Strictly Come Dancing Week 3

Ok due to our Bournemouth Dance Weekend this weekend I've had to save the blogging until today.  Rather than inundating everyone with posts I'm just going to do it in one long one instead.

This week is Broadway week, why? I don't know but I suppose they feel the need to have some form of gimmick to keep the public interested.

We missed the live show as we were having a masquerade ball, but the wonders of modern technology allowed us to hook my laptop up to the hotel's TV, fire up iplayer using the hotel's free wifi, and have all our students sit down with us to watch the show.

In between each dance we had a quick run round for scores, really wish we'd written them down as it would've been great to compare.

It did mean we were all up until gone 1am but it was fun to watch with them.

On to the show itself, up first were Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev with their Tango...or is it Argentine Tango?

In Chicago they perform more of an Argentine Tango so at first that's what I was expecting from this routine, however they have gone for a Ballroom Tango with Argentine flavour.

A good start from Holly, definitely getting the Chicago feel but seems a little messy once she actually gets into hold.

Manages to unhook her dress almost discreetly so that was well done but the actual Tango element of the dance was very uninspiring, just a 6 from me.

Craig: 7 "Liked the strong bold storytelling...[would like to see] cleaner and sharper finishing lines"
Len: 8 "Be still my beating heart, full of smouldering intensity...great start and great dance"
Alesha: 7 "One of my favourite musicals...definitely sexy...stunning lines...hoping it would be a little more feisty"
Bruno: 8 "You got me going, I want to be a criminal...there was an incident...lost a bit of balance"

Total Score: 30 - overmarked if you ask me I'm afraid, the Tango was very messy when in hold

Dan Lobb & Katya Virshilas Viennese Waltz

I didn't like their Salsa last week, there was too much concentrating on lifts and not enough actual dancing, let's hope it's more of a dance this week.

LOVE QUEEN!

Not a fan of the fingers Dan.  Nice start but the side-by-side section doesn't work for me, and the contra check is all bum.

A very nice frame at times, though he starts to lean further forward as the dance progresses and the pivots section was awful.

I'd have preferred more dancing and less attempts at storytelling, it was ok but again just going to give it a 6.

Craig: 5 "You have an awkward nature about you generally...you don't dance between steps"
Len: 7 "I thought your frame was good, your footwork overall was good...not the greatest 'actor' of a dance"
Alesha: 6 "Generally you move well around the floor...would have preferred more fluidity in your movement"
Bruno: 6 "You didn't really capture the spirit of the song for me"

Total Score: 24, about right for me but has potential

Anita Dobson & Robin Windsor Jive

Anita has a tendency to hunch over and this really ruins the look for me, there is a possibility that she may have been a bit of a Jiver when she was younger and that would explain the slightly hunched posture.

However she is flat footed which just removes any 'bounce' feeling from the dance.  Latin really isn't working for Anita at present, which is a shame as her actual performance of the character is excellent.

Has a tendency to dance Latin with permanently bent knees which will need looking at.

Disappointing but with plenty of energy so I'm going to give her a 6.

Craig: 6 "All too loose...technically I thought it was very messy
Len: 7 "Fun, energetic, entertaining"
Alesha: 7 "Came out and performed it...entertaining...lit up the room"
Bruno: 7 "Your performance level is always great...have to be a little bit sharper...bit more precise and cleaner"

Total Score: 27

Alex Jones & James Jordan Viennese Waltz

Lovely extensions to start and Alex is mirroring James perfectly, Alex can definitely do elegance.

It's a bit slow for my liking, I'd have preferred the tempo of the music to be just a little bit quicker, but the comparison of this Viennese to Dan's should show anyone where he was going wrong - the pivots alone are a vast improvement.

A wonderfully romantic and elegant routine and most definitely her best dance so far.

Definitely an 8 from me.

Craig: 8 "Simple, uncomplicated...would have liked to have seen it be a little bit more daring...but I loved it"
Len: 8 "It was simple, but it was simply beautiful...tonight you're a winner"
Alesha: 8 "Absolutely beautiful...most improved dancer...elegant and dreamy"
Bruno: 8 "Those opening figures, it was like watching a magical bird spreading its wings"

Total Score: 32
 
Rory Bremner & Erin Boag Quickstep

Rory was another celebrity who's Salsa left a lot to be desired last week, how will his Quickstep go?

If Rory could just stand up a little straighter it would make the beginning section look a lot better however the initial Quickstep is looking rather good...until he goes past the camera and then see his posture - all bum and crouched over with the shoulders.

A few stumbles it looks like in places but actually not too bad a Quickstep, just a 7 for me but he's definitely showing improvement.

Craig: 7 "Leaning over Erin...posture isn't great...BUT it's full of style...panache"
Len: 8 "The right song, the right style, the right routine, YOUR best dance"
Alesha: 8 "You held the character of the dance from beginning to end...Quickstep is your dance"
Bruno: 8 "All the razzle and all the dazzle...just be careful with the trout pout"

Total Score: 31

Lulu & Brendan Cole Rumba

I'd like to see straighter legs when Lulu's walking but it's a good start, the cape and smoke definitely give the dance some atmosphere.

