Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff - Cha Cha Cha

I've often considered acquiring a neck brace to torture my students with, Jason's performance tonight may make my mind up for me.

Russell may have performed 'the campest Cha Cha Strictly's ever seen' but Jason wouldn't be far behind after that start.  Some nice hip action though, but he does get out of step on his Natural Top.  His backward locks could be a bit softer but there's a lot of energy there and a very good first dance.

I'm going to give him a 7.

Craig: 8 "Bonsa, beauty" and a few other Aussie phrases that I couldn't quite understand!
Len: 8 "Best dance of the night"
Alesha: 8 "Fantastic"
Bruno: 8 "Jason Donovan is in Cha Cha Charge...now Strictly's in business"

Total Score: 32

So top score of the weekend, don't quite agree with it myself but Jason has definitely come out of the blocks flying.

Edwina Currie & Vincent Simone - Cha Cha Cha

Edwina had quite a good hip action developing in training so I hope to see more of that tonight, not sure on the outfit they've put her in though.

She needs to avoid picking her feet up quite so dramatically, and the floor spin for Vincent is definitely a departure.  A lot of repetition in the routine which is a shame.  It's a little bit forced at times but you can't compare her to Ann Widdecombe thankfully.

It was fun but only a 5 from me I'm afraid.

Craig: 2
Len: 5 "Great fun and you danced it with full-on confidence"
Alesha: 5 "Pitched that perfectly...actually quite a good bit of rhythm"
Bruno: 5 "The old cougar got to dance with the toy boy...bit flat footed and messy, but fun"

Total Score: 17

Alex Jones & James Jordan - Cha Cha Cha

So no explanation for the change in dance order, maybe the BBC just decided they fancied a change (Alex and James were originally scheduled to dance last night but were swapped with Holly and Artem at the last minute)?

Not sure on the 'sexy' start, doesn't strike me as Alex's personality and actually this routine's start shares a lot with James' Rumba routine with Cherie Lunghi (only notice because I recently helped a wedding couple recreate it for their first dance).

Alex's leg action doesn't look as sharp as it could be and she's taking too big a step for my liking, there's also a bit too much of her standing around rather than dancing.  Just a 6 from me.

Craig: 4 "One foot should remain on the floor at all times...looked incongruous...very starchy, very stiff"
Len: 6 "Parts that were really good...few that were nearly good...first time out, excellent job"
Alesha: 6 "I thought it was fun and flirty...got the package, just got to really believe in you"
Bruno: 6 "Believe in yourself, go for it all the way"

Total Score: 22

Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani - Cha Cha Cha

Harry's the only celebrity competitor with prior Strictly experience, but Paso is completely different from Cha Cha so I don't think it's a massive advantage.

I'm liking this Argentine Tango inspired start, Harry's definitely looking good and it's a massive improvement over any of Friday's Cha Cha's.

A bit too much 'arm on the waistcoat' positioning, obviously he wasn't confident having his arms out, or Aliona decided he really didn't look good doing it.

Harry suffers from the same ailment as the girls from last night, spending a bit too much time looking at the floor.  Hips are a little rigid but leg placement and sharpness is good, I can see why the bookies have Harry down as the favourite.

A very good Cha Cha from Harry.  I'd like to see a bit more from his arms and hips so not quite an 8 for me but definitely a 7.

Craig: 6 "For me too placed, too clean, too straight...lacked any real forward and back hip action"
Len: 7 "Little bit mechanical but I'll tell you what...good you are"
Alesha: 8 "I love how focused you were...working the sexy, seductive look...Latin really suits you"
Bruno: 7 "Very fit, tight, muscular & masculine performance...could be a little bit more sinuous"

Total Score: 28

A much more realistic 8 this time Alesha

Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace - Cha Cha Cha

I wonder if all of Russell's songs will be astronomically based...?

A surprisingly good start from Russell with good rhythm and hip action and definitely some sass (though that's normally expected from the girl Russell!)

Needs to be a little less violent with his arm placements in the New Yorks, and he looks a little puffed out though that's purely because he's putting so much energy into it.

I'm actually rather impressed with his Cha Cha, much better than I was expecting!  I don't quite know how to mark this one, a lot more energy than any of the other Cha Cha's but can I really give it a 7...I'm going to cheat and say 6.5!

