Lulu & Brendan Cole - Foxtrot

Head up Lulu! Lifting her feet rather than tracking along the floor and missing quite a few of her heel turns, which is a shame as she was doing them in training.  You can tell she's forgotten a few of the steps but a huge improvement on last week.

Not bad, Lulu just needs to dance with more confidence, a 6 from me but with potential.

Craig: 5 "I felt like you were trying to keep up with Brendan...looking into his chest...lovely pivots"
Len: 6 "You got through the routine...now you have to work on the polish"
Alesha: 7 "Looked much more focused and in control"
Bruno: 7 "On it all the way through...needs polishing but you can dance if you want to"

Total Score: 25

Lulu & Brendan Cole - Cha Cha Cha

Lulu was "devastated" to get Brendan according to Brucie, but I'm sure it was all for the cameras!

Theirs was one of the first training videos we saw, and it looked quite good then so I'm looking forward to seeing what 3 weeks has added to it.

Oh dear Brendan, why did you have to start the dance with a lift when you know it's against the rules!

Lulu's looking a little unsteady on her feet and is out of sync with Brendan at times and has obviously forgotten the routine.

A disappointing, though comical performance but I'm going to have to give it a 4 I'm afraid :-(

Scores:

Craig: 2 "A complete dance diz-aster...you made it up from beginning to end"
Len: 5 "Nothing to shout about...great expectations...cannot go wrong that's the first rule"
Alesha: 5 "Thanks for getting the party started...I know it went a bit wrong"
Bruno: 5 "It was sing-a-long with Lulu at Wembley Arena...steps went down the toilet"

Total Scores: 17

Strictly Come Dancing 2011 - Friday 30th September

So Strictly 2011 started last night, Bruce's jokes return, some questionable outfits on show (not quite sure what they've put Robbie Savage in for example) and hopefully a whole new audience will be looking to learn to dance...you know where to find us!

From watching the launch show I made the following predictions of couples that could do well:

Harry & Aliona (though how much help his previous training will be is debatable)

Chelsee & Pasha (I predict they'll do really well)

Lulu & Brendan (both feisty)

Rory & Erin (though not all the way I fear)

Holly & Artem (could definitely give Kara food for thought)

 The training videos so far seemed to have supported that but we'll see how they all perform this weekend.

There are no couples going home this week, but the scores will be carried forward to next week too.

Enough of an intro, let's get on with the dancing.  First up is Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev (on a side note it was originally supposed to be Alex Jones & James Jordan dancing tonight - no official word on why the switch was made and whether they're dancing tonight or not!)

Strictly Teaser Video - Lulu & Brendan Cole

Lulu's Strictly Teaser Video

Strictly Training Video - Lulu & Brendan Cole

 

So the couples have been training now for a few days and we're starting to see a few of the training videos coming out.  The first one released by the BBC is of Lulu & Brendan Cole and their Cha Cha Cha training.

Brendan seems rather more subdued in his interviews than normal, wonder if it's because of Lulu's reaction to being paired with him?!

Not really seeing much of the dancing at present (hardly surprising given that there's still a couple of weeks to the actual show) but Lulu seems to be developing some nice lines...whether she can hit them whilst moving will be another matter though.

I look forward to seeing more from these two over the next few weeks.

Strictly Come Dancing - Sunday 7th November Results

 

I predicted that either Patsy or Felicity could be in trouble today, but it's a really tight leader board this weekend so anyone could really be going home.  In fact Scott is second from the bottom so could be the first real shock exit...?

First up in the results show is the Strictly Show Dancers with their take on a 50's Rock 'n Roll Jive.

A recap of last night follows and then it's on to our first round of safe couples.

Safe: Felicity & Vincent; Gavin & Katya; Kara & Artem; Pamela & James

In Danger: Jimi & Flavia

One of my fears in the first couple of weeks was whether Jimi really had that much support, and it seems we could find out this week.  

The producers have finally answered my prayers and decided that lifts will now be penalised if they are 'illegal'.

A pro foxtrot choreographed by Anton & Erin follows then our next eliminations.

