Unfortunately for Richard there was no comparison between him and Craig, surprised Len would've voted them however (not sure if that's a consolation vote though!)
Next week then will see all 14 couples competing against each other, but with only one dance to do rather than the two that most have struggled with so far.
At least I only have to set aside a Saturday night now that the Fridays are finished with.
Now I know the results please feel free to leave any comments/feedback!
Saturday 26 September 2009
Moment of truth and dance-off
Here comes another tense couple of minutes!
Yet another poor decision by the audience, but I think that's just signed Richard's death knell.
So Craig up first with the Tango, and again an uncomfortable looking start - needs to work on the upper body, specifically the frame, and also to lead with the body and not the arms.
Still think that, barring a significant improvement from earlier on, Richard will be going out 4-0.
Richard's timing's definitely better this time around, and still enjoying himself in his hitchhiker moment.
Not enough of an improvement however, and hands really need to be facing toward the floor rather than straight ahead.
Yet another poor decision by the audience, but I think that's just signed Richard's death knell.
So Craig up first with the Tango, and again an uncomfortable looking start - needs to work on the upper body, specifically the frame, and also to lead with the body and not the arms.
Still think that, barring a significant improvement from earlier on, Richard will be going out 4-0.
Richard's timing's definitely better this time around, and still enjoying himself in his hitchhiker moment.
Not enough of an improvement however, and hands really need to be facing toward the floor rather than straight ahead.
Leaderboard
So combined leaderboard is as follows:
1. 65 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 61 points - Zoe & James
3. 55 points - Laila & Anton
4. 51 points - Phil & Katya
5. 50 points - Natalie & Vincent
6. 44 points - Craig & Flavia
7. 38 points - Richard & Lilia
8. 36 points - Jo & Brendan
As said earlier I do think Jo will be in the bottom two, and actually I think Richard will join her. Out of the two it's hard to say who i'd pick, I think the dance-off will decide it.
Although I don't agree with the level of points that Ricky received both tonight and last night, I think he would probably still be top - and that'll please a lot of ladies out there.
I suppose everyone knows the results by now so I won't ask for peoples comments just yet!
1. 65 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 61 points - Zoe & James
3. 55 points - Laila & Anton
4. 51 points - Phil & Katya
5. 50 points - Natalie & Vincent
6. 44 points - Craig & Flavia
7. 38 points - Richard & Lilia
8. 36 points - Jo & Brendan
As said earlier I do think Jo will be in the bottom two, and actually I think Richard will join her. Out of the two it's hard to say who i'd pick, I think the dance-off will decide it.
Although I don't agree with the level of points that Ricky received both tonight and last night, I think he would probably still be top - and that'll please a lot of ladies out there.
I suppose everyone knows the results by now so I won't ask for peoples comments just yet!
Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Cha Cha
Confident in training and not afraid to move her hips around will be interesting to see whether technique is forgotten once the performance takes over?
Need to cross the legs during a lock step Natalie and the arms are a little flung out at points.
Lively in places but not inspiring, think this will be a 6.
Need to cross the legs during a lock step Natalie and the arms are a little flung out at points.
Lively in places but not inspiring, think this will be a 6.
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Rumba
Hitchhiker! That's the word I was thinking of, still not good i'm afraid though Richard.
So, the girl's favourite is up next, and starts by flashing the torso to his fans!
Nice hip action but needs to sort the shoulders out - makes him look uncomforable.
Really good lines however and the only partnership to utilise the slightly faster/sharper Rumba speed.
Overall a good Rumba but only worth a 7 I'd say.
So, the girl's favourite is up next, and starts by flashing the torso to his fans!
Nice hip action but needs to sort the shoulders out - makes him look uncomforable.
Really good lines however and the only partnership to utilise the slightly faster/sharper Rumba speed.
Overall a good Rumba but only worth a 7 I'd say.
Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova - Cha Cha
I do think that could be the last time we see Jo (aside from the dance-off), as I'm not sure she's popular or well-known enough to get the audience vote.
Richard's shoulder injuries, and unfortunately obvious lack of rhythm, could be his failing in this Cha Cha - but at least he's trying hard.
