Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace - Salsa

Well Russell's certainly not shy, but his initial hip rolls are pretty awful, better once they start dancing.  Needs to try and use the floor more and I worry that it's lacking a little of the impact that he brought last week.

Some nice movements in there but yet another proof that you shouldn't be mucking around with props.

Only a 5 from me this week, not as entertaining as last week I'm afraid.

Craig: 6 "It wasn't without flaws...dancing queen you were tonight definitely"
Len: 6 "What it lacked in technique and content it made up for in fun"
Alesha: 6 "You are adorable...clearly having the time of your life"
Bruno: 7 "Finish the show on a high"

Total Score: 25

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

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.

Strictly Teaser Video - Russell Grant

Russell Grant's Teaser Video

Strictly Teaser - Dan Lobb

Dan Lobb's Teaser Video

(If the 'running man' is anything to go by then Katya still has a bit of work to do!)

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?

Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace - Quickstep

I'm hoping their performance in front of his daughter's school was early on in training, as it did look pretty awful!

Thankfully that does seem to be the case.  Again a little too much faffing about at the start (as Len would put it) but once they get going it's fast-paced and intricate.  Jimi needs to take a look at his right hand on Flavia's back though as it's a little high and his fingers are spread like a bunch of bananas (to coin a phrase of Craig's).

Looks a little laboured in the final third which is a shame but I'm going to give it an 8.

Craig: 7 "You went very pigeon-toed in the grapevine...elevate more onto the balls of the feet [cue enraged interruption from Bruno]...you know what, I really like it"
Len: 8 "Bright, breezy...light...[I'd like] cleaner in your hold and a little bit sharper in your feet...best dance"
Alisha: 8 "Not perfect but getting there"
Bruno: 9 "Slick...polished...best performance to date" [Jimi's eyebrows go mental at this point]

Total Score: 32

Finally the judges and I start to agree!

Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace - Paso Doble

Jimi looks positively freaky.  A little laboured in the pivots and he needs to pick his feet up a little less to make it less stompy.  Some great movements though and the lift using the cape is great to watch.

Definitely Jimi's best dance I would say and I'm going to give him an 8.

Craig: 7 "Loved the shapes you were knocking out"
Len: 7 "Once you got onto that floor...lovely shapings...lovely lift using the cape...wafting [the cape] got on my wick"
Alisha: 8 "The drama, the passion...believable and fantastic"
Bruno: 8 "You dance better as the living dead than you ever have"

Total Score: 30

It Takes Two - Thursday 28th October

On Wednesday's show: Patsy & Robin; Jimi & Flavia; Lisa Snowdon on costumes.

Doing the Viennese Waltz this week will be Felicity Kendal and Scott Maslen.  Felicity will be doing the splits again and Scott has the [man]flu.

Michelle Williams took a tumble in her Jive training but will compete on Saturday, joining her will be Pamela & James (I hope she has her hair in ponytails for the show) and Patsy & Robin (Robin's been working her hard to try and avoid the stamina loss we saw in the Charleston on Saturday).

Speaking of Patsy & Robin,

It was Robin's idea for Patsy to wear the wig, though she took a bit of convincing.  Patsy definitely felt the burn of the Charleston by the end of their performance and Robin's been working her so hard that she's had to start taking pillows to training so that she can snooze in the corner.

Robin made Patsy do their Jive 12 times in a row during training to really build her stamina up, let's hope it pays off.

Costume analysis from Lisa Snowdon and a designer called Jessica,

I was going to blog about their comments on the dresses, but aside from my witch halloween outfit (complete with tights!) I can't say any of it interests me, I recommend iPlayer if you want to know more.

Though Tina's outfit of pleather (a combination of plastic and synthetic leather) looks like it could be interesting.

Very Sandy & Danny!  Joining her with Argentine Tango this week is Matt & Aliona

Paso Doble will be performed by Gavin, Kara, Jimi & Ann.  Anton is flinging Ann...twice; Gavin looks like he's stretching in the gym rather than taunting a bull; Kara and Artem are starting to fight in training as the pressure of the training starts to get to them; Jimi & Flavia have been concentrating on technique.

Jimi & Flavia,

Flavia felt they were undermarked, but doesn't seem to want to talk about it.  She's been punishing Jimi with a cane, I must admit I've used similar tactics with some of my students!

They've worked hard on the technique and are both excited and looking forward to Saturday.

Now to watch Fridays before getting myself ready to watch the Halloween special.

Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace - Charleston

I'm liking the energy, though I'm not sure about Jimi's cartwheel and some of the moves I think Jimi is cutting short due to the speed of the routine.

An entertaining routine but I do feel the whole thing just felt a little clipped at times.  I'm going to give it a 7.

