showdances, though they have included a lot more dance content than some of the routines. We’re watching the final round our friends house, and his fiance has just spent 1 1/2 minutes screaming at the lifts!

A flawless performance there, such impressive and dangerous lifts, I’m going to give them a 10!

Craig: 10 “It was a little bit lift-central…I cannot believe what your body did”
Darcy: 10 “That was flashy…you could travel the world doing that…made it all look far too easy”
Len: 10 “All or nothing…it had danger…I’m so glad that that came off like it did…you deserve to be in this final”
Bruno: 10 “What a feeling, what a dance!…you pulled it off in a way I’ve never seen before – except in professional dancers…that was epic”

Total = 40, well deserved I think

Dani Harmer & Vincent Simone – Tango/Showdance

Tango
Dani’s just a little ahead and off-balance at times, and I don’t think it was as good a performance as their first time – though the finish was better timed.

An 8 from me I think.

Craig: 9 “Apart from the minor stumbling your work has always been clean…delighted to see that the dance actually finished on time”
Darcey: 9 “You look beautiful together”
Len: 9 “You are the spirit of this show…consistent”
Bruno: 9 “You’ve always been a very good technical dancer…couple of wobbles…tried to get the character right”

Total = 36

Showdance

My all-time favourite song…lets hope they don’t ruin it for me!

They really shouldn’t have started with Denise & James, unfortunately this just can’t quite live up to the previous routine. It felt messy in places, and just didn’t have quite the same ‘wow’ factor.

Just an 8 from me.

Craig: 8 “Transitions in and out of the lifts were slightly lumpy…dance content was absolutely extraordinary”
Darcey: 9 “It’s not easy, but incredibly well done”
Len: 9 “You may be small but for me your talent is huge…intoxicating, well done”
Bruno: 9 “Very ambitious…felt you were a little bit nervous…not quite as slick as we usually see…very ambitious and brave of you to attempt”

Total = 35

Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev – Viennese Waltz/Showdance

Viennese Waltz
It looks like Kimberley just loses her footwork slightly before the attitude spins, but they’re much better than the first time they tried them.

I’ll give her a 9 though.

Craig: 9 “You have grown so much this series…topline is very strong, core is very strong…no hops [in the spins] than last time”
Darcey: 10 “You’re graceful, you glide”
Len: 10 “Last time I liked it, this time I loved it”
Bruno: 10 “Grace, skill, timeless elegance…perfection”

Total = 39

Showdance

A wobble during their first lift could have ended in disaster, but they recover well. A missed arm as they go into Salsa. There was danger in this routine, but more from the expectations that they were going to fall.

A messy performance that promised a lot, but felt shaky. An 8 for me.

Craig: 9 “Indecent, improper, absolute filth…I loved it”
Darcey: 10 “You certainly burned up that dance floor, that was wild”
Len: 10 “Impact, speed, flair…full on, flat out, fabulous”
Bruno: 10 “I love wildness, I love passion…it’s a hit”

Total = 39, yet again they have failed to mention her shakes and stumbles!

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace – Salsa/Showdance

Jive
Is it just me or are they a little ahead of the music at times? I didn’t really feel this was as good as last time, I gave them a 10 then but just a 9 now.

Craig: 9 “I really didn’t like the shoulder roll with the big old pout before the lift”
Darcey: 10 “100% better…it wasn’t safe, it wasn’t controlled, you spiced up that Salsa…it wasn’t just the hips, there was upper body work…brilliant”
Len: 10 “I’m going to call you Flavulous…you put in far more Salsa content but you kept the essence of Dirty Dancing”
Bruno: 10 “It was worth waiting [for]…more content, more power…you’ve got the eyes on the ball”

Total = 39

Showdance

This could be amazing…or it could be a disaster…but I think it might just turn out to be a hit.

Shirtless, that probably guarantees his place in the final for the voting public. I still don’t like the way he uses his arms in Rumba though, and his posture still needs work.

Doesn’t quite match up to Denise & James for me but worthy of a 9!

Craig: 10 “Fab-u-lous…A-maz-ing”
Darcey: 10 “You blew me away…it was sensual…I love the feel of the contemporary art to it…I really, really liked it”
Len: 10 “When you started I thought it was all going to be gymnastics…you showed me some Argentine Tango, some Rumba”
Bruno: 10 “Nobody’s disappointed…the strength of a superhero…diabolical flexibility…memorable”

Total = 40

So the leader board (my combined score in brackets) stands at:

1. 79 – Denise & James [19]
1. 79 – Louis & Flavia [18]
3. 78 – Kimberley & Pasha [17]
4. 71 – Dani & Vincent [16]

So we’ll lose one of these couples in the next hour, and unfortunately I think it will be Dani & Vincent, but it’s such a high quality final that any of them would be unfortunate to go.

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Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 11

learndance — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:00:39 +0000

Five couples remaining, and now they have to perform two dances each. This should really test their dance abilities and we could see quite a few mistakes tonight I fear.

Dani Harmer & Vincent Simone – American Smooth/Argentine Tango

American Smooth

A nice beginning and some good footwork in hold, though the first corner looks a bit awkward.

I don’t like her clicking her fingers during the separation section, I’d have preferred shaped fingers. They look to be ahead of the music into the second lift and so the entrance to it feels rushed.

Other than that I think it was a good routine and well performed, I’ll give them a 9.

Craig: 8 “Lovely heel turn…hand position above the head needs attention…needs shaping…ronde could have been held a little bit longer…I thought you danced it beautifully”
Darcey: 8 “Lovely quality all the way through the dance…sweet, clean footwork…I do just miss a little bit of sparkle…bit safe”
Len: 9 “The more I see you dance the more I like what I see…technique is improving…heel turns very clean, very crisp…I thought you did it fabulous”
Bruno: 9 “You carry on like this and your wish [to make the final] may come true…footwork was very very good…lots of flair in the lifts”

Total = 34

Argentine Tango

So Vincent’s signature dance, can Dani live up to the hype? They start with a setup before the music even starts, which is a risky but effective strategy.

