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Proudly blogging about Strictly Come Dancing ALL YEAR ROUND since 2006. Always spoiler-free.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Strictly Strike?
The Strictly pros are threatening not to take part in the live tour, unless their wages improve. According toThe Sun, the pros earn less than half what the celebrities do for the tour, despite the fact that they have more to do - more routines, coaching and choreography. The pros were initially offered £5,500 per week, while the celebrities get £13,000. The paper claims that the producers are now offering £6,000. The pros are awaiting a response to a request for £8,000. A source told the paper: “The pro dancers work like dogs on tour. As well as dancing, they are responsible for choreography and preparing the celebrities for the performance. Some dancers feel the bosses have forgotten they are household names in their own right.”
Ann Widdecombe and Russell Grant are set to return to the dancefloor as part of this year's Children In Need show. The pair will be returned to their original partners - Anton du Beke and Flavia Cacace - for a special edition of Strictly. Russell told theBelfast Telegraph: "Thrilled to be back on Children in Need as I was in the first one ever. And to be dancing with Flavia once more is a Strictly dream come true. A fantastic cause doing something I love. Everyone's a winner."
Brendan Cole wouldn't hesitate to leave Victoria if his wife goes into labour. Brendan and wife Zoe's first child is due two weeks after the Strictly final, and that is Brendan's top priority. According to a report in the Metro, Brendan said: "There would be no way I would miss the birth. Zoe and the baby are my priority. If me and Victoria get through to the final and Zoe goes into labour, I would rush right away to be with her. I wouldn't care about missing the final. Victoria would cope and they'd be able to find her a replacement."
Colin Salmon has likened his Strictly training to training with the Marines. He toldThe Sun: “There is a rule with ballroom dancers which is, if it’s not bleeding then shut up. With respect to the dancers, it’s another level of human endeavour I have never seen in my life in any sphere. I have trained with the Marines and with this there is no rest in that 90-second or two-minute number. For every bit of that song you are switched-on mentally. And to do it you have to repeat it and get it in your body. It’s very similar to the Marines.” Hmm... I think perhaps Colin is over-egging it here. There is no doubt that training is tough, but Marine-tough? I doubt it...
Louis Smith has been rapped by producers for revealing Sid & Ola's exit from Strictly before it was broadcast on BBC One. The results show is recorded on a Saturday night, but not broadcast until Sunday evening, so the results have to be kept under wraps for about 20 hours. On Saturday night, Louis tweeted: “So much luv for @FlaviaCacace & it’s so sad to say bye to @sidowen5 & @The_OlaJordan #crewlove.” The post was later deleted. A BBC source toldThe Sun: “Louis was so caught up in the show that he totally forgot that TV audiences — along with fans who follow him on Twitter — hadn't seen the result. Luckily the tweet was noticed quickly and taken down, and the importance of keeping the show result secret has been impressed upon Louis. He is embarrassed about it, but at the end of the day it was an honest mistake."
I'm finally able to write my thoughts on the show before I've seen the result! Normal Sunday Service has resumed.
So Dani & Vincent kicked off Saturday night with their cha cha. I really liked the routine, and it had loads of basic cha cha content. Dani performed well. She could have smiled more, her legs were a bit bent - especially at the start of the routine - and she needs to make sure she closes her feet together every time. She's still a pleasure to watch.
I loved the mood of Richard &Erin's paso. It was clear that Richard had worked hard on the routine, and on his facial expression. He tried well with the cape at the beginning. However, it wasn't as strong and driven as it could have been. Richard needs to keep his shoulders down when he's getting his anger on. Wonderful choreography from Erin.
I felt a sense of deja vous watching Lisa &Robin's Charlston. I feel like I've seen it all before. Lisa is very good at the arms and face, but he legs let her down. She needs to make more of the Charleston steps, and lift her legs more. It was a bit listless downstairs.