A nice drag across the floor, but WHY THE LIFT Brendan, ok I understand there's a real highlight in the music but there must have been other options that wouldn't have broken the rules.

Still a few moments when Lulu looked unsure and shaky but the dance on the whole was actually quite good.

A definite improvement, I'd like to see straighter legs and more hip action, and I have to knock off points for the lift so just a 7.

Craig: 5 "Illegal lifts will not be tolerated...playing with fire"
Len: 7 "You have to break eggs to make an omelette, and sometimes you have to break rules to make a routine complete"
Alesha: 7 "It was romantic and you played it with sensitivity"
Bruno: 7 "You missed a few passes...choreography was very difficult...otherwise very well done"

Total Score: 26

Nancy Dell'Olio & Anton Du Beke Tango

Nancy performed the chair section much better in the training video, but some nice straight legs at times.

Unfortunately she's needs to keep control of her head to avoid looking like a rag doll, Nancy also still has an element of 'stompiness' about her dancing.

Her best dance yet, but the only way really was up!  I think I'm going to give her a 6.

Craig: 4 "I don't know what Bruno was watching...plodding mule...heavy, no accents"
Len: 5 "It was so terrible last week anything would have been an improvement...lots of style but no substance"
Alesha: 5 "I like the intro, I like the drama...do need to strengthen your body from head to toe"
Bruno: 6 "Tempestuous temptress...much more content...actually looked like you can dance"

Total Score: 20

Audley Harrison & Natalie Lowe Quickstep

Not a fan of the start on the stage, and isn't that a lift also?!

Frame not too bad but still needs improvement, but Audley is again showing that he can be light on his feet.

I'd like to see an improvement in his use of heels, and it feels a little pedestrian at times, and they very nearly trip over right in front of the judges.

Not a bad performance but still needs a little polish, just a 6 for me.

Craig: 5 "Timing got out at the beginning...lot more energy [required]...much lighter than I'd expected"
Len: 6 "Up the top you are joyful and full of verve...from the waist down we've got to get better in the footwork"
Alesha: 6 "Lot's of good content in the routine...right attitude for this competition...need to work on those feet"
Bruno: 7 "I think you did incredibly well...feet the size of surfboards!...I think you did very well"

Total Score: 24

Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan Tango

A really good Foxtrot last week so I'm looking forward to seeing his Tango.

Needs to work more on his posture and really don't agree with the chair dance but he's got good characterisation.  Lacks a little bit of drive for my liking, and needs to keep his chin up.

Almost stumbles with Ola at the end, which would have been a dangerous situation for her.

A good Tango, compared to the others we've seen tonight, so I think I'll give him a 7.

Craig: 7 "Full of aggression...well done"
Len: 7 "Robbie the Savage attacks the Tango...full of attack and aggression...no one said it's easy"
Alesha: 8 "You should be proud...bundles of attitude and passion"
Bruno: 8 "Stronger and stronger"

Total Score: 30

Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace Foxtrot

Russell looks like he's trying to entice the camera but he's really giving the dancing a go, which is great to see.

Really looks like he's enjoying himself and it really makes his performances so enjoyable to watch, I couldn't help smiling on Saturday night, and I can't help smiling now.

I have no idea what his footwork was like but he's brought back the enjoyment I felt from the first week.  Think I'm going to have to give him a 7!

Craig: 6 "I would advise a more masculine approach...a little less Barbara darling and a bit more Rambo"
Len: 7 "You were like a little white cloud drifting across the floor, and your little yellow dickie was the sun...put the 'show' in showbiz"
Alesha: 7 "You are my guilty pleasure"
Bruno: 8 "Uplifting quality of blazing sunshine...I've enjoyed it so much"

Total Score: 28

Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff Tango

Well this looks a little camp for a Tango, and suddenly there's a roar on Jason's face...I don't know if I can take it seriously especially with the camp challenge section in front of the judges.

There was something I didn't like about this routine on Saturday night, but having watched it again I have no idea what it was.  Just watched a third time and it's his hunched over frame after the disco section.

Ignoring that though it's another fantastic performance and Jason's definitely coming out as the top contender at the moment.  Originally I gave this an 8 in front of the students but on second (and third) viewings I'm going to upgrade to a 9.

Craig: 9 "Stu-pen-dous"
Len: 9 "I'm going to call you the midwife because you keep delivering"
Alesha: 9 "Incredible Tango with a twist"
Bruno: 9 "Strong, powerful, aggressive...then camp as Christmas...Fan-tast-ic"

Total Score: 36

Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev Cha Cha Cha

Chelsee's hip action was a little bit lacking in the Salsa last week so I'm hoping they've worked on it some more for this Cha Cha.

We use Beggin' as one of the tracks in our Cha Cha playlist, it's a great track to dance to.

I feel Chelsee's hip action is a little bit forced, it should come more from what the feet are doing.  The whole routine just seems to be a little bit too frantic and complicated, something that I think Pasha needs to take into consideration, I know she's talented but you have to help her into the competition before she can shine.