It starts well but get’s a little bit shaky at points. Dani really needs to keep those shoulders down and lift her ribcage.

There’s some really intricate movements, though I can’t help feeling it may have been just that little bit too difficult for her at times.

A wonderful ending though and I’m going to give them another 9!

Craig: 9 “Vincent has taught you so well…one lift was a little bit bumpy…other than that spectacular”
Darcey: 9 “I so enjoyed your intensity, and your control…choreography, of course, is beautiful…I would have liked a little straighter, crisper leg”
Len: 10 “I love the start…no music…you captured the mood, you mastered the technique…for me you stole my heart, it was beautiful”
Bruno: 10 “You’ve become the lady of the night with the master of the Tango…so rich in content and structure…always clean, always accurate…a great achievement”

Total = 38

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace – Jive/Foxtrot

Jive

I can’t say I was that impressed with the training footage from the VT, but let’s hope that was early on in the week.

Well it looks like Louis’ personality is finally starting to come out, unfortunately it appears to be at the expense of his dancing.

The Jive basics seem stompy, whilst the side-by-side flick and kick section looked laboured. He’s out of sync with Flavia as they wave their hands around. The decision to include gymnastics, I assume the reason he’s wearing dance sneakers, is a pointless gimmick and I think his dancing would have looked much better if he’d been in actual shoes.

His Jive basic is all over the place, and he almost knocks over the prop lockers at the end. Quite possibly his worst dance I’m afraid, just a 7 from me.

Craig: 7 “Snaps soft and laid-back…feet are sickled…flat footed…laboured throughout…something seemed to go wrong”
Darcey: 8 “It’s a fun routine, style was great…you don’t have that strength in your kicks…expecting more”
Len: 8 “If your Foxtrot doesn’t come to a better standard, this didn’t cut it for me…too many two-beat Jives…lost speed…wasn’t enamoured with the kicks and flicks”
Bruno: 8 “Got the performance aspect really worked out…Jive kicks and flicks – there’s a big ‘but’ there…they were not as clean and sharp as they could have been…tiny issues with the timing”

Total = 31

Foxtrot

I really like this song, but I’ll be interested to see how the singer copes with the powerful sections!

The choreography works well with the choice of song, though I didn’t really see a change up for the chorus which I would have liked.

A few missed heel leads (especially in his three step) which affects his rise and fall, overall a safe dance, if a little messy. Better than his Jive, but we’ve seen better dances tonight. Foxtrot is a difficult dance but I’m only giving them an 8.

Craig: 9 “[mimes a thumb up movement – referring to the hand on Flavia’s back]…I really did love it…move round the floor with great authority and drive”
Darcey: 10 “Thank goodness, you’ve got it…travelling, the gliding, was seamless…grace, quality, you’ve got it”
Len: 9 “I found the rise and fall not too smooth, on occasion…you are the true sportsmen, you get knocked down in one dance and you come back stronger”
Bruno: 10 “The smooth operator with a twinkle in the eye…back on top where you belong”

Total = 38

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan – Tango/Rumba

Tango

It feels a bit too much like Paso Doble at the start, and I’m never a fan of a floor spin. Once they get in hold though it approves a lot, however there are a few moments where she looks off-balance.

The accents where Denise is kicking in time with the drum are performed marvelously, though I wish Denise would keep her chin up as otherwise her head position is great.

A steamy ending and a much better dance than we saw last week, I think I’ll give them a 9.

Craig: 9 “Off to a flying start with that floor spin…it did not stop there…sharp staccato heads…posture was absolutely brilliant…little bit of gapping on occasion…loved the routine”
Darcy: 10 “The attack you have is extraordinary…so clean…many kicks [little bit of a bent leg]”
Len: 10 “You’ve come out like the no-stress express…start was a bit Paso…once you got into hold, that was a PROPER Tango”
Bruno: 10 “That Tango was fantastic…build up to the end was sensational…it was fabulous”

Total = 39

Rumba

Another finalist contender, with another difficult dance to perform. Denise struggled in the Cha Cha, and the Rumba has very similar technique.

Denise really can act a part. I would like to see a better hip action during her opening outs but a nice extension in the first line/dip.

The problem Denise has in this routine is that her performance is actually overshadowing her dancing, in trying to portray the emotion she’s softened her core and so looks hunched over in a lot of the movements.

The emotion is there all the way through the dance, but I feel the technique was lacking at times. An 8 from me.

Craig: 9 “Absolutely fantastic storytelling…I just wanted to lift your dress up to see the hip action…seemed to come in and out of hip action”
Darcy: 9 “You have the most stunning arms…feeling right to your fingertips…it’s more of a romance than a passionate love story…beautiful feeling”
Len: 10 “For me the final wouldn’t be the proper final if you weren’t there”
Bruno: 10 “I was deeply moved by this Rumba…so effective, so beautiful, so well acted…wasn’t a moment in which you was not on it 100%”

Total = 38

Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev – American Smooth/Charleston

American Smooth

I’m sorry, but even on repeated viewings I still can’t see last week’s dance as perfect, it just felt too messy. Let’s hope for better this week.

There are still moments when Kimberley looks uncomfortable, especially at the start of the second lift and with her arm just flopping around. Some nice accents throughout the dance but there’s barely any actual Foxtrot in this routine – the rules are that there should be 30% in hold.

A nice performance but not really an American Smooth, more a show-dance, but I will give them an 8.

Craig: 9 “I would put that routine straight on stage in one of my shows…it was just great…chin was a little bit too far down [at one point]”
Darcey: 10 “I love this Kimberley…like a true film star…timing [is great]…I am well impressed”
Len: 9 “I got a bit hot under the collar…I would have liked a bit more of that dance to be in Ballroom hold…other than that I thought the rest of it was fantastic”
Bruno: 10 “It was an American sexbomb…the way you interpret the music is absolutely fantastic to see”

Total = 38

Charleston

It was all going so well, but the later third she just lacks a little swivel, the exit from the second-to-last lift is awkward, and there’s a slight stumble before the end.

