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?

The post Strictly Come Dancing – Saturday 6th November Leader Board appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Patsy’s gone all Kylie this week, and it suits her!

It’s hard to know what to say about this routine…it’s ok but still is lacking something.  I think she needs to keep her steps a bit smaller to help with the hip action.

For me just a 6 this week I’m afraid.

Craig: 6 “Cha Cha Chavvy I’m afraid…didn’t need all that bump and grind stuff at the beginning…needed more hip action…New Yorkers very clean”
Len: 8 “Fun, cheeky, hot & saucy…you want to go too fast…calm it down…trying to rush to the next bit”
Alisha: 7 “Look like a sexy, confident woman…did fall flat…did lose timing”
Bruno: 8 “You’re very good at sex…pouty…could be cleaner…don’t stop your energy flowing.”

Total Score: 29

The post Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor – Cha Cha Cha appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Patsy ran out of steam last week, and Jive is even more intense, so let’s see if Robin’s bootcamp has worked this week.

Looks like we’re going to see some chemistry between these two…oh dear a little two party dance at the start and Patsy loses her bounce before the end of the flicks and the heaviness has returned.

Unfortunately for Patsy she just fails to pull it off, just a 6 from me.

Craig: 7 “I thought side-by-side stuff was fantastic…bit laboured [later on]”
Len: 8 “Sharp kicks and flicks, very clean…thoroughly well done.”
Alisha: 8 “All your hard work in the training has definitely paid off.”
Bruno: 8 “I love when you’re camp…sharpest you’ve ever been.”

Total Score:  31

The post Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor – Jive appeared first on Learn To Dance.

On Wednesday’s show: Patsy & Robin; Jimi & Flavia; Lisa Snowdon on costumes.

Doing the Viennese Waltz this week will be Felicity Kendal and Scott Maslen.  Felicity will be doing the splits again and Scott has the [man]flu.

Michelle Williams took a tumble in her Jive training but will compete on Saturday, joining her will be Pamela & James (I hope she has her hair in ponytails for the show) and Patsy & Robin (Robin’s been working her hard to try and avoid the stamina loss we saw in the Charleston on Saturday).

Speaking of Patsy & Robin,

It was Robin’s idea for Patsy to wear the wig, though she took a bit of convincing.  Patsy definitely felt the burn of the Charleston by the end of their performance and Robin’s been working her so hard that she’s had to start taking pillows to training so that she can snooze in the corner.

Robin made Patsy do their Jive 12 times in a row during training to really build her stamina up, let’s hope it pays off.

Costume analysis from Lisa Snowdon and a designer called Jessica,

I was going to blog about their comments on the dresses, but aside from my witch halloween outfit (complete with tights!) I can’t say any of it interests me, I recommend iPlayer if you want to know more.

Though Tina’s outfit of pleather (a combination of plastic and synthetic leather) looks like it could be interesting.

Very Sandy & Danny!  Joining her with Argentine Tango this week is Matt & Aliona

Paso Doble will be performed by Gavin, Kara, Jimi & Ann.  Anton is flinging Ann…twice; Gavin looks like he’s stretching in the gym rather than taunting a bull; Kara and Artem are starting to fight in training as the pressure of the training starts to get to them; Jimi & Flavia have been concentrating on technique.

Jimi & Flavia,

Flavia felt they were undermarked, but doesn’t seem to want to talk about it.  She’s been punishing Jimi with a cane, I must admit I’ve used similar tactics with some of my students!

They’ve worked hard on the technique and are both excited and looking forward to Saturday.

Now to watch Fridays before getting myself ready to watch the Halloween special.

The post It Takes Two – Thursday 28th October appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Liking the Chicago look.  Nice swivel action at the start but I feel there’s a slight lack of energy in the routine.  Patsy’s smiling but doesn’t appear to be exuding enjoyment.  I don’t know whether it’s just heavy or not, another finish with a kiss though.

Overall I’m a little underwhelmed, only a 6 I’m afraid.

Craig: 6 “This dance is about stamina…started getting a little bit heavy and sluggish”
Len: 8 “You’ve come out a thoroughbred…[kiss from Patsy to Len]…full-on entertaining performance”
Alisha: 7 “I’m loving the look…certain moves slacked a little bit”
Bruno: 7 “You have to keep the stamina…but the performance was good”

Total Score: 28

The post Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor – Charleston appeared first on Learn To Dance.

