Strictly Come Dancing week 5 - Halloween Special

Apologies for not blogging on last week's action, but unfortunately we just couldn't get the time.

Tonight is the Strictly Halloween Special, and I can already predict that the scariest thing is going to be Nancy!

First up is Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace with their Samba

If Russell has got a knee problem then Samba's probably the worst dance he could have been given.

It's so nice to see actual Samba steps that our students are going to recognise...such a shame that he obviously lost the steps early on and it's knocked his confidence throughout.  A great shame, though Emma and I both commented on his nice bottom!

A nice selection of basic steps up till the mistake but just a 6 from me after all the mistakes.

Craig: 4 "One wig away darling from being Mystic Meg...dancing sadly let you down"
Len: 6 "There were a few mistakes...you've got the feel good factor"
Alesha: 6 "Great bounce action...got the Halloween party started"
Bruno: 6 "Turned Hell into a camp Heaven...unfortunately you went wrong quite a few times"

Total Score: 22

Looking a little worried this week, think they're going to need the votes as it wasn't their most entertaining performance.

Second up, Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev with the Tango.

I still felt that their Quickstep last week was very untidy and still too manic, but it's good to see her delivering on my pre-competition predictions.

Doesn't really have the Tango feel to the music, but you wouldn't know it from their dancing.

Chelsee has some nice sharp movements, but still looks a little bit like Pasha is throwing her around her at times.

A very good Tango but a shame that the ending was missed after her dress almost revealed too much, I feel so sorry for her but I hope they can show her a replay as soon as possible to let her know nothing was seen.

I'd still like to see a bit more control there so just an 8 from me at present.

Craig: 7 "I would have like to have seen it a little bit more grounded...feisty, fiery and everything we expect"
Len: 8 "Could have been a bit sharper towards the end...good dance"
Alesha: 9 "You have nothing to cry about, you covered that so well...you've raised your game"
Bruno: 8 "This wicked little witch, is a wicked little dancer...did a great dance"

Total Score: 32

Audley Harrison & Natalie Lowe Jive

I do worry about Audley's ability for the Jive, can he keep it looking light and bouncy and not run out of puff early on?

Flat footed from the off unfortunately, and living up to what I would have expected.  There's just no bounce though some of the lines look quite nice...unfortunately that's when he's standing still.

A very poor Jive but it was always going to be difficult for him, a 5 from me.

Craig: 3 "You did make a gallant effort...physically unsuited for this dance...lovely smile though"
Len: 6 "I don't know what these other two are talking about, it had rhythm, good timing...you never went wrong...I commend you"
Alesha: 6 "It needed to be more bouncy and light...kicks and flicks just weren't quite there"
Bruno: 5 "You really got into the spirit of things...[but] terrible footwork...very hard dance"

Total Score: 20

Alex Jones & James Jordan are next up with a Paso Doble (well suited dance for Halloween hopefully)

Alex needs to make sure she keeps her shoulders down when she lifts up her arms, otherwise her neck just disappears, and the 'cape' section with her skirt turns a little bit school playground when she speeds up.

I really like the dramaticism though and the 'fight' over the bed is quite well acted.  The chasse capes are quite messy and there are times when it looks good, but also times when it really doesn't.

A mixed bag Paso Doble but definitely developed into a passionate one.  I'm unsure on it but I think I'll give them a 7.

Craig: 7 "I think you played that extremely well...almost found it erotic...danced it well"
Len: 8 "I was expecting Hammer House of Horrors...had intensity, dramatic, attack...bit too much frock wafting"
Alesha: 8 "Absolutely loved the beginning...took a risk...atmospheric...breakthrough this week"
Bruno: 8 "Haunting, voluptuous, hint of madness...improved so much [on last week]"

Total Score:  31

Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev will be dancing an American Smooth to Swan Lake, explains the eye make-up!

Hmm...I just feel like there's always something lacking when Holly dances.  I just get a feeling of discomfort when she dances, maybe it's vulnerability of being herself and not a character.