However that’s really nit picking on what was a great performance, I’m going to give them a 9.

Craig: 10 “Fab-u-lous”
Darcey: 10 “Quirky, naughty, flapper…great interpretation”
Len: 10 “It was fun, it was frivolous…you were flying first class”
Bruno: 10 “Flying high…upside down…looking good from every angle…a feast for the eyes”

Total = 40, her performance was better than last week’s fusion, but I still don’t think it’s perfect I’m afraid – getting closer though! Hard to justify Denise’s 9 now though Craig if you ask me!

Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor – Salsa/American Smooth

Salsa

Just when you’re wondering where Lisa & Robin are, and why we’re focusing on the judges table, they suddenly pop up from behind to use the judges heads as bongos.

Salsa could see a return to form for Lisa, with the fun party atmosphere, and a less strict technical requirement. Unfortunately it’s not long before the armography gets caught up, though they carry on perfectly. There’s a very strange movement with Robin dancing around the outside of a ‘whooping’ Lisa, and then the floor spin goes completely wrong (I suspect Robin released a little early) and the recovery involved Robin hoisting Lisa off the floor in a very ungainly fashion.

They get back into the dance but you can tell Lisa’s lost a bit of confidence. A fun trick lift at the end with Lisa flipping Robin but still not more than a 7 for me.

Craig: 7 “The floor spin did it for me darling [that’s all Craig can get out amidst a giggling fit]”
Darcey: 8 “It’s just fabulous, I love it…it’s true you’re missing a couple of isolations, those hips”
Len: 8 “You make me into a happy chappy…it is so much fun…technique is a little bit laboured”
Bruno: 8 “The embodiment of the good-time girl…what the hell with the Salsa…the crash landing and the remount, I thought I was going to explode…it’s pointless making a technical assessment”

Total = 31

American Smooth

An American Smooth Foxtrot, for a girl that hasn’t really mastered any of the technique, I think they’re going to need every audience vote as they won’t survive a bottom two against any of the other competitors I fear.

Lisa misses a step on the way down from the stage, and doesn’t appear to actually do her Jazz hands. Her first kick line is just a little ahead of the music.

A little stumble in their reverse wave but you can see Lisa really liven up in the build up to the crescendo. Unfortunately the Foxtrot elements just weren’t good enough. Their final 7 from me I think.

Craig: 8 “I love a ball-change kick…have to watch your free arm…occasional gapping…timing was out just ever so slightly…love, love, love what you’ve done”
Darcey: 8 “It does suit you…the next theatre musical star…you match each other so well…only in hold you raise the shoulders a little”
Len: 8 “When you kicked your leg up I think I saw your razzle-dazzle!…you’re not always the judges champion, you are the people’s champion”
Bruno: 8 “Plenty of Jazz and plenty of pizzazz…little bit of a stumble here and there”

Total = 32

So the leader board (my combined score in brackets) stands at:

1. 78 – Kimberley & Pasha [17]
2. 77 – Denise & James [17]
3. 72 – Dani & Vincent [18]
4. 69 – Louis & Flavia [15]
5. 63 – Lisa & Robin [14]

Lisa will be going home tomorrow I think, unless the audience really get voting. As for who could join them it’s going to be a tough call, it should really be Louis as he just can’t quite match the three ladies above him this week. Emma reckons Lisa will have the public vote and that the bottom two could be Louis & Denise. The results show is going to be a tense one this week!!!

The Results Show

The first couple into the final are:

Kimberley & Pasha

First couple in the dance off are Lisa & Robin, think that puts them out then I’m afraid!

Talk with the Judges

Len’s Lens

Kimberley’s 3 cartwheels

Denise’s face during the Tango

Vincent being given a lucky coin, then dropping it into the fountain and wishing to make the final

Brucie washing himself in the fountain

A variety of highlights from Len’s Len over the series

Also in the final is:

Louis & Flavia

That leaves Denise & James or Dani & Vincent as the final couple in the bottom two. Joining Lisa & Robin in the dance off is Denise & James.

Lisa is definitely going home then!

So they’ll dance their highest scoring dance in this dance-off.

Lisa & Robin – American Smooth

Manages to pull off the stair dismount this time, though still lacks the jazz hands unfortunately. Her kicks are a bit too fierce all the way through though. Performs the dance much better than during the show, but I think they know they’re going home.

Denise & James – Tango

I think it’s improved, though a bit shakier in places, however it would be a travesty if Denise wasn’t in the final.

Judges Votes

Craig: Denise “Purely based on technique”
Darcey: Denise “Technically the one I’m going to save”
Len: Denise “I did agree”
Bruno: Denise “I have to go for the best dance”

Denise: 4
Lisa: 0

Going Home: Lisa Riley

Lisa: “It’s been the best time of my entire life…I’ve had the time of my life…Robin Windsor has been amazing…having me as a partner has been a big ask…I owe every inch of Strictly to Robin”

An emotional farewell, I will be sad to see Lisa go but I think the time was right.

The post Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 11 appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 10

learndance — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:00:18 +0000

This week we have a new concept (well to Strictly anyway, I believe they tested it out on Dancing With The Stars previously) of a dance fusion, either two dances performed within the same song seamlessly, or a split half-way through.

We’ve seen professionals perform these type of dances at shows before, and I’ve choreographed and performed dance fusions before. These could be amazing, or a complete car crash…let’s hope for amazing!

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan – Jive/Quickstep

First up then with a Jive, into Quickstep, into Jive, into Quickstep, into Jive…phew I hope they survive!

A great song choice and Denise really does characterisation well. This is looking to be an excellent dance up until the second Quickstep section when Denise appears to slip at one point (we can see later that she’s ripped her dress, must have caught her heel). They recover well but Denise looks to have lost a bit of confidence. She also puts one too many spins in at the end, leaving James standing there with his arm out, and subsequently they miss the ending of the song.

