I’ll have to go back to having a social life after tonight (well on my one day off anyway!).  It’s been one of the best series of Strictly ever and any three of these finalists would have been deserved winners.

The phone lines are closed…the hearts are beating…either way Artem’s going to cry!

It’s the moment of truth…

The Strictly Come Dancing champions of 2010 are………Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev.

Well deserved and a brilliant end to the best series ever!

Go on Artem, have a cry, you know you want to!

Did the best couple win, would you have given it to Matt or Pamela, how about Ann?

Until next year (or the Christmas Special next week anyway), just remember KEEEEEEEP DANCING (PS contact us for details of our classes in the New Year lol)

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Kara has a dodgy arm, and Artem probably still a dodgy neck, it’s going to be an interesting American Smooth!

I can see now what Emma saw in her arms earlier, she’s doing extremely well to keep smiling.  It’s going really well but then it’s head down just before the standing slide and a very shaky section.

A true professional to keep going but unfortunately not perfect, just a 9.

Craig: 10 “I would kill to be able to dance like that”
Len: 7 “Hint of Tango, bit of Foxtrot…unfortunately should be a certain amount in hold…think your dancing is brilliant”
Alisha: 10 “You have been a delight…I think you are a beautiful woman…together you are first class”
Bruno: 10 “Whatever happens, this was an inspired performance…blend of what you did in this dance was incredible”

Total Score: 37

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I still wish Kara would keep her head up during spins, she always looks off balance, and this is a very shaky start, there doesn’t appear to be any confidence there.  She keeps dropping her head.

As Emma puts it, there’s just something not quite right there, she injured her arm in the Show Dance and Emma can see she’s just throwing the arm out rather than placing it.  The look on Artem’s face at the end suggests things were not quite to plan and Kara was obviously dancing through the pain.

I didn’t enjoy the performance like I thought I would, and actually think I can only give it an 8.

Craig: 9 “An occasional wobble…missing most, if not all of your heel leads…spot the floor [during turns] which is a no-no”
Len: 9 “Such musicality when you dance…truly lovely to watch…few foot things”
Alisha: 10 “Constantly pushing yourself…so relaxed and at ease watching you dance”
Bruno: 10 “It’s quality, quality of movement…a pleasure to watch.”

Total Score: 38

A bit too high if you ask me.

The post Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev – Waltz appeared first on Learn To Dance.

I actually think these guys could produce the best Show Dance tonight, but let’s see what happens.

I LOVE QUEEN!

A bit of a strange section after Kara’s backflip with Artem randomly sliding across the floor, but they soon get back on track.  A missed hand during one of the final lifts and another couple who’s end timing was all wrong.

Better than Matt’s Show Dance but only a 9 for me.

Craig: 9 “Sadly you missed a lift…timing at the end looked like it was off…courage to do a routine like that”
Len: 9 “Routine did have the potential to get top marks…just one or two little incidents”
Alisha: 9 “Fantastic combination of dance…think you’re a true athlete”
Bruno: 9 “Going beautifully…some incidents, you lost timing…work you did was splendid”

Total Score: 36

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Kara struggles to get through her opening VT discussing Artem, so it’s fitting that they have the Rumba to perform tonight, a beautiful dance we got to watch first hand last week.

Kara’s looking a bit emotional at the start, most likely as she’s just had to watch that whole first VT on a massive screen above the band.

There’s a few wobbles but it’s another excellent performance.  Can’t be less than a 10!

Craig: 9 “Bruno is absolutely right…was an illegal lift in their sadly”
Len: 10 “The more you see it, the better it gets”
Alisha: 10 “I need a tissue…I think you just raised the bar even more”
Bruno: 10 “Glorious Rumba of hypnotic beauty…sensuous, romantic, technically always pushed to the limit”

Total Score: 39

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A lot to follow this week after Pamela’s 40 last week.  Needs to watch looking down during the spins at the start as she just looked slightly off balance.

Some of the transitions from in and out of hold look a little messy.  They obviously tried to put more in than Pamela and James last week but I think they could’ve done an even better performance if they just toned it down a little bit.