Safe: Patsy & Robin (there goes both my predictions); Matt & Aliona; Ann & Anton.

In Danger: Michelle & Brendan.

The bottom two therefore is Jimi & Flavia and Michelle & Brendan.

Out of the two it's really close, Michelle has shown great improvement in the last two weeks whereas Jimi has consistently underperformed.  I got a text from a student earlier saying "Not happy with tonight's SCD leaver", and a few students grumbling in classes earlier, so I'm guessing it's going to be Jimi unfortunately going home.

Time to find out...

...Jimi & Flavia will no longer be taking part - it will be interesting to see if the dance-off is reintroduced next year...?

Jimi can't even say his last words he's so upset.  Who would you have had leave tonight?

Michelle Williams & Brendan Cole - Waltz

Michelle is starting to develop into a more natural looking dancer.  Maybe needs to loosen up her back slightly, and needs to ensure she keeps her feet in contact with the floor during those pivots.  However I'm please to say that she is showing definite improvements and I'm glad that she was kept in last week to produce this.

Her best dance to date and I'm giving it a high 7.

Craig: 6 "I feel like [Brendan] is really forcing you into certain positions...wasn't bad but wasn't good."
Len: 8 "I thought it was good...straight into the dance, no messing around"
Alisha: 8
Bruno: 8 "Better frame...better movement...superglued to Brendan"

Total Score: 30 (and her highest score)

Michelle Williams & Brendan Cole - Jive

Liking Brendan's Time Warp costume.  Finally a dance that does seem to suit Michelle though it's a little too much 'Time Warp' and not enough Jive for my liking, obviously Brendan trying to cover up her dancing shortcomings.

Only a 6 from me I'm afraid.

Craig: 7 "Lobotomised...in a good way...because I'm from a theatrical background I loved it."
Len: 6 "I'm from a ballroom background...bitterly disappointed...last 3/4's were all time warp" [Brendan goes mental]
Alisha: 8 "Highly entertaining...you're both barking mad"
Bruno: 8 "What were you on...I actually loved it...nothing to do with technique"

Total Score: 29

It Takes Two - Tuesday 26th October

On today's show: Michelle, Ian & Brendan; Karen Hardy Choreography Corner; Pamela & James; Gavin & Katya.

So first up are Michelle & Ian, fresh from their bottom two finish on Saturday night, joined by Brendan Cole back from his father's funeral.  Brendan reveals that he felt a little jealous watching Michelle dancing with Ian on Saturday night.

Ian felt nervous about the responsibility of making sure that Michelle made it through to the next week so that she could go back to dancing with Brendan.

Michelle has the Jive this weekend, I'm guessing it's going to be a disaster and this could be the week Michelle goes, but I will have to wait to see the training videos to be sure.

I'm afraid I always skip past the "Out of the Glitterball" section so I can't tell you much about that.

Now onto Karen Hardy's Choreography Corner,

Karen reveals she likes the added extras and props, so long as it's not overboard and doesn't last too long. 

First for analysis is Felicity & Vincent: Looking at their floor spin with Felicity balanced on one leg.  Karen applauds the trust between them and also Felicity's flexibility.

Jimi & Flavia: Claudia felt they were undermarked.  Karen doesn't agree with Bruno that Jimi was out of time with his cane work and actually felt he was "masterful".

Matt & Aliona: a "brilliant" double cartwheel though Tina & Jared performed the same move slightly lighter.

Scott & Natalie: great "light and shade" in their dance, really using the music to express the dance.

Gavin & Katya: Gavin's strength in his legs allowed them to do a throwaway oversway all the way down to the ground, when they could've done a much easier movement.

Ann & Anton: Whilst everyone wants to talk about the "flying hippo" Karen concentrates on the outside swivels and her basics and body contact, something Ann is improving at.

Patsy & Robin: "Great Charleston, classic".  She doesn't need any gimmicks or gizmos.

Pamela & James

Pamela reveals she wasn't worried about the score itself, but rather James' reaction to it.  James wasn't disappointed by the scores as apparently in training they'd only managed to get through it once out of three attempts.