Could have been an outstanding performance but lost a little shine after the slip. A shame but I think we can only give them an 8.

Craig: 8 “Jive part of it I thought was incredible…Quickstep could sometimes be a little bit smoother…elements fused beautifully…terrible shame you went wrong…did finish late at the end”
Darcy: 9 “Your strength is the Jive…little bit too much bounce in the Quickstep…fabulous to watch”
Len: 9 “I thought the Quickstep had go, and the Jive had show…a proper fusion…you didn’t quite manage [the change in techniques for the flicks]…was a little slip-up…I enjoyed it very much”
Bruno: 9 “Explosive Jive, morphing beautifully into a lively and cheerful Quickstep…except for that moment when you caught yourself…I thought it was incredible”

Total = 35

Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor – Tango/Cha Cha

Certainly a harder combination of dances than Denise & James’, I’d be interested to see how this goes. Robin’s obviously decided that he wants to be in the final and is now pushing her harder too.

Robin & Lisa have gone for a half and half split for their routine, starting with the Tango.

Not a bad start but the Tango seems a bit messy in places, the transition into Cha Cha looks a bit awkward with the first moves and Lisa makes a mistake halfway through and you can tell Lisa is making it up on the spot. They end with an awkward looking lift too.

I still think Lisa has reached her talent threshold and I can’t see her improving much more with only two more weeks left. Will need audience votes to keep her in from now until the final I fear. Another 7 I’m afraid.

Craig: 7 “Cha Cha Cha was better than your Tango…topline is failing you in your Tango…a little ahead, anticipating the steps…but I loved the two characters”
Darcey: 8 “For me I thought your Tango was the stronger one…topline had improved and shaping was better…needed more sharp and stronger legs [in the cha cha]”
Len: 7 “Your enthusiasm is infectious…always fun and always joyous…went wrong in the Cha Cha Cha, there was a terrible incident…all a bit too predictable”
Bruno: 8 “I love the way you expose yourself…glistening like a glitter ball under a searchlight…Cha Cha Cha suits you down to a ‘T’…Tango was better than your usual ballroom…Cha Cha was much stronger”

Total = 30

Nicky Byrne & Karen Hauer – Samba/American Smooth (Foxtrot)

A samba mixed with a Foxtrot…hmmm, this could be awful!

Oh great, a chair for a prop…Nicky looks like he almost falls over backwards at the start too. Awful frame in hold and his feet are leaving the floor on every pivot. A pointless and rubbish jump over the chair that really needed to be more emphasised to warrant it’s inclusion.

The best bit is the reverse wave into closed rocks though, quite a nice idea. No clue what the slide under the chair and shoulder shimmy was about though.

Overall I didn’t like it at all, his technique is awful and the combination of dances was suspect. I can’t work out whether to give them a 6 or 7 but I think Lisa’s dancing was better (albeit with a mistake) so I’m going to give them a 6.

Craig: 5 “You need a lot more bounce in the Samba…posture in the American Smooth part was dreadful…I suspect we’re going to be seeing that dance again”
Darcy: 7 “You started really well, you presented very well…all the changes were very neat…your shoulders do let you down…over-extend the arms in your Samba”
Len: 8 “To fuse these two dances together was the greatest challenge we’ve seen so far…I thought that Samba was terrific…your ballroom you never straighten your knees”
Bruno: 7 “A heroic effort…couldn’t be two dances more different…a lot of technical shortcomings…always give a 110% and I commend you for it”

Total = 27

Dani Harmer & Vincent Simone – Quickstep/Charleston

Quite possibly the laziest (and easiest) fusion, seeing as Quickstep naturally includes Charleston movements.

I really dislike the chicken head Charleston move, but that’s not their fault I just dislike it!

Can’t see that many heel leads but the transitions are really good, though the running spin looks like Dani is being flung round Vincent. A few moments that look a little shaky, and she misses the kicks between Vincents legs, but the best dance so far definitely.

I would have liked to have seen a more challenging fusion (I think probably the only easier fusion would be Rumba/Cha Cha) but the performance earns them a 9 from me.

Craig: 9 “Choreography has been absolutely brilliant…great job on that routine”
Darcey: 10 “That was extraordinary…you’ve got it made with those two dances because they’re both from the 1920s so they mould perfectly together…upped the technical ability…beautiful wave going round the floor in the Quickstep”
Len: 9 “Would have been more happier with your feet if I’d seen the occasional heel lead…having said that…I loved it, well done”
Bruno: 10 “Exuberant fusion frenzy…they’re really like two sides of the same coin…stylistically it was absolute perfection”

Total = 34

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace – Tango/Rumba

Louis has to show emotion and passion in the Rumba, something we really haven’t seen from him this series.

I would still like to see Louis put some shaping into his fingers, when out of hold the fingers are splayed all over the place. The timing looks a bit suspect at times in the Rumba and the running drag back looks off balance.

Transition into Tango is clumsy and the Tango itself feels a bit too quick.

His performance is definitely improving but just an 8 for me.

Craig: 9 “You danced that with effortless dexterity…your thumb was up in the Tango”
Darcey: 9 “The emotion was perfect…it was expressive…Tango was crisp…one of your best”
Len: 9 “Two dances, each end of the dance spectrum, and you pulled it off great, well done”
Bruno: 10 “The build up from soft and sensual, to passionate and hot…the climax at the end…keep it up”

Total = 37

Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev – Cha Cha/Tango

So does that first move count as their one permitted lift? Seems a bit of pointless if it was.

Some good transitions, some not quite good ones. Kimberley has a tendency to fling her arms out behind her shoulders during the Cha Cha segments.

What’s this…a second lift?! That’ll lose them some marks, also the transition back into Cha Cha starts with a slip-up.

Promised a lot but didn’t deliver for me, Tango was good but the Cha Cha felt lacklustre, just a 7 I’m afraid.