For me just a 9 I’m afraid.

Craig: 9 “Concerned about the end, your foot came off the floor twice…technically a lift”
Len: 10 “If I’m dreaming don’t wake me up…fabulous”
Alisha: 10 “You mirror each other perfectly…don’t think you realise how good you are…simply beautiful”
Bruno: 10 “Beauty…quality of movement…expression of musical phrasing…work of art”

Total Score:  39

Normally the judges allow a slight leeway if the foot is only just off the floor, feels like Craig had a bone to pick with that one!

The post Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev – Viennese Waltz appeared first on Learn To Dance.

So they have confirmed Artem will ask Kara out after the series has finished, not that I personally actually care, though it could make for a good Tango.

I’m not so sure about the massive stamp action they’re both using, but it’s obviously a style thing.  It’s passionate and intense and I think we’ll see some more 10s for this.

Not quite a 10 for me, but close enough that I think she’ll get them.  I’d give it a 9 though.

Craig: 9 “Fan-tas-ma-gorical”
Len: 9 “I wasn’t keen when you did the close promenades, every one was a stamp…I liked it”
Alisha: 10 “Together you are mesmerising…personally best Tango ever on Strictly”
Bruno: 10 “Spectacular, spectacular”

Total Score: 38

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Almost up-to-date and it’s almost time for tonight’s Strictly, seriously where has my Saturday gone?!

Not sure on Bruce’s joke about Alisha having a good tan..

First up tonight is Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev,

I’m looking forward to seeing their Jive.

Artem’s having a few wardrobe issues with his braces and Kara needs to point her toes down more during kicks.

It seems a little lacklustre and lacking something, and their ending seems to be just a little too late.

Disappointing we feel and whilst the lines were clean and movement good I can only give it an 8.

Craig: 7 “Dance very cleanly…attention to detail as always very precise…lost synchronicity…recovery [at the end] was terrible”
Len: 9 “First out, first class, top draw Jive…little bit hesitant…didn’t really attack [on some steps]”
Alisha: 9 “You two are on a real journey…really cutesy feel…looking down a lot”
Bruno: 9 “Sex appeal…lost a little bit of sharpness…bit of a tangle in the arm pass”

Total Score: 34

A tad too high personally.

Now for a sexy? Rumba from Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke

Ann has aspirations to win, and we have a Titanic theme for this sinking ship of a routine.

At least they’re making more of a routine of it this week, I’m seeing Aida’s (well from Anton anyway), underarm turns, a rope spin, hand to hands, cucaracha’s, open outs.

All in all there’s a lot there that our students would recognise (which isn’t always the case in Strictly routines).

Better than last week so I’m going to give it a 6.

Craig: 1 “[Ann – here comes the iceberg] Frigid, passionless, that iceberg [on the set] showed more emotion”
Len: 5 “I’m shaken, not stirred. You did aida, opening outs – admittedly off time and you had the wrong footwork…but daftest dance I’ve ever seen”
Alisha: 5 “Kate Winslet eat your heart out…favourite storyline of the series so far…wasn’t much content, well done on remembering the steps.”
Bruno:  3 “Sinks the Rumba into the deepest and darkest depths of dance disaster.”

Total Score: 14

Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor

Why do they always make Patsy’s eyes up like that, it always makes her look a little depressed, she actually looks amazing without it!

Patsy is suffering from a foot injury and may be spending most of the routine sitting down, won’t go down well with the judges if she does.

Argentine Tango should be passionate and intense and there’s a slight lack of emotion here, though the routine is good and looks like Patsy’s best dance.

I’m going to give Patsy an 8.

Craig: 7 “It did lacked flair…lacked any swivel on the foot passes…did have intent and purpose…did that very well”
Len: 8 “Hopefully you’ll be back next week…you won’t win Strictly Come Dancing being careful”
Alisha: 8 “I think you held the intensity all the way through…legs look stunning…loved it”
Bruno: 7 “The good thing, you really started to focus…lacked spunk…maybe you were trying to get the technique right”

Total Score: 30

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe

Scott’s turn at the American Smooth this week and it looks in the VT like all the training is starting to take it’s toll.