Judges comments and scores:

Craig: 6 "Straighten legs and point your feet when you do a cartwheel...arms and hands...didn't go well"
Len: 7 "You really went for it...great entertainment...try and swivel...not sure about the windows [stage props]"
Alisha: 7 "It wasn't technically perfect...great opener to the show"
Bruno: 7 "Once you got going you really went into character...lost timing...speed was such, you kinda lost sync"

Total Score: 27

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!

Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace - Cha Cha Cha

One of my front runners based on the training videos, let's see if he can live up to my expectations.

Bit of a strange shirt choice, looks a little too big for Jimi and does nothing for his movement.  He can certainly move but I'm not happy with his hands and I think his shoulders need to be looked at.  Overall I'm a little bit disappointed but it wasn't a bad performance.

I think he will probably get 7's though.

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

Total Score: 26

Strictly Come Dancing Training Clips - Wk 2 (part 2)

So the BBC decide to be cheeky and release another training video from Strictly Come Dancing just as I'm posting my final revision to the week 2 summary.  Thought I may as well start a new post for it.

Our surprise extra training video for week 2 is courtesy of Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace.  I've heard tell in the twittersphere that Jimi is a rumoured dark horse for the competition, let's see how the training is coming along.



Wow, Jimi has certainly got a terrific start with that hip action.  His Cha Cha Cha is definitely looking one of (if not the) most polished of the initial dances.  My only gripe is with his hand/arms out of hold.  They're a little too straight and rigid for my liking, he needs a bit more rotation from the shoulder and a bit of shaping in the fingers.  As I always say to my students though, if I'm being picky about little things then you're already doing it really well.

However Flavia has choreographed what looks like an amazing routine for their first dance and I'm really excited to see their performance.  Out of all the videos so far Jimi has just jumped straight to the top of my 'must keep an eye on' list!

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace's Fantasia Tour

Friday 5th March Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace are bringing their Fantasia Tour to The Centre, Farnham Road, Slough, Berkshire.

You can buy tickets at the discounted rate of £17.50pp (normally £25pp) if you order through us: http://www.want-to-dance.co.uk/socialevents.htm

Gethin Jones & Flavia Cacahe - American Smooth

So a new partnership for the Christmas Special, how will they perform together?

Doesn't really seem to be much chemistry between them, and I'm finding the performance a little stale, however the final lift drew some excited gasps from Emma's mother and sister.

Not a bad performance, but not as good as the others so far tonight so will have to say 8 I'm afraid.

The moment of truth, dance off, and result

Who stays, and who has to dance again?

Well done Ian for getting through!

So Phil gets public support, how about CK?

Out of those bottom 3 (Laila, Ricky Groves, Craig) I think Laila will be through...

Sorry CK but I think your time is definitely up now!

Good to see Ricky gets the arms correct this time, and dances better than earlier.

A better performance too from Craig but no question that it's his swan song and i'm predicting a 4-0 form the judges.

4-0 it is. Craig got his dream of getting to Blackpool but it would've been a travesty if he had got any further.

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Cha Cha

It was Craig's dream to make it to Blackpool, and I think people voted for him because of that, but I don't think you're going to make it any further. Let's hope you prove me wrong with a good performance tonight!

At least you're enjoying yourself Craig, you look like a little kid in a toy shop - especially when you're on your knees looking up at Flavia.

Entertaining, for all the wrong reasons, and pretty poor I'm afraid.

You'll be lucky to get 6's.

Woah, that's quite a bitchy comment from Alesha there, she didn't need to be quite so harsh. Brucie makes Craig his 2nd favourite.

Judges scores: CRH 3, LG 5, AD 4, BT 5.

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Waltz

Craig is hoping to make it to Blackpool next week, but has thus far not managed to impress the judges with his attempts - will the Waltz be any better?

Craig's frame is vastly improved on his previous attempts at ballroom, and actually is one of the best frames I've seen from any of the celebrity males this year.

Ok the dance lost it in places but I think it's his best dance so far.

He should achieve 7's.

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Samba

Craig hasn't really managed a good Latin dance so far in the competition, and unfortunately I don't think Samba is going to be any different.

A very timid performance and lacking in the drive and energy normally expected in a Samba, though Craig does appear to be enjoying himself.

A few mistakes, and a lack of hip action will see this being lucky to get 6's I think.

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Jive

Before I get onto Craig and Flavia's dance, I don't agree with Ricky's being a 10 Alesha, at least not if you haven't marked Jade's a 10 too!

Anyway, can Craig overcome yet another dance-off confidence shaker?

Interesting outfit Flavia...

Definitely energetic, though it looks a little loose, lacking in control and Craig's a bit ahead of the music.

Very stompy in the chasses.

Still think 6's.