Disappointing as I still think she's got a lot to offer but just a 7 from me.

Craig: 6 "Timing, energy and spirit absolutely fantastic...very hit and miss...too disco"
Len: 8 "Need to take more attention to detail...come out and give it some wellie!...Pasha you know what I'm saying"
Alesha: 8 "So close to being a great Cha Cha Cha...just need to tighten up on a few little things"
Bruno: 8 "Cha Cha is defined as cheeky, saucy, playful...you have all of that"

Total Score: 30

Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani Jive

Not really seeing a lot of Jive here, a lot of Grease disco dancing though Harry is performing the dance really well.

I'm never that happy with Aliona's routines, I think she's goes far too much for gimmicks when she could instead be really showing off what Harry is capable of.

He's a good dancer, but this wasn't a good Jive as there really wasn't any Jive there really to mark on.

Not sure how to mark it so I'm going to abstain on this one and see what the judges thought.

Craig: 8 "You have FINALLY arrived"
Len: 8 "Sharp kicks and flicks, great musicality...would have liked a little less messing about"
Alesha: 9 "A lot of messing about, but I liked it...so good to see you having fun and letting go"
Bruno: 8 "Action packed expression of youth...a very good performance"

Total Score: 33, I'd like the judges to be a little harsher with routines that don't actually feature enough of the choreography of the dance!

Scoreboard

1. 36 points - Jason & Kristina (9)
2. 33 points - Harry & Aliona (-)
3. 32 points - Alex & James (8)
4. 31 points - Rory & Erin (7)
5. 30 points - Holly & Artem (6)
5. 30 points - Robbie & Ola (7)
5. 30 points - Chelsee & Pasha (7)
8. 28 points - Russell & Flavia (7)
9. 27 points - Anita & Robin (6)
10. 26 points - Lulu & Brendan (7)
11. 24 points - Dan & Katya (6)
11. 24 points - Audley & Natalie (6)
13. 20 points - Nancy & Anton (6)

So table is again fairly accurate, on Saturday night I predicted that Audley & Nancy could be in trouble.

Result

First group safe are as follows:

Audley & Natalie
Alex & James
Rory & Erin
Holly & Artem
Anita & Robin
Robbie & Ola


Whilst first in the bottom two are Dan & Katya.


Second group safe:


Lulu & Brendan
Harry & Aliona
Jason & Kristina
Russell & Flavia
Chelsee & Pasha


Meaning that Nancy & Anton join Dan & Katya in the bottom two.

If there was a dance off then I think Nancy would be going home but unfortunately that's not the case this series.

Going home then, if you haven't worked it out by the greyed out photo above, are Dan & Katya! 

Reflecting back on his highlight of being part of Strictly, Dan stated “Oh, dancing with Katya – it’s a wonderful opportunity to dance with somebody who works at the top of their profession, who is so talented.”

And Katya added, “I have loved every single moment of it. I loved my tennis lesson”. I shall cherish that. I didn’t get a chance to get up with you at 3:30am though!”

Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani - Foxtrot

Hands are a little splayed (as Craig would put it) which is a shame.  Needs to keep his head up and really stretch out in his frame but there's a great connection between them both...Emma wonders if they're both single...

A good performance let down by his frame - really work on stretching away from her Harry and you could be an excellent dancer.

A 7 from me.

Craig: 6 "You can dance, but Aliona you've got to sort his posture out"
Len: 6 "There was nothing great about it, but there was nothing terrible...chin is always down, lift up, stretch up"
Alesha: 8 "I think you move brilliantly...one of the best dancers in this competition...use the criticism"
Bruno: 7 "Something very, very special about Harry...strong, focused...gonna be fantastic"

Total Score: 27

Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot

Jason was top of the leader board last week, and the training midweek suggested he'll still be there this week, let's hope he lives up to it.

Not sure on the solo spin and a few picked up feet in his first feather step.  Needs to watch his shoulder line and the pivots are a little heavy.

I felt it looked better in training if I'm honest but a very good performance nonetheless. I felt he danced better last week but I'm still giving him a 7 this week.

Craig: 8 "Your head position needs attention, especially in the standing spin...classy, stylish, magnificent routine"
Len: 8 "Head could be a little bit to the left more...full of flair and personality...footwork mostly good"
Alesha: 9 "You are a real showman...in character even before the music started...seductive"
Bruno: 8 "So LA confidential...it's great to see"

Total Score: 33

Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

Almost a stumble at the beginning but other than that quite a good start.  Shame that it actually loses it a bit once they go into hold.

His eyeline's just a little too high, which a lot of the guys suffer from in the Ballroom, but he's definitely putting a lot into the performance.

It was still a little bit flat footed and he needs to make sure he brushes one leg past the other but otherwise a very impressive performance...think I might give this a 7!

Craig: 7 "Head placement needs sorting out...got to say that was showbiz...I loved it"
Len: 8 "You little beauty...the more you give, the more marks you get...you're going to get plenty"
Alesha: 7 "It's really good to see you smiling and enjoying yourself...keep going"
Bruno: 7 "Slick, confident, debonair, what a transformation"

Total Score: 29

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

Alex Jones & James Jordan - Foxtrot

This start feels a bit more Alex Jones rather than last weeks 'sexy'.  Frame is looking a lot better but she still picks that foot up :-(

Unfortunately I think the break in the middle ruins her frame which is a shame as it was actually a very good performance.

