Saturday 28 November 2015
Strictly Come Dancing 2015: Week 9 (Very late, sorry!)
Late again but bloody internet just kept playing up all week! :( It's finally back so just a preliminary draft going up at the moment and I'll edit it later to put more detail in. (It's 5.15pm and I'm just starting the edit, finishing at 6.45pm)
In the Style Stakes - best dressed was Tess, but Claud had the better hair. As for the stars of the show, I'd say Kellie, Katie, and Jay's outfits were best.
I love that Craig entered on Jeremy's prop and that Jez got his own back by giving a 3. Also, Darcey had just one thing to do at the beginning and she couldn't even do that! Agadoo is not difficult by any means.......
Jay & Aliona - Salsa - "Cuba"
Firstly, I love happy Jay, so could you make him stay like that please judges? Now I was so much more of a fan of this dance on second viewing - initially I thought that Jay's free arm was weird and that there was way too much going on, to the detriment of the routine. After my second watch, yes Jay's free arm was still idle at times, but the backing dancers weren't as intrusive as I first thought and I still focused on Jay so that must be a good sign. He kept up with the backing dancers well, no obvious mistakes as far as I could see, and the lifts were awesome. Anton's face (clearly thinking 'what am I doing here?') as he was shaking his maraca during the group conga up in the Clauditorium was priceless.
Next week, Jay has the Tango, which in theory should be a good dance for him. Will the judges get the emotion they need? Well let's face it, Peter isn't long for the Strictly world so Jay's the only male to get behind.
My score: 8.75
Jamelia & Tristan - Quickstep - "I'm a Believer"
Poor Jamelia. First having to use Chelsee's Jive music for a Quickstep, then getting drawn in the death slot for like the 3rd week in a row, and to round it all off, being booted out in the DO when she danced much better than her opponent. It was one of her better dances for sure - Tristan made that so difficult for her (and good on Len for giving it some praise as well), if anyone else had danced that it would probably be 10s. There was some gapping in places, and she lost her frame and balance occasionally, but that was definitely a Quickstep; so fast with pretty much no let-up. Synchronicity was great as well, if anything the only thing that she's guilty of is not putting in enough energy to some of the footwork. Now that could be Tristan overdancing and so making her look worse, or it could be that her stamina was lacking because of the frenetic nature of the routine (she did miss a pendulum step when they were doing the in-hold Charleston section). Either way, I saluted her after this dance.
My score: 7.5
Anita & Gleb - Paso Doble - "Malaguena"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Aled & Lilia in series 2, Natalie & Vincent in series 7, Chelsee & Pasha in series 9)*
Another of Chelsee's music choices being used this week I see, 2 within 2 dances must be some sort of record. Also, yet another early performance slot - are TPTB trying to stop 'Glita' happening? How these two are when they get introduced for the VT, means that if anyone is actually having an affair this year - I'd put some money on them. Onto the dance and I'm a little disappointed as I thought this would be better: her lines still aren't great, and was there an unintentional lift in the middle? Bit out of synch with the male dancers at the beginning but recovered well, and what is with Gleb's obsession with Anita being thrown to the floor? That being said, I can appreciate the spectacle, but I do think the music was a massive help in that (plus Gleb's showboating with getting Anita to put his jacket on him, not necessary). All in all, sorry Darcey but Susanna & Kevin's Paso is still the definitive one for me.
Rumba next week, and I get the feeling that this will either be brilliant or car-crash. Gleb's modern style of choreography should suit this dance and make it memorable (Rumbas can often be boring for me, and Foxtrot is the same), but I wonder if he might just go too far?
My score: 8
Katie & Anton - American Smooth - "Ain't That a Kick in the Head"
ERIN IS BACK! I love Anton just for that alone. Beautiful routine here from him, but Katie occasionally didn't finish off her lines and she was off-balance at times, particularly at the end (you can watch her stumble out of the final spin). I must admit that I do love drunk Katie and she was back at times during this dance - especially just after the ballerina-style spin. You can also see Anton flapping his hand against her back throughout the dance, trying to maintain the body contact. This is one of those dances where the backing dancers worked for me, even though it would have been good with just the two of them. Nice little bit of interaction between Katie and Ola when Kanton were heading up to the Clauditorium, and after this series ends, I want someone to do a montage of Anton's celebrations, it's just so sweet how happy he gets.
Next time it's the Argentine Tango, and with Katie's legs, I reckon this might just be a good one for her. That or at least she can get it out of the way whilst Peter's still around to be in the DO with.
My score: 8
Peter & Janette - Jive - "River Deep Mountain High"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Alex & James in series 9)*
Not last, there's a change - in fact halfway through proceedings, what is going on?! Bring on the VT and what accent was Peter trying to do in the part on the ITT sofa (I think it was British but then Janette didn't change her voice at all so no need really.....)? Onto the dance and erm, not much Jive content that I could see there? Thanks Bruno for sort of agreeing with me - I thought it was a bit laboured in parts, especially the leg action, and his hands were what Craig would call spatulistic. I did notice that he tried to do one of the moves that Jay did in his Jive, only Jay did it much better (it was a leg kick of sorts, whilst 'in hold'). I'm a bit surprised actually, as I thought this would be one of Peter's best dances - although Peter, stop trying to make 'the judges are right' and 'can I just say?' happen; they will never happen! That, and for one of them he's copying Darcey, he could at least try to be original. Just after they got the scores though (never an 8 in a million years Len and Bruno!), watch Aliona as she seems to be saying to Jay - 'yeah, it was never gonna beat ours was it?'. Props to Janette though, as I don't think she was overdancing this, if anything she toned it down.
Fair enough that they ended up in the DO as this dance was just awful. I was starting to feel a bit sorry for Peter because of the backlash from Fixgate, but then Kristina revealed that he only did 4 hours of training for that Jive, and I'm back to dislike again.
Next up he has the American Smooth, and this one will be the real test for him. Get it really right, he's staying; but if it's not up to scratch then he's a goner.
My score: 5
Georgia & Giovanni - American Smooth - "I Have Nothing"
First of all, I hate this song unless Chris Colfer is singing it and then for some reason it makes me cry. But Giovanni at karaoke? LOVE! Onto the dance and this is one of those where the backing dancers ruined it as it seemed too focused on them, and they bungled up the lift with Georgia too. A little more of a Showdance for me than an American Smooth, but then I do prefer the more traditional ones like Katie's, and also Michael Vaughan's and Patrick Robinson's from previous years. This was still a brilliant routine though, would have liked a bit more of the VW in there, but I can live with it. Therefore not a fan of the 10s because the judges admitted that there were mistakes, 9s would have been perfect (this is because just before Georgia ran off to do the lift with the backers, she came out of a spin and sort of stopped and looked at Giovanni as if she needed a reminder of what was next. That, and she was out of synch with the backers in the side-by-side section towards the end). Gio singing though? More please!
Next time, Team GG have the Paso Doble to contend with, set to Rachel Stevens' music (and one of my all time fave songs, can't help wanting to hum along and head-bang to it). If the Tango was anything to go by, this could be another stand-out routine from them.
My score: 8.75
Helen & Aljaz - Charleston - "Anything Goes"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Scott & Natalie in series 8)*
Just to say, loved this VT, although Aljaz's VT acting isn't any better than Pasha's......
As a Charleston, it was a bit underwhelming and it reminded me of Kara's - clearly done well, but something missing. I did feel sorry for Helen as well as it was obvious that the delay going into the split lift put her off from thereon in. She was off-balance coming out of that lift but recovered well, then tripped on the stairs meaning that she ended up going the wrong way initially when forming the chorus line with the backing dancers. Also, it might just be me, but I did think that Aljaz was guilty of overdancing a little. From the Charlestons so far, I'd say it's under Georgia/Kellie/Anita/Jamelia/Peter (doubt the judges would agree though, and oh look, they don't). Great dance, just a shame about the mistakes. If she gets to the final, then I'd quite like her to do this one again, just putting slightly more energy and exaggeration into it.