Seriously out of time i'm afraid Richard, but at least you're enjoying yourself! Shame the hips are only showing an appearance now and then. Really not sure about the thumb-to-shoulder dance step.
Definitely tried hard but I think this will be a 5.
Richard's shoulder injuries, and unfortunately obvious lack of rhythm, could be his failing in this Cha Cha - but at least he's trying hard.
Seriously out of time i'm afraid Richard, but at least you're enjoying yourself! Shame the hips are only showing an appearance now and then. Really not sure about the thumb-to-shoulder dance step.
Definitely tried hard but I think this will be a 5.
Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Rumba
Jo lacked confidence in her Tango last night and the Rumba may prove to be a difficult dance too.
No action at all in her Rumba walks, and shame they got caught up together.
There wasn't much of an atmosphere between them and I think she'll get 5's if they're feeling generous.
No action at all in her Rumba walks, and shame they got caught up together.
There wasn't much of an atmosphere between them and I think she'll get 5's if they're feeling generous.
Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Rumba
I'm afraid I really don't think Laila's dance was worth a 7 Len, but everyone else agreed with my 6.
Zoe struggled during the week with the sensual side of the dance so will be interesting to see how she copes with the pressure of a live performance.
Needs to round her hip action out a little more, but not a bad start and a good performance all round, very intimate acting at the end.
Best performance so far and I think this could get 8's, maybe a 7.
Zoe struggled during the week with the sensual side of the dance so will be interesting to see how she copes with the pressure of a live performance.
Needs to round her hip action out a little more, but not a bad start and a good performance all round, very intimate acting at the end.
Best performance so far and I think this could get 8's, maybe a 7.
Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Cha Cha
Aside from a slight mistake last night, their Tango was good last night, so i'm hoping for good things with their Cha Cha.
Cheeky start, slight mistake with her timing creeping in and I don't think the judges will be so forgiving this time.
No real hip movement of life in the dance, probably lost all confidence with her early mistakes.
Predicted a 7 but think this will only manage a 6 at best.
Cheeky start, slight mistake with her timing creeping in and I don't think the judges will be so forgiving this time.
No real hip movement of life in the dance, probably lost all confidence with her early mistakes.
Predicted a 7 but think this will only manage a 6 at best.
Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Rumba
During the week Craig's hips and arms weren't quite working in sync, let's see if a couple of days more of practice have helped.
Needs to have a fot transition between moves with the hands at the start, improved by the time he gets to the cucarachas.
No real connection or emotion in the dance between them though. Predicted a 6 and I think that'll be it.
Needs to have a fot transition between moves with the hands at the start, improved by the time he gets to the cucarachas.
No real connection or emotion in the dance between them though. Predicted a 6 and I think that'll be it.
Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Cha Cha
The Cha Cha's a cheeky dance so this could really suit Phil's personality, let's just hope his hips turn up too!
Predicted a 6 for this based on the mid-week training.
Not sure about the hands on the stomach at the start, or the little skip.
Needs to relax the shoulders a bit, and the hips are a little forced, but not bad. Do think it'll be a 6 though.
Predicted a 6 for this based on the mid-week training.
Not sure about the hands on the stomach at the start, or the little skip.
Needs to relax the shoulders a bit, and the hips are a little forced, but not bad. Do think it'll be a 6 though.
Dinner with the in-laws
Sorry the blog's running late again tonight, we were round the in-laws for dinner and I couldn't really sit there with the laptop at the table!
However again I will be blogging 'live' as I watch the recording so check back if you want to see my thoughts!
Also this week I will post up details of the 'Strictly' diet, with how many calories certain dances burn off and therefore what you can get away with eating.
However again I will be blogging 'live' as I watch the recording so check back if you want to see my thoughts!
Also this week I will post up details of the 'Strictly' diet, with how many calories certain dances burn off and therefore what you can get away with eating.
Round-up and group Jackson tribute
Personally wouldn't have scored it as high as that, felt there were a few frame issues but no matter, the leaderboard is about right.
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Chris Hollins showing that he really does have some surprising potential, Joe unfortunately not so much and Ricky is still entertaining. Lynda giving it her all!
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Chris Hollins showing that he really does have some surprising potential, Joe unfortunately not so much and Ricky is still entertaining. Lynda giving it her all!
