Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Viennese Waltz

I wasn't entirely sold on this first time round, if I remember correctly (haven't time to go back and look).  Shoulder line loses it a little bit, and it's a bit too clipped at times.  Can't quite tell if they miss a hand at the end or not.

Another good performance, but not perfect, just a 9.

Craig: 9 "Thank you darling for those thumbs, gorgeous, unlike your head placement"
Len: 9 "Excellent ballroom dancer...little pickle with your fleckerl"
Alisha: 10 "A beautiful performance...impressive from the very beginning"
Bruno: 9 "Dashing, elegant...very nice Waltz."

Total Score: 37

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Paso Doble

Some nice strong Spanish lines at the start, there's a bit too much posturing around, even for Paso if you ask me, and the Chasse Capes look a little awkward.  I'm not sure on the rolling hands from Matt during Aliona's back bend, that's usually the girls role.

A very good Paso, not perfect so just a 9.

Craig: 9 "Actually I rather liked it...wonderful Flamenco"
Len: 8 "I liked it, but I wasn't over struck on it...kept getting your chin down...ok but wasn't fantastic"
Alisha: 9 "I think this dance was made for you...for me a solid performance"
Bruno: 9 "It had the aggressive power, it was flamboyant...lose artistry...good but not brilliant"

Total Score: 35

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Show Dance

Traditionally the one dance that can truly make or break you (think Lisa Snowdon or Colin Jackson) the Show Dance is always a toughy.

Not sure on the outfit choices but Matt's revers handstand is amazing.  Not sure on all the pauses though and the Cha Cha portions aren't great to be honest.  Looks knackered near the end and I don't think they finished quite on time.

It's always a difficult dance to judge as it really comes down to personal preference.  The acrobatics were amazing but the dance portions a little lacklustre.  I feel I can only give it an 8 I'm afraid.

Craig: 7 "Too static in places...amalgamations did not flow together very well...whole idea and concept didn't completely come together"
Len: 9 "You want a routine that makes you feel good, music that inspires you...overall that's exactly what you did...few too many stunts and tricks"
Alisha: 9 "I like the tricks...loved break dancing section"
Bruno: 9 "Gymnastic extravaganza...sometimes the links between the sequences...not quite as slick as they could have been"

Total Score: 34

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Samba

Hearing the screams last week (at BBC TV Centre) every time Matt was announced/appeared I know he has a strong audience backing but to be honest any one of the three finalists would be a worthy winner of the glitter ball trophy, and I'm pretty sure it's the best final line-up we've ever had.

Matt & Aliona are going to start with their highest marked dance of the series, the Samba, though personally I didn't rate it quite as highly as the judges and I'm sure Matt & Aliona would have preferred a different dance too.

I'm starting to see the attraction the judges had the first time round though, I think Matt is performing this much better than the first time around and aside from the back flips at the end I really can't fault it.

It's going to have to be a 10!

Craig: 9 "All good I'm afraid...more confident than last time...bit ropey last time"
Len: 9 "You came out, full on"
Alisha: 10 "Best Samba of the series"
Bruno: 10 "That really got everybody going...even better this time"

Total Score: 38

Strictly Come Dancing Final - Saturday 18th December

So an intense week of teaching kept me from blogging about last week's experience of being live at the semi-final, and a combination of the weather, and a bout of flu, have kept us from hijacking a friend's party and turning it into a Strictly party.

However I've been to Tescos and stocked up, the tank in my car's full, and my gorgeous wife has just made the dinner so it's time to settle down and watch the final.

Right at the start of the competition (the launch show) I predicted Matt & Pamela [ok AND Felicity if you're being pedantic] to do well and looks like I was pretty much spot-on.  For me I'm predicting Pamela, at the moment anyway!

First up in this year's final is Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani.

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Salsa

For me their Jive was disappointing last week, too much show and not enough substance, I'm hoping for a better Salsa this week.


Lifts of course are permitted in Salsa so that beginning won't be an issue.  Matt's getting some very nice hip action...though I'm not sure about the thrusting over Aliona on the floor?  Seemed to go slightly out of time just after the New York.  Just seems to have lost a bit of puff at the end though.