I'm going to give it a 7.

Craig: 6 "Pivots a little bit off-centre...ballroom definitely suits you more"
Len: 8 "Key to this competition, improve each week...and that's what you've done"
Alesha: 7 "You can dance, just got to believe it"
Bruno: 8 "Equally parts sophistication...sex appeal...careful, you lost the frame a couple of times"

Total Score: 29

Edwina Currie & Vincent Simone - Foxtrot

A much better dress this week, but a lot of 'faffing' about as Len would put it 50 seconds before they actually take hold!

It's very elegant and romantic but they only spend about 20 seconds actually in hold.

Edwina looks quite clumsy at times but overall not a bad performance, but not a Foxtrot I'm afraid so just a 5 from me, and Len is NOT going to be happy!

Craig: 4 "When you FINALLY got into the Foxtrot proper, very hunch of shoulder...point the foot at least"
Len: 5 "That could be the last supper...too much messing about...I wanted more content of the Foxtrot"
Alesha: 5 "Getting into character is brilliant...but it was too long getting into the dance"
Bruno: 5 "Naughty Edwina...you forgot about the Foxtrot...like watching a bendy bus navigating a tight roundabout"

Total Score: 19

Strictly Come Dancing Week 2 Rehearsals

So week 2 of Strictly is upon us, and there's a new round of training videos to pour over.  I've watched training videos on It Takes Two from Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well as the above video for my comments.

This year they have removed the dance off (stupid idea if you ask me) so it's all down to audience votes to get someone off the bottom of the table, everyone's going to have to work hard to entertain this year.


Lulu & Brendan Cole - Foxtrot

Lulu and Brendan are doing Foxtrot this week, the first video (from Wednesday) looked a little loose but, as Ian Waite points out, she's managing her heel turns quite well.

I'm concerned that Brendan appears to be choreographing more parts of the routine out of hold - given Lulu's struggle last week with remembering the routine I would really recommend giving her the safety of hold.

The video above though shows a nice section in hold and hopefully Lulu will do much better this week.



Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

Robbie needs to be much smoother with his rise and fall, and needs to track his leg action better - also less stomping would be ideal.

Thursday's training starts to look a little softer but still a lot of work to do.  The kick action (with Ola kicking towards Robbie) looks pretty bad at the moment if I'm honest.

Should be an ok Foxtrot though, Robbie will be safe for a week at least.



Edwina Currie & Vincent Simone - Foxtrot

Nice arm extensions developing but does need to be aware of her free hand at all times.

There's a large gap between them during training and they really need to try and keep the body contact during hold.  

Final video above looks a lot better but it will come down to popularity and I'm not sure how hers is.



Alex Jones & James Jordan - Foxtrot

Alex looks a little uncomfortable in hold at the moment, she does need to give herself a bit more space in the frame.

A common problem for the ladies is the arms getting tired and then 'hanging' on the guy, let's hope James' workout routine for her starts to pay off.

Needs to make sure she doesn't lift the foot off the ground like she does at around 10 seconds on the video.  I still think Alex has a long way to go but should survive tonight.



Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot

Well after his great start to the weekend it's good to see a wonderful Foxtrot developing - just keep the bum in Jason when you step back!

Thursday's training video shows Jason is still struggling with keeping his bum in.

Looking very good in the above video though, could keep his position at the top if he keeps this up.



Dan Lobb & Katya Virshilas - Salsa

I think the trainers in their first training video are seriously hampering his movement - try to train in more appropriate gear Dan, it'll help tremendously.

I'm not sold on lifts in the Salsa, especially this early in the series, and I'm worried that the routine may be a little too complex for Dan at the moment - he'd look better spending more time in hold.

All a bit too big and Dan looks a little messy if I'm honest.



Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev - Salsa

Chelsee straight away on Wednesday showing how great her hip action is, this could be special.

The Thursday training doesn't really show us too much, though you can start to see some nice sharp turns developing.

Friday's preview is looking really good, still a few bits that need tidying up, and I'm assuming she's supposed to do something different with her legs during the spin lift.  Should be another good week for Chelsee though, but I can't understand why they picked such a slow clip for the video above?!



Audley Harrison & Natalie Lowe - Salsa

Bit concerned from the Wednesday training video that it seems a little bit pop dance rather than salsa dance.

A very nice hip action but Audley needs to ensure he keeps them moving all the time, not just when he's standing still.

Routine seems to have a good turn of speed, but how much of that is just Natalie we will have to wait and see.



Anita Dobson & Robin Windsor - Salsa

Not seeing much in the hip department, another routine that initially seems a bit too pop dancey!

I feel that Anita is going to need to loosen up her body a bit otherwise she may just be a ballroom bunny. For me the routine just feels a little slow and not quite dynamic enough, but they could just be marking it out in rehearsals.