I really wanted to like Sid &Ola's cha cha, but it wasn't danced that well. He looked nervous, maybe the change of partner spooked him this week. In past weeks he looked to be enjoying the dancing. This week he didn't - although he did comment earlier in the week that he didn't like the song. Maybe that was part of it.
The tango was Nicky's best dance so far. He got really into the character of the dance. It was very clean, although Len was right that he was a bit stompy, and Craig was right about his posture. Karen needs to make sure Nicky pulls his shoulders back.
I thought Fern &Artem's American smooth was just OK. The lifts were very nice. I liked Bruno's description - beige.
I loved Denise &James' cha cha routine. The characterisation was brilliant. It was crisp and neat. I didn't think Denise's legs were as bad as the judges made out.
Who did Natalie dance with this week? It was a completely different Michael. There was only one section near the beginning where he went off time. It was a big improvement. A very enjoyable quickstep. Natalie has done a fantastic job. Being in the dance-off obviously motivated him.
Another big improvement. Victoria & Brendan's tango was driven and well performed. Improved spins too. She could have used her head better, but that would be the only criticism. Len is right, though. Victoria needs to have more faith in herself.
Colin &Kristina's routine was nice, but it wasn't hot enough for a salsa for me. It was all a bit clean, almost cha cha-like. I found myself watching Kristina and almost forgot about looking at Colin.
I really liked Louis &Flavia's tango. It was strong and driven, although it could have been even more so. The hold could have been tighter. I loved the little almost-bite in the middle. Great choreography.
Kimberley & Pasha's paso was lovely. Kimberley's arms were well shaped. It was hard to find fault in her dancing.
I think there is no doubt that Sid should be in the bottom two, unless the public take pity on him. It just wasn't his week. It's hard to pick someone else to be with him. Maybe Fern. Maybe Colin. I wasn't in to his performance this week. And unless Sid really pulls it out of the bag in the dance-off, it could well be him that goes home.
There is a lovely interview with Vincent Simone in The Sun.
On his favourite partner: "Louisa Lytton and Rachel Stevens. They are great girls. Louisa was my first ever show and she was such a good dancer, she made it quite easy for me. I’ve learnt a lot more how to work the cameras since then. With Rachel we got to the final. I still believe that was going to be our year to win – we should have won."
On doing a street dance routine with Kylie: "Kylie Minogue was on the show she asked all the boys to do a routine and we had to do street dance, which we don’t do. I felt really exposed and I didn’t like it at all."
On his ideal partner: "Someone that can move around easily without calling a removal company, I would say."
It worth reading the whole interview. And before anyone asks, I am not the 'stalker' he refers to. Surprising, but true.
A rift is reportedly brewing between Colin & Kristina, after she had to train with him in Canada last week.
FemaleFirst reports that a source told the Daily Star: "Kristina is desperate to win. She was angry he flew out to Canada. They're barely speaking at the moment apart from when she shouts at him for getting his steps wrong."
It's not the first time a pro has chased a celebrity around to train. Anton joined Esther Rantzen on a cruise to rehearse.
Ola Jordan is missing rehearsals with Sid this week, due to a family emergency.
Ola's mother suffered a heart attack before Saturday's show, and so Ola has gone to Poland to visit her.
The Sun reports that Ola will be away until Thursday, so Iveta will stand in for her and rehearse with Sid until she returns.
A source told the paper: “It is devastating news for Ola. Her mum is out of the woods but it has been a huge shock for the family. She was a real trooper agreeing to dance on Saturday night with that at the front of her mind. We’ve told her to take as long as she needs.”
Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba says he would like to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The soccer player, who collapsed on the field duing a cup game last season, is fighting his way back to good health, and fancies giving Strictly a whirl.
He told the Belfast Telegraph: "I was approached to do Dancing On Ice, but I had to say no. That's more dangerous than football. My insurance definitely doesn't cover that. But I'd do Strictly Come Dancing. I love my salsa, so I'd be well up for that."
It's only Week 3, but it's already time to wheel out a theme, so here we are at Hollywood Week.