Just a few niggles for me but only an 8.

Craig: 7 "Balance was off...too much isolation...writhing looked awkward...bit insipid"
Len: 7 "You've been so good throughout this whole series...this for me was not that good...wasn't keen on that gyrating thing"
Alisha: 7 "I really liked the opening lift...a lot of basic Salsa...didn't like that grinding section...a bit stiff"
Bruno: 7 "Salsa is smooth...can't push it you have to let it happen...over-worked it"

Total Score: 28

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 4th December Leader Board

1. 40 points - Pamela & James
2. 38 points - Kara & Artem
3. 35 points - Scott & Natalie
3. 35 points - Matt & Aliona
5. 33 points - Gavin & Katya
6. 14 points - Ann & Anton

I'm glad that Pamela Stephenson was the first person to get four 10's, with that performance, as it's the first dance to deserve it this series.

I think Gavin has over marked but still ended up in the right place on the board.

I have to say that Gavin will be in the bottom two, and probably be going home, though I do hope Ann joins him as none of these other dancers deserve to go.  I am concerned that Matt might be in trouble though.

Who would you send home?

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Jive

Matt is doing a rather good impression of Austin Powers, though I think they do need to get Jiving at some point soon.

There's some quite complicated kick choreography but it does feel a bit too Austin Powers and not enough Jive.  A real let down if you ask me and I think they could get a kicking from the judges.

For me just a 7 when they could have done so much better.

Craig: 8 "Absolutely loved that back somersault...characterisation was flawless...did loose timing...sadly"
Len: 9 "I liked the backflip thing, I thought this desk was going to break...good job well done"
Alisha: 9
Bruno: 9 "Groovy baby...Jive with a swinging sixties flavour...well done"

Total Score: 35

Seems I was a bit too harsh?

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 27th November

Almost up-to-date and it's almost time for tonight's Strictly, seriously where has my Saturday gone?!

Not sure on Bruce's joke about Alisha having a good tan..

First up tonight is Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev,

I'm looking forward to seeing their Jive.

Artem's having a few wardrobe issues with his braces and Kara needs to point her toes down more during kicks.

It seems a little lacklustre and lacking something, and their ending seems to be just a little too late.

Disappointing we feel and whilst the lines were clean and movement good I can only give it an 8.

Craig: 7 "Dance very cleanly...attention to detail as always very precise...lost synchronicity...recovery [at the end] was terrible"
Len: 9 "First out, first class, top draw Jive...little bit hesitant...didn't really attack [on some steps]"
Alisha: 9 "You two are on a real journey...really cutesy feel...looking down a lot"
Bruno: 9 "Sex appeal...lost a little bit of sharpness...bit of a tangle in the arm pass"

Total Score: 34

A tad too high personally.

Now for a sexy? Rumba from Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke

Ann has aspirations to win, and we have a Titanic theme for this sinking ship of a routine.

At least they're making more of a routine of it this week, I'm seeing Aida's (well from Anton anyway), underarm turns, a rope spin, hand to hands, cucaracha's, open outs.

All in all there's a lot there that our students would recognise (which isn't always the case in Strictly routines).

Better than last week so I'm going to give it a 6.

Craig: 1 "[Ann - here comes the iceberg] Frigid, passionless, that iceberg [on the set] showed more emotion"
Len: 5 "I'm shaken, not stirred. You did aida, opening outs - admittedly off time and you had the wrong footwork...but daftest dance I've ever seen"
Alisha: 5 "Kate Winslet eat your heart out...favourite storyline of the series so far...wasn't much content, well done on remembering the steps."
Bruno:  3 "Sinks the Rumba into the deepest and darkest depths of dance disaster."

Total Score: 14

Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor

Why do they always make Patsy's eyes up like that, it always makes her look a little depressed, she actually looks amazing without it!

Patsy is suffering from a foot injury and may be spending most of the routine sitting down, won't go down well with the judges if she does.

Argentine Tango should be passionate and intense and there's a slight lack of emotion here, though the routine is good and looks like Patsy's best dance.