Helen's next dance is the Viennese Waltz - she is so much better in Ballroom, so elegant and graceful, that this should be the moment that she finally gets 10s.
My score: 7.75
Kellie & Kevin - Quickstep - "9 to 5"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Carol & Matthew in series 4, Richard & Erin in series 10)*
First of all - a VT that actually relates to training?! That, and they saw the office scenario from Alison & Aljaz's Foxtrot last year, and raised it with this. No obvious mistakes that I could see, so cue Craig to tell me... oh no he doesn't. Therefore, fully deserved 10 from Bruno. [Just watched it back, and still couldn't spot any mistakes - she kept up with Kevin throughout, maintained good frame, footwork was all in perfect synch with Kevin (I deliberately looked at that). This is what his Quickstep with Susanna should have been, and I take my hat off to Kellie for doing so well here]. She was even in perfect synch when with the backing dancers! Think she was undermarked here personally.
Next time it's the Salsa, and I have a horrible feeling that they'll be getting another awful song choice (spoiler: I was right)
My score: 10
My Leaderboard (scores x by 4):
1. Kellie & Kevin - 40
=2. Jay & Aliona, Georgia & Giovanni - 35
=4. Anita & Gleb, Katie & Anton - 32
6. Helen & Aljaz - 31
7. Jamelia & Tristan - 30
8. Peter & Janette - 20
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT!* count: 37 so far.
Saturday 21 November 2015
Strictly Come Dancing 2015: The Dance League Table
So as a little bonus post, taking into account that we've got over the halfway point, here's the current top 3 for each dance in this series:
American Smooth:
1. Jay & Aliona - 34
2. Anita & Gleb - 29
=3. Kirsty & Brendan, Daniel & Kristina - 23 (they, and most likely Anita as well, will be off after Georgia's and Katie's offerings tonight)
Argentine Tango:
1. Jay & Aliona - 34 (only he has done it so far)
Cha Cha Cha:
1. Peter & Janette - 30
2. Helen & Aljaz - 29
=3. Anita & Gleb, Jay & Aliona, Kellie & Kevin - 27 (only Georgia hasn't done it yet)
Charleston:
1. Georgia & Giovanni - 39
2. Peter & Janette - 38
=3. Jamelia & Tristan, Kellie & Kevin - 32 (most likely they'll be pushed off after Helen's dance tonight)
Foxtrot:
=1. Helen & Aljaz, Kellie & Kevin - 32
3. Jay & Aliona - 30
Jive:
1. Jay & Aliona - 37
2. Kellie & Kevin - 35
3. Anita & Gleb - 34 (Peter has this tonight, and as below, Kellie's wasn't on the dance page so I had to check the results page for hers)
Paso Doble:
1. Jay & Aliona - 33
=2. Peter & Janette, Kellie & Kevin - 28 (Anita's got this tonight)
Quickstep:
1. Helen & Aljaz - 35
2. Anita & Gleb - 32
3. Georgia & Giovanni - 31 (Kellie and Jamelia have this tonight)
Rumba:
=1. Helen & Aljaz, Katie & Anton - 31
3. Peter & Janette - 29
Salsa:
1. Helen & Aljaz - 32
2. Georgia & Giovanni - 31
3. Ainsley & Natalie - 26 (Jay has this tonight)
Samba:
1. Georgia & Giovanni - 35
2. Helen & Aljaz - 34
3. Kellie & Kevin - 33 (I've got all these from the Ultimate Strictly website, Kellie's in on the results page but not the actual page for the dance)
Tango:
1. Georgia & Giovanni - 35
2. Helen & Aljaz - 34
=3. Peter & Janette, Anita & Gleb - 32
Viennese Waltz:
1. Peter & Janette - 34
2. Katie & Anton - 33
3. Kirsty & Brendan - 29 (only 5 couples have done this dance thus far)
Waltz:
1. Kellie & Kevin - 32
2. Jay & Aliona - 31
=3. Helen & Aljaz, Anita & Gleb - 29
So far, for those still left in the competition (8 of them), and also ignoring the AT as Jay's the only one to have done it thus far:
Anita & Gleb are in 6/13 top 3s (hasn't done Foxtrot, Paso, Rumba, Salsa or VW yet)
Georgia & Gio are in 5/13 (hasn't done AS, CCC, Foxtrot, Paso or VW yet)
Helen & Aljaz are in 8/13 (hasn't done AS, Charleston, Jive, Paso, or VW yet)
Jamelia & Tristan are in 1/13 (hasn't done AS, Paso, Quickstep, Rumba, or Tango yet)
Jay & Aliona are in 6/13 (hasn't done Charleston, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Tango or VW yet)
Katie & Anton are in 2/13 (hasn't done AS, Charleson, Foxtrot, Samba or Waltz yet)
Kellie & Kevin are in 7/13 (hasn't done AS, Quickstep, Rumba, Salsa, or VW yet)
Peter & Janette are in 6/13 (hasn't done AS, Jive, Salsa, Samba or Waltz yet)
^ So currently Helen is the most consistent, followed by Kellie, and then Anita, Jay and Peter are all together.
Strictly Come Dancing 2015: Week 8 (part, the only)
Sorry for this being so late, 12-8 shifts have made for a tired Enigma (that, and my internet hasn't been brilliant this week, hence why this post is an elongated '5 thoughts' as I haven't been able to watch the clips back).
After our weather presenter went somewhere over the rainbow (I had to try and get a weather pun in, c'mon!), just 9 couples remain, and one of them won't get to Blackpool (spoiler: the comedy contestant's time has come).
In the Style Stakes this week, both Claud and Tess looked great, and I've heard that the choice of blue was perhaps meant as a tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks; if so, then bravo ladies, bravo. Think Claud just about edges it though, as Tess' hair made her look quite old. As for the couples, I think I'll have to go for Katie, Helen, Gio and Karen as best dressed (with a special mention for Anita).
Anita & Gleb - Quickstep - "Don't Get Me Wrong"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Louisa & Vincent in series 4, Harry & Aliona in series 9)
Ooh here's the part where it's Gleb's turn to have the 'stereotypical nationality' VT. He's Russian so he's strict, basically he's the new Artem (either that or Artem has had some cosmetic surgery done, changed his name and it is actually him doing this series).
Onto the dance, and *strange, I've seen that bridge before.....* (Audley & Natalie's VW I believe). It's not just the songs that we're recycling, folks! On a separate note, is it just me or do these so-called Quicksteps seem to get slower and slower every year? (If this is bad, then Jeremy's later is awful, just a heads up) This one took a bit too long to get going, but it all looked relatively decent - not as much gapping as Helen's for one. Anita still needs to fully extend on the arm lines, but that's the only real criticism I could give.
I did love how in the Clauditorium: 1. Katie nodded 'yes please' to Claud's joke about Blackpool hen parties - I'm starting to think that Monkseal wasn't wrong about her doing the whole series being utterly gazeboed, and 2. Gleb's embarrassed face when Kevin got his boombox out - I wasn't even being dirty-minded then, you filthy animals - he was clearly thinking 'God knows what this is, but okaaaaaaay?'
Next time, Anita has the Paso Doble to deal with, and I reckon this could be her WOW dance. She has good traditional music (Chelsee's music, and just to warn you, almost every song next week is a recycled one), and if there's any time where she can prove that she's been working on her lines then it's with this dance. I'd say possibility for top 3 if all goes well.
