Monday Musings: Week 5

Obviously, I am writing this already knowing the result, but I don't think that's going to make a difference to my opinions.

I have to start by saying that I think theming the show as a Halloween special was a great idea. I wouldn't want to see every episode themed, but it made a nice change, and let everyone use their imagination a little more.

Pamela finally came across the dance to trip her up - the jive. It was far from bad, but quite untidy. It wasn't as neat and tidy as Pamela's work usually is. There were a couple or errors in the side-by-side section, and that section seemed a little heavy. Maybe Pamela & James have become a little complacent. Or maybe Alesha was right and it simply wasn't her dance. Either way, I'm sure it will make her more determined.

It was nice to see Tina do something that didn't provoke everyone to use the word 'cute' endlessly. It took a little while to get over the fact that she and Jared looked like Danny & Sandy in their outfits. But once the dance started I soon put those thoughts to bed. It was great to see Tina get to use her acting skills. I had to agree with Craig that Tina's ochos weren't very attractive. Her walking steps lacked drive and strength, but her lines were lovely. Her decoration was excellent. I think it was Tina's best dance.

I loved Kara & Artem's paso doble. It was dramatic and passionate. Kara followed Artem around like the perfect cape. Her lines are just gorgeous. She had a look of determination we hadn't seen before. Kara was on her game. Choreographically, it was my favourite of their routines so far. It was packed with content. I especially loved the knee slide.

Patsy's hard work in the studio paid off. Her energy level in the jive was much more sustained. Their dance was fun, and had pleanty of basic content to keep Len (and probably me) happy. She could still be a little lighter and bouncier, and her flicks could be sharper, but she is definitely improving. Robin needs to keep up the boot camp tactic. It obviously works.

I loved the opening of Felicity & Vincent's Viennese waltz, but I have to agree that the walk down the stairs was an interuption, and perhaps it would have been better to start in front of the band. But that's nothing to do with Felicity, and I really don't think any of the celebrities should be judged on the choreography. They should be judged on how they perform what they are given. Comments about the choreography should always be directed towards the professionals. Anyway, back to Felicity. Once on the floor, I definitely think it was a waltz of two halves. The natural turns were very nice. The reverse turns looked really ackward and clumsy. But overall, it was a sound performance.

Jimi is yet to blow me away, but he is making steady progress. He was in control of the paso doble. He can lead Flavia. His characterisation was excellent. The lift was amazing - another demonstration of Flavia's imaginitive choreography. His cape work wasn't especially good, but was a fair attempt. Some of his lines weren't quite right, but others were great. I find Jimi charasmatic on the floor, but I think there may be more still to come from him. He is still a little jerky at times, and could do with smoother transitions at times.

When Michelle & Brendan said earlier in the week that the jive might be Michelle's dance, I will admit that I raised an eyebrow. Tall, long-limbed people and the jive don't usually mix. But Michelle really surprised me this week. He looked like she was loving it. She controled her arms and legs really well. Her footwork wasn't perfect, but her performance made up for any gaps in technique. It was easily her best dance. I am inclined to agree that it could have had more content, but did it really have any less content than Patsy & Robin's jive? I especically loved the ending. Brilliant.

Gavin has some lovely lines and shaping through his arms, and we started to see some perfromance in the paso this week. But the walking steps are all a bit light and lack oompf. He's started to leave his self-consciousness backstage, but there were moments where his character went and he started to smirk. He needs to keep in character throughout. I really liked Katya's chorography and you can't go wrong with a Bucks Fizz moment!

Scott & Natalie's Viennese waltz has to be one of the best we've every seen. The storytelling was captivating. Scott really leads Natalie. They covered the floor beautifully, and they did a flawless fleckurl - something that some professionals leave out of the routine, or replace with a standing spin. Their three tens were totally deserved.

I am no longer enjoying Ann & Anton's performances. Ann seems to walk through every routine in exactly the same manner. I found whatever that was at the end of the paso highly embarassing, and I just wanted for the whole thing to end. But it did take the pressure off everyone else having to follow Scott & Natalie.

I had trouble with Matt & Aliona's Argentine tango because of the music selection. Bat Out Of Hell screams jive to me. Matt did a good job, but it ceratinly wasn't an Argentine tango for the ages. To be honest, I don't really have any strong opinions about it. It was very good, but I wasn't excited about it. Natalie has spoken about how important music selection is, and so is so right. I just couldn't get past the music for Matt's routine.

Scott was easily the best on Saturday, followed by Kara. In my opinion, Ann should have been sent packing, possibly in the bottom two with Gavin. I feel that we're getting close to a shock exit. Tina shouldn't have gone yet, but it wasn't a shock. Felicity will hopefully have got a wake-up call and will work harder next week. Gavin has had a reprieve, and should demonstrate that he deserves to stay. I worry that we are getting close to someone going out and Ann staying. Remember Cherie? Remember Gabby? I think it's going to happen again...

Here are the videos...

Pamela & James



Tina & Jared



Kara & Artem



Patsy & Robin



Felicity & Vincent



Jimi & Flavia



Michelle & Brendan



Gavin & Katya



Scott & Natalie



Ann & Anton



Matt & Aliona