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Waltz
Full of promise with my initial thought being 7-8.
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Had to watch getting too carried away with moving his head around, and a real shame with that slip but I still think he'll get 7's
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Had to watch getting too carried away with moving his head around, and a real shame with that slip but I still think he'll get 7's
Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Tango
Well done Phil, that'll teach anyone that compared you to John Sergeant (though I seem to recall he did have a very good first Waltz too!)
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6 predicted...
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A poor start but quickly recovered. Looking good for a while, but a bit skippy later on and lacks some control. Going to be 5's, maybe a 6.
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6 predicted...
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A poor start but quickly recovered. Looking good for a while, but a bit skippy later on and lacks some control. Going to be 5's, maybe a 6.
Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Waltz
Looks like they've forgiven the obvious mistake, and the marks are in line with the performance.
...
Depending on nerves this looked good in training and I predicted a 6-7.
Now that's some Brylcreemed hair!
Nice Waltz performance, a slight slip unfortunately right in front of the judges, and needs to make sure that the toe is pointed out during lines, but overall a good performance.
Think 6-7 still (though more towards 7)
...
Depending on nerves this looked good in training and I predicted a 6-7.
Now that's some Brylcreemed hair!
Nice Waltz performance, a slight slip unfortunately right in front of the judges, and needs to make sure that the toe is pointed out during lines, but overall a good performance.
Think 6-7 still (though more towards 7)
Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Tango
From the training videos I had this down as an 8, so will be interesting to see if they live up to the hype.
Not sure if Anton should have called all his old partners rubbish (I seem to recall he did alright with Lesley Garrett).
...
Needs to put the chin up just a bit, it's making the top line look soft, maybe stand up a bit more from the rib-cage.
Looking good however but a real shame about that mistake in not going to promenade (made worse by Anton not carrying on!)
That's really let down a good performance and i think it'll be 6-7
Not sure if Anton should have called all his old partners rubbish (I seem to recall he did alright with Lesley Garrett).
...
Needs to put the chin up just a bit, it's making the top line look soft, maybe stand up a bit more from the rib-cage.
Looking good however but a real shame about that mistake in not going to promenade (made worse by Anton not carrying on!)
That's really let down a good performance and i think it'll be 6-7
Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova - Waltz
What was that face for Bruno? Don't agree with Alesha's marks? Wouldn't be surprised if that's not discussed in the papers this week.
...
Predicted 5-6, but didn't know that existing injuries prevented him having a proper frame, will be interesting to see if the judges take that into account.
Must, must, must go forward on a heel on the first step Richard, haven't seen one yet and I guarantee that Len will pick up on that.
Shame about the frame as it's difficult to judge when the shoulder line ruins the look. With all those toe leads I think it'll be 5's.
...
Predicted 5-6, but didn't know that existing injuries prevented him having a proper frame, will be interesting to see if the judges take that into account.
Must, must, must go forward on a heel on the first step Richard, haven't seen one yet and I guarantee that Len will pick up on that.
Shame about the frame as it's difficult to judge when the shoulder line ruins the look. With all those toe leads I think it'll be 5's.
Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Tango
Always good to insult the judges before they give their marks James! Doesn't look like it affected Len's mark though.
...
So I predicted a 6 for these guys earlier, let's see what happens. I hope he's worked on his upper line.
So a slight Paso opening followed by a bit of stomping, needs to be a little bit softer in the feet and unfortunately the top line is a little hunched over Flavia.
I would say a 5-6.
...
So I predicted a 6 for these guys earlier, let's see what happens. I hope he's worked on his upper line.
So a slight Paso opening followed by a bit of stomping, needs to be a little bit softer in the feet and unfortunately the top line is a little hunched over Flavia.
I would say a 5-6.
Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Waltz
So judges agree with me on the first dance of the night, bodes well for the rest of them!
...
Training for the Waltz looked really good during the week so bodes well for tonight, I predicted a 7-8 earlier on tonight so will be interesting if they live up to it.
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Really elegant start, slight slip on a chasse after the running spin but the rest is looking good, needs to stop moving the left arm so much when in hold.
Very good Waltz and i'd be surprised if it wasn't 8's.