Craig: 10 “That is dancing!”
Darcey: 10 “Wowee Kimberley…fabulous pout…suited you perfectly…I loved it”
Len: 10 “Well done [gives standing ovation]”
Bruno: 10 “Nicky[?] you started a nuclear fusion…surprise at every turn…Cha Cha sexy kitten to Tango’s mischievous mistress…the dance of the season so far [can’t say I agree even in the slightest there]”

I fear a perfect score here and I really don’t think it deserved it I’m afraid, certainly not the best dance of the season!

Total = 40

So the leader board (my score in brackets) stands at:

1. 40 – Kimberley & Pasha [7]
2. 38 – Dani & Vincent [9]
3. 37 – Louis & Flavia [8]
4. 35 – Denise & James [8]
5. 30 – Lisa & Robin [7]
6. 27 – Nicky & Karen [6]

Our first perfect score of the series, but one I really can’t agree with, the rest of the board is accurate though.

Nicky will be going home tomorrow I think, and Lisa will most likely join him in the bottom two, but it all depends on the audience votes now.

The Results Show

The first couples safe were as follows:

Kimberley & Pasha
Dani & Vincent

First couple in the dance off are Nicky & Karen

Talk with the Judges

Len’s Lens

Darcey’s reaction to Craig’s 10 for Kimberley

A look at one of Kimberley’s transitions from Cha Cha to Tango

Louis’ Tango and then some of his Rumba

Denise’s Jive flicks and then her Quickstep flicks getting caught in her dress

Dani & Vincent’s dancing

Lisa’s dress being ripped off

Next week they’ll be performing two dances in the Semi-Final

Other couples safe are:

Lisa & Robin

That leaves Denise & James or Louis & Flavia as the final couple in the bottom two. Joining Nicky & Karen in the dance off is Denise & James.

Nicky is definitely going home then!

Denise & James – Jive/Quickstep

Denise managed to avoid catching her dress this time, but a couple of slips at the end with still doing one extra spin. However I don’t think that’s going to prevent Nicky from being sent home.

Nicky & Karen – Tango/Samba

Nicky is actually dancing better but he still has an awful frame and it won’t be enough to save him.

Judges Votes

Craig: Denise “Denise & James”
Darcey: Denise “Both very strong performances”
Len: Denise “Denise & James”
Bruno: Denise “Both improved but the outstanding couple is Denise & James”

Denise: 4
Nicky: 0

Going Home: Nicky Byrne

Nicky: “It’s so much fun, it’s the biggest and best show in the world…every week, every day it’s just been incredible”

The post Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 10 appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 9

learndance — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:00:00 +0000

So we’re down to 7 contestants and Michael has a Samba…that’s got bottom two written all over it!

We actually managed to watch the show on Saturday night for once, though we didn’t start until ridiculously late so thought we’d leave the update til Monday morning as usual.

3 weeks to go until the final, and it’s starting to get harder to say “they should definitely go this week” so we’ll just have to wait for their performances to be sure!

Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev – Jive

Kimberley has knee, and now it appears hip, issues and Jive is probably one of the worst dances she could have been performing.

It’s a fast and lively song they’re performing to and a great way to get the night started…if anything though it feels just a little too fast. They’ve sacrificed polish for speed and it shows at times – especially with the lift/throw between the legs where Pasha nearly falls over.

Starts to lose a bit of energy near the end and Kimberley doesn’t look entirely balanced when she spins.

An energetic but frantic performance. I think I’ll give them an 8.

Craig: 9 “Absolutely brilliant…fast efficient footwork…going through the legs was very very clumsy and that will lose you a point”
Darcey: 8 “Certainly matched Pasha’s energy level…accent in your legs was brilliant…well done”
Len: 8 “I thought you did a great job…one or two dodgy moments…I was a little bit anxious when you went flying through the legs…the spins were a bit off at one stage…overall well done”
Bruno: 9 “You were pumping it and bouncing it like a frisky rabbit…great energy, great timing…couple of moments that spoiled something that I thought was almost perfect”

Total = 34

Dani Harmer & Vincent Simone – Viennese Waltz

I hope that’s not Vincent’s movember as otherwise it’s a pretty poor show!

I’m not seeing many heel leads but it’s a wonderfully choreographed piece…more than a few non-standard steps (including a couple of nice double reverse spins) but fitting the music perfectly.

Timing and musicality are excellent but there are a few shaky moments however I’m giving them a 9!

Craig: 8 “Back attitude turn wasn’t as pretty…full of musicality…for me it did not blow me away sadly”
Darcey: 8 “Everything in the lower part of your body was so clean…would have liked a better curve [in the upper body]…gliding very nice”
Len: 9 “I thought that was beautiful…wasn’t just a normal Viennese Waltz…whole thing had a charm about it”
Bruno: 9 “It really was a Viennese Waltz with Italian flair…absolutely enchanting”

Total = 34

Michael Vaughan & Natalie Lowe – Samba

If that shirt’s anything to go by this is going to be a car crash

Is it just me or is he clapping out of time right from the off…oh dear it’s back to dad dancing I fear!

Needs to do something better with the face and hands, and the bounce is a little too pronounced in his voltas. The whole dance lacks any really attack from Michael and it feels like he’s dancing a completely different dance to Natalie.

A moment of sheer panic when it looks like Michael is about to knock Natalie flying and it takes them a moment to recover, I think even the band were ready to stop!

Unfortunately the performance was pretty much as expected and I’m only going to give them a 5 I’m afraid.

Craig: 5 “It wasn’t completely dreadful…your Latin has slightly improved…still looks very awkward…I love the shirt darling, it’s what’s in it that bothers me”
Darcy: 7 “The improvement is outstanding…the amount of content is extraordinary…it is sad that those hips are never going to look natural…but I can see you’ve worked hard”
Len: 6 “You never let your right hip let your left hip know what it’s doing…lot of content in there…lot of movement going on…it wasn’t fantastic but it wasn’t that bad”
Bruno: 6 “It’s really good to see you finally let yourself go…turning into a one-hip wonder – everything was on one side…you’ve got to swing both ways my darling…with the hips!!!”

