It Takes Two - Tuesday 5th October-Friday 8th October

Due to an unfortunate virus attack on my computer I've been unable to upload my analysis all week so I've decided to collate all 4 episodes into one post.

Tuesday 5th October

First up Goldie & Kristina Rihanoff to talk about their Cha-Disco-Cha.  Personally I think it was an awful choice for a first dance, though they seemed to enjoy it, it really didn't resemble a Cha Cha Cha.

Goldie then confirms that 'yes, it is easier to dance with a professional', something which I'm sure any number of our students would agree with.


A VT then follows of Goldie as various movie characters, including some rather [un-]charming burping.

Goldie has a Foxtrot this weekend, though it looks rather Paso-esque in the clip they show.

Choreography Corner
 
Karen Hardy then comes on for Choreography Corner.  She likes props, I think it's a cover-up to hide other problems.

First up a few basic tips, important for all.  Matt Baker is commended for his leading; Felicity Kendal for her flexibility; Patsy Kensit is kept basic to give her confidence; Paul Daniels safely starts with a magic trick; Scott Maslen for a strong and dominant 'raunchy' Waltz; Goldie entertains but shouldn't have been left on his own this early on; Pamela Stephenson stole the show with an elegant Waltz.  More from Karen later...

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan

My favourite couple from the weekend they really performed a gorgeous Waltz.  James "Everything come together for a great dance", aside from his use of English I can't commend his routine enough.

I thought I had a big head from James definitely gives me a run for my money, though I might start utilising the press-ups penalties on some of my students.

Pamela looks like she's enjoying the Salsa training and she did a good job in the launch show so I'm expecting another good dance.

Choreography Corner (part 2)

Karen returns for part 2 of her choreography analysis.

Ann Widdecombe's kick in the air was Anton's way of using her inability to keep her feet on the floor; Jared makes Tina O'Brien's routine too simple and sweet; Kara Tointon has such a packed routine and pulls it off with aplomb; Gavin Henson surprised me with his Waltz and Karen commends the basic routine in showing off the technique; Michelle Williams started brightly on the bridge but strutted later on, and needs much more technique; Peter Shilton was nervous and petrified, "did well but nerves took over"; Jimi Mistry over-enthusiastic and on his own too much.

Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone

Felicity didn't want to start the show and concentrated more on "not falling over" than remembering her technique.

Giggling appears to be a problem in training, but I'm sure they'll get more serious as the week's progress (if they survive tonight).

The judges may have been critical but Felicity agrees that they know what they are talking about.  Felicity tells how she has absolutely no dance training in her past.

Wednesday 6th October

Matt Baker and Gavin Henson were the top scoring boys from their respective days (though Scott scored higher than Gavin on the Friday).  I saw Countryfile for the first time the other day, an interesting program but I can't imagine how they fit all the training in around the country.

Gavin loved the Waltz, but isn't feeling confident about the Salsa.  He must be happy now he gets the spray-tans included.  Katya says "If there's any person that can bring someone out of their shell, that's me"

A VT follows comparing the two girls hard training regimes for the boys though I think Matt seems to be having the harder time.

A clip of the Foxtrot starts well but I'm hoping Matt was just marking out.  Claudia struggles to compliment a clip of Gavin's Salsa.

Dance Psychology

Emma already thinks this guy's a little crazy.  Some interesting theories that are fairly standard if you are a dancer.

Pamela Stephenson clip is analysed but I can't hear what he's saying as their routine looks absolutely amazing!

Paul Daniels appears to be getting the steps but is really lacking in personality in the training video.

Goldie isn't looking particularly smooth in his Foxtrot and needs to keep his bum in.

Kara Tointon are described as the intense couple and really compatible.

Scott Maslen are keeping great eye contact, though I'm concerned that he doesn't look as good when he's on his own.

Tess Daly

Tess likes "her area" but wants an actual name to call it; Tess' Turret doesn't do the trick and I know (online at least) the old one was called the Tesspit!

This year's line-up is described as dynamite, and Matt was a massive surprise for Tess.  Jimi is the person that Tess feels is enjoying it the most.

Michelle Williams & Brendan Cole

A very poor performance from them I felt, now for some feedback.  I think Michelle had a bit of a reality check with the judges comments, and she does seem upset.  "I'm not expecting anyone to kiss my toosh" says Michelle, but a few positive comments would have been appreciated.

I thought my mum was bad with 4 sugars in her tea, but Michelle has 13 sugars in her coffee!!!  No wonder she's more than a little 'excitable' during training.