My score: 7.75
Jay & Aliona - Foxtrot - "Lay Me Down"
Sam Smith is back I see, I'm guessing this is what the bloke from the 00s boyband was brought in for? (He didn't do that bad a job actually, but I prefer 'Writing's on the Wall' guy who I think was called Chris?)
Dance was a bit boring, but then the song was boring and not really a Foxtrot (Aliona tends to have bad luck with music choices for this dance - Harry's wasn't that great either). When Jay kept saying 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry' after they'd finished, my heart melted as I saw the slip as well, and even Aliona looked like she was about to cry. Oh Craig, I get that you're going along with the crafted storyline arc with some vehemence, but what emotion are you expecting to get out of a bloody Foxtrot that had music more suited to a Rumba? Thank god for Len talking some sense, I definitely sent them a vote or two thanks to that.
Next week, uh-oh, it's the party Latin that we've all been waiting for! Salsa for Jay, and although technically I'm sure it will be fantastic as always, this is the point where we find out whether the judges want him in the final or whether he's too much of a threat to their favourite (I suspect the former, we can't not see THAT JIVE again!)
My score: 6.75
Jamelia & Tristan - Samba - "A Little Respect"
I do love this song, not necessarily for a Samba mind, but I do love it (shame the singers murdered it though). Question though - what the hell was Tristan wearing? It's almost as bad as Matt Baker's Austin Powers Jive costume (I still wonder why Matt didn't go the whole hog and have the wig as well).
As for the dance, it wasn't bad but it was nowhere near the level of Georgia's, Helen's, or even Anita's. The start with the balloons actually put me in mind of Chelsee's Spice Girls Samba at Wembley (that was awesome too, sorry Jamelia). She obviously forgot some of the dance again, and at times like that I just want to shake her and say 'C'mon Jamelia, engage brain!'. She also still needs to sort out her arm and hand lines, but then Tristan's weren't that good either.......
Not surprised that she was in the dance-off, and now they've set the lovely record of most dance-off survivals (let's see if we can get them to set the record for most bottom 2 appearances as well, I believe that they'd have to get to the final and not be in the dance-off at all to avoid that, so here's our challenge as the GBP).
Next time, she's doing the Quickstep, to Chelsee's Jive music. So that's another song that's really another dance but has to be rearranged to fit this one (Georgia's QS, and I think the Scissor Sisters song for Helen's Samba was sped up a bit as well). Sometimes I wonder whether the producers get given 2 or 3 new CDs for a series and they just have those and the ones they already have to use (it would explain the 2 Sam Smith songs used so far, just saying). Yeah, I think it's bottom 2 and goodbye this time.
My score: 6
Helen & Aljaz - Tango - "Hold Back the River"
An early slot for her. Again. Well, we do have to save La Andre for the end after all.
As with last week, I'm not really sure what to think with this dance - some of that is likely down to the song (the whole thing just didn't feel like a Tango for me), and some of it down to me thinking that it wasn't as good as the judges made it out to be. I felt that she was off-balance at some points and if the judges go on about Jay having emotion, then what on earth was Helen doing here? In all honesty, I preferred Anita's Tango to this, that's just me.
Next time, Helen has to do a Charleston, oh good lord this should be funny if nothing else. I do want to see if she pulls off the #smugface that Pixie Lott managed in her Charleston last year though (got nothing against Helen, just get the feeling that she'll go so OTT in the facial expression department that she'll get close to that #smugface).
My score: 7.25
Katie & Anton - Rumba - "Never, Never, Never"
An Anton Rumba that wasn't a cringe-fest? Do my eyes deceive me?
No, this was much better than I was expecting, nice work Kanton! Probably the best older person Rumba since Cherie Lunghi, and Anton's obvious delight made me go 'Awwww'. She did lose her beautiful lines on occasion, and I didn't see that much hip action? What I did see however, was when Katie's foot came off the floor as Craig mentioned, and I thought that I saw something similar during the drag as well. She's got most of her bad dances out of the way now (only AT, Charleston, or Samba could really trip her up still), so provided everything goes smoothly (and this is a good segue into my next paragraph, wasn't intending it but oh well), she may well have an outside chance of getting to the final.
Next week, American Smooth beckons for Katie (see, I did tell you). Her real challenge here is the lifts - they weren't good in her Salsa, so here's hoping that she's got them sussed for this dance as I want her and Anton to do well this week.
My score: 6 (had to take a point off for the lift)
Kellie & Kevin - Samba - "Boom! Shake the Room"
There are no words to describe that dance, so instead I'll just say the following: 1. Kevin took me right back to Iveta and her bonkers routines for Mark Benton. 2. Getting comfy there Tessy! (the hand on Kellie's stomach). 3. Loved Craig telling Darcey to open her mind! and 4. Joanne going 'erm?' in the background in the Clauditorium when Kellie said that Kevin was brilliant, absolutely priceless!
Next time, KK will be Quickstepping to '9 to 5'. I feel a bit sorry for Kevin, it's as if the PTB are trying to ensure that he won't be in a 3rd consecutive final, so they keep giving him crap music choices/themes (well it's no 'Good Morning' (Susanna) or 'Town Called Malice' (Frankie) now is it?).
My score: given what they had to do, I'll say 7.5
Peter & Janette - Viennese Waltz - "You're My World"
Not last? Now there's a change! Thanks Tess for warning me of Kid Wars before the VT started, at least we know which side of the debate Junior is on (he looked better than his dad btw).
Onto the dance and I thought he looked quite good when actually in hold, however he does still need to work on finishing off his lines and hand shaping. Agreed with what Craig said about the dance being 'frantic', however Kristina's VWs are usually quite similar (Jason Donovan's comes to mind) and I don't recall anything ever being said to her? On that note actually, why was Kristina in the audience with Daniel and not in the Clauditorium? Darcey, challenge accepted. And Natalie's reaction to the 'donkey' joke was brilliant.
Next dance for Peter is a Jive, and given the song choice ('River Deep, Mountain High', the Alex Jones Jive song complete with rag doll if you recall) I get the feeling that Janette is going to chuck the kitchen sink, and the dishwasher, and even the tumble dryer at this routine. All I can say is, if he ends up beating THAT JIVE then he better do the dance of his bloody life ('because it's week 3...' pssh).
My score: 7
Georgia & Giovanni - Charleston - "Hot Honey Rag"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Patsy & Robin in series 8)*
Oh Georgia, I'm still not a fan of yours, but boy can you dance! It was absolutely fantastic and if only she wasn't so hesitant before going into some of the moves then it would be 10s all the way (for me anyway, we know the judges (ok, Darcey) have form for giving something a 10 even with mistakes - Patrick's AS anyone?) The lifts were awesome, they both handled them so much better this time in comparison with their Salsa. And if you want me to be frank, Georgia actually looked better than Giovanni at some points - he may have been underdancing, who knows? But you have to give her some kudos for that.
This might be naughty, but when they were about to give the scores, I was chanting 'Please beat Peter.... please beat Peter....' and when they did, I was ecstatic. And Natalie looked so happy for them, bless her!
Next up they've got the American Smooth, which means that it's them vs Kanton. Somehow I think Kanton will win - Georgia hasn't had slow Ballroom since week 2, so she has a bit more to prove in that respect. Also, Anton is the King of Ballroom, so Giovanni would have to really pull something out of the bag to out-do him.
My score: 9
Jeremy & Karen - Quickstep - "Going Underground"
*gasps* He's last on! YAY!
Ok, onto the dance and as much as I love Jeremy, this was awful. So awful that I just don't have the words. You always know that when the judges give a comedy contestant praise, it means that they want him out and most likely he's going home. Hate to say it but I did agree with Craig on the 'dressage' part (my dog does something similar when he's getting up the courage to have a wee or poo outside, also Craig, where were you when Peter was doing his 'I'm a little horse, look at me trot' Quickstep in week 2, hmm?!). Darcey, he was never going to be able to keep his frame when he's so much taller than Karen (I said this last week but I think it's worth repeating).