I'm going to give Patsy an 8.

Craig: 7 "It did lacked flair...lacked any swivel on the foot passes...did have intent and purpose...did that very well"
Len: 8 "Hopefully you'll be back next week...you won't win Strictly Come Dancing being careful"
Alisha: 8 "I think you held the intensity all the way through...legs look stunning...loved it"
Bruno: 7 "The good thing, you really started to focus...lacked spunk...maybe you were trying to get the technique right"

Total Score: 30

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe

Scott's turn at the American Smooth this week and it looks in the VT like all the training is starting to take it's toll.

A big slip from Scott there on a three step but well recovered.  His frame looks a little close and could do with a bit more space.

Scott appears to have forgotten the routine and the final lift is just positively dangerous in those circumstances.

It's a real shame as it looked to have great promise but I can only give it a 7 and that's being generous.

Craig: 6 "Terrible shame...began with terrible footwork in the corner...some good, loved the lift...complete disaster"
Len: 7 "It wasn't a complete disaster...didn't do yourself justice...threw you off...you're a really good dancer...don't let it affect you...try and stay awake!"
Alisha: 9 "I've been there, I've done that, I've made mistakes...I still enjoyed it...still looked like a pro out there"
Bruno: 9 "You're still smoother than anybody else...some parts were excellent...don't beat yourself down"

Total Score: 31

Far too high from Alisha and Bruno there, it's not really fair on the other competitors if you ask me.

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas 

Gavin & Katya have a Jive this week, for a big guy like Gavin this could be [cue Craig] a Dance Dis-a-ster.

If Gavin goes out hating the dance this will come across in his performance.  Not sure on the outfit and unfortunately Gavin is out of time straight from the off with his initial kicks.

This is one of the worst Jive's we've seen on Strictly at this stage of the competition and his attempt at butt wiggling in front of the judges is severely lacking.

It was a disaster and a 6 from me.

Craig: 3 "That bottom wiggle was completely unnecessary...giving Ann Widdecombe a run for her money"
Len: 6 "You hated it, I hated it, we all hated it...you came out and gave it a go"
Alisha: 7 "There was [were] timing issues throughout"
Bruno: 6 "It was like Clarke Kent never turning into Superman...you look good in tight pants"

Total Score: 22

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani

Let's hope Matt does a better American Smooth than Scott's.  Is this the first time an American Smooth has been danced not in a suit?

The standing spin looks a bit awful if I 'm honest which is a shame.  It feels more like a show dance than an American Smooth and it just didn't quite feel right for me.

It was ok but I'm only going to give it a 7.

"
Len: 8 "If you have to explain what you're trying to do then it hasn't really worked as a dance"
Alisha: 8 "One of the strongest in the competition...little bit disappointed...turns felt very manic"
Bruno: 9 "You put so much in to what you do...beautiful...turn into American Psycho"

Total Score: 33

Another over mark for me personally.

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan

They have a Charleston this week and this could potentially be their best dance.

Good lifts and energy, though she does seem to lose a bit of puff near the end.

Has some nice comedic moments though I'm not sure about the final ending position.

Not the worst Charleston I've seen but still lacking and Pamela could be in trouble this week.

Emma thinks 8 and I agree.

Craig: 9 "Frisky, perilous lifts...without fear...loved it"
Len: 9 "Tickled my fancy that, you enjoyed doing it, I enjoyed watching it"
Alisha: 10 "Best dance of the night"
Bruno: 10 "It's going to get a BAFTA from me"

Total Score: 38

Wouldn't personally have put it as the top routine of the night, for me that was Patsy's, though I felt all the dances this week seemed lacking in a bit of life.

Leader Board

1. 38 points - Pamela & James
2. 34 points - Kara & Artem
3. 33 points - Matt & Aliona
4. 31 points - Scott & Natalie
5. 30 points - Patsy & Robin
6. 22 points - Gavin & Katya
7. 14 points - Ann & Anton

I already know Patsy goes, and that's a real shame as I felt she did her best dance of the series tonight.  Earlier I thought Pamela would join her in the bottom two but judges marks may have saved her there so probably Gavin joining her.