Total = 24, not bad considering!

Nicky Byrne & Karen Hauer – Argentine Tango

Nicky has proved on more than one occasion that he can act a part, and this seems no exception.

The fast grapevine section near the start feels a little messy but it’s generally a sharp and intense performance with some nice lifts…though the entry into the last looks a bit uncomfortable.

A second solid week from Nicky it seems…could we have a late dark horse developing? I wasn’t totally convinced of his lead at points but I think it’s worthy of an 8.

Craig: 7 “I thought the storytelling was absolutely superb throughout that…just too aggresive and stompy…like a little boy not getting his way and throwing a tantrum”
Darcy: 8 “Intensity was perfect…would have liked a more lustful Nicky towards Karen…you can get a little bit hard…topline is the only thing that bothers me”
Len: 7 “I thought the lifts were very good…overall feeling of the dance for me was too much ballroom tango, a little bit too much sharp and staccato…feet were a little bit steppy”
Bruno: 8 “I think a lot of people like it that hard…intense, purpose, determination…thought was great”

Total = 30

Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor – Quickstep

Back to the fun and fast dances…I’m sure Lisa will feel more at home this week.

Good to see they don’t waste too much time before getting in hold, and it’s a fast and lively start. I can’t tell whether the flicks on opposite legs is deliberate or a well covered error, especially as they do the same thing later as well.

Gets very frantic as it nears the end though. An energetic performance but I think Lisa may have reached her talent threshold and just a 7 from me.

Craig: 7 “Your left hand needs a lot more shaping…pendulums a bit heavy…messy incident before the second Charleston…energy is incredible”
Darcey: 8 “You shine…love your energy…do get a little tired in the top line…fast and light”
Len: 8 “That’s what you bring to the show – sunshine…it was fast, it was fun…well done”
Bruno: 8 “Your personality couldn’t be more bright…totally captivating…I loved the comedy ending [to which Bruno actually falls off his chair trying to emulate]”

Total = 31, week 9 is as far as Robin has got in the competition and I fear they could be in trouble this week

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan – Salsa

A fast and sharp routine but Denise actually looks a little uncomfortable at a few points, during solo spins and the shimmy.

Unfortunately they seem to lose it in the final third and for some inexplicable reason Denise ends up with her cheek against James’ crotch…not a wise position and I’m sure a photo of this will end up in the press! Also on a second viewing James’ finishing move to hit the end beat results in a final thrust into Denise’s cheek – no words can describe!

Started promisingly but I never felt Denise was comfortable and it really fell apart by the end. A disappointing outcome and I’m afraid I’m going to give them a 6.

Craig: 8 “Hip action could be a bit more fluid…make something up [if someone forgets]…best spins I have ever seen from any celebrity”
Darcy: 8 “Underarm turns were fast and clean…can look a bit clumsy…shimmys bothered me – you had your elbows in”
Len: 8 “It’s not if you go wrong, it’s how you recover…I thought you recovered very well…well done”
Bruno: 8 “Spins are fantastic…a couple of near misses…but you covered it well…hips have to be more luscious and fluid”

Total = 32

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace – Charleston

Hmm, a dance that requires bags of fun and personality, not really been Louis’ strong point on the dance floor thus far.

Well it finally happened, they gave Louis the acting lessons that everyone suggested about 5 weeks ago!

Some great swivelling in his basic Charleston movements but you really do feel that he’s trying too hard to show a persona, rather than actually enjoying the dance with gay abandon.

Moments of wonder and some excellent incorporation of Louis’ gymnastic abilities, as well as a brief Michael Jackson moment (though I don’t actually think it was good enough to have been included).

The actual Charleston sections were really good but I still can’t believe that Louis’ performances are totally free, he still holds back a little which detracts from the overall performance.

A good Charleston but just didn’t wow me and left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. However I think they deserve an 8.

Craig: 8 “I think your acrobatic skills were used wisely and to great effect…at long last some personality”
Darcey: 10 “You performed…I loved the insane doctor…tricks had the WOW factor”
Len: 9 “You’ve got a personality and you’ve come out and performed”
Bruno: 10 “Doctor, doctor my hear is pounding, do you do house calls?…the making of a true contender”

Total = 37

So the leader board (my score in brackets) stands at:

1. 37 – Louis & Flavia [8]
2. 34 – Dani & Vincent [9]
2. 34 – Kimberley & Pasha [8]
4. 32 – Denise & James [6]
5. 31 – Lisa & Robin [7]
6. 30 – Nicky & Karen [8]
7. 24 – Michael & Natalie [5]

Some real discrepancies between the judges and I this week. I don’t agree that Louis’ dance was perfect and I actually felt Nicky did a much better job than he’s been given credit for.

I think it could be anyone in the bottom two this week but Michael & Natalie are pretty much a given I feel. Given Nicky has already been in the bottom two this suggests his fan-base just isn’t large enough so I think they’ll be joining Michael.

The Results Show

The first couples safe were as follows:

Louis & Flavia
Lisa & Robin

First couple in the dance off are Michael & Natalie

Talk with the Judges

Len’s Lens

Len’s big grin during Lisa’s Quickstep

Lisa’s mess up of the ending

Louis’ facial expressions

Bruno & Darcey hi-fiving after they both gave Louis a 10

Kimberley’s Jive flicks

The ‘Jive Bunny’ showing everyone to their seats

Bruno playing with Natalie’s headdress

Bruno falling off his chair during his comments to Lisa

Other couples safe are:

Denise & James
Dani & Vincent

That leaves Nicky & Karen, or Kimberley & Pasha as the final couple in the bottom two. Joining Michael & Natalie in the dance off is Nicky & Karen.

I don’t think Michael will survive a Samba dance-off.

Michael & Natalie – Samba

Michael starts by clapping in time…already an improvement on yesterday’s performance. Unfortunately everything else that was wrong with it is pretty much still there, I’m pretty sure they changed the dip but he still almost dropped her with that one too!