Thursday 7th October

Training Videos

Felicity is looking elegant in training, though is apparently struggling with remembering the correct foot to start with.

Tina talks about how she needs to hide her mistakes (rather than showing on her face) alternatively making no mistakes would be preferable!

Michelle should perform better in hold but Michelle is definitely looking like she's lost her confidence.



Matt is looking ok, nothing special just yet, but should give us a good dance.

Paul is looking incredibly tight and uncomfortable, I don't see him leaving the bottom of the table this week.

Goldie has a hat on, it doesn't suit him! Last week's Disco dance was a bad start but hopefully we'll see something better this time.

Jimi is looking like he's got the feeling of the Foxtrot in mind, I just hope they give him a better outfit this week.

Jimi & Flavia


Flavia feels that in her 5 years of Strictly, that was the best first dance that she's had.  We're also introduced to Flavia's teaching style (breaking the dances down into chunks).

Jimi found Foxtrot terrifying in the first two days, but I must admit the training is looking quite good.

Artem, Jared & Robin

Now a chat with the new boys of Strictly (The Sequin Team). 

Artem wants to bring speed, energy and exciting moves.
Jared hopes to bring edge - still seems too nice.
Robin is energetic and powerful, and is here to win.

Artem might be good looking, but I'm not sure what the hat is all about!!! 

Jared still isn't giving me any warm fuzzy feelings and I think he does need to come out of his shell more.

Salsa Training Videos

Pamela is looking as good, if not better, than her Waltz - not that James agrees.

Patsy needs to relax her shoulders, though she is looking much better this week.

Ann, the one I've definitely been waiting for, looks like her and Anton are going to perform a salsa to remember!

Gavin is hating the Salsa, though Katya wants to make it the sexiest Salsa Strictly's ever seen.

Scott needs to look like he's enjoying the dance more, there's not much emotion showing on his face.

Peter is hoping to save (see what I did there!) his place on the show this week.  Unfortunately it's really not looking good, should be entertaining though.

Peter Shilton & Erin Boag

Peter feels he showed his nervousness more than the other competitors last week.  He's looking forward to the Salsa this week, though his arms are a bit too free.

Friday 8th October

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe

Is it just me, or does Scott look like he's lost weight - that shirt looks a bit baggy on him.  Scott says he struggles with the dances at first, then something clicks and suddenly it makes sense.

Natalie seems a little down, wonder if training isn't going well?

Tina O'Brien & Jared Murillo

Tina is enjoying it but again talks about how she needs to not show mistakes on her face.

Jared says that Foxtrot was originally like Chinese to Tina, now it's getting more like English.  Come on Jared bring some personality out on screen please!!!

Superfans

Louise Redknapp, Chris De Burgh and Craig Revel-Horwood are on to analyse the training.

Gavin: Craig thinks he's looking a bit stuck in the mud; their music is a bit too 'pumpy' for my liking; Louise and Chris like it.

Kara: "I don't want to be known in this competition as the girl that falls over"; Craig - she's looking great as long as she doesn't fall over; their song almost sounds like a Waltz, such a strange choice I'm assuming they'll have a better arrangement.

Ann: Performing behind a curtain doesn't react well to Anton's joking.  No Salsa training in site though.  Craig doesn't look impressed - he doesn't pre-mark and wants them to dance; The music 'Hey Mambo' is a bit too slow I'm concerned.

Matt: Sounds like they're going to have a few more gimmicks this week, unfortunately; Craig - they're gorgeous to watch, he has great feet; music could be great.

Pamela: Looking A-MAZ-ING.  Craig describes it as knockout, with Pamela looking like a 20-year-old; the song should work well, though I'd have preferred something with a more recognised beat.

Michelle: Looking better but needs to watch her left shoulder.  Craig - it's O K,  doesn't think it's perfect and her body shape is probably better suited to Latin; great choice of music (It Had To Be You, one of my favourites!)

Peter: Looking very flat-footed with minimal 'natural' hip action.  Craig thinks he needs a hip replacement and a lot more energy.

Sneak Peak

Claudia takes us onto the set.  James and Artem having a push-up contest, Artem lifting his leg just to make it more difficult.  Claudia does need to learn how to walk up stairs quietly!

Vincent is wearing a nice pair of Tango Duo shoes, one of my favourite pairs.  Felicity and Vincent talk about the pressure of knowing someone goes home this weekend.

Not sure on their song choice but it does look quite good.

Anyway that's the week's summary, I need to get on with watching the actual show now!