Rory Bremner & Erin Boag - Salsa

Rory is going to need to watch his free arm and his shoulders, as Ian says it just seems a bit too jerky.

Looking better on Thursdays training video but still needs to work more on keeping his shoulders down. 

Sections where they're in hold do look good though so let's hope the majority of the routine is in hold.



Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace - Salsa

After their training video last week, which left me very worried, then their excellently entertaining Cha Cha I think Russell is one you just have to wait for the performance from.

I'm seeing a feather boa, could be risky given Nancy's problems last week, but Russell brings more camp than I thought possible in a Salsa.



Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani - Foxtrot

Harry needs to make sure he doesn't allow his elbows to go behind his shoulders when in hold and also needs to stretch away from her to give them both space.

Other than that he's looking quite good but I prefer my Foxtrots to more swing music than pop music.



Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev - Salsa

Holly really needs to work on keeping her eyes up. They haven't really shown a lot of her training but she needs to ensure that her arms are accentuating the movements of her body, not replacing them.



Nancy Dell'Olio & Anton Du Beke - Salsa

Only one thing's worse than the stomping around the floor, and that's the waddle in her Cucaracha, seriously Nancy would be better off not moving her hips than doing that!

Her movement is far too deliberate, I would have expected her to be able to move a lot more naturally than that.

Nancy is in very great danger of being the first home, especially after last week's fiasco.  Video footage above shows improvement in her Cucaracha hips, but still far too deliberate in her Mambo section.



For me I'd say that Nancy and Edwina could both be in trouble this week, I think Russell is too much entertainment to go out in the first few weeks.  There is still a lot of work required from quite a few of the celebrities though.

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas - Foxtrot

I'm not expecting a great dance here, I'll be honest.

Gavin needs to be softer in his rise and fall, it looks clunky rather than gliding across the floor.  Also the personality we saw last week has completely disappeared, aside from the odd rye smile.

Nowhere near as bad as the Jive last week but not higher than a 7 for me.

Craig: 7
Len: 9 "I don't want you to kiss me, but that was your best dance well done"
Alisha: 9 "Back what you do best...looking more and more like a dancer"
Bruno: 8 "Put a lot of work in to it and it shows"

Total Score: 33

I'm sorry but that routine was nowhere near a 9 for me.

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Foxtrot

My favourite dance is up next and I expect Pamela to return to form tonight after a disappointing couple of weeks.

Still not a fan of the short jacket though James! Slight slip from Pamela at the start, and it's taking far too long to get going.  Another couple of slips in front of the judges which is a real shame as it's looking quite good at times.  The trouble with Foxtrot is it is so technically difficult.  Their throwaway oversway is awfully executed and the whole thing ends as a another let down.

Really good at points but far too many mistakes and the beginning took too long to get going.  In retrospect I may have considered giving Kara an 8 (still not a nine for me personally) but this is definitely a 7.

Craig: 8 "I thought you coped very well...heel turn very good...lost your balance on that throwaway oversway"
Len: 9 "I loved it...I'm not worried about the odd little [mistake]...lovely elegance"
Alisha: 8 "I love to watch you dance...couple of stumbles...don't care"
Bruno: 8 "Shame that you missed...stumbled a bit at the end...beautiful dancing"

Total Score:33

So Strictly no longer cares about lifts...they no longer care if the celeb makes mistakes even in front of them.  Am I being too harsh though I wonder???

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 9th October

As a change this week I've decided to blog my analysis all in one post, it'll make it easier for you guys reading too.

However I will post links as I go so you may need to refresh the page to see each new comment if you're watching live (well I'm starting about half an hour late!).

No dance offs this year, a bad move I think if we're left with Ann Widdecombe for 10 weeks!

First up, Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani Foxtrot.

A great performance last week, let's see how their Foxtrot goes this week.  Looks like they're going for an intense, almost Tango, feel to the dance (Emma's not sure on the beard).  Overall it does feel more like a Tango than a Foxtrot and whilst it's danced well I'd prefer a more smooth feel.  His arms can sometimes be a little too straight.  Very strange ending, almost looked like a mistake!

I'll only give it a 7 - I may be being harsh, but.it didn't feel like a Foxtrot to me.

Craig: 7 "Very sharp and very cleaning, ending was too hard"
Len: 8 "You shouldn't come out dancing that well in week 2"
Alisha: 8 "A tad serious, reminded me a bit of Tango"
Bruno: 8 "I've never seen a Foxtrot danced with so much passion"

Total score: 31 points

Peter Shilton & Erin Boag Salsa

Training hasn't looked good I'm afraid and the wiggle at the start is just wrong.  I don't really know what to say, Peter's worn out and there's not a sign of hips or a good arm movement - he is smiling though!  Really shouldn't be left on his own.  I hate to say it but I think I've seen the worst dance we're going to see tonight...well until Ann comes on anyway.

Shame as I like Erin, but I think she could be going out this week.  A 4 from me this week I'm afraid.