In the Clauditorium, and I love Karen's commentary whilst the scores are read out, whereas you can see Natalie thinking 'if only he was with me'. Also, Gleb and Pasha in pink fluffy cowboy hats, whilst Jamelia and Oti were shimmying with the candy floss completely made my night.
I am sorry to see him go, but on this showing, definitely the right time and Jamelia deserved to stay for another week. Bon soir Mr Vine, bon soir.
My score: 3 (sorry Jezzy, had to be done)
My Leaderboard (scores multiplied by 4 so therefore out of 40):
1. Georgia & Giovanni - 36
2. Anita & Gleb - 31
3. Kellie & Kevin - 30
4. Helen & Aljaz - 29
5. Peter & Janette - 28
6. Jay & Aliona - 27
=7. Jamelia & Tristan, Katie & Anton - 24
9. Jeremy & Karen - 12
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT!* count: 33 so far
Friday 13 November 2015
Strictly Come Dancing 2015: Week 7 (part, the only)
It's late, but at least it's up!
So after our sports presenter got knocked out last week, we're down to our top 10. So in honour of that, here's my top 10 dances so far this series (some on entertainment, some on technique; and yes one of them is from this week):
10. Katie & Anton Tango
9. Kellie & Kevin Jive
8. Anita & Gleb Charleston
7. Jeremy & Karen Charleston
6. Georgia & Giovanni Samba
5. Jamelia & Tristan Charleston
4. Georgia & Giovanni Tango
3. Kellie & Kevin Charleston
2. Ainsley & Natalie Tango
1. Jay & Aliona Jive
And now on to the show!
Style Stakes: Tess won hands down, bandeau-style dresses don't suit Claud and hers definitely needed straps. Couple-wise? Jamelia & Tristan, and Aliona.
Peter & Janette - Charleston - "Do Your Thing"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Jimi & Flavia in series 8)*
First of all, nice joke there Tess *high fives her*. Also Janette, although the pixie cut looked good on you, Flavia and Anita wore it better.
Onto the dance itself, and to be honest, I thought Peter would be much better than this: he didn't exaggerate his movements enough (I'm not a fan of the OTT-style Charleston but the judges - particularly Craig - rave about them), added to which he was out of time and synch with Janette on quite a few occasions. Lifts were good though. Over to the judges, and from hereon in until the start of the next VT, my face basically had a 'WTF?' expression, although props to Janette for not taking all of the credit with the choreography, since we know that the pros get outside help with the Charleston. This dance certainly didn't deserve to be above THAT JIVE score-wise, which makes me think that it looked so much better in rehearsal and that was what the judges were expecting..... either that or Peter's vote is lower than we thought and so he needs to be protected. Hmm?
Next up for him it's the Viennese Waltz, and I worry as I remember the last and only VW Janette has done, it wasn't pretty. I reckon he might have a chance of hitting the bottom 2.
My score: 8
Jamelia & Tristan - Viennese Waltz - "Trouble"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Jo & Brendan in series 7)*
Bit odd to have a red outfit for a Viennese Waltz? Did look lovely on her though, best dress she's had I think.
As for the dance? Lots and lots and lots of gapping. This routine is a shining example of why any discarded props should be removed from the dancefloor as quickly and as quietly as possible - because they both clearly went right into the guitar (blame Tristan for that one!). Jamelia had some balance issues, and she needs to sort out her hand placement for future Ballroom dances. That being said, this was undermarked for me as it was so much better than last week.
Samba this week, and after the awkwardness that was her Salsa, I don't hold out much hope for this (although I do love their music so want them to prove me wrong and do well). I think she could well be in the bottom 2 again though, and if she is, I'd say that sadly she'd have to go.
My score: 6 (bear in mind I gave her half of this last time!)
Carol & Pasha - American Smooth - "Man! I Feel Like A Woman"
And now it's time for that song, the one which I hate because it was so overplayed when it got released (I can probably still tell you what happens in each frame of the video, that's how overplayed it was).
After seeing this dance, and the fact that she was on 3rd, I knew it would be curtains for Carol. She still can't do lifts to save her life, and she still keeps forgetting the routine. Nice choreographed costume change though Pash, even if it was a bit of a lazy move on your part.
It was Carol's time to go, so fair enough that she was eliminated this week. Lovely lady though.
My score: 4
Helen & Aljaz - Rumba - "Hello"
Ooh, early slot for Helen! Going early is usually a sign that the dance will be decent, but not all that good (and that goes for Jay after as well). Not sure on her outfit though, I get what they were going for with the 'bedroom' look but it just didn't work for me.
Rumba is not a favourite dance of mine, it's difficult for me to get impressed by one as hardly anyone ever seems to look good doing it and I find it tough to gauge whether it was any good or not. So after watching Helen's attempt I was a bit confused - she seemed quite straight and to me there wasn't enough hip action? Going over to the judges, and I can see that 'Len's Content Criticism' is back on air this week, this time showcasing Aljaz: have to say though, I did love Bruno's 'I'm backing away quietly' moment whilst Len was speaking and Tess' response to that.
Tango next time, and for god sake, stop with the modern songs that don't suit the dance! Also, I don't think Aljaz can pull 'different' choreography off like how Gleb managed it, so let's just say that my expectations aren't that high.........
My score: 7
Jay & Aliona - Argentine Tango - "Diferente"
I just said that about Helen's next dance, and then they bring out the traditional music!
Anyway..... I so called the 'not enough emotion' comments, they're rehashing the storyline that Louis Smith had in his series. Next thing you know, an acting coach will be brought in for something like a Rumba or a Charleston, and hey presto Jay will have a 'breakthrough'! Judges, although I happened to agree with you this week, I'd rather see a performance like that than one where gurning is the order of the day (Mr Andre I was looking at you with your stint on CiN tonight). Also, even though I agree about the lack of content for Jay, Craig was a bit harsh considering that, like with Charleston, AT is a dance where they'll bring in an outside choreographer to help. Bless him, Jay looked like he was going to cry afterwards.
Foxtrot this week, and if Jay's AS was anything to go by, then this should be fabulous. I'm not sure about the song choice (Sam Smith getting another airing, wonder if they'll bring back the guest singer who did really well with WOTW, somehow I doubt it and it will be the same ones as usual), but the actual dance I think will be a good one.
My score: 7.5
Katie & Anton - Quickstep - "42nd Street"
First off: beautiful dress. Such a shame about the dance that it was worn for. Katie kept going off-balance, then she lost hold, and so gapping ensued. Don't think Anton's choreography helped, but if she got it right in rehearsals then it just looks as though she had an off night similar to when Jay did his Quickstep 3 weeks earlier.
Rumba next up, and oh good lord, this will either be funny or it will be 'hide behind cushion' time.
My score: 5
Anita & Gleb - Jive - "The Boy Does Nothing"
Gleb wasn't a cleaner, he was the Karate Kid! Ahem. As for the VT, found it a bit insulting that poor Anita got put with the toddlers. She might not be of the esteemed ringer status, but she is still a lot better than that!
Onto the dance, and for god sake Gleb, it is not all about you! The judges need to tell him about this and to showcase Anita more, but it seems that they used up all their allotted criticism on Helen, Jay and Katie. Also, he seemed to be overdancing as well, which made Anita look worse. Personally I felt this was really overmarked, and I would have preferred one of her other dances to get the 9s (Charleston for me).
Quickstep is what she has this week, and I see that it's Harry Judd's music that is getting re-used this series (Kirsty's VW as well, stat fans). If Anita's going to do a good Ballroom then I reckon this will be the one, the Charleston sections should suit her and there's not really any thing for Gleb to break off from her and showboat about (although I'm sure he'll find a way).