But I have to have a rant first. I am really tired of Bruce's Craig-bashing. It's really getting boring. He's constantly putting down Craig's opinions, and making cheap jokes at his expense. Some of us like Craig, and agree with what he says.
Fern & Artem kicked things off with their Charleston. It wasn't the most exciting Charleston we've seen, but Fern danced it pretty well. She seemed to think about the audience a bit more this week, and her performance was much better, but the whole thing was a bit dull. I think she'll survive for a good while yet, but she's going to have to bring it if she wants to stay in.
Victoria &Brendan's rumba was easily their bast dance so far. She was still a bit wobbly. and her turns still need work, but she hit some lovely lines. Her swivels were really nice and she seemed to capture some of the emotion of the dance too. It's a shame she looked so worried after the dress malfunction.
Michael &Natalie's cha cha wasn't really Hot Stuff. I love Michael's attitude, performance level and energy. It's such a shame his timing is so bad. He's fun to watch, even though it isn't that good, although it is bordering on manic as Bruno said.
I thought Jerry showed some improvement in the quickstep. Anton really packed the routine with steps and she gave it a good go. She looked a little confused at times, and her posture still needs some work. But she did correct herself on the springy section where she had the wrong foot.
I liked Sid &Ola's performance, but it wasn't enough of a tango for me. I'm with Len. I want aggression and staccato. There was no passion and attack. It was pleasant enough to watch, but it wasn't what we wanted to see.
Kimberley &Pasha's quickstep was energetic and fun. She kept the energy up all the way through. I would have preferred a bit more care on the footwork, but otherwise it was very good. They covered the floor really well.
Denise & James are so good. Perhaps some of the comments that Denise is too good for Strictly were right. She is brilliant. James, despite being a latin specialist, always does such wonderful ballroom dances and this foxtrot was no exception. Denise's footwork was lovely, she lifted her toes on the backward steps like a pro. Brilliant storytelling too.
Using Goldeneye for an Argentine tango was very risky. Mark & Karen's tango to that song is one of those iconic Strictly performances. Colin &Kristina's routine was very well performed, and included some brilliant lifts. Colin is very strong, but I never felt as though he was controlling Kristina, which is what it should come across. They looked like a team, but for the Argentine tango, the man should be in control.
I thought that Richard & Erin did a nice job with the quickstep. It was fun and inoffensive. Bright and light. I think Richard has lots to give. I can't wait to see how he progresses, as long as he gets the chance to stay.
I liked Dani &Vincent's foxtrot. It was so sweet and soft. The mood was wonderful. Dani needs to make sure that her feet come together closer on her backward steps, but she had some lovely lines. Dani is improving every week.
Lisa & Robin were not as strong this week. Lisa's jive lacked the bounce needed, and she didn't pick up her feet and legs enough. The routine had similar posing to the cha cha, which was clean, but not enough going on downstairs. Lisa is pretty light on her feet, which is brilliant, but not bouncy enough.
It was brilliant to see Nicky bring his personality to the floor this week. Perhaps the spirit of the mask helped him out. His quickstep with Karen was solid, although Len was right about his bent legs. Technically, it could have been better, but it was a step in the right direction.
If I'm honest, I liked Louis &Flavia's salsa better on second viewing. I think Louis' problem is that he's too cool for school. I want a bit more conviction from him. It was very polished, but something was lacking. Maybe it was the chemistry. I just can't put my finger on what is wrong. Maybe Darcey is right, maybe he needs to be more free.
It was clear that the right two were in the bottom two this week, but I would probably have saved Jerry rather than Michael. Michael works hard and gives it everything, but Jerry has more natural ability, and would be good if she worked a bit harder.
Sir Bruce Forsyth will take a break from Strictly later in the series.
The Daily Mail reports that Sir Bruce will not appear on 10th November, so that he is refreshed for the Wembley show the following week. Tess will take over the role of host for that show, and Claudia will take over the 'Tess Pit' for a night. The holiday was agreed before the series began, but has only just come to light.
A BBC spokesperson told the paper: "Even national treasures are allowed to take a week off."