Nicky & Karen – Argentine Tango

If Nicky can get through this routine without incident I think he should be safe…and I think that’s Michael’s turn to call a cab – and Natalie knows it!

Judges Votes

Craig: Nicky “Absolutely sensational the second time around”
Darcey: Nicky “Both upped their game”
Len: Nicky “It was unanimous”
Bruno: Nicky “Really had the licence to thrill”

Michael: 0
Nicky: 4

Going Home: Michael Vaughan

Michael: “Everything about the show…contestants have been great…Nicky wiped the floor with me”

The post Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 9 appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 8

learndance — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 08:00:51 +0000

Sorry for the delay in the blog this week but our hosting company appeared to have a major meltdown of their servers where our database is stored, the website still worked but the blog was unavailable even to draft a post.

Anyway on to Saturday night’s show.

Is it just me or should they really have waited until there were only 6 left before doing a friends skit?!

Dani Harmer & Vincent Simone – Samba

You gotta love Vincent, he’s got a bigger head than me!

I’m not liking Dani on her own during the intro, especially her hand actions and I’d like to see a few more straight legs at certain points, especially during the shadow ‘Beyonce’ section.

Dani definitely looks more at home when she’s bopping rather than actually dancing but we were so glad they didn’t incorporate a floor spin, I really hate that move.

One of the better Sambas on Strictly though and I think I’ll give her an 8.

Craig: 9 “One hot little dancer…loved the bounce action…very very tidy Samba darling”
Darcey: 9 “Extraordinary, such a clean Samba…saw every move…in your running promenades finish off the arms”
Len: 9 “Samba’s a party dance…you got this party started…loved the routine, lots of basic stuff going on”
Bruno: 9 “Charming and bubblier than Babycham…your feet, so well placed so exact…I love it”

Total = 36

Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev – Tango

Not sure on the gurn but at least she’s trying to keep the spirit of the Tango throughout the dance.

It’s sharp but her head needs to be out further, it looks to be almost pushed forward and too close to her shoulder at times.

There’s a few moments where they look off balance and this could be because it appears Kimberley is trying to lead, or at least pre-empt the next move.

A bit disjointed in the top half of the body which ruined the dance for me really, could have been higher but I’m only going to give her an 8.

Craig: 8 “You did see a slight wobble…but I absolutely loved the drama at the top…told that story all the way through…frame occasionally was a little bit loose”
Darcey: 9 “Storytelling was wonderful…topline…attack…was brilliant”
Len: 8 “I loved the mood of it…your hold goes in and out, it’s a little bit loose…never did one heel lead…but the feel of the dance was spot on”
Bruno: 9 “The ultra-vixen with a killer attitude…I haven’t seen such a mean pout since Joan Collins…you were going for it the way you really should…did I see a slight wobble in the middle?”

Total = 34

Victoria Pendleton & Brendan Cole – Salsa

It’s week 8 and Victoria is still training in lace up dance shoes, no wonder she’s always so unsteady by the time she puts on higher (and considerably thinner) heels!

Latin really isn’t Victoria’s strong point and I’m afraid we may not see much to improve on that this time around.

From the very strange outfit to the moment she walks down the stairs towards Brendan and appears to fling herself into his arms, in what I can only assume was not an expected way, my heart starts to drop.

It improves once they’re in hold but as soon as they break from hold she goes out of time and messes up but thankfully it’s not long before they’re back in hold and recovered.

Victoria still needs to work on selling the ‘fun’ but they have some quite intricate arm movements that they manage to pull off, and the final lift is impressive from just a core strength perspective if nothing else.

Not her worst Latin dance but I did feel an air of trepidation throughout which lowered my enjoyment so only a 6 from me I’m afraid.

Craig: 4 “The prop candy sticks had more fluidity”
Darcy: 6 “I was amazed you achieved all that armography…most amazing core [in the lifts]…distract from the hip action”
Len: 6 “A bit light…needed a bit more ‘go’ in it…lifts were very clean…bit more oomph”
Bruno: 5 “When you stand still you’re fabulous…so much to offer and you still don’t deliver”

Total = 21

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace – Paso Doble

Louis needs to keep his shoulders down and I’m not sure on the song choice.

Still needs to work on his hands as he does tend to splay his fingers a lot, which Flavia has obviously tried to combat by having him hold his lapels at every opportunity.

Needs to have a bit more body shape throughout.

For me I like my Paso to have real aggression and passion, and the song is such an integral component of that which is where I feel this week just didn’t work for me.

Another underperforming week from Louis and just a 7 for me.

Craig: 6 “You have to learn to act these dances…you can go no further unless you give yourself up”
Darcey: 7 “You’ve got it all to give but I lost the storytelling in that…the attitude just wasn’t there for me…clean, exact, precise…I just missed the story”
Len: 7 “It’s thunder and lightening…you have to come out and attack and perform…nothing going on…no fire”
Bruno: 7 “You have the lines…but it’s what’s behind it…it’s a fight to the death and that’s what you have to produce”

Total = 27

Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor – Rumba

I’d like her to keep her feet in contact with the floor more, and I’m not sure she’s always straightening her legs.

She skips during the cucarachas and I’d like to see more hip action, which would be helped by dancing more through the floor and not picking the feet up.

One of the least cringy Rumbas we’ve seen on Strictly, although it does almost turn into Paso at one point.

Am I the only one who had memories of Team America, puppet love and ‘…I don’t want to mess anything up…’ at the end?

A decent attempt and I’m not sure what more she could have done with that choreography and song. I think I’ll give them a 7.

Craig: 7 “Slightly tempestuous…lost it’s sensuality…don’t think it’s a dance that actually suits you…I thought you danced it well”
Darcey: 6 “So hard to sustain those slow moves…this isn’t your dance sadly”
Len: 7 “I liked some of the detail…the feeling of the dance for me wasn’t there”
Bruno: 7 “It was nice, it was stylized…surprisingly understated…very careful with it…nice but not overwhelming”

Total = 27

Michael Vaughan & Natalie Lowe – Argentine Tango

A mixture of Ballroom (Michael’s strong point) and Latin (not quite so good) this could be a good performance if he can pull off the atmosphere of the dance.