A big slip from Scott there on a three step but well recovered.  His frame looks a little close and could do with a bit more space.

Scott appears to have forgotten the routine and the final lift is just positively dangerous in those circumstances.

It’s a real shame as it looked to have great promise but I can only give it a 7 and that’s being generous.

Craig: 6 “Terrible shame…began with terrible footwork in the corner…some good, loved the lift…complete disaster”
Len: 7 “It wasn’t a complete disaster…didn’t do yourself justice…threw you off…you’re a really good dancer…don’t let it affect you…try and stay awake!”
Alisha: 9 “I’ve been there, I’ve done that, I’ve made mistakes…I still enjoyed it…still looked like a pro out there”
Bruno: 9 “You’re still smoother than anybody else…some parts were excellent…don’t beat yourself down”

Total Score: 31

Far too high from Alisha and Bruno there, it’s not really fair on the other competitors if you ask me.

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas

Gavin & Katya have a Jive this week, for a big guy like Gavin this could be [cue Craig] a Dance Dis-a-ster.

If Gavin goes out hating the dance this will come across in his performance.  Not sure on the outfit and unfortunately Gavin is out of time straight from the off with his initial kicks.

This is one of the worst Jive’s we’ve seen on Strictly at this stage of the competition and his attempt at butt wiggling in front of the judges is severely lacking.

It was a disaster and a 6 from me.

Craig: 3 “That bottom wiggle was completely unnecessary…giving Ann Widdecombe a run for her money”
Len: 6 “You hated it, I hated it, we all hated it…you came out and gave it a go”
Alisha: 7 “There was [were] timing issues throughout”
Bruno: 6 “It was like Clarke Kent never turning into Superman…you look good in tight pants”

Total Score: 22

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani

Let’s hope Matt does a better American Smooth than Scott’s.  Is this the first time an American Smooth has been danced not in a suit?

The standing spin looks a bit awful if I ‘m honest which is a shame.  It feels more like a show dance than an American Smooth and it just didn’t quite feel right for me.

It was ok but I’m only going to give it a 7.

”
Len: 8 “If you have to explain what you’re trying to do then it hasn’t really worked as a dance”
Alisha: 8 “One of the strongest in the competition…little bit disappointed…turns felt very manic”
Bruno: 9 “You put so much in to what you do…beautiful…turn into American Psycho”

Total Score: 33

Another over mark for me personally.

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan

They have a Charleston this week and this could potentially be their best dance.

Good lifts and energy, though she does seem to lose a bit of puff near the end.

Has some nice comedic moments though I’m not sure about the final ending position.

Not the worst Charleston I’ve seen but still lacking and Pamela could be in trouble this week.

Emma thinks 8 and I agree.

Craig: 9 “Frisky, perilous lifts…without fear…loved it”
Len: 9 “Tickled my fancy that, you enjoyed doing it, I enjoyed watching it”
Alisha: 10 “Best dance of the night”
Bruno: 10 “It’s going to get a BAFTA from me”

Total Score: 38

Wouldn’t personally have put it as the top routine of the night, for me that was Patsy’s, though I felt all the dances this week seemed lacking in a bit of life.

Leader Board

1. 38 points – Pamela & James
2. 34 points – Kara & Artem
3. 33 points – Matt & Aliona
4. 31 points – Scott & Natalie
5. 30 points – Patsy & Robin
6. 22 points – Gavin & Katya
7. 14 points – Ann & Anton

I already know Patsy goes, and that’s a real shame as I felt she did her best dance of the series tonight.  Earlier I thought Pamela would join her in the bottom two but judges marks may have saved her there so probably Gavin joining her.

Results

Bottom two is Patsy & Robin (who we know are going home) and Gavin & Katya.

Well now to get myself ready for live blogging tonight’s show.
 