The lift entrances and exits are all a bit messy, and the ending just looked uncomfortable as they were getting into it.

It was ok but she still doesn't 'wow' me like I would expect, good enough for a 7 but she should be getting so much more.

Craig: 8 "Very high risk and perilous concept...but you made it work"
Len: 9 "I thought it was terrific...could have done with a bit more in hold...I love it"
Alesha: 9 "You both look incredible...created some beautiful lines and shapes...you were magnificent"
Bruno: 9 "You produced a performance of great style, great artistry...top lines were exquisite"

Total Score: 35

Obviously the judges disagree with me!

Let the nightmares begin, it's time for Nancy Dell'Olio & Anton Du Beke to give us a Rumba.

I really thought Nancy would have been able to dance 'sexier' than that, and she turns her body too early in the drag so that Anton ends up holding her up by her chest!

A couple of nice movements but the opening outs are pretty awful.

Anton's included the same lift as last week which is going to knock some points off with the judges, a fairly awful Rumba with very little natural hip action, a 4 from me.

Craig: 2 "Dance horriblus darling...Anton I'm getting a little bit bored of that lift now...also it's illegal"
Len: 5 "Rumba, the dance of love...moments of Mills & Boon, and moments of Meals on Wheels"
Alesha: 3 "I think you're a sexy woman...but you're a walking disaster...legs are so far apart...very ploddy...lift so unflattering"
Bruno: 4 "Looking like the queen of the night, you dance like the walking dead...great big plonky number"

Total Score: 14

Love interests Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani vamp it up with a Tango

Looks like we've had our 5 seconds of actual Tango content from them...oh wait there's actually some more later on, still not enough for my liking but Harry's acting is impressive.

I'd would really like Aliona to sort out Harry's frame though as when he has his arms up the rolled over shoulders just make him look hunched - luckily for him there was very little actual Tango to highlight this.

Harry's a good dancer but I do think Aliona is avoiding putting too much actual dancing in which annoys me.  Fantastic drama and acting but Harry needs to get his posture sorted before he can really develop.  I wasn't a fan of the running drag either.

I'd like to give him more but I really don't think I can go above a 7.

Craig: 8 "Full of intent, purpose, aggression...would have liked to have seen a little more in hold however"
Len: 7 "I want to see more than 8 bars in hold...it was a terrific number, it was sharp...I want to see more than 8 bars in the Tango hold"
Alesha: 10 "I do agree with Len...but you played it so well"
Bruno: 9 "Intense, hypnotic, erotic...it was great"

Total Score: 34

I'm sorry Alesha but what on earth are you thinking?!

Next to scare us this evening will be Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan with the Paso Doble

Good cape work from Robbie but he's a little bit high when they get into hold, I'd like to see him use the floor a bit better.

A bit stompy in places and lacking any real drive or attack, should be a lot more aggression in a Paso.

I think they'll let them off the slight lift and a very brave ending, any slip or lack of elevation at the end and Robbie could have face planted straight into Craig.  Just a 6 for me, too much thrusting of the hips, and not enough Paso!

Craig: 4 "I could have done without all the hip thrusts...particularly the end one in my face...needed a lot more drive"
Len: 7 "It was a little bit disconcerting ...would have liked a bit more Savage...got to work on getting that Latin to the same standard [as your Ballroom]"
Alesha: 8 "I say keep thrusting...cape work at the beginning was brilliant...little bit erratic at times"
Bruno: 7 "Bad gone mental...lacked a bit of artistry"

Total Score: 26

Next couple is Anita Dobson & Robin Windsor with a Tango

Posture is better this week but could still do with a bit more of a stretch.

It feels a little soft and Anita looks unsure of her steps at times.  The Tango just lacks a feeling of attack and drama for me.

Not a bad dance but still a lot of improvement required, 7.