They definitely have an intensity in the performance, though it’s a little unsteady at times and Michael still has a tendency to hunch over.

Michael tries to start a bit too early at one point and Natalie literally head butts him to keep him in time!

The running drag is quite good but I think the timing was out at the finish. A decent Argentine Tango, not quite Mark Ramprakash standard, but I think he should get 7’s.

Craig: 6 “Lacked any resistance and lead…didn’t feel that was happening…adornements were very stiff”
Darcy: 7 “Such an attentive partner…missed that domineering man…beautiful ease into those lifts…lovely lines”
Len: 7 “Two parts to every routine…maybe the performance was lacking a little bit but it was a full routine…so much good going on”
Bruno: 6 “The look of painful concentration on your face…looked like you were passing a kidney stone…no relationship between you…lost any sense of sexuality”

Total = 26

Nicky Byrne & Karen Hauer – Charleston

Charleston could certainly fit Nicky’s personality and there’s a lot less technical requirements, which may benefit him greatly.

So we’re seeing a reprise of his The Mask performance from a few weeks ago!

It’s lively and precise, but I still wish he would straighten his back more and not stick his chin out. A good attempt at swivelling and some very impressive lifts/catches. Doesn’t quite match Karen for energy though at times.

Aside from the posture I think it was a good Charleston, I’ll give them an 8 this week.

Craig: 9 “It wasn’t a disaster dah-ling…that suited you down to the ground…your best yet”
Darcy: 9 “Magic…I loved it…quirky, fun, loved it”
Len: 9 “I liked the setup…the no stress express…bottom two last week, you’ll be top two this week”
Bruno: 9 “Character driven slapstick…you never lost the Charleston…brilliant”

Total = 36

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan – American Smooth

A very painful looking VT when Denise spins in, almost knocking James in the face so he ducks out of the way, but Denise carries on by jumping into where she expects James to be…ending up smacking her head on the floor!

Their final lift is also the same as the one that broke James’ nose when he danced it with Ola a few weeks ago…so they’re really trying to keep upping the ante it seems…this could either be amazing or disastrous!

A nice elegant performance, Denise really knows how to finish off a move. Thanks to the camera angles I can’t see any footwork issues but the lifts are perfect.

There really is nothing I can say to fault this performance and I think this will be more 10’s.

Craig: 9 “James, your thumb was up on occasion, your bottom was sticking out, you lacked any rise and fall…Denise you were perfect…another triumph”
Darcy: 9 “Graceful, musical, you are a pleasure to watch…difficult lifts…how effortless you make them…create beautiful lines”
Len: 9 “Wave after wave of effortless motion…couple of foot things…but the look of it was class”
Bruno: 10 “Smooth and weightless…seamless flow of movement…emotional connection, for me it was perfection”

Total = 37, if Denise was perfect why didn’t she get a 10? I really wish the judges would give some constructive criticism in their comments though – how can she aim for 10’s if she doesn’t know what she did wrong?!

So the leader board (my score in brackets) stands at:

1. 37 – Denise & James [10]
2. 36 – Dani & Vincent [8]
2. 36 – Nicky & Karen [8]
4. 34 – Kimberley & Pasha [8]
5. 27 – Lisa & Robin [7]
5. 27 – Louis & Flavia [7]
7. 26 – Michael & Natalie [7]
8. 21 – Victoria & Brendan [6]

I think this could be Victoria’s week to go but I could see Lisa joining her in a bottom two but it will most likely be Michael & Natalie.

The Results Show

Flawless and the Strictly Pro girls…what could go wrong…well actually nothing really, quite enjoyed it!

The first couples safe were as follows:

Kimberley & Pasha
Louis & Flavia
Nicky & Karen

First couple in the dance off are Michael & Natalie

Talk with the Judges

Len’s Lens

Len Goodman arriving in the study, with a bottom spank!

Louis’ lack of emotion…only a moment of passion in the whole routine

Nicky’s facial expressions

Craig’s verbal faux pas with Kimberley & Pasha

Dani’s ‘Beyonce’, and Bruno’s dancing

Len & Bruno laughing after their reaction to Darcey’s 6 for Lisa’s Rumba

Other couples safe are:

Dani & Vincent
Denise & James

That leaves Lisa & Robin, or Victoria & Brendan as the final couple in the bottom two. Joining Michael & Natalie in the dance off is Victoria & Brendan.

I think Victoria will finally be leaving, unfortunately she has just never lived up to the early promise.

Victoria & Brendan – Salsa

Victoria starts on the wrong foot but doesn’t muck up in the same points…just completely different ones this time….and the final lift is nowhere near as smooth.

Michael & Natalie – Argentine Tango

For me pretty much the same performance as earlier but with a much better timed ending and definitely enough to send Victoria home

Judges Votes

Craig: Michael “This couple completely smashed it and I thought they were amazing”
Darcey: Michael “I’m going to save Michael & Natalie”
Len: Michael “I did agree”
Bruno: Michael “I’m going to save the best performance”

Michael: 4
Victoria: 0

Going Home: Victoria Pendleton

Victoria: “I think I need a holiday…it’s been so much fun…I’ve loved every second of it…hair, makeup, costumes I love…been a fantastic experience”

The post Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 8 appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special Tickets

learndance — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:31:18 +0000

Ballot applications for tickets for the Strictly Come Dancing 2012 Christmas Special are now open.

The special is recorded on Monday 3rd December and ticket entries are accepted up until 10am [EDIT: 10pm!] on Thursday 22nd November.

Please note that even if you are successful in getting tickets they do over-subscribe so make sure you get there early.

You can apply for tickets on the BBC Tickets Website.

The post Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special Tickets appeared first on Learn To Dance.