The post Strictly Come Dancing – Saturday 27th November appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Ok so it’s a little bit late, but we’ve been working out in St Lucia so I’m sure you’ll forgive us a small delay!

I have a confession though, I already know who went home on both of the two weeks that I missed (pretty difficult to avoid the whole internet and all our students in a 3 week period!), however I will endeavour to comment accurately and without prejudice.

First up on the show tonight is Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor

Those in the know will realise that I link my images straight into the BBC mini-site so it’s lucky I know who went last week otherwise this would’ve been a massive clue (the greyed out image!)

Patsy has Samba tonight and I’ve always been concerned about her energy so not expecting much tonight.  It’s not a bad start though her legs are a little messy looking.  As Emma points out though, she does have good hand shaping.

The second half of the routine goes a little astray at times and her hips could feature more but overall not a bad start to the show.

One of her better dances but I’m only going to give it a 7.

Craig: 6 “Besides the obvious wrong footwork, did lack hip action…could be a little bit free-er”
Len: 7 “Lot of nice basic steps…got on the wrong foot somehow…trying to [forget it]”
Alisha: 8 “Stunning, like a real showgirl…captured the feel of the Samba”
Bruno: 7 “Glitzy and sexy…because of the impetus you missed some steps…willing to give it all”

Total Score: 28

Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev

Kara & Artem have American Smooth this week, and a serious injury in training could have prevented them from performing tonight, however Artem performs anyway as that’s what us professionals have to do!

It seems they’re doing a Tango/Paso American Smooth…and the offending lift goes by without a hitch…and it’s actually a Foxtrot now it’s kicked in.

Not really seeing anything in hold though, I’m pretty sure 30%-40% is supposed to be in hold.  It’s an excellent routine but I only saw one section in hold.

Will they be penalised for that, who knows, for me it’s excellent but have to penalise for the rule breaking, but still a 9!

Craig: 9 “I can only agree…gorgeous lines…arm placement is absolutely beyond…Fab-u-lous darling”
Len: 6 “I don’t want to be the party pooper…confused as a baby in a topless bar…you didn’t take up hold once…I loved the routine, fabulous routine…[but] it wasn’t a Foxtrot so how can I judge it as a Foxtrot”
Alisha: 10 “Seductive, smooth, intense…mystical feel…so brave to come out and do [the lift]”
Bruno: 10 “Truly inspired and inspiring American Smooth…fluid…dramatic…star turn”

Total Score: 35

I think 6 was harsh Len

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani

They have Samba tonight and I’m not sure about the hips in the VT.

Great song, hips are quite good at the start, though hands are a little strange.  Some nice lines and there’s a nice amount of bounce, not too much.

Finishes with a few backflips, which Len is not going to like I imagine.

Really nothing for me to criticise on so I think we could be seeing their first 10!

Craig: 9 “Thought your hip action was very good, thought your bounce action was very good”
Len: 9 “I’m almost in agreement with Craig…wasn’t too keen on those flip-flops at the end…because you can do something doesn’t mean you can put it in the routine…I had a boy that could fart God Save The Queen!”
Alisha: 10
Bruno: 10 “I’ve never seen a competitor (who wasn’t a professional)…moving his bum in that way”

Total Score: 38

I wonder if he hadn’t done those backflips whether Len would’ve given a 10…?

Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone

I think American Smooth could definitely be nearer Felicity’s abilities than Samba would have been.  They start with a very Hollywood scene and then their Foxtrot starts.

I’m afraid to say it’s a very pedestrian and boring start and doesn’t pick up until their first lift.

Except for the lifts the only time the routine picks up is when Felicity starts kicking her legs up in time to the music.  For me the rest of the routine was completely uninspired.

I really can’t give this a high mark and I think it’s a 6 from me.

Craig: 7 “I would’ve liked to have seen a little bit more rise and fall throughout the routine”
Len: 7 “Lifts were excellent…lacked movement”
Alisha: 8 “I like the lifts…I think that was your best dance”
Bruno: 8

Total Score: 30

Personally a little high if you ask me.