Most of the celebrities saw improvement in Week 2, now they are over the first week nerves and know what it is all about.
I didn't really like Nicky &Karen's cha cha routine. Nicky's performance was a bit weak (but then, he used to be in Westwooden) and I agreed with Len about the content being a bit lacking (not Nicky's fault, of course). Nicky seems to have quite a bit of personality in training and on It Takes Two, so he just needs to bring it to the dancefloor. Technically, he was a bit bent-legged.
I think it's pretty mean to make any of the celebrities do a Viennese waltz in Week 2, but which is probably why Colin &Kristina's routine lacked much serious Viennese waltz content. Colin performed what he was given very well, but he his capable of so much more. The judges said that he lacked drive, but I think this is because he is conscious of the height difference. While he doesn't stoop to Kristina (which is excellent), he's not striding out as he'd take her legs out. Can someone please explain why he was not partnered with Natalie?
Dani &Vincent's salsa was packed with content. It was a much more confident dance than last week. Dani needs more movement through her body on the rolls (I don't think that the 'isolation' that Darcey talked about was necessarily intentional), but the routine was pretty crisp and clean.
The Viennese waltz suited Fern & Artem better than the cha cha. Fern's footwork wasn't very good, with barely a heel lead to be seen. She still looks caught up in the moment, and doesn't seem to be performing for the audience. She's dancing for herself.
Richard &Erin's cha cha was a lot more 'Richard' than the waltz. Richard needs more strength in his legs and better arm placement, but still a solid performance.
A much more confident Victoria stepped onto the floor on Saturday. She looked comfortable in Brendan's hold. She did a pretty good job at the foxtrot, but needs to work on her turns, which were pretty ugly.
Michael &Natalie's jive was a complete mess, yet for some odd reason I found myself enjoying it. Michael was rushing ahead of the music again, but being out hold meant that Natalie could not reign him in. His dancing was OK. I really liked the double spin move where she was laid over his side. The choreography was lovely.
Louis &Flavia's performance was much nicer than last week. Louis was a bit skippy, but otherwise good and it was great to see that essential Viennese waltz element - the fleckerl - being attempted.
Denise & James really bought the WOW! factor to the dancefloor. Their jive was amazing. It was energetic and packed with steps. It was well executed throughout and brilliantly performed. It was totally Denise's dance, and could easily be one of the dances we look back on and talk about in years to come.
It was a shame Johnny & Iveta had to follow them. Johnny's performance was lumpy, especially in hold, but it was clear that he has been working very hard. I agreed with Bruno that he actually hit some lovely lines out of hold.
If it's not too early to nominate a 'Dark Horse', I would opt for Sid. He's actually pretty good, and I think he'll have an interesting journey (yes, I went there - two Strictly cliches in one post!). The salsa had way more content than Ola's routine usually do (I presume it wasn't her choreography). Yes, it was a bit wild, but Sid's got lots to give.
Kimberly &Pasha's foxtrot was a lovely routine. The pair captured the mood of the song perfectly. Kimberley missed a lot of heel leads, and I felt she lost focus in the middle of the routine. She needs to sustain her performance level throughout the whole number.
Jerry proved that she does know how to dance, or maybe it was the illusion of the Anton hold. She clearly needs more strength, but there may be a jot of talent there after all. She was quite entertaining.
Lisa & Robin were generally very good. Lisa needs to maintain the elegance throughout the dance, though. Sometimes she looked lovely during the Viennese waltz, other times she looked like a barmaid. She needs more control and fluidity. She also needs to improve her top line.
There was no doubt that Johnny should have been in the bottom two, and it was right for him to go. He was outclassed by everyone. But I was a bit surprised to see Richard in the bottom two with him. I would have put Michael or Jerry there over Richard. Perhaps Richard was the victim of the judges' scores being aggregated over two weeks. Or maybe it's that he's probably one of the least famous participants. Either way, the right person was sent home this week.
Moving on to the second show of the first weekend...