My score: 7
Kellie & Kevin - Waltz - "Love Ain't Here Anymore"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Aled & Lilia in series 2, Robbie & Ola in series 9)*
I was dreading this routine. Not for Kellie, but because I despise the song and worried that Kev was going to do his usual cheesy/twee routine.
Not this time, as Kevin was back on it choreographically!
Kellie was a bit jittery towards the end but not bad from her at all. Took a while to get into hold, however she maintained good posture and body contact, and the footwork looked good as well. I also (and this is a first) agreed with Darcey, that Kellie has a lovely feelgood quality to her Ballroom dances - you might not be a fan but you can't help but like the dance. Just one more thing: Helen's face when Kellie said up in the Clauditorium that she'd had a tough week just screamed 'yeah, suuuuure you did'.
Samba is her new dance, and I'm a bit concerned that Kevin will do what he did with Frankie last series and chuck the kitchen sink at it, to hell with anything else. Although, not sure he'll get the chance to do that, unless their song choice gets speeded up by quite a bit.
My score: 8
Jeremy & Karen - Tango - "Go West"
Tess, leave the horse jokes to Claudia.
Onto the actual dance, and the intro was just so cheesy, you can tell that Karen's married to Kevin (witness the intros to Kellie's Charleston and Susannah's Samba and you'll see exactly what I mean). Just the intro had me bursting out laughing, and I knew he'd end up singing along, I could see the twitch! I think like Ainsley's Tango, this is one that I'll end up rewatching on YouTube (I saw some on Gogglebox tonight, yay!). Over to the judges, and you know that Bruno's being too harsh when he's getting booed louder than Craig has ever had. Also Darcey, Jeremy was never going to be able to maintain his frame the whole way through with that much of a height difference between him and Karen (he gave it a damn good go though).
Quickstep is what Jeremy has now, and this is going to be car crash TV, I can see it already. I'll still probably vote for him though, he deserves to get to Blackpool on sheer enjoyment alone.
My score: 4.5
Georgia & Giovanni - Samba - "Volare"
Ah, this was Frankie & Kevin's Samba all over again. Bit too much storytelling there at the beginning Gio, but once Georgia started dancing, fantastic! I might not be too much of a fan of hers, but she dances bloody well! It's a shame about the mistake in the middle, otherwise I reckon we could well have seen some 10s for that. Spins were MUCH better, they've clearly been working hard on those. Also, loved Gio doing 'That's Amore' up in the Clauditorium, I want to see more of this guy and less of the cheap Vincent knock-off (I'm slowly beginning to love him, it's very strange).
Charleston is up next for Georgia, and I think she'll continue to impress with this dance. She just needs to make sure that the lifts go more smoothly than they did in her Salsa, and if she does that then she'll be fine.
My score: 8.5
My Leaderboard (scores multiplied by 4 to be out of 40):
1. Georgia & Giovanni - 34
=2. Peter & Janette, Kellie & Kevin - 32
4. Jay & Aliona - 30
=5. Helen & Aljaz, Anita & Gleb - 28
7. Jamelia & Tristan - 24
8. Katie & Anton - 20
9. Jeremy & Karen - 18
10. Carol & Pasha - 16
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT* count: 31 so far
So after our sports presenter got knocked out last week, we're down to our top 10. So in honour of that, here's my top 10 dances so far this series (some on entertainment, some on technique; and yes one of them is from this week):
10. Katie & Anton Tango
9. Kellie & Kevin Jive
8. Anita & Gleb Charleston
7. Jeremy & Karen Charleston
6. Georgia & Giovanni Samba
5. Jamelia & Tristan Charleston
4. Georgia & Giovanni Tango
3. Kellie & Kevin Charleston
2. Ainsley & Natalie Tango
1. Jay & Aliona Jive
And now on to the show!
Style Stakes: Tess won hands down, bandeau-style dresses don't suit Claud and hers definitely needed straps. Couple-wise? Jamelia & Tristan, and Aliona.
Peter & Janette - Charleston - "Do Your Thing"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Jimi & Flavia in series 8)*
First of all, nice joke there Tess *high fives her*. Also Janette, although the pixie cut looked good on you, Flavia and Anita wore it better.
Onto the dance itself, and to be honest, I thought Peter would be much better than this: he didn't exaggerate his movements enough (I'm not a fan of the OTT-style Charleston but the judges - particularly Craig - rave about them), added to which he was out of time and synch with Janette on quite a few occasions. Lifts were good though. Over to the judges, and from hereon in until the start of the next VT, my face basically had a 'WTF?' expression, although props to Janette for not taking all of the credit with the choreography, since we know that the pros get outside help with the Charleston. This dance certainly didn't deserve to be above THAT JIVE score-wise, which makes me think that it looked so much better in rehearsal and that was what the judges were expecting..... either that or Peter's vote is lower than we thought and so he needs to be protected. Hmm?
Next up for him it's the Viennese Waltz, and I worry as I remember the last and only VW Janette has done, it wasn't pretty. I reckon he might have a chance of hitting the bottom 2.
My score: 8
Jamelia & Tristan - Viennese Waltz - "Trouble"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Jo & Brendan in series 7)*
Bit odd to have a red outfit for a Viennese Waltz? Did look lovely on her though, best dress she's had I think.
As for the dance? Lots and lots and lots of gapping. This routine is a shining example of why any discarded props should be removed from the dancefloor as quickly and as quietly as possible - because they both clearly went right into the guitar (blame Tristan for that one!). Jamelia had some balance issues, and she needs to sort out her hand placement for future Ballroom dances. That being said, this was undermarked for me as it was so much better than last week.
Samba this week, and after the awkwardness that was her Salsa, I don't hold out much hope for this (although I do love their music so want them to prove me wrong and do well). I think she could well be in the bottom 2 again though, and if she is, I'd say that sadly she'd have to go.
My score: 6 (bear in mind I gave her half of this last time!)
Carol & Pasha - American Smooth - "Man! I Feel Like A Woman"
And now it's time for that song, the one which I hate because it was so overplayed when it got released (I can probably still tell you what happens in each frame of the video, that's how overplayed it was).
After seeing this dance, and the fact that she was on 3rd, I knew it would be curtains for Carol. She still can't do lifts to save her life, and she still keeps forgetting the routine. Nice choreographed costume change though Pash, even if it was a bit of a lazy move on your part.
It was Carol's time to go, so fair enough that she was eliminated this week. Lovely lady though.
My score: 4
Helen & Aljaz - Rumba - "Hello"
Ooh, early slot for Helen! Going early is usually a sign that the dance will be decent, but not all that good (and that goes for Jay after as well). Not sure on her outfit though, I get what they were going for with the 'bedroom' look but it just didn't work for me.
Rumba is not a favourite dance of mine, it's difficult for me to get impressed by one as hardly anyone ever seems to look good doing it and I find it tough to gauge whether it was any good or not. So after watching Helen's attempt I was a bit confused - she seemed quite straight and to me there wasn't enough hip action? Going over to the judges, and I can see that 'Len's Content Criticism' is back on air this week, this time showcasing Aljaz: have to say though, I did love Bruno's 'I'm backing away quietly' moment whilst Len was speaking and Tess' response to that.
Tango next time, and for god sake, stop with the modern songs that don't suit the dance! Also, I don't think Aljaz can pull 'different' choreography off like how Gleb managed it, so let's just say that my expectations aren't that high.........
My score: 7
Jay & Aliona - Argentine Tango - "Diferente"
I just said that about Helen's next dance, and then they bring out the traditional music!