Craig: 7 "Acting 10, top line 3...loved the routine though"
Len: 8 "I like it...lot of Tango content...lost your timing...posture is your weakest thing"
Alesha: 8 "Fantastic actress, loved the drama...need to perfect your hold"
Bruno: 8 "You portray every aspect of your character...got to work on your frame"

Total Score: 31

Time for Lulu & Brendan Cole to fly onto the dance floor and Paso

A brave slide down the banister from Brendan, though not sure on the accessories!

Much more attack in this routine, more likely due to a better choice of song than Robbie's.

Faffing around at the end by Brendan so that they can get the harness back on...flying really is such a pointless gimmick.

Her best dance yet and a 7 from me.

Craig: 6 "Concept was absolutely great...felt like you were just trying to catch up with Brendan"
Len: 7 "Lots of tricks, and quite a few treats...you're a little bit soft in the body...too willowy"
Alesha: 8 "An amazing entrance, I love your determination...did a good job this week"
Bruno: 8 "You didn't go wrong tonight...you did it well, strong and powerful"

Total Score: 29

Last up tonight is Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff with a Quickstep

This should be a much better performance from Jason as I think he's better suited to the Ballroom.

Very brave of Kristina to have Jason dancing on his own to start, and Jason's definitely back to his best.  His arms are a little bit low which is ruining his frame.

Lots of energy but a little bit unbalanced in the final spin.  Improve on the posture and he'll be unstoppable but still a 9 for me.

Craig: 9 "Stone the flaming crows mate...I thought that was absolutely Fab-u-lous...however there were a couple of mistakes"
Len: 9 "So what if he made a little tiny mistake...some of them have had a Tango and they haven't even done a Tango [nudge, nudge Aliona]"
Alesha: 10 "So cute...charming throughout...brilliant routine...well done Jason"
Bruno: 9 "Bewitchingly brilliant and slightly barmy...great concept, great choreography...back on track"

Total Score: 37

Biggest score of the series so far, and I think it deserved it.

Leader board for tonight is as follows (my scores in brackets):

1. 37 points - Jason & Kristina (9)
2. 35 points - Holly & Artem (7)
3. 34 points - Harry & Aliona (7)
4. 32 points - Chelsee & Pasha (8)
5. 31 points - Alex & James (7)
5. 31 points - Anita & Robin (7)
7. 29 points - Lulu & Brendan (7)
8. 26 points - Robbie & Ola (6)
9. 22 points - Russell & Flavia (6)
10. 20 points - Audley & Natalie (5)
11. 14 points - Nancy & Anton (4)

Thankfully I haven't lost my touch and I'm still fairly accurate in my scoring.  I'd have liked to see Holly giving it a little bit more presentation but maybe I'm not seeing what the judges are, and Harry needs to sort out his shoulders and Aliona give him more actual choroegraphy.

I think it will be an Audley & Nancy bottom two with Audley going home as I still think Anton's fans will save him.

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

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Paso Doble

Never really thought you'd be able to do a Paso to Lady Gaga but James & Pamela are certainly pulling it off, there's some great intensity and passion, really expressing the music well.  Pamela looks slightly unsteady at times but this is another great performance.

This could get more tens but I think just a 9 from me.

Craig: 8 "Strong lines...major attitude and conviction...some parts were a little bit laboured...three solo 'wobble' moments"
Len: 9 "You captured the spirit of the dance...full-on...did a great job...thoroughly enjoyed it"
Alisha: 9 "Dramatic...fiesty...determined...woman on a mission...maintained standard from last week"
Bruno: 9 "I really liked the disdainful look on your face"

Total Score: 35

How can Alisha say they maintained their standard from last week but then give them a 9?

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe - Paso Doble

Scott will be dancing the Paso Doble as James Bond this week, and apparently shirtless...

He's lacking Spanish lines and really needs to dance the ball more into the floor, but at least he's more awake this week.

A stripping ending just to make sure he gets the votes, think Natalie was worried?

A bit of a mixed bag really, didn't quite feel like a Paso but I'll give it an 8.