On today’s show: Gavin & Katya; Matt & Aliona; Patsy & Robin; Midweek report.

First though a look at Gavin & Katya’s Rumba.  Gavin was shocked with being left till last to be called as safe in the show.

Gavin reveals he’s a fan of Peter Andre…I wonder whether it’s for the body or the music?

Katya thought the judges were overly harsh, especially Craig, something I actually agree on as I thought he performed a great Rumba compared to what I expected from him.  Gavin thinks their Tango could be special, I hope he means in a good way.

The training footage we were showed is apparently from the first 20 minutes, but I hope he’s keeping his bum in more now they’ve done a bit more training.

To look at the Midweek Report is Michael Stylianos & Lorna Lee…legends!

Felicity & Vincent: Legs stiff, upon her toes, weight too far back, left side too high.
Scott & Natalie: Needs to get Natalie more on his right-hand side and needs to bend his knees more.
Michelle & Ian: Drops weight back – needs to elongate her spine.
Pamela & James: Good look on the top, needs to be sharp when she kicks her leg, not sharp enough for a Tango.
Ann & Anton: She has to learn to get down more into her knees, not look at Anton all the time.

All competitors should be aiming for more staccato and apparently bending is bending and flexing is flexing…no offence Michael but not the best explanation for those who maybe aren’t professional dancers like us.

On to Matt & Aliona.

For Aliona it’s most important for them to enjoy the dancing rather than worrying too much about what the judges have to say.  They’ve spent most of this week at Matt’s parents farm and had a great time.

They have the Charleston this week, and with Matt’s gymnastic abilities I think it’s going to be quite a show.

Now a bit of info about the Charleston, from the “roaring 20s”, originated from Charleston, North Carolina.

Needs to have lots of hip swivelling, underarm turns and facial expressions.  It’s only it’s second year in the competition, and was only danced by three competitors last year,so will be interesting to see how it goes this year.

Now for Charleston analysis:

Tina & Jared: Flat footed and a little too floppy
Jimi & Flavia: Energy is great, little flat-footed though but so fast and a few moves that the pro’s don’t recognise.
Kara & Artem: Kara has wonderful swivels, needs to give a little more.  I think Artem is definitely the best of the new pros.
Peter & Erin: Looks like he’s catching a ball rather than throwing it away.  They think it’s going to be his best dance.
Patsy & Robin: At the moment she’s doing really well, great character.  Needs to work on her arm action.

Following the pro comments it’s now Patsy & Robin’s turn for a chat.

Patsy thought it was hilarious that she completely missed the start of the music on Saturday night.  Robin felt that Patsy needed the challenge of a faster routine, but will probably not let his celeb start on her own in future!

Apparently Patsy’s mind goes blank just before the start of each performance. 

She’s loving the Charleston rehearsals, as is Robin. 

Ok and I’m up to date!

The post It Takes Two – Wednesday 20th October appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Liking the lighting options, and song choice.  Girls always have it better dancing Ballroom with a pro dancer and straight away this looks better than Scott’s, though Patsy’s shoulder line needs some work. 

She didn’t look entirely confident at the start, and the slip during the pivots certainly didn’t help.  Overall a nice start but severely lacking in confidence, made to look much better by Robin.  Work on the posture Patsy and we should see significant improvement.

A shame but I think I can only give it a 6 this week I’m afraid Patsy.  Interesting to see her fall up the stairs to Tess’s area, Emma thinks maybe the skirt has something to do with it.

Craig: 4
Len: 6
Alisha: 6
Bruno: 6

Total Score: 22

The post Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor – Waltz appeared first on Learn To Dance.

As usual though I’m watching the show and blogging ‘live’ i.e. I’m going to update the posts hopefully before the judges announce their opinions, but I’ll probably still post this first entry as one whole article.

There is one benefit to watching the recorded show, I can fast forward through Alisha’s comments if they prove to be as inane as they were last year!

The BBC tell me that tonight’s show will feature Felicity Kendal, Goldie, Matt Baker, Pamela Stephenson, Patsy Kensit, Paul Daniels, Scott Maslen so not a bad starting line-up.

According to Pamela Stephenson the glitterball is actually made of polystyrene so crystal might be over-exagerating I’m thinking Brucie!
 
The first couple to perform in 2010 is going to be Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone and I’ll upload them in a new post.

The post Strictly Come Dancing – Friday 1st October appeared first on Learn To Dance.