Anyway..... I so called the 'not enough emotion' comments, they're rehashing the storyline that Louis Smith had in his series. Next thing you know, an acting coach will be brought in for something like a Rumba or a Charleston, and hey presto Jay will have a 'breakthrough'! Judges, although I happened to agree with you this week, I'd rather see a performance like that than one where gurning is the order of the day (Mr Andre I was looking at you with your stint on CiN tonight). Also, even though I agree about the lack of content for Jay, Craig was a bit harsh considering that, like with Charleston, AT is a dance where they'll bring in an outside choreographer to help. Bless him, Jay looked like he was going to cry afterwards.
Foxtrot this week, and if Jay's AS was anything to go by, then this should be fabulous. I'm not sure about the song choice (Sam Smith getting another airing, wonder if they'll bring back the guest singer who did really well with WOTW, somehow I doubt it and it will be the same ones as usual), but the actual dance I think will be a good one.
My score: 7.5
Katie & Anton - Quickstep - "42nd Street"
First off: beautiful dress. Such a shame about the dance that it was worn for. Katie kept going off-balance, then she lost hold, and so gapping ensued. Don't think Anton's choreography helped, but if she got it right in rehearsals then it just looks as though she had an off night similar to when Jay did his Quickstep 3 weeks earlier.
Rumba next up, and oh good lord, this will either be funny or it will be 'hide behind cushion' time.
My score: 5
Anita & Gleb - Jive - "The Boy Does Nothing"
Gleb wasn't a cleaner, he was the Karate Kid! Ahem. As for the VT, found it a bit insulting that poor Anita got put with the toddlers. She might not be of the esteemed ringer status, but she is still a lot better than that!
Onto the dance, and for god sake Gleb, it is not all about you! The judges need to tell him about this and to showcase Anita more, but it seems that they used up all their allotted criticism on Helen, Jay and Katie. Also, he seemed to be overdancing as well, which made Anita look worse. Personally I felt this was really overmarked, and I would have preferred one of her other dances to get the 9s (Charleston for me).
Quickstep is what she has this week, and I see that it's Harry Judd's music that is getting re-used this series (Kirsty's VW as well, stat fans). If Anita's going to do a good Ballroom then I reckon this will be the one, the Charleston sections should suit her and there's not really any thing for Gleb to break off from her and showboat about (although I'm sure he'll find a way).
My score: 7
Kellie & Kevin - Waltz - "Love Ain't Here Anymore"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT! (Aled & Lilia in series 2, Robbie & Ola in series 9)*
I was dreading this routine. Not for Kellie, but because I despise the song and worried that Kev was going to do his usual cheesy/twee routine.
Not this time, as Kevin was back on it choreographically!
Kellie was a bit jittery towards the end but not bad from her at all. Took a while to get into hold, however she maintained good posture and body contact, and the footwork looked good as well. I also (and this is a first) agreed with Darcey, that Kellie has a lovely feelgood quality to her Ballroom dances - you might not be a fan but you can't help but like the dance. Just one more thing: Helen's face when Kellie said up in the Clauditorium that she'd had a tough week just screamed 'yeah, suuuuure you did'.
Samba is her new dance, and I'm a bit concerned that Kevin will do what he did with Frankie last series and chuck the kitchen sink at it, to hell with anything else. Although, not sure he'll get the chance to do that, unless their song choice gets speeded up by quite a bit.
My score: 8
Jeremy & Karen - Tango - "Go West"
Tess, leave the horse jokes to Claudia.
Onto the actual dance, and the intro was just so cheesy, you can tell that Karen's married to Kevin (witness the intros to Kellie's Charleston and Susannah's Samba and you'll see exactly what I mean). Just the intro had me bursting out laughing, and I knew he'd end up singing along, I could see the twitch! I think like Ainsley's Tango, this is one that I'll end up rewatching on YouTube (I saw some on Gogglebox tonight, yay!). Over to the judges, and you know that Bruno's being too harsh when he's getting booed louder than Craig has ever had. Also Darcey, Jeremy was never going to be able to maintain his frame the whole way through with that much of a height difference between him and Karen (he gave it a damn good go though).
Quickstep is what Jeremy has now, and this is going to be car crash TV, I can see it already. I'll still probably vote for him though, he deserves to get to Blackpool on sheer enjoyment alone.
My score: 4.5
Georgia & Giovanni - Samba - "Volare"
Ah, this was Frankie & Kevin's Samba all over again. Bit too much storytelling there at the beginning Gio, but once Georgia started dancing, fantastic! I might not be too much of a fan of hers, but she dances bloody well! It's a shame about the mistake in the middle, otherwise I reckon we could well have seen some 10s for that. Spins were MUCH better, they've clearly been working hard on those. Also, loved Gio doing 'That's Amore' up in the Clauditorium, I want to see more of this guy and less of the cheap Vincent knock-off (I'm slowly beginning to love him, it's very strange).
Charleston is up next for Georgia, and I think she'll continue to impress with this dance. She just needs to make sure that the lifts go more smoothly than they did in her Salsa, and if she does that then she'll be fine.
My score: 8.5
My Leaderboard (scores multiplied by 4 to be out of 40):
1. Georgia & Giovanni - 34
=2. Peter & Janette, Kellie & Kevin - 32
4. Jay & Aliona - 30
=5. Helen & Aljaz, Anita & Gleb - 28
7. Jamelia & Tristan - 24
8. Katie & Anton - 20
9. Jeremy & Karen - 18
10. Carol & Pasha - 16
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT* count: 31 so far
Saturday 7 November 2015
Strictly Come Dancing 2015: Week 6 (part, the only)
Bit late again I know, been having some internet issues this week so it's just been trying to get the blog up!
As our chef got chopped last week, it meant that we were down to 11 couples with only 3 of them involving a male celebrity (and one of them is Jeremy Vine!). Will we finally be rid of a female this week, or will we get through a series where one entire gender leaves before the semi-final?
Katie & Anton - Paso Doble - "Phantom of the Opera"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT (Kara & Artem in series 8)*
Well they were never going to live up to Kartem on this one now were they? I so called it on Anton wearing the mask though (was part of my drinking game). Katie was made up nicely too, the wig really suited her. Dance was dull though - no attack from either of them; there was more attack and effort in Judy's Paso last year than this! Also, LIFT! Was that really needed Anton?
There's not really all that much that I can say about this dance, other than that they both need to buck their ideas up and fast. Quickstep this week though, to '42nd Street' - didn't Matt Baker do his Charleston to this back in the day?
My score: 4 (would have been 5 but had to knock a point off for the illegal lift)
Kirsty & Brendan - Charleston - "Bad Romance"
Less bad romance and more bad dancing. Although it was funny to watch Brendan's face as he clearly had to improvise a few times there (I'm pretty sure the over the shoulder lift wasn't planned). Choreography at the start was absurd though - Kirsty on her own attempting some swivel whilst hiding her face, it's as if she didn't want us to see how embarrassed she was at being such an awful flapper. Went out of time as soon as she was in front of Brendan doing the shadow sequence, she fell out of a trick (clearly not planned, you can see it on Brendan's face), jesus it was a dahnce disahstah.
I think both of them can thank the voting gods that they have gone now.
My score: 3
Jeremy & Karen - Salsa - "Thriller"
If by thrilling me, laughing out loud counts, then this dance certainly thrilled me. As well as the judges (well Craig and Bruno) dancing at the beginning. It was Salsa but certainly not as we know it. At least for Jeremy he's got another lifty dance out of the way (just Argentine Tango left and I don't think we'd trust him to do that, do you?). Good synch with Karen during the side-by-side shadow sequence.
Craig gave him a higher mark for that? He thought THAT was better than Jez's Charleston? Sometimes I really don't know what the judges have been smoking. Anyway, Tango this week, and Karen has form for producing Tangos to...odd... song choices ('Weird Science' with Nicky and '500 Miles' with Dave which I both loved) so I'll be interested to see what she does with 'Go West'.