Also it appears that this was the first Tango that James has performed on Strictly.  This weekend they will be dancing the Jive and I look forward to seeing their training.

Gavin & Katya,

Gavin is a bit of a mixed bag for me, some weeks he seems to be really developing and then one thing, like the slip at the start on Saturday, throws him back into himself.

It looks like Gavin will be the first person this series to visit an acting coach and let's hope this increases his confidence.

Personally I don't tend to touch my hair after I first do it in the morning so I can't quite understand the fascination, though I must admit his hair is looking quite good today!

They have Paso Doble this weekend, which requires even more acting than the Tango so if Gavin doesn't start coming out of his shell this could be another poor performing week.

I'll update tomorrow with some of the training videos, and I might actually be able to do that one live this week!

Strictly Come Dancing - Sunday 17th October Results

Ok I know it's a bit late, and most of you already know the results of the show, but I'll blog about it anyway. 

From watching the show on Saturday night I predicted Michelle would have the lowest audience votes and would be going home, but I also suggested on our Facebook page that Paul Daniels would be the one joining her in the bottom two - I just think Ann will take the votes from Paul.

The show opens with the professionals dancing a Charleston, a high energy and entertaining routine and one which Jared actually starts to look at home performing.  The pattern seems to be that the celebs perform the featured dance the following week which brings the Charleston forward from last year's end of series.

There's a recap of Saturday night, along with judges backstage comments and celeb reactions.

I'm not keen on the stretching out of the eliminations, and the lack of a dance-off could seriously backfire as the series progresses, have the producers forgotten that they introduced the dance-off after DJ Spoony was unfortunate to receive an early dismissal belying his potential.

First four safe couples are: Ann & Anton; Pamela & James; Peter & Erin; Patsy & Robin (Patsy looks like she's about to faint!)

Craig gives Ann advice of literally "Dance, better".
Len is relieved that he won't have to show his bum in Tesco now that Peter is not in the bottom two.

Next is Tango Unleashed (choreographed by Flavia and receiving rave reviews on Twitter).  It starts with Flavia in the middle of the floor attached to four straps that are used to drag her round the floor before she's eventually unhooked and starts dancing with first Vincent, then James, Robin and finally Artem (after Robin throws her over his head into Artem's arms, impressive to say the least!)  James lifts Flavia up in his arms above his head and throws her into the other three dancer's arms.

It's an amazing performing, the furthest from a traditional Tango we've ever seen on Strictly, but as a performance it's great to watch.

A brief chat to the celebs who are safe so far then back to the lineup; next safe are: Jimi & Flavia; Matt & Aliona; Kara & Artem.  First in the bottom two is Paul & Ola.

Alisha offers all of them good luck
Bruno consults his crystal ball, and thinks Jimi overdid his performance, looking forced and preventing his talent coming through.

Claudia then talks to Paul & Ola, Paul agrees with the public's decision to put him in the bottom two.  He'd rather he went home rather than anyone else in the competition.

Peter Andre then pops up to perform his new single, not quite my thing so I skip through it and then it's back to find out who else is in the bottom two.  Safe and going forward to next week are: Scott & Natalie; Felicity & Vincent; Gavin & Katya - putting Michelle & Brendan into the bottom two.

A VT then from those in the bottom two as to how much they want to stay in.  Out of the two obviously Paul deserves to go and with a dance-off this would be elementary, but how has the public voted?

The couple leaving this week are Paul & Ola.  A shame for last year's champion but she wouldn't have lasted much longer with Paul as a partner.  No offence Paul but you were always going to struggle.

Paul tells Ola she's welcome round anytime (even if Debbie's not at home).

So that's week 2, better move onto my It Takes Two reviews!

Michelle Williams & Brendan Cole - Cha Cha Cha

We didn't really see much of Michelle's dancing during the training videos so will be interesting to see what Brendan has come up with.

Interesting to see them starting on the new bridge...though I have no idea what Michelle is wearing!  I feel Michelle looks a little brittle and could do with straightening the knees more.  There was energy there but it just seemed a little messy.

