Sunday Service: Week 9

This year, Blackpool was very much a show of two halves. It was definitely back-loaded to build to the end.

Before we get started, I have yet to read anyone say anything nice about the use of extra dancers. That's nothing against the dancers themselves, they are all very talented. It was nice to see more of Johannes. There is a place for them in the big group numbers. But with the couples they are largely distracting, and intrusive.

We started with the return of Disco Salsa: Stacey & Kevin Edition. Disco just about worked for Abbey & Aljaž in Blackpool five (five!) years ago. It didn't really work for Stacey & Kevin, though, at least not for me. Stacey's arms still bother me, especially in turns, although luckily for her most of the arms were set this week. I loved the lifts, though. Fearless. Stacey always goes for it.

I felt that Lauren & AJ were grossly undermarked last night. Their Argentine tango wasn't perfect. Far from it. But it was better than the judges gave them credit for. Lauren's biggest problem was her toes. If she pointed her feet, it would have improved her leg lines. Her legs needed to be straighter all though, but pointing her toes would have hidden it a bit. The routine wasn't easy, and she danced all of it correctly. It had the intensity and mood you need.

I wanted Graeme & Oti to be amazing. Theatre/jazz to The Trolley Song sounded like a winner. And yet, it wasn't that interesting. It was lots of running and brolley tapping, and not much else. The choreography didn't move me. The performance was fine. Good in fact, but it's not enough at this stage to be good.

We've seen some excellent pasos at Blackpool, so expectation is always high. But sadly, Faye & Giovanni's effort just didn't quite do it for me. Like Graeme's routine, it was good, but I wanted more. I actually liked it better on second viewing, which is not very helpful on Strictly, where you get one chance to impress. It was strong and passionate. It should be enough to see her through.

Kate & Aljaž's Blackpool honeymoon fell a little flat for me. It just wasn't a showstopper. Decent enough, and well danced. Nice pivots at the end. Nice lift in the middle. It was all just nice.

Then the evening started to take a turn. I was concerned that with the couple's choice and Charleston behind them, Charles & Karen would have little left to offer. Charles has not found his stride with the ten dances. He proved everyone wrong last night with his samba. Lovely promenade runs, gorgeous hip action on the voltres, and a fluidity of movement throughout. Charles looked to be having a blast. So good to see the penny drop for him.

Quickstep is always a good dance to get at Blackpool, and Joe & Dianne didn't waste it. Their routine was quick and light with no gapping. The was joyful and musical. I could have done without the giant piano section in the middle - this is not American smooth - but all told it was a great performance. 

Ashley & Pasha's jive was amazing, and definitely worth of a full forty. If you didn't know which was the pro and which was the celebrity, you'd have a hard time guessing. Probably because the celebrity is a dancer by trade. But I am not trying to take anything away from Ashley. The performance was on point. Excellent leg retractions. Beautiful arms. Beautiful turns. Perfection.

Ashley was definitely the best last night, followed by Joe and Charles.

I think it'll be the dance off for Graeme and Kate. I fear for Lauren at the bottom of the leaderboard, she doesn't deserve to be in the dance-off.

I can't wait for tonight!