Craig: 3 "Very stompy, very wooden...deliberate and child-like...looked like you'd broken your ankle"
Len: 5 "Salsa is all about fun, rhythm, hip action...a lot of it you were just standing around too much"
Alisha: 5 "I don't think Latin is your strong point...you seem a lot more confident this week"
Bruno: 4 "I don't know if it was a wise decision to attract attention to your bum with that football"

Total Score: 17

Tina O'Brien & Jared Murillo - Foxtrot

Already looking a lot better than last week, mistake in the Feather Step at the start though, rise and fall seems to be out of sync.  It still feels like a very introvert performance.  Good spins near the end, though Tina looked like she was going to fall as Jared got her back in hold.  Overall a better performance than last week but I still feel that there's a serious lack of charisma to their dancing.

An ok performance but fairly uninspiring, I'll give it a 6.

Craig: 6 "Your timing got out a little bit...you were out of time together...ending spin was very good"
Len: 6 "As a performance I thought it was very good...in hold it lacked a bit of movement around the floor"
Alisha: 7 "You seem to be growing in confidence...much better than last week"
Bruno: 7 "You were trying so hard to get your frame right that it looked like you had a neck brace on"

Total Score: 26

Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor - Salsa

Only 3 hours of training this week, doesn't bode well though training looked good.  A little too stompy at the start and doesn't really have much by the way of Salsa basics - lots of walking around waving arms.  A less nervous performance than last week but you can tell there's been a lack of training.

Only a 6 from me.

Craig: 7 "Compared to last week which was appalling...I thought the 'desk' moment was unnecessary"
Len: 7 "You've come out and took command of the floor...it did need more polish"
Alisha: 7 "You came out and attacked the dance"
Bruno: 7 "You found your confidence, it's something to build on. Watch your turns [and] Cuban motion"

Total Score: 28

Paul Daniels & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

Looking quite nice up on stage, elegant and calm.  Not quite as good in hold though, Paul needs to get his chin up and keep the shoulders down.  There's no real rise and fall and the footwork's pretty bad.  However I think a much better performance than last week.

An improvement on last week and I'm going to give it a 5.

Craig: 4 "Had some rise and fall in the beginning, then it disappeared...you're looking down which I hate"
Len: 6 "A tad pedestrian here and there...better than last week"
Alisha: 6 "Ballroom definitely suits you more than Latin"
Bruno: 5 "There are some sections that are actually not bad...some sections you go around aimlessly"

Total Score: 21

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe - Salsa

Interesting costume choice, I'd expect it more for Jive than Salsa.  A good start on the bridge but I still feel like there's a lack of emotion on his face.  A Swayze inspired leap from the stage, but the floorwork looked a little laboured.  Nice hip action though and he's finally starting to liven up.  Some very complicated 'armography' though.

A good performance, I still want more from him on an emotional level and energy.  A good 7 though.

Craig: 8 "Flame grilled, red-hot"
Len: 8 "All the way through I'm thinking 'Go on my son'...a really good Salsa, well done"
Alisha: 8 "Nice to see you really going for it...good hip action...as good as your Ballroom"
Bruno: 8 "So strong, so tight, so footloose...always your eye on the prey cos you know you're going to get it"

Total Score: 32, hmm

Michelle Williams & Brendan Cole - Foxtrot

A surprise visit from Kelly Rowland appears to perk Michelle up, let's see if it translates to the dance floor.  Michelle still looks like she's forcing movements, Brendan does a marvellous full length slide down the banisters though.

Once Michelle is in hold there is improvement though, however she does need to watch her left shoulder.

Overall again a much better performance than last week and worthy of a 6.

Craig: 6 "Top line was tense, shoulders were raised, pigeon toed...but you put a lot of hard work and effort in"
Len: 7 "Far superior performance to last week...I thought you did a great job and well done"

Alisha: 7 "It's nice to see you in a Ballroom gown...I'm not 100% relaxed when I watch you dance"

Bruno: 6 "Who slipped?...don't raise your shoulders, the shoulders stay down"

Total Score: 26

Goldie & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot

Could be a bit smoother in the initial walk in, the crosses across the floor started well but he'd lost it by the time he got in front of the judges.  Looks very uncomfortable in hold and needs to keep his bum in.  Again once he's out of hold there's a massive improvement in his dancing - not a good sign when you're dancing in a partnership competition like this.

As Emma puts it 'not hideous'.  If he'd been better in hold this could have been a 7 but I think only a 6 for me.

Craig: 6 "Your weight was a little too far back when you took your heel leads...still needs work but it's getting there"
Len: 7 "It was more brassy than golden Goldie...I thought it was a far superior performance than last week"
Alisha: 7 "I think you put your own little Goldie swagger on the routine"
Bruno: 6 "I liked the beginning and the end...you didn't get your frame right"

Total Score: 26

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Salsa

Out of all the training videos I've seen this has looked to be the best, let's hope they continue it on the dance floor.  I'm still not a fan of the prop-based starts but some nice hip action once they start dancing and some very good turns, though I almost feel like it could be faster.  I wouldn't have done the floor spin, a fact supported by her almost falling.

A shame about the loss of balance as that was a great dance.  I'm still going to give it an 8 though.