Results

Bottom two is Patsy & Robin (who we know are going home) and Gavin & Katya.

Well now to get myself ready for live blogging tonight's show.
 

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 20th November

Ok so it's a little bit late, but we've been working out in St Lucia so I'm sure you'll forgive us a small delay!

I have a confession though, I already know who went home on both of the two weeks that I missed (pretty difficult to avoid the whole internet and all our students in a 3 week period!), however I will endeavour to comment accurately and without prejudice.

First up on the show tonight is Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor

Those in the know will realise that I link my images straight into the BBC mini-site so it's lucky I know who went last week otherwise this would've been a massive clue (the greyed out image!)

Patsy has Samba tonight and I've always been concerned about her energy so not expecting much tonight.  It's not a bad start though her legs are a little messy looking.  As Emma points out though, she does have good hand shaping.

The second half of the routine goes a little astray at times and her hips could feature more but overall not a bad start to the show.

One of her better dances but I'm only going to give it a 7.

Craig: 6 "Besides the obvious wrong footwork, did lack hip action...could be a little bit free-er"
Len: 7 "Lot of nice basic steps...got on the wrong foot somehow...trying to [forget it]"
Alisha: 8 "Stunning, like a real showgirl...captured the feel of the Samba"
Bruno: 7 "Glitzy and sexy...because of the impetus you missed some steps...willing to give it all"

Total Score: 28

Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev

Kara & Artem have American Smooth this week, and a serious injury in training could have prevented them from performing tonight, however Artem performs anyway as that's what us professionals have to do!

It seems they're doing a Tango/Paso American Smooth...and the offending lift goes by without a hitch...and it's actually a Foxtrot now it's kicked in.

Not really seeing anything in hold though, I'm pretty sure 30%-40% is supposed to be in hold.  It's an excellent routine but I only saw one section in hold.

Will they be penalised for that, who knows, for me it's excellent but have to penalise for the rule breaking, but still a 9!

Craig: 9 "I can only agree...gorgeous lines...arm placement is absolutely beyond...Fab-u-lous darling"
Len: 6 "I don't want to be the party pooper...confused as a baby in a topless bar...you didn't take up hold once...I loved the routine, fabulous routine...[but] it wasn't a Foxtrot so how can I judge it as a Foxtrot"
Alisha: 10 "Seductive, smooth, intense...mystical feel...so brave to come out and do [the lift]"
Bruno: 10 "Truly inspired and inspiring American Smooth...fluid...dramatic...star turn"

Total Score: 35

I think 6 was harsh Len

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani

They have Samba tonight and I'm not sure about the hips in the VT.

Great song, hips are quite good at the start, though hands are a little strange.  Some nice lines and there's a nice amount of bounce, not too much.

Finishes with a few backflips, which Len is not going to like I imagine.

Really nothing for me to criticise on so I think we could be seeing their first 10!


Craig: 9 "Thought your hip action was very good, thought your bounce action was very good"
Len: 9 "I'm almost in agreement with Craig...wasn't too keen on those flip-flops at the end...because you can do something doesn't mean you can put it in the routine...I had a boy that could fart God Save The Queen!"
Alisha: 10
Bruno: 10 "I've never seen a competitor (who wasn't a professional)...moving his bum in that way"

Total Score: 38

I wonder if he hadn't done those backflips whether Len would've given a 10...?

Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone

I think American Smooth could definitely be nearer Felicity's abilities than Samba would have been.  They start with a very Hollywood scene and then their Foxtrot starts.

I'm afraid to say it's a very pedestrian and boring start and doesn't pick up until their first lift.

Except for the lifts the only time the routine picks up is when Felicity starts kicking her legs up in time to the music.  For me the rest of the routine was completely uninspired.

I really can't give this a high mark and I think it's a 6 from me.

Craig: 7 "I would've liked to have seen a little bit more rise and fall throughout the routine"
Len: 7 "Lifts were excellent...lacked movement"
Alisha: 8 "I like the lifts...I think that was your best dance"
Bruno: 8

Total Score: 30

Personally a little high if you ask me.