Kimberley & Pasha made a cracking start with their cha cha. Kimberley is a natural performer and totally shone. She's going to be tough to beat. But like Denise, she's so good, where can she go?
Sid was a nice surprise. His walts with Ola was very nice. He made a good attempt at the footwork and had nice musicality. He did a very good job.
Johnny tried very hard, but his cha cha wasn't pleasent viewing. It couldn't have been easy for him to swap from Aliona to Iveta, but it's not an excuse. His timing was off in places and it was all a bit jerky. I was willing him to do well, but it was clear that latin is really not for him.
Dani looked like she was struggling to keep up with Vincent in the waltz, and she looked nervous. She has lots of potential and I'm sure she will improve with every dance she does.
Lisa &Robin's routine was filled with personality and performance. Lisa has excellent timing. The routine was packed with content, and Lisa coped with it all brilliantly.
Richard & Erin made a goos start with their waltz. Richard needs to relax and enjoy it a little more, which will make the whole thing flow better.
Jerry &Anton's cha cha had lots of posing - which Jerry is very good at - but not much else. The few dance steps and the transitions between poses were not so good, however. She needs to lift her long arms a bit more too.
I'm afraid I didn't see what everyone else saw in Louis &Flavia's cha cha. I found Louis a bit camp, mostly because of his arms which flailed about. It was a bit too much at times. There's no doubt that he has talent, but he needs more control.
So that's Week 1. Thoughts on Week 2 and the result to follow shortly...
I'm back from my holiday and all caught up on everything Strictly, so it's time to post my thoughts about the new series so far.
Everyone is loving Darcey Bussell, yeah? She's really good, yeah? OK, annoying intonation aside (clearly she has spent too much time in Oz), I think Darcey is brilliant. She's great at giving the participants things to correct, and is encouraging to all of them. She adds balance to the panel. She is excellent, and people might finally stop asking when Arlene will come back.
Anyway, on the to dancing!
Fern & Artem were first on the floor with their cha cha, which is always tough. I felt that Fern's excitement was getting the better of her, and made her lose it. She has some ability, and it was a solid start, but she needs to watch her timing. She seemed too lost in the moment and the whole experience of the thing.
Despite the judges' comments, I thought Nicky & Karen made a solid start with the waltz. Nicky needs to pull his shoulders back and make sure he lowers through his feet completely, but a good effort.
Michael &Natalie's waltz routine was lovely. Michael does have a tendency to race ahead of the music. Like Nicky, he needs to pull his shoulder back, but he was pretty elegant.
Victoria & Brendan has lots of timing issues in their cha cha. The concentration was all over Victoria's face. She needs to watch her long arms. It was a tricky rountine, and she'll probably be more confident in the ballroom hold.
Colin & Kristina made an excellent start. Their cha cha was well controlled and neat. I think he'll quietly do well.
Denise & James also made an excellent start. Their waltz was elegant, graceful and controlled. Denise has lovely lines. She has the potential to go all the way, as long as the public don't get bored with her. She's so good that there's not much room for a journey.
Being away, I'm a little out of the loop, and I've just seen the news that Aliona Vilani has fractured her ankle.
As Rentapro (Brendan) is still in the competition, Ian Waite temporarily stepped in to help out Johnny.
Johnny told the BBC Strictly Blog: “[Aliona] just went ‘ahhh’ when we were doing this sideways step; she‘d gone over on her ankle. It’s very sad because we were getting to the point where we were just dealing with technicalities in the routine and it was going so well. There’s been a X-ray now and it seems like it’s a hairline fracture. They can take quite a while to heal especially for a dancer when she has to put her foot through what it goes through. It's so sad..."
Aliona will be out for at least two weeks, so Johnny has a new face to look after him, Iveta Lukosiute.
Here is a clip of Iveta performing on So You Think You Can Dance in the US with our own Pasha.
Apologies for the lack of updates at the moment. I am on holiday, so am trying to catch up where I can. Here is a look at Johnny & Aliona's first rehearsal.