I'm going to say a 6, but with potential for improvement.

Craig: 5
Len: 6
Alisha: 7
Bruno: 6

Total Score: 24

I know why they've brought Alisha in for a specific reason, but dancing know-how it ain't!  No offence to Michelle but that performance was not worth a 7.

Strictly Come Dancing Training Clips - Wk 1

So it's been a week since the couples were announced in the launch show and the BBC have released a few Strictly Come Dancing training videos to wet our appetites.

First up, Michelle Williams & Brendan Cole



Well they certainly look like they're having fun and I think with a bit of hard work Michelle could produce some exciting dancing - I think Cha Cha Cha will prove to be a good first dance for them.

Next up, Goldie & Kristina Rihanoff



Didn't really get to see any dancing in this clip, well at least not enough Cha Cha to make a judgement, but I'm concerned that Goldie doesn't appear to be taking the initial training as seriously as he could do, but time will tell.

The next couple to have a training video released are Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani, one of my tipped celebrities based on the launch show but will I feel the same after seeing their training video?



I still think Matt shows a lot of potential, though his hands concern me a little bit - they're not masculine enough for my liking at present, a little too bent at the wrist at the moment and I think that's something Len will pick up on too.

All in all it's looking pretty good so far though.

Now for some magic from Paul Daniels & Ola Jordan



Apart from being a little freaked out that Paul looks like an older version of my Uncle David, I was impressed with Ola's methodology for teaching Paul.

Unfortunately I do think Paul has got his work cut out if he wants to survive, a Waltz would've been more kind as his first dance!

Our final couple's training video this week comes from Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe,



Natalie must be hoping to go one better this year and actually win the competition, but let's try and get through week one first.

Scott is looking ok at the moment, though I'm not quite sure on the turn-ups! However it is definitely showing some promise.


I for one can't wait for Strictly Come Dancing to start as I think there are definitely some interesting partnerships ready to develop. I can't say I've developed a favourite yet, it really is too early in their training to call, but is there someone you're rooting for?

Learn To Dance Newsletter - 01.06.2010

In this newsletter: Brendan Cole: Live and Unjudged; June and July private lessons; Practice on June 25^th; any questions just contact us. 

 

Brendan Cole: Live and Unjudged

Brendan Cole will be at New Theatre Oxford at 19.30 on Thursday 10^th June bringing his live show to the stage.
As there’s no classes that week we thought we’d arrange a trip to go and watch the show.  Tickets start at £32 including booking fees. They have said that they'd be happy to sign autographs for our students afterwards.
If you’re interested in attending please let us know asap, the New Oxford Theatre is around an hour away by car but if there’s enough people interested we might look at hiring a minibus/coach.

Private Lessons

Private lessons cost £35 for 45 minutes (for an individual or couple), or a special price for 6 lessons of £200, and I have the following slots available at present:

June		July
Date	Time	Date	Time
Tue 1st	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00 21.45	Fri 2nd	10.15
Fri 4th	10.15
Sun 6th	11.15 12.00	Sun 4th	10.30 11.15
Tue 15th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00 17.45 20.15 21.45	Tue 6th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 21.45
Wed 16th	14.00 14.45	Wed 7th	14.00 14.45
Fri 18th	10.15 11.00 11.45 12.30	Fri 9th	10.15 12.30
Sun 20th	12.00 12.45	Sun 11th	10.30 11.15 12.00 12.45
Tue 22nd	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00	Tue 13th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 20.15 21.45
Wed 23rd	14.00 14.45	Wed 14th	14.00 14.45
Fri 25th	10.15 12.30	Fri 16th	13.30
Tue 29th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00	Sun 18th	17.15
Wed 30th	14.00 14.45	Tue 20th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 20.15 21.45
		Wed 21st	14.00 14.45
		Fri 23rd	10.15 12.30

Please let me know if you would like to book any of the above private lessons as slots tend to go very quickly.  Please note that 1 weeks notice will be required for any cancellation of private lessons or a £10 charge is payable, if less than 48 hours notice is given then full lesson cost is due.  We reserve the right to cancel lessons if we deem this necessary, or circumstances arise that are outside of our control.
All private lessons take place at the Eton Wick Village Hall, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, SL4 6LT.