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas

Quite a scary lift they have planned for this American Smooth.  A bit of Tom Jones which doesn't quite scream "Foxtrot" if you ask me.

The lift goes by almost without a hitch, Katya looks positively petrified and very obviously tries to steady herself.

Gavin looks uncomfortable out of hold at times, especially spinning from side-to-side, but actually it's a commendable performance, and infinitely better than Felicity Kendal's.

Improving all the time, and starting to show some personality, but just a 7 this time.

Craig: 4 "Lame and lacklustre"
Len: 7 "What Craig's just said is totally incorrect...parts of that were excellent dancing...overall a very good performance"
Alisha: 8 "Don't let this knock your confidence...brave to do those lifts...moving in the right direction"
Bruno: 8 "Why do you get nervous...some of the sequences...were very very good"

Total Score: 27

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe

Ok not a bad start, though far too bouncy for my liking and the hips look a little wooden at times and there's a slight slip in the shadow voltas.

Not a bad Samba, though not as good as Matt's. 

I'm going to give it an 8 I think.

Craig: 6 "You tried hard, without success"
Len:8
Alisha: 9 "You really gave it a good go Scott...right up there with the rest of them."
Bruno: 9 "You always perform, you always deliver"

Total Score: 32

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan

Another scary looking lift in this one it seems.

Pamela's facial expression is a bit disturbing at the start, but they look good once they start, though they've changed the lift for an easier (and less likely to hospitalise Pamela) one.  Shoulders look a little uncomfortable at times.

A nice fish lift too.  A slight stumble by James as he goes in for the final lift but they manage it without incident.

A good dance, not quite perfect but definitely worth a 9.

Craig: 8 "Very well structured routine...do need to keep the shoulders down"
Len: 9 "Best American Smooth of the night"
Alisha: 10 "Queen of Blackpool tonight."
Bruno: 10 "Come up and see me some time...American Frisky...fantastically danced"

Total Score: 37

Finally we've got Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke with their [attempt at] Samba...

Aside from Ann looking like a big yellow canary I actually think Anton's outfit is worse.

There's definitely an attempt at basic there but most of the routine (unsurprisingly) consists of Ann walking around.

Anton then chucks Ann, spins her around on the floor, spins her just off the ground, then drops her with Ann's bum to camera which she hastily drops her dress back down to cover.

Not as entertaining as some of her previous dances for me, just a 5.

Craig: 1 "Overwhelmingly awful"
Len: 5 "It's like hemorrhoids, keep coming back more painful than ever...did make me laugh"
Alisha: 4 "As bright as your outfits"
Bruno: 3 "Like a canary that was trying to take flight...never took off"

Total Score: 13

Leader Board

1. 38 points - Matt & Aliona
2. 37 points - Pamela & James
3. 35 points - Kara & Artem
4. 32 points - Scott & Natalie
5. 30 points - Felicity & Vincent
6. 28 points - Patsy & Robin
7. 27 points - Gavin & Katya
8. 13 points - Ann & Anton

Even though I know Felicity went home this week I would still have predicted her to go home, with Patsy joining her in the bottom two.

Results

So the bottom two went as I predicted, and Felicity went home as I already knew...now to watch the following week's before tonight's show.

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Viennese Waltz

First prop of the night an arched swing, which almost gets in the way as they're dancing between it.  Matt needs to translate his rise and fall into more of a sway but it's a nice performance.  Loses it in the fleckerl though and does look a bit green afterwards.  Second-half looks less confident.

A nice Viennese but doesn't quite live up to Scott Baker's from last week, but I'd still give it an 8.

Craig: 8 "Missing a few heel leads...upsets the balance of the rise and fall...thumbs are driving me insane"
Len: 9 "Once you got into hold...lovely flat back...attempted the fleckerl...truly fabulous"
Alisha: 9 "Leading Aliona round the floor like a true gentleman...wasn't sure if you were breathing though that"
Bruno: 9 "So elegant...so graceful...wonderful dancer"

Total Score: 35

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Argentine Tango

I love the start, great acting from Matt and a superb first spin.  The trouble with wearing a jacket is if it isn't specifically tailored for dancing the shoulders can rise up and I think this mars some of their lines.