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Training for the Waltz looked really good during the week so bodes well for tonight, I predicted a 7-8 earlier on tonight so will be interesting if they live up to it.
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Really elegant start, slight slip on a chasse after the running spin but the rest is looking good, needs to stop moving the left arm so much when in hold.
Very good Waltz and i'd be surprised if it wasn't 8's.
Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Tango
Vincent's dance of choice, should be good so long as Natalie watches those shoulders and arms.
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Uncomfortable start with the hand on the back of the neck but not looking bad now, though she does look a little soft up top (and I mean her frame!!!)
Little bit jerky at times.
I'm going to say a 6.
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Uncomfortable start with the hand on the back of the neck but not looking bad now, though she does look a little soft up top (and I mean her frame!!!)
Little bit jerky at times.
I'm going to say a 6.
Friday 25 September 2009
Another week, another 8 couples!
So as promised, i've got home and straight away pressed play, anyone else that was at the practice night tonight joining me 'live'?!
Really should start making notes on the songs used, especially Waltz as the collection on the laptop is definitely lacking.
Really should start making notes on the songs used, especially Waltz as the collection on the laptop is definitely lacking.
Training updates
So the night of the new celebrity competitors is almost upon us, and last night's It Takes Two had training updates, how is their training coming along?
Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas
Waltz - Needs to relax the shoulders, just holding his arms a little high (arms should be a slight incline down from the shoulder). Overall doesn't look too bad, if nerves don't get the better this could be a 6-7.
Cha Cha - Could potentially give Ricky Groves a run for his money...? If i'm honest I think Phil will only manage a 6 at best.
Zoe Lucker & James Jordan
Waltz - Looks elegant (when not falling over!). Definitely going to give Ali's Waltz a run for her money. Could be a 7-8.
Rumba - Looks quite good, so long as Zoe can ignore her nerves surrounding the sensual side of the dance. Another 7-8.
Jo Wood & Brendan Cole
Tango - Needs to keep chin up, still closing up and looking at the floor. Brendan always dances with passion so let's hope Jo can keep up. Think the nerves might get the better of her though and predicting a 6.
Rumba - A couple of nice moments but haven't seen enough of the dance to truly judge, think another 6.
Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova
Waltz - Needs to relax the shoulders, the frame is just there for show and should be kept uniform and relaxed. 5-6.
Cha Cha - Oh dear, I don't think the Cha Cha is going to be Richards thing, looks uncomfortable and again another 5-6.
Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace
Tango - Flavia's speciality is the Argentine Tango and Ballroom Tango is a close cousin so hopefully something good can be created here. Right shoulder should not be raised during lines, needs to watch this. Predicting a 6.
Rumba - Hips look a little forced at times, probably going to be a 6.
Phil Tufnell & Katya VirshilasWaltz - Needs to relax the shoulders, just holding his arms a little high (arms should be a slight incline down from the shoulder). Overall doesn't look too bad, if nerves don't get the better this could be a 6-7.
Cha Cha - Could potentially give Ricky Groves a run for his money...? If i'm honest I think Phil will only manage a 6 at best.
Zoe Lucker & James Jordan Waltz - Looks elegant (when not falling over!). Definitely going to give Ali's Waltz a run for her money. Could be a 7-8.
Rumba - Looks quite good, so long as Zoe can ignore her nerves surrounding the sensual side of the dance. Another 7-8.
Jo Wood & Brendan ColeTango - Needs to keep chin up, still closing up and looking at the floor. Brendan always dances with passion so let's hope Jo can keep up. Think the nerves might get the better of her though and predicting a 6.
Rumba - A couple of nice moments but haven't seen enough of the dance to truly judge, think another 6.
Richard Dunwoody & Lilia KopylovaWaltz - Needs to relax the shoulders, the frame is just there for show and should be kept uniform and relaxed. 5-6.
Cha Cha - Oh dear, I don't think the Cha Cha is going to be Richards thing, looks uncomfortable and again another 5-6.
Craig Kelly & Flavia CacaceTango - Flavia's speciality is the Argentine Tango and Ballroom Tango is a close cousin so hopefully something good can be created here. Right shoulder should not be raised during lines, needs to watch this. Predicting a 6.