Craig: 4 "definitely the birth of something...certainly wasn't Venus"
Len: 5 "don't worry about Robbie Savage and Audley, this is macho!"
Alesha: 6 "let's go clubbing together...he's the man to get the party going"
Bruno: 6 "it's like watching Frankie Howard doing banarama...couldn't be camper if you tried"

Total Score: 21

Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan - Cha Cha Cha

Robbie looked to struggle with the Cha Cha in training and a hoodie outfit doesn't fill me with the greatest of confidence...surely that should have been in Audley's outfit?!

It's started more like a Paso Doble than a Cha Cha and like a lot of Ola's routines seems to consist of the guy standing there whilst she dances around him, but I can't blame her.

Needs to make is Cha Cha action smaller and not stomp quite so much.  Didn't really feel like a 'cheeky' Cha Cha and probably just a 5 for me.

Scores:

Craig: 2 "All about a look...absolutely no dancing...standing there with Ola dancing round you isn't what I'd call a Cha Cha Cha"
Len: 6 "was a tendency for you to stand there...came out with plenty of attack"
Alesha: 6 "'A' for effort...lot of room for potential growth"
Bruno: 5 "Robbie, you savage...left the Cha Cha completely ravaged...got to put the dancing in"

Total Score: 19

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

Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev - Cha Cha Cha

As Holly says in her intro, she's dancing with last year's winner so there's definitely a lot of pressure there.  Holly's not looking too bad in training so let's see how the performance goes.

I'd like to see a bit more hip action and a little less posing, Holly also needs to keep her eyes up and stop looking at the floor.

It kind of feels a little lacklustre at times and Holly needs to keep her posture upright.  I can't say the performance was too bad, but neither did it excite me - there didn't seem to be a lot of variety in the routine.

For me I'm going to say a 6 but she does have potential.


Len "It's not the best first dance I've ever seen, but I'll tell you what, it was close"

Craig: 6 "Sharper arm placement...flexed knees throughout...lacked hip action"
Len: 7 "Could have been crisper...leg's need to straighten more"
Alesha: 8 "You are a very good dancer...technique is already at a very high standard"
Bruno: 7 "Flowingly sensuous...needs more bite...go for it because you've got it"

Total 28

As usual I seem to side more with Craig than the other judges, but then students always call me 'bad cop' so I suppose they must be right.

Holly can definitely improve from here but too early for 8's I would say Alesha.

Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace - Strictly Training Video

Oh dear is all I can say, based on the screen shot, let's see if the video makes it any better.

Unfortunately it looks like Russell is definitely the weakest of the opening competitors, but then I don't think Cha Cha was the easiest one for him to be given first.  We'll just have to see how he performs on the night but I think he's going to have an uphill struggle.

Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev - Strictly Training Video

Thought I better get the last few training videos up asap before the show starts at 9pm tonight.  First up tonight is Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev with their Cha Cha Cha.

Holly has a nice hip and arm action developing but I haven't seen enough of the dancing in this video to make a judgement, however they will be dancing tonight so we'll get to see the result soon enough.

Alex Jones & James Jordan - Strictly Training Video

10 rehearsal videos down, 4 to go.  Yesterday's video was Alex Jones and James Jordan with their Cha Cha Cha training.

We don't really see much of the training in this video, so it's hard to judge how's she's coming along.  The arms still need a lot of work and she's far too rigid at the moment, but we'll have to wait till the live show on Friday (or Saturday) to see how she fares.

Strictly Training Video - Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani

Monday's training diary features Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani and the Cha Cha Cha.  There has been some controversy recently with The Daily Star suggesting that this year's Strictly was fixed for Harry to win.  Whilst I admit that a bit of previous training will definitely help, the Paso Doble is unlike any of the dances they will be covering in the early weeks.  Also, no offence Harry, but it wasn't the greatest Paso Doble I've ever seen - but then what can be expected from the much shorter training schedule there would of been for Children in Need.

Every dance has it's own variations and peculiarities that make it very difficult to have a 'one size fits all' mentality in the technique department. To be honest Harry is more likely to be kept in by McFly fans than by any secret BBC plot, and if he isn't well that's just the way Strictly works.

Anyway, on to analysing the dance!

There are definitely some elements that are already looking sharp (but given that it's the week of the competition I would hope it was starting to come together by now).  He does need to work on the free arm though and try and make it a bit more natural in its movement.

Harry is looking good so far, but there's still work to do there.

Strictly Training Video - Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan

Another training video, another Cha Cha Cha, this time it's Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan.