Craig: 8 "I don't agree with that, could have done with a bit more Paso shaping through the arms...you are back...virile...red blooded...hot"
Len: 9 "00 Se-ven...you came out you had passion...couple of incidents here and there...coped very well"
Alisha: 9 "Giving Gavin a run for his money in the chest department...back in the zone"
Bruno: 9 "Licence to thrill...managed to do it [the Spanish lines]"

Total Score: 35

Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone - Paso Doble

Felicity is a celeb who hasn't lived up to my expectations, though is definitely a lot more flexible than I gave her credit for (and definitely than me!)

A nice Spanish start and I like how they've made her hair look a bit like a bull's tail.  Felicity needs to be careful not to skip, but that was only very briefly.  The ending seems slightly out of time but then vincent strips off and drags Felicity across the floor to the judges.

For me it's Felicity's best dance, I can't find anything to fault it on but just a few niggles means I'm going to give it a 9.

Craig: 6 "Storytelling absolutely wonderful...thought you could've used the floor a bit more...a bit rough"
Len: 8 "Very atmospheric...captured the mood...lacked in agression, made up in expression...best dance so far"
Alisha: 7 "Loved the drama...arm shaping great...still need to work on the attack and drive...one to many splits in your dancing"
Bruno:  8"That had more drama...tried to put a lot of flamenco into it...at times not as well-placed as it could have been."

Total Score: 29

Now it seems I've gone the other way!  Much, much better than a 6 though Craig.  Whilst it lacked aggression I personally felt that was more to do with the story and expression and no less of a Paso because of it.

Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke - Paso Doble

What are we going to see this week?

Ann needs to try and skim the floor more when she's walking, and her sur place movements (effectively stamping on the spot) need to be not lifted up so much.

Lovely lines when Anton is throwing her, though the floor spins are just comical.

She does get better dance wise each week but just a 5 I'm afraid.

Craig: 2 "I only have three letters...O M G"
Len: 5 "It's a bit like going up the motorway with an accident, you don't really want to watch but you can't help yourself"
Alisha: 5 "A humble entrance this week...try counting in your head...Anton's dragging you round like an appliance"
Bruno: 4 "I don't think I'll ever recover from that ending...it was heavy"

Total Score: 16

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas - Paso Doble

I'm liking some of the shapes in training...

As I expected Gavin has gone topless this week, needs to guarantee himself some votes.  He can't stop himself smiling, but at least that's better than his unemotional face

Actually his best dance I think and I'm going to give him a 7.

Craig: 5 "Turns need finessing...still have musicality problems...whole thing a lot of posturing...finally a hint of personality"
Len: 7 "Working your assets...knee walks very tricky to do...lovely point to your foot...lacked a bit of passion"
Alisha: 7 "I disagree with Len, very passionate...sexy...nice attempt"
Bruno: 7 "I love when you're coming out of your shell...really beautiful lines...believe more in yourself"

Total Score: 26

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

Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Paso Doble

Kara needs to stand up a little straighter but she has good Spanish arms.  Looking a little unstable at times though, especially with the lean away in front of the judges.

Definitely playing the part well.  Technically a lift at the end so should be docked points so I'm going to give them an 8.

Craig: 9 "I really loved it.  Finally had some passion"
Len: 9 "Last two weeks...bit of a spark...tonight a fire!"
Alisha: 10
Bruno: 9 "Luscious drama, oozing with passion"

Total Score: 37

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 30th October

It's Strictly Come Dancing, it's Halloween, and we have shirtless male pro dancers to start the show.  Shame the band can't quite live up to Matt Bellamy's vocal range.  A powerful performance though and a great way to open the show.

So tonight we're going to see a Jive, Paso Doble, Viennese Waltz and Argentine Tango.  Let's get on with the show.

Austin Healey & Erin Boag - Paso Doble

Austin performed an amazing Paso Doble in 2008's competition and I felt was very unlucky to go out without reaching the final.