Rumba - Hips look a little forced at times, probably going to be a 6.
Tango - Flavia's partner Vincent is also a specialist in Tango, coupled with Natalie's passion for dancing and her acting abilities, this should be good. Haven't seen enough of the dancing but i'm predicting a 6-7.
Cha Cha - Natalie definitely doesn't appear to be shy about moving around in the Cha Cha but does need to make her chasse a little softer. Should be a lively 7.
Waltz - Looking really good, though still needs to watch those shoulders and try and keep level. Going to say a 7-8.
Rumba - Has natural rhythm and looks quite good, a 7 easily if he pulls it off on the night.
Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke
Tango - So finally Anton get's a younger celebrity and ,some might say, his actual real chance to win. Can't see the feet but this could be the best dance of the night, 8.
Cha Cha - Nice hip action and looking good, think that'll be a 7.
Don't forget that our blog will be a little late tonight due to our regular Friday night practice session, but don't worry i'll be watching it, and commenting, as soon as I get home so check back after midnight!
Cha Cha - Natalie definitely doesn't appear to be shy about moving around in the Cha Cha but does need to make her chasse a little softer. Should be a lively 7.
Waltz - Looking really good, though still needs to watch those shoulders and try and keep level. Going to say a 7-8.
Rumba - Has natural rhythm and looks quite good, a 7 easily if he pulls it off on the night.
Laila Rouass & Anton du BekeTango - So finally Anton get's a younger celebrity and ,some might say, his actual real chance to win. Can't see the feet but this could be the best dance of the night, 8.
Cha Cha - Nice hip action and looking good, think that'll be a 7.
Don't forget that our blog will be a little late tonight due to our regular Friday night practice session, but don't worry i'll be watching it, and commenting, as soon as I get home so check back after midnight!
Wednesday 23 September 2009
Rumba walking...
Apparently Natalie Lowe's advice to Ricky Whittle, to perfect his Rumba walk, was to imagine he's walking down the street with change in his pocket and he's trying not to jingle it - will definitely have to test that one out!
I once read that the Rumba walk that we try so hard to perform, are natural to animals such as camels for example:
So guys, that's all you've got to aim for...!
I once read that the Rumba walk that we try so hard to perform, are natural to animals such as camels for example:
So guys, that's all you've got to aim for...!
Tuesday 22 September 2009
Good question
After receiving the following comment on one of my previous posts, I felt it deserved a post of its own:
Hi Antony. One question after Saturday. Why did Len criticise Chris Hollins' hand movement for the New York in the rumba?
He said that for men, spreading the fingers and pointing the middle one down is "not a good look" and that they should keep the outer 3 digits bandaged together.
But that is how you teach and obviously Ola as well, since she took the blame for this on the show, so I'd be interested in your reaction ...
Thanks, Maggie
Personally I learnt the middle finger down, I teach guys to hold the middle two down – I don’t like the look of the three fingers together.
The Walter Laird technique book shows the middle finger down in the pictures, but there is no guidance other than that.
I would say that Chris' hands were really good myself, and like with most judging it really does come down to personal preference once you get past technique.
However if you watch any of the male professionals from Saturday night they all have one or two fingers down (not at right angles but say around 20 degrees) so I think Len is wrong to criticise this - especially as it's effectively criticising Ola as Chris' teacher.
Hi Antony. One question after Saturday. Why did Len criticise Chris Hollins' hand movement for the New York in the rumba?
He said that for men, spreading the fingers and pointing the middle one down is "not a good look" and that they should keep the outer 3 digits bandaged together.
But that is how you teach and obviously Ola as well, since she took the blame for this on the show, so I'd be interested in your reaction ...
Thanks, Maggie
Personally I learnt the middle finger down, I teach guys to hold the middle two down – I don’t like the look of the three fingers together.
The Walter Laird technique book shows the middle finger down in the pictures, but there is no guidance other than that.
I would say that Chris' hands were really good myself, and like with most judging it really does come down to personal preference once you get past technique.
However if you watch any of the male professionals from Saturday night they all have one or two fingers down (not at right angles but say around 20 degrees) so I think Len is wrong to criticise this - especially as it's effectively criticising Ola as Chris' teacher.
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