Craig: 8 "Darling you went off like a firecracker...fantastic rhythm...hip action...you claimed the floor once again"
Len: 8 "The confidence you came out on the floor with...you coped with both of them [Waltz & Salsa] brilliantly"
Alisha: 8 "That had everything I expect from a Salsa...best of the night"
Bruno: 8 "Stumble apart you're the only person tonight that managed to convey the correct balance of rhythm and fluidity of the Salsa"

Total Score: 32

Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone - Foxtrot

I still don't think the music was the best choice for a Foxtrot but it does give a nice sweet feeling, though it lacks a little excitement at the start.  It's a little too safe and boring for the majority of the routine, I would have preferred a bit more contrasting rhythms.

For me it was too safe and I'm going to give it a 6.

Craig: 6 "Lovely Spanish lines...open your hip out a bit more...smoother transitions between steps"
Len: 6 "Everything's ok but everything needs to improve slightly...little bit better than last week"
Alisha: 6 "For me overall it was a little bit average...I think you're a capable dancer"
Bruno: 7 "It was classy...a bit stately at times...you have to push it a level further"

Total Score: 25

Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke - Salsa

I honestly thought they were going to leave this one to the end, especially with Anton bringing out the chest - thank God Ann put it away again.  Well aside from the lack of balance at times, complete lack of hip action and the sight of Anton trying to go under Ann's arms, it still has it's own charm.  Impressed at Anton lifting her at the end.

I'm going to be generous and give her a 5 though.

Craig: 1 "[Ann - don't bother, it's over, you haven't got a 0 so you may as well give us a 1 and get it over with] There is not one word in the English language that could describe what 10m people have just witnessed"
Len: 4 "It was a bit like the Hokey Cokey, you put your left foot in...but there wasn't much shaking about"
Alisha: 4 "It might not have been a Salsa but it was highly entertaining"
Bruno: 3 "It was unique and compelling, somewhere between horror and comedy"

Total Score: 12 (Is that the lowest score ever??? Apparently it's the lowest for the Salsa at least)

Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Foxtrot

A great, flexible and elegant start, is it me or do most of the Foxtrots this week have Tango based beats?  It looks good though, her head is slightly out on occasion but overall a lovely performance.

I think I'll have to give this an 8 as well.

Craig: 7 "I thought you danced that very, very well...relax your left index finger darling"
Len: 8 "You did a heel turn...she did it beautifully"
Alisha: 9 "You are a fine dancer, that was a stunning routine"
Bruno: 8 "Mission accomplished Mr Bond...the chemistry between you two could power a nuclear power station"


Total Score: 32

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas Salsa

A bit too much running around at the start, but some nice hints of hips there.  Gavin does need to isolate his lower half of his body from his top half.

Better than I expected, but not really good enough.  I'm going to give it a 6 though.

Craig: 3 "Three fundemental flaws...timing...rhythm...hips, three things you definitely must work on"
Len: 6 "Have a bit of decorum...last week you were so good...unfortunately you didn't live up to the promise"
Alisha: 5 "I was a little bit disappointed...your muscles didn't distract me"
Bruno: 5 "You look self-conscious...the six pack is not enough"

Total Score: 19

Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace - Foxtrot

Needs to be careful about bunching his hands into fists and his head's a little too high when in hold.  A very nice performance though, calm and controlled.

Not quite an 8 for me but a very good 7.

Craig: 7 "I thought you were leading Flavia well...you danced all those wonderful little accents...well done"
Len: 7 "I didn't think I was going to like it...all the messing around on stage...the more it went on....I began to enjoy it"
Alisha: 8 "I loved you throughout that dance...it was a very sexy Foxtrot"
Bruno: 8 "At the beginning I thought you were going into a Full Monty...you're a great performer and it shows"

Total Score: 30

Dancing on Wheels - Show 2

See the show, available until 9.59pm on Thursday 25th March 2010.

So this week the competitors are either performing a Foxtrot (my personal favourite) or a Rumba.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Foxtrot, I think any of the 'floaty' ballroom dances will really suit a wheeled competitor.

Up first, Diana Morgan-Hill & Mark Foster - Foxtrot

I'd like to see maybe a little more contrast in the speeds, and Diana needs to ensure her arms are shaped and 'finished' when she's apart from Mark.

Some very nice and well time maneuvers and I think a really good use of the chair in that dance. I think they'll be easily safe this week.

Paul Jacob & Heather Small - Rumba

Heather really struggled to stay in time last week, I think if she doesn't manage it this week they could well be going home.

I don't like their arm movements, they always look uncomfortable, and Heather needs to count in her head rather than evidently.

A nice ending but I didn't really think most of the dance was that good i'm afraid and early contenders for the dance-off.

Simone Milani & Kevin Sacre - Rumba

The best performance last week, I want to see how Simone copes without being in hold for the majority of the routine.

Kevin doesn't look as comfortable with the Latin as he did with the Tango last week, and Simone's hands are actually better than Kevin's.

Nowhere near as good as their routine last week but still a much better performance than Paul & Heather.

Harry Maule & Michelle Gayle - Rumba

Not a particularly good performance last week, I hope they do better this week.