 

Practice Night

Our practice nights take place on Friday 25th June & 9th July at The Baldwin Institute Hall, Eton Court, Eton, SL4 6BQ.
The practice starts at 8.30pm and costs £6 per person (£5 if you pay in advance).  The session lasts for 2 ½ hours and is a chance for you to come along and dance as much or as little as you like.
Please feel free to bring your own food and drink (alcoholic or non).

Contact Us

If you need any further information, or to book, please feel free to email me back or call me on 07736 272225.
Thanks,

Antony Holeksa

Learn To Dance

p: 07736 272225

w: www.want-to-dance.co.uk

e: info@want-to-dance.co.uk

fb: http://facebook.com/learndance

tw: http://twitter.com/learndance

Learn To Dance Newsletter - 24.05.2010

In this newsletter: Brendan Cole: Live and Unjudged; May, June and July private lessons; Practice on May 28^th; any questions just contact us. 

 

Brendan Cole: Live and Unjudged

Brendan Cole will be at New Theatre Oxford at 19.30 on Thursday 10^th June bringing his live show to the stage.
As there’s no classes that week we thought we’d arrange a trip to go and watch the show.  Tickets start at £32 including booking fees.
If you’re interested in attending please let us know asap, the New Oxford Theatre is around an hour away by car but if there’s enough people interested we might look at hiring a minibus/coach.

Private Lessons

Private lessons cost £35 for 45 minutes (for an individual or couple), or a special price for 6 lessons of £200, and I have the following slots available at present:

May		June		July
Date	Time	Date	Time	Date	Time
Tue 25th	21.45	Tue 1st	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00 21.45	Fri 2nd	10.30
Fri 28th	10.15 11.00 11.45 12.30	Sun 6th	11.15 12.00	Sun 4th	10.30 11.15
Sun 30th	10.30 11.15	Tue 15th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00 17.45 21.45	Tue 6th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 21.45
		Wed 16th	14.00 14.45	Wed 7th	14.00 14.45
		Fri 18th	10.15 11.00 11.45 12.30	Fri 9th	10.15 12.30
		Sun 20th	12.00 12.45	Sun 11th	10.30 11.15 12.00 12.45
		Tue 22nd	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00 21.45	Tue 13th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 21.45
		Wed 23rd	14.00 14.45	Wed 14th	14.00 14.45
		Fri 25th	10.15 12.30	Fri 16th	13.30
		Tue 29th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00 21.00 21.45	Sun 18th	10.30 11.15 17.15
		Wed 30th	14.00 14.45	Tue 20th	14.00 14.45 15.30 16.15 17.00 17.45 21.45
				Wed 21st	14.00 14.45
				Fri 23rd	10.15 12.30

Please let me know if you would like to book any of the above private lessons as slots tend to go very quickly.  Please note that 1 weeks notice will be required for any cancellation of private lessons or a £10 charge is payable, if less than 48 hours notice is given then full lesson cost is due.  We reserve the right to cancel lessons if we deem this necessary, or circumstances arise that are outside of our control.
All private lessons take place at the Eton Wick Village Hall, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, SL4 6LT.

 

Practice Night

Our practice nights take place on Friday, 28th May, 25th June, 9th July at The Baldwin Institute Hall, Eton Court, Eton, SL4 6BQ.
The practice starts at 8.30pm and costs £6 per person (£5 if you pay in advance).  The session lasts for 2 ½ hours and is a chance for you to come along and dance as much or as little as you like.
Please feel free to bring your own food and drink (alcoholic or non).

Contact Us

If you need any further information, or to book, please feel free to email me back or call me on 07736 272225.
Thanks,

Antony Holeksa

Learn To Dance

p: 07736 272225

w: www.want-to-dance.co.uk

e: info@want-to-dance.co.uk

fb: http://facebook.com/learndance

tw: http://twitter.com/learndance