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas

Quite a scary lift they have planned for this American Smooth.  A bit of Tom Jones which doesn’t quite scream “Foxtrot” if you ask me.

The lift goes by almost without a hitch, Katya looks positively petrified and very obviously tries to steady herself.

Gavin looks uncomfortable out of hold at times, especially spinning from side-to-side, but actually it’s a commendable performance, and infinitely better than Felicity Kendal’s.

Improving all the time, and starting to show some personality, but just a 7 this time.

Craig: 4 “Lame and lacklustre”
Len: 7 “What Craig’s just said is totally incorrect…parts of that were excellent dancing…overall a very good performance”
Alisha: 8 “Don’t let this knock your confidence…brave to do those lifts…moving in the right direction”
Bruno: 8 “Why do you get nervous…some of the sequences…were very very good”

Total Score: 27

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe

Ok not a bad start, though far too bouncy for my liking and the hips look a little wooden at times and there’s a slight slip in the shadow voltas.

Not a bad Samba, though not as good as Matt’s.

I’m going to give it an 8 I think.

Craig: 6 “You tried hard, without success”
Len:8
Alisha: 9 “You really gave it a good go Scott…right up there with the rest of them.”
Bruno: 9 “You always perform, you always deliver”

Total Score: 32

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan

Another scary looking lift in this one it seems.

Pamela’s facial expression is a bit disturbing at the start, but they look good once they start, though they’ve changed the lift for an easier (and less likely to hospitalise Pamela) one.  Shoulders look a little uncomfortable at times.

A nice fish lift too.  A slight stumble by James as he goes in for the final lift but they manage it without incident.

A good dance, not quite perfect but definitely worth a 9.

Craig: 8 “Very well structured routine…do need to keep the shoulders down”
Len: 9 “Best American Smooth of the night”
Alisha: 10 “Queen of Blackpool tonight.”
Bruno: 10 “Come up and see me some time…American Frisky…fantastically danced”

Total Score: 37

Finally we’ve got Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke with their [attempt at] Samba…

Aside from Ann looking like a big yellow canary I actually think Anton’s outfit is worse.

There’s definitely an attempt at basic there but most of the routine (unsurprisingly) consists of Ann walking around.

Anton then chucks Ann, spins her around on the floor, spins her just off the ground, then drops her with Ann’s bum to camera which she hastily drops her dress back down to cover.

Not as entertaining as some of her previous dances for me, just a 5.

Craig: 1 “Overwhelmingly awful”
Len: 5 “It’s like hemorrhoids, keep coming back more painful than ever…did make me laugh”
Alisha: 4 “As bright as your outfits”
Bruno: 3 “Like a canary that was trying to take flight…never took off”

Total Score: 13

Leader Board

1. 38 points – Matt & Aliona
2. 37 points – Pamela & James
3. 35 points – Kara & Artem
4. 32 points – Scott & Natalie
5. 30 points – Felicity & Vincent
6. 28 points – Patsy & Robin
7. 27 points – Gavin & Katya
8. 13 points – Ann & Anton

Even though I know Felicity went home this week I would still have predicted her to go home, with Patsy joining her in the bottom two.

Results

So the bottom two went as I predicted, and Felicity went home as I already knew…now to watch the following week’s before tonight’s show.

The post Strictly Come Dancing – Saturday 20th November appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Leader board this week:

1. 36 points – Kara & Artem
2. 35 points – Matt & Aliona
3. 33 points – Pamela & James
4. 32 points – Jimi & Flavia
5. 30 points – Michelle & Brendan
6. 29 points – Felicity & Vincent
6. 29 points – Patsy & Robin
6. 29 points – Gavin & Katya
9. 28 points – Scott & Natalie
10. 17 points – Ann & Anton

Ann with less than half of Kara’s points should really be the one going home, but she is definitely entertaining (and probably contributes immensely to the BBC’s 11m viewers).  I think Patsy could be in trouble tonight and Felicity may well join her in the bottom two…it is getting very tight to call now though, especially with no dance-off.

Who do you think will be going?

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