He's definitely going to have to work on the 'masculine' aspect of the dance, and needs to try to avoid bouncing/skipping during his forward locks.  You want to try and keep your top-half level and allow the straightening and bending of the legs to create the hip action.

I need to see more of them in action to make a judgement, but I would say there's still quite a bit of work required - try to loosen up Robbie and let go!

Strictly Training Video - Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff

 

Jason openly admitted on the launch show that the reason you see him singing mainly with a guitar is that he can't dance. Kristina could have her work cut out here then.

As I mentioned in the launch show Jason will need to work more on his arm presentation, but he's concentrating  more on getting the feet right first so I suppose I'll let him off.   As with Edwina though he needs to make sure that he doesn't over do his hips, the hip action should come from the footwork - don't try and actually move the hips.

Kristina has an interesting way of counting the Cha Cha Cha (1, 2, 3, Cha Cha), I can see the benefit in some ways so maybe we'll experiment next time we cover it.

There's still a lot of work to do for Jason but I'll reserve judgement until more training footage comes through.

Strictly Training Video - Edwina Currie & Vincent Simone

Today's video then is Edwina Currie and Vincent Simone - Cha Cha Cha.

The return of Vincent, his eyebrows, and his ego! Then again I'm not really one to talk - students always ask whether I have trouble going through doors with my big head!

Edwina has quite a nice hip action developing, though she needs to work on not overdoing it and going outside of her body space, definitely looks like she's enjoying herself though.  Let's hope they don't put her in such a frumpy dress this time, the launch show was an awful outfit.

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.

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas - Cha Cha Cha

First time I've ever seen a Cha Cha Cha with a rugby ball prop.  Needs to keep his legs a little closer together in his forward and back rocks as it's just hampering his hip action a bit.  It's a strange combination of Rumba and Cha Cha but it's good to see Gavin smiling.

Showing improvement in areas but still a lot of work required. 7.

Craig: 5 "A little bit flat-footed but I can see you're trying to get onto the balls of your feet...knee spin was very very good"
Len: 8 "Tonight you were slick...dancer is emerging"
Alisha: 8 "Never seen you so happy, bring the rugby ball every week...outdanced Scott tonight."
Bruno: 8 "Alisha was panting...getting better every week"

Total Score: 29 (highest score to date)

Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor - Cha Cha Cha

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

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

For me just a 6 this week I'm afraid.

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

Total Score: 29

Strictly Get Dancing

There are a number of "Strictly Get Dancing" events taking place throughout the country in October and November.  Karen Hardy has choreographed a simple 20-step Cha Cha Cha routine for people to learn:



Personally it's not my cup of tea in a Cha Cha routine but if it gets people up and dancing who am I to complain.  I'd have thought Time Steps would have been easier rather though, that's how we start our under 10's off.

For something trying to encourage people with two left feet to get up and dance I think the music could have been quite a bit slower too.

Karen had the following to say though,

"Everybody can learn to dance, They can start at a young age and go right the way up to the other end of the scale. It doesn't matter, the great thing about dancing is that it's in everybody. We get those excuses I've got two left feet" - it's rubbish!. Some people take a little bit longer than others but it's easy, just get up and have a go and before you know it - you'll be dancing!. What encouragement or advice can i give you about learning to dance? it's quite simple, in every town, every city there is a community or church hall or places where you can learn to dance. The Strictly Get Dancing routine has been made so simple - 20 easy steps, most of them repeated and you can even dance them in a box! I've Imagined you in nightclubs, at school with your friends in a gym even out in a beautiful park. These steps are so simple I want the whole nation up and shaking their hips around - its so easy but unless you have a go, you'll never know!"

In case you want to see the steps and take your time with them you can see all 20 movements below

Details of where the events are being held, and how to apply for the London event can be found here.

Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Cha Cha Cha

The tipped 'hot couple' there should be lots of chemistry there, and Artem impressed me in the training videos so I'm expecting great things, even if there is a dominatrix theme apparently going on there.

A fall there from Kara, I hope she hasn't injured herself,  she does look in a lot of pain.  Good to see that Artem has worked on her arms and they look a lot better.  She needs to keep her neck straighter, she seems to be sticking her chin a bit forward near the end.

A good performance though and I think she'll get 7's.

Craig: 7
Len: 8
Alisha: 8
Bruno: 7

Total Score: 30