For me though the dancing itself was excellent and if Scott got 3 tens then Matt deserves a perfect 4 for that performance.  A 9 from me though even if the lifts were a little shaky at times.

Craig: 8 "At times a little shaky...you are dynamic"
Len: 8 "Had focus...intensity...a little blunder here...second two lifts weren't in keeping with the dance"
Alisha: 9 "I could feel your nerves tonight...sexy...hot...passionate"
Bruno: 9 "Super power and super dancing...lifts were incredible."

Total Score: 34

It Takes Two - Wednesday 27th October

Coming up on tonight's show: Kara & Artem; Len Goodman's Dance Clinic; Ian Waite with the midweek report; Matt & Aliona

Kara & Artem,

They loved the dance, though Kara felt at the start of the week that the music was slow and boring.  She's scared by the fact that even with letting go it wasn't enough, so where can she go from here?

Kara isn't naturally very competitive but Artem (as any professional dancer would be) is very competitive (just ask any of my friends!!!)

I think they could perform a very good Paso Doble this weekend.

Karen Hardy on Paso Doble

Karen makes a slight error I think in saying that the Paso originated in Spain, although the music is Spanish the dance itself originated in France.

However the rest of her VT and tips are great.

Ian Waite and the midweek report.

Paso Doble

Jimi & Flava: Should be no hip action in Paso.  Needs to bring some shaping into his arm movements, curving the arms round above his head.

Gavin & Katya: Poor cape usage, looks like a dishcloth.  However could be a great dance for him.

Ann & Anton: All the steps are correct...though she looks like she's treading through mud.

Jive

Pamela & James: Looks like she's done some dancing previously, an inner sense of posture and finishes her hand movements.

Patsy & Robin: Similar character as the Charleston so should be good for Patsy.

Viennese Waltz

Felicity & Vincent: Their beginning is all about Felicity's acting skills.

Scott & Natalie: Brilliant, free-flowing movement.  However needs to keep himself upright rather than tilting his head towards Natalie.

Argentine Tango

Tina & Jared: Need to be closer in the top half of their hold.

Len's Dance Clinic

Where should I start learning to dance?  Latin - Salsa, as you can then move onto Rumba and Cha Cha Cha easily; Ballroom - Waltz.

Why do you keep knees flexed in Tango?  The Tango is characterised by the stalking of prey. I also think that it allowed the Gaucho to get closer to his Lady of the Night.

How can I make my dancing more flamboyant? Upper body - the lower body deals with the rhythm, the upper body is the affectation of the music.

 Matt & Aliona,

Over the moon to have upped their score from 31 in the first 3 weeks.  Previously Aliona felt Matt was not expressing the dances as well as he could, up until the Charleston and that's why they got such high scores.

We'll be seeing Argentine Tango from them on Saturday night.

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Charleston

Matt and Aliona were great at the International Championships at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday night, even going onto the main dance floor and hanging around to sign autographs.  I think this could be the best dance of tonight given Matt's gymnastic abilities.

So Matt's going to start on a unicycle. 

Slight slip and I do feel to an extent that Matt isn't quite as comfortable in this dance, he looks like he's thinking about the routine a bit too much.  Some excellent lifts and a double cartwheel.

Felt there was something slightly lacking but I'm going to give it an 8.

Craig: 9 "Not perfect...little slip...timing issues...but I LOVED IT...love a man in a moustache"
Len: 9 "Best Charleston so far tonight...your best dance"
Alisha: 9 "Loved the routine...effortlessly done"
Bruno: 8 "Quite a few mistakes...most difficult Charleston we've seen"

Total Score: 35

It Takes Two - Wednesday 20th October

On today's show: Gavin & Katya; Matt & Aliona; Patsy & Robin; Midweek report.

First though a look at Gavin & Katya's Rumba.  Gavin was shocked with being left till last to be called as safe in the show.

Gavin reveals he's a fan of Peter Andre...I wonder whether it's for the body or the music?