My score: 4
Anita & Gleb - Waltz - "Once Upon A Dream"
Gleb does the 'poor tortured soul' very well doesn't he? Bit of making love to the camera at the start, but then at least with this he got straight in to hold. Anita was slightly out of sync with him during the one out of hold section, and I still don't know why he likes her doing kicks so much (it's getting to be one of his 'patented Glebography' in the same way that the Starfish was one of Ola's), but I actually didn't mind this and though it one of their best dances. I don't always like the contemporary twists that Gleb puts on the dances, but here it worked and went with the story. Shame that her horns got in the way of some armography, and also LIFT! I wonder if the judges penalised that........
Jive to THAT song by Alesha Dixon this week. Latin seems to be better for her so I'm hoping for a good, technically sound routine.
My score: 6.5 (deducted a mark for the lift)
Jamelia & Tristan - Jive - "Time Warp"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT (Michelle & Brendan in series 8)*
Warp me back to when Michelle and Brendan were doing this please? Because that was actually better than whatever this was. This is one of the worst Jives that I've seen on this show (and believe me, I've seen a fair few). Anthony Ogogo was much better than this and he scored 5 marks less - and it was week 1 to boot! Tristan should be ashamed of himself, it was more 'running about looking frightened' than actual Jive content. That, and Jamelia should be ashamed of herself as it looked like she wasn't even trying (that or Tristan was overdancing which either way isn't a good thing). I'd heard good things about this dance before Saturday so I was really hoping for a pleasant surprise, and instead I'm seriously disappointed. Oh well, at least her being in the bottom 2 meant that Kirsty finally went.
Viennese Waltz for the Brummie and Irishman this week. Somehow I'm thinking another bottom 2 appearance beckons.......
My score: 3
Jay & Aliona - American Smooth - "Lil Red Riding Hood"
Not really a big bad wolf, but then how can you be when you're doing an American Smooth? Silly judges. As for the dance itself, too much story at the beginning (nearly 30 seconds before Jay actually started dancing). Lifts were great, arms were good, footwork seemed good. The only thing is, and I'm sure the dancers will be able to tell me if this was the case - is the rise and fall meant to be that obvious? Just wondered. Loved the song choice though, I've always wanted to see this one so I'm glad that it's been done now (singers did an awesome job on this btw).
This week they're doing *THE FIRST ARGENTINE TANGO OF THE SERIES* ahem. Which could either be brilliant (Sophie Ellis Bextor) or not so brilliant (Colin Salmon). As it's Aliona, I expect it will be fabulous.
My score: 8.25
Kellie & Kevin - Paso Doble - "Schools Out/Hedwig's Theme"
If I didn't think Kevin was a bit of a geek before then I certainly do now. Star Wars AND Harry Potter in just 4 weeks?! Hmm. Good thing that I quite like geeks and I am one myself then.
Not sure on this one if I'm honest. Loved the spectacle, but felt the actual dance was lost a bit. Kellie was less Spanish bull/cape and more 'I'm going to stomp like I'm having a tantrum and flounce my skirt a lot'. I felt that Kevin missed it a little choreographically this week, which is a shame as he's usually on it, especially on a theme week. Kellie could have done with less skirt swishing and more Spanish lines for me, but still, a good routine all things considered.
A Waltz to Take That? I think with that one I'll have to re-watch the dance on mute (nothing against Take That, I normally like their songs but that one was just too cheesy for me).
My score: 6.5
Carol & Pasha - Rumba - "I Think I Love You"
I think I hated this. Poor, poor Carol. 30 seconds for the two of you to actually start dancing and then it was just a car crash from there. Pasha had a little acting masterclass in this routine though. And was there an illegal lift there? Hmm. At least they've got this out of the way now so can have a nice week of Ballroom.
American Smooth? Great. To the song that made me puke at the PC feminist-ness of it all? Not so much. What are they even going to use as a base for this?
My score: 2
Georgia & Giovanni - Tango - "Ghostbusters"
And 2 people who were previously ghosts in this competition have just busted the leaderboard! Yay, so happy for these 2. Still not a fan of Georgia mind, but she kicked some butt with this! Choreography from Giovanni was excellent, just some story at beginning and end, as it should be. Loved the 'busting makes me feel good' when Georgia was quickly brought back into hold. Her footwork probably could have been a little better, but her hold was strong, that hand stayed in his armpit the entire way through. Fully deserved top of the leaderboard for me.
Samba this week. Hopefully Georgia can build on this performance as I'd like to see a challenge to Helen on the female front (Anita's good too, but Georgia's getting better atm).
My score: 8.75
Peter & Janette - Foxtrot - "Ghost"
So him going in the first half last week was just a ghostly apparition *sigh*. I really didn't get the story of the dance the first time I watched it and even now when I've just re-watched, yeah, still not really feeling it. Janette seems to be the female Artem but it doesn't work as well for some reason (clever use of the smoke to hide the footwork though). This one just cannot do the lighter, more elegant Ballroom (and that applies to Peter as well, he still itches to work like he's in a Michael Jackson video). Not much I can really say about the technique.
Charleston this week, and it's one dance that Janette won't be choreographing all by herself so chances are that it will probably be good (I jest, she did some good dances with Jake last year). Peter I can see getting into the performance side of it, but I'm not sure if he'll grasp the technique. This is probably the make or break dance for him and it's one that I thought they'd skip if I'm honest.
My score: 6 (I really don't know what to give it)
Helen & Aljaz - Samba - "Take Your Mama"
*Most random-and-not-connected-to-the-theme song choice of the week*. This one didn't convince me, I have to say. Took 30 seconds to actually start dancing (there's storytelling Aljaz, and then there's faffing, and this is the second week in a row that you've fallen into the faffing camp). She was throwing her arm lines away all the way through, and she came out of a spin off-balance as well. Much as I didn't like Pixie last year, the fact that this Samba only scored a couple of marks below hers is a travesty (I'm not even going to mention the not-a-Samba that followed some weeks later, ahem).
Rumba coming up, and I'm not too sure if she can crack this. Hip action isn't her forté, and Aljaz's last Rumba? Well we know what happened there.....
My score: 7
My Leaderboard (scores multiplied by 4 to give a score out of 40):
1. Georgia & Giovanni - 35
2. Jay & Aliona - 33
3.Helen & Aljaz - 28
=4. Anita & Gleb, Kellie & Kevin - 26
6. Peter & Janette - 24
=7. Katie & Anton, Jeremy & Karen - 16
=9. Kirsty & Brendan, Jamelia & Tristan - 12
11. Carol & Pasha - 8
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT* count: 28 so far
As our chef got chopped last week, it meant that we were down to 11 couples with only 3 of them involving a male celebrity (and one of them is Jeremy Vine!). Will we finally be rid of a female this week, or will we get through a series where one entire gender leaves before the semi-final?
Katie & Anton - Paso Doble - "Phantom of the Opera"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT (Kara & Artem in series 8)*
Well they were never going to live up to Kartem on this one now were they? I so called it on Anton wearing the mask though (was part of my drinking game). Katie was made up nicely too, the wig really suited her. Dance was dull though - no attack from either of them; there was more attack and effort in Judy's Paso last year than this! Also, LIFT! Was that really needed Anton?
There's not really all that much that I can say about this dance, other than that they both need to buck their ideas up and fast. Quickstep this week though, to '42nd Street' - didn't Matt Baker do his Charleston to this back in the day?
My score: 4 (would have been 5 but had to knock a point off for the illegal lift)
Kirsty & Brendan - Charleston - "Bad Romance"
Less bad romance and more bad dancing. Although it was funny to watch Brendan's face as he clearly had to improvise a few times there (I'm pretty sure the over the shoulder lift wasn't planned). Choreography at the start was absurd though - Kirsty on her own attempting some swivel whilst hiding her face, it's as if she didn't want us to see how embarrassed she was at being such an awful flapper. Went out of time as soon as she was in front of Brendan doing the shadow sequence, she fell out of a trick (clearly not planned, you can see it on Brendan's face), jesus it was a dahnce disahstah.