Well that's a start and a half, though I'd prefer a more Spanish arm shape at times.

However a very entertaining performance (as Austin always managed) and a great aggressive performance. A 9.5 from me and I think might get a couple of 10's.

Paso tips from Vincent Simone

Looking to improve your Paso Doble (albeit we don't teach it in our classes!)?

Here's the top tips from Strictly Come Dancing's Vincent Simone:

Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Tango

So I didn't expect a comical take on a Paso, let's see if Ricky can keep it serious for the Tango.



Emma's not really 'feeling' Erin's dress this week, and I must admit it does look a little weird.

Just loses a little bit of drive at times and his dropped head makes him look a little unconfident. Seems to be making mistakes but can't tell.

It was an ok performance but I don't think he'll score higher than a 7.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Paso Doble

So Chris gave his best performance last week, can he keep it up with the Paso this week?

Not sure on the facial expressions, but definitely an aggressive attacking attitude. I don't personally like all the jumping stamps but the ending was very good and generally very good technique throughout.

Easily 8's, maybe even a 9 or two.

Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Paso Doble

This should actually be a Latin American dance that Laila can cope with!

Smouldering start...but wait was that a lift?!!!

Excellent performance, not sure how the judges will feel about the lifts, though it did seem to lose drive as the dance progressed.

For me it would easily be a 9, if I ignore the lifts!

Judges scores: CRH 7, LG 7, AD 8, BT 8.

Anton, Anton, Anton...why did you do the lifts? You're not Brendan Cole!

The dance off!

So who can impress the judges enough to make it to Blackpool?

First up Ali with her Paso Doble...and what's this no shoes? Which straight away results in a slip.

However I would say a much better performance than earlier on in the night.

How will Zoe reply to that?

No real improvement on her earlier dance, I didn't like it that much earlier and I think Zoe will be going home this week.

Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Paso Doble

A slower Latin American dance (generally), Ali should fare better than her last outing in Jive.

Body shaping in training is looking really good, let's hope the stubbed toe doesn't affect the performance, though she looked a little 'off' coming down the stairs.

It's not a confident performance I feel, though the steps are generally looking pretty good - and there's no way i'd be able to do the splits!

Overall it just lacked energy for my liking, 7's again I think.

The result

Based on the dance-off I'd put Lynda through.

Rav really let himself down in that dance-off, with a worse performance than actually during the competition.

Hat off to Lynda though, i'd written you off but you upped your game in the dance-off and definitely deserve to come back next week.

So, another week, another celebrity going home. Rav looks distraught and I can understand why, there's just no other feeling that can match dance competition when you really enjoy it.

Do you agree with the result, or even the final two?

Leaderboard

Leaderboard is as follows:

1. 35 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 32 points - Ali & Brian
3. 31 points - Zoe & James
4. 31 points - Jade & Ian
5. 30 points - Laila & Anton
6. 29 points - Ricky & Erin
7. 28 points - Natalie & Vincent
8. 25 points - Lynda & Darren
9. 24 points - Phil & Katya
10. 23 points - Chris & Ola
11. 21 points - Craig & Flavia
12. 20 points - Rav & Aliona
13. 20 points - Jo & Brendan
14. 19 points - Joe & Kristina

Given that Jo and Joe have both been saved by the audience from being in the bottom two it's fair to say that the same might happen this week.

This could mean that Rav and Craig both end up in the bottom two again, and I can't call it yet.

What's everyone elses viewpoint?

Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Paso Doble

Facial hair seems to be a theme this week, let's see if Ricky can master the posture and lose the hips - save them for the other Latin dances!

He's certainly come out on the floor with the right attitude, not too sure about the scream though, is he in pain?

The trouble with wearing a bolero is that if you don't hold your frame correctly it will make your shoulders look hunched. I normally recommend my wedding grooms don't wear their jacket during the first dance for this very reason.

A lot of passion, albeit slightly poor footwork at times.

Based on the atmosphere he creates I'd give it a 7