Katya thought the judges were overly harsh, especially Craig, something I actually agree on as I thought he performed a great Rumba compared to what I expected from him.  Gavin thinks their Tango could be special, I hope he means in a good way.

The training footage we were showed is apparently from the first 20 minutes, but I hope he's keeping his bum in more now they've done a bit more training.

To look at the Midweek Report is Michael Stylianos & Lorna Lee...legends!

Felicity & Vincent: Legs stiff, upon her toes, weight too far back, left side too high.
Scott & Natalie: Needs to get Natalie more on his right-hand side and needs to bend his knees more.
Michelle & Ian: Drops weight back - needs to elongate her spine.
Pamela & James: Good look on the top, needs to be sharp when she kicks her leg, not sharp enough for a Tango.
Ann & Anton: She has to learn to get down more into her knees, not look at Anton all the time.

All competitors should be aiming for more staccato and apparently bending is bending and flexing is flexing...no offence Michael but not the best explanation for those who maybe aren't professional dancers like us.

On to Matt & Aliona.

For Aliona it's most important for them to enjoy the dancing rather than worrying too much about what the judges have to say.  They've spent most of this week at Matt's parents farm and had a great time.

They have the Charleston this week, and with Matt's gymnastic abilities I think it's going to be quite a show.

Now a bit of info about the Charleston, from the "roaring 20s", originated from Charleston, North Carolina.

Needs to have lots of hip swivelling, underarm turns and facial expressions.  It's only it's second year in the competition, and was only danced by three competitors last year,so will be interesting to see how it goes this year.

Now for Charleston analysis:

Tina & Jared: Flat footed and a little too floppy
Jimi & Flavia: Energy is great, little flat-footed though but so fast and a few moves that the pro's don't recognise.
Kara & Artem: Kara has wonderful swivels, needs to give a little more.  I think Artem is definitely the best of the new pros.
Peter & Erin: Looks like he's catching a ball rather than throwing it away.  They think it's going to be his best dance.
Patsy & Robin: At the moment she's doing really well, great character.  Needs to work on her arm action.

Following the pro comments it's now Patsy & Robin's turn for a chat.

Patsy thought it was hilarious that she completely missed the start of the music on Saturday night.  Robin felt that Patsy needed the challenge of a faster routine, but will probably not let his celeb start on her own in future!

Apparently Patsy's mind goes blank just before the start of each performance. 

She's loving the Charleston rehearsals, as is Robin. 

Ok and I'm up to date!

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Cha Cha Cha

Matt's gymnastic history should give him a distinct advantage, and his training video looked very promising.

Oh and there's the gymnastics already making an appearance, shame he's not as steady on his feet when crouching before Aliona!  Nice hip action though.

For me the hands are a little too 'flung out' though there's some nice finishing at times.  Definitely the best Cha Cha we've seen tonight though he should probably keep palms facing downwards rather than upwards - makes it look a little 'here's my chest ladies' and the shoulder movement makes it look a bit dad dancerish!

However a very impressive first dance, too early for an 8 personally but a high 7!

Judges are going to like this I think...

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

Total Score: 31

Strictly Come Dancing - Friday 1st October

So it's week one of Strictly Come Dancing 2010, I know I'm starting this a bit late but lunch with a friend I haven't seen in a few years (and the subsequent beers) ran over a little and by the time I'd got back, cooked and, the wife and I had finished dinner the show had already started.

As usual though I'm watching the show and blogging 'live' i.e. I'm going to update the posts hopefully before the judges announce their opinions, but I'll probably still post this first entry as one whole article.

There is one benefit to watching the recorded show, I can fast forward through Alisha's comments if they prove to be as inane as they were last year!

The BBC tell me that tonight's show will feature Felicity Kendal, Goldie, Matt Baker, Pamela Stephenson, Patsy Kensit, Paul Daniels, Scott Maslen so not a bad starting line-up.

According to Pamela Stephenson the glitterball is actually made of polystyrene so crystal might be over-exagerating I'm thinking Brucie!
 
The first couple to perform in 2010 is going to be Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone and I'll upload them in a new post.

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?