I think both of them can thank the voting gods that they have gone now.
My score: 3
Jeremy & Karen - Salsa - "Thriller"
If by thrilling me, laughing out loud counts, then this dance certainly thrilled me. As well as the judges (well Craig and Bruno) dancing at the beginning. It was Salsa but certainly not as we know it. At least for Jeremy he's got another lifty dance out of the way (just Argentine Tango left and I don't think we'd trust him to do that, do you?). Good synch with Karen during the side-by-side shadow sequence.
Craig gave him a higher mark for that? He thought THAT was better than Jez's Charleston? Sometimes I really don't know what the judges have been smoking. Anyway, Tango this week, and Karen has form for producing Tangos to...odd... song choices ('Weird Science' with Nicky and '500 Miles' with Dave which I both loved) so I'll be interested to see what she does with 'Go West'.
My score: 4
Anita & Gleb - Waltz - "Once Upon A Dream"
Gleb does the 'poor tortured soul' very well doesn't he? Bit of making love to the camera at the start, but then at least with this he got straight in to hold. Anita was slightly out of sync with him during the one out of hold section, and I still don't know why he likes her doing kicks so much (it's getting to be one of his 'patented Glebography' in the same way that the Starfish was one of Ola's), but I actually didn't mind this and though it one of their best dances. I don't always like the contemporary twists that Gleb puts on the dances, but here it worked and went with the story. Shame that her horns got in the way of some armography, and also LIFT! I wonder if the judges penalised that........
Jive to THAT song by Alesha Dixon this week. Latin seems to be better for her so I'm hoping for a good, technically sound routine.
My score: 6.5 (deducted a mark for the lift)
Jamelia & Tristan - Jive - "Time Warp"
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT (Michelle & Brendan in series 8)*
Warp me back to when Michelle and Brendan were doing this please? Because that was actually better than whatever this was. This is one of the worst Jives that I've seen on this show (and believe me, I've seen a fair few). Anthony Ogogo was much better than this and he scored 5 marks less - and it was week 1 to boot! Tristan should be ashamed of himself, it was more 'running about looking frightened' than actual Jive content. That, and Jamelia should be ashamed of herself as it looked like she wasn't even trying (that or Tristan was overdancing which either way isn't a good thing). I'd heard good things about this dance before Saturday so I was really hoping for a pleasant surprise, and instead I'm seriously disappointed. Oh well, at least her being in the bottom 2 meant that Kirsty finally went.
Viennese Waltz for the Brummie and Irishman this week. Somehow I'm thinking another bottom 2 appearance beckons.......
My score: 3
Jay & Aliona - American Smooth - "Lil Red Riding Hood"
Not really a big bad wolf, but then how can you be when you're doing an American Smooth? Silly judges. As for the dance itself, too much story at the beginning (nearly 30 seconds before Jay actually started dancing). Lifts were great, arms were good, footwork seemed good. The only thing is, and I'm sure the dancers will be able to tell me if this was the case - is the rise and fall meant to be that obvious? Just wondered. Loved the song choice though, I've always wanted to see this one so I'm glad that it's been done now (singers did an awesome job on this btw).
This week they're doing *THE FIRST ARGENTINE TANGO OF THE SERIES* ahem. Which could either be brilliant (Sophie Ellis Bextor) or not so brilliant (Colin Salmon). As it's Aliona, I expect it will be fabulous.
My score: 8.25
Kellie & Kevin - Paso Doble - "Schools Out/Hedwig's Theme"
If I didn't think Kevin was a bit of a geek before then I certainly do now. Star Wars AND Harry Potter in just 4 weeks?! Hmm. Good thing that I quite like geeks and I am one myself then.
Not sure on this one if I'm honest. Loved the spectacle, but felt the actual dance was lost a bit. Kellie was less Spanish bull/cape and more 'I'm going to stomp like I'm having a tantrum and flounce my skirt a lot'. I felt that Kevin missed it a little choreographically this week, which is a shame as he's usually on it, especially on a theme week. Kellie could have done with less skirt swishing and more Spanish lines for me, but still, a good routine all things considered.
A Waltz to Take That? I think with that one I'll have to re-watch the dance on mute (nothing against Take That, I normally like their songs but that one was just too cheesy for me).
My score: 6.5
Carol & Pasha - Rumba - "I Think I Love You"
I think I hated this. Poor, poor Carol. 30 seconds for the two of you to actually start dancing and then it was just a car crash from there. Pasha had a little acting masterclass in this routine though. And was there an illegal lift there? Hmm. At least they've got this out of the way now so can have a nice week of Ballroom.
American Smooth? Great. To the song that made me puke at the PC feminist-ness of it all? Not so much. What are they even going to use as a base for this?
My score: 2
Georgia & Giovanni - Tango - "Ghostbusters"
And 2 people who were previously ghosts in this competition have just busted the leaderboard! Yay, so happy for these 2. Still not a fan of Georgia mind, but she kicked some butt with this! Choreography from Giovanni was excellent, just some story at beginning and end, as it should be. Loved the 'busting makes me feel good' when Georgia was quickly brought back into hold. Her footwork probably could have been a little better, but her hold was strong, that hand stayed in his armpit the entire way through. Fully deserved top of the leaderboard for me.
Samba this week. Hopefully Georgia can build on this performance as I'd like to see a challenge to Helen on the female front (Anita's good too, but Georgia's getting better atm).
My score: 8.75
Peter & Janette - Foxtrot - "Ghost"
So him going in the first half last week was just a ghostly apparition *sigh*. I really didn't get the story of the dance the first time I watched it and even now when I've just re-watched, yeah, still not really feeling it. Janette seems to be the female Artem but it doesn't work as well for some reason (clever use of the smoke to hide the footwork though). This one just cannot do the lighter, more elegant Ballroom (and that applies to Peter as well, he still itches to work like he's in a Michael Jackson video). Not much I can really say about the technique.
Charleston this week, and it's one dance that Janette won't be choreographing all by herself so chances are that it will probably be good (I jest, she did some good dances with Jake last year). Peter I can see getting into the performance side of it, but I'm not sure if he'll grasp the technique. This is probably the make or break dance for him and it's one that I thought they'd skip if I'm honest.
My score: 6 (I really don't know what to give it)
Helen & Aljaz - Samba - "Take Your Mama"
*Most random-and-not-connected-to-the-theme song choice of the week*. This one didn't convince me, I have to say. Took 30 seconds to actually start dancing (there's storytelling Aljaz, and then there's faffing, and this is the second week in a row that you've fallen into the faffing camp). She was throwing her arm lines away all the way through, and she came out of a spin off-balance as well. Much as I didn't like Pixie last year, the fact that this Samba only scored a couple of marks below hers is a travesty (I'm not even going to mention the not-a-Samba that followed some weeks later, ahem).
Rumba coming up, and I'm not too sure if she can crack this. Hip action isn't her forté, and Aljaz's last Rumba? Well we know what happened there.....
My score: 7
My Leaderboard (scores multiplied by 4 to give a score out of 40):
1. Georgia & Giovanni - 35
2. Jay & Aliona - 33
3.Helen & Aljaz - 28
=4. Anita & Gleb, Kellie & Kevin - 26
6. Peter & Janette - 24
=7. Katie & Anton, Jeremy & Karen - 16
=9. Kirsty & Brendan, Jamelia & Tristan - 12
11. Carol & Pasha - 8
*RECYCLED SONG ALERT* count: 28 so far
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