Sunday Service: Week 6

I know Halloween Week on Strictly is a Marmite event, but I love it. I like the crazy costumes and make-up. It's lots of fun.

As Shirley reminded us more than once, we are halfway through the competition. And it seems lots of our couples are starting to plateau. The are all pretty good, but the steady improvement seems to have tailed off for most of them.

I really liked Angela & Carlos' Black Swan-inspired paso. I liked the inclusion of balletic elements, and I thought the drama was wonderful. It could have had more expansion, which was there on the swan sections, but lacking elsewhere. There was a small error in the middle as well. A