Some nice moves at the start, it's just such a shame that Harry can't sit up straighter in his chair (something that Ade suggested last week shouldn't be as much of a problem as Harry appears to make it).

A nice performance but still could do with improvement.

I can't imagine how hard it is for Harry to stay in time with those shakes going on!

James O'Shea & Caroline Flack - Foxtrot

So Caroline almost didn't show, due to sickness - which would have seen them ejected from the competition and everyone else given a bye - but finally she did show up and let's hope they do the dance justice.

Ballroom must be an interesting challenge for the man, normally required to lead, when you can't really get the purchase in the floor to guide your partner.

A good performance and flowed well, though it looked like Caroline had a little slip up in the middle, but probably the best performance of the night.

Overview

I think the bottom two will be Paul & Heather and Harry & Michelle. This'll be a close one but I think Heather's timing issue, two weeks in a row, will be a major downfall for them if she mucks up in the dance-off.

It's interesting to see the interaction between the three judges, considering that two of them are married, but there does seem to be independant opinions being shown.

Dance-off and Result

Bottom two as predicted then, everything on this performance for both of them.

I'm stil not impressed with Heather's use of her body, it still looks really forced, and she's unfortunately gone completely out of time again. That I think will see them going home.

Michelle could dance a little softer but it does look like Harry has heeded Ade's request to stand up better. Michelle does look very uncomfortable and forced in quite a few of the movements though.

Voting then:

James - Harry & Michelle
Ola - Harry & Michelle
Ade - Harry & Michelle

Unanimously then Paul & Heather are sent home 3-0, not a suprise I'm afraid as I do think they were the weakest couple left. Harry & Michelle do need to up their game though if they want any chance of staying in next week.

What do you think of how the show's developing, and this week's result?

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

Chris really stepped it up in the final last week and delivered an almost perfect Foxtrot, can he improve on that tonight?

Looks to me like there has been some work on the hands, but really should be smiling throughout. Shame about the mistake in the middle.

Ola knows how much the audience like the pivots, so much so that she includes them twice - would have preferred a bit more variety!

Not a bad performance but I wouldn't say it's improved over his final performance and I'm only going to give it an 8 I'm afraid.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

So, Chris has never been in the dance-off but has also never received a 10 so far in the competition. How is he going to respond to the perfect 50 that Ricky just achieved?



Good to see Chris has decided not to work on his hands and face for the final ;-)

Wait, was that a smile?! That's all you need to do Chris, just smile and it makes a huge improvement.

The dance is a little flat for my liking but not a bad performance, not perfect but could well get a 9 or two.

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Foxtrot

Please Natalie I hope you’ve sorted out Ricky’s odd head movements as they really do grate for me and often it ruins the whole look of the routine.

Significant improvement in the head department, though he has to avoid looking down at the floor.

Can’t see his footwork but a very good performance, not perfect but I think it will get 9’s.

Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Foxtrot

Away from the sexy requirements of the Latin Ali should perform a great Foxtrot tonight.



Like the Viennese the other week, Ali looks a little shaky at times but overall another almost faultless performance (a little hard to tell whether she was correctly releasing the toe when moving backward - good old Strictly camera angles!)

Personally I'd give this a 9.

Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Foxtrot

Not too sure on the hair-bow! But should really concentrate on the dancing I suppose.

Not liking the dance to be honest, it's a little un-imaginative and boring and doesn't appear to have much contrast of fast and slow.

Lots of mistakes creeping in and overall a real let down for me. I'd give them 6's.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

Foxtrot is the most technically difficult of all the dances and I think lack of confidence could see Chris dancing round with raised shoulders, which would really ruin the look of the dance.

Needs to make sure that when he's moving backwards that he's lifting the toe of the trailing foot off the ground (known as NFR - No Foot Rise).

Shoulder line was actually very good, the dance did seem to lose a bit of its drive before the final pivots though.

Easily 8's though

Judges scores: CRH 8, LG 9, AD 9, BT 8.

Excellent marks and well deserved I feel.

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Foxtrot

The Foxtrot is a slow and elegant dance and, like most ballroom dances, tends to suit the taller couples - and these two are certainly both tall!

For an athlete Jade does manage to pull off elegant quite well. A little bit of gapping between them , Jade needs to slow down when she's the one going backward and her left shoulder just has a tendency to pop up at times.

A very good performance however and could achieve 9's tonight.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - American Smooth

Although I consider the Foxtrot to be the hardest of the ballroom dances, American Smooth is another thing entirely, due to the introduction of lifts.

The American Smooth is the application of a bit of Hollywood glitz and glamour to any of the five ballroom dances: the Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep or Viennese Waltz. To bring in a semblance of rules for Strictly the couples are limited to two lifts in their routine.

Personally I would say that the male celebrities have the harder job due to being the ones that have to actually lift their partner.

It will be interesting to see how Chris copes with the technique involved.

I still think Chris has good hands, though they are a bit splayed at times, especially when he has his hand on Ola's back.

This is shaping up to be a very good performance and some well executed lifts. Couldn't see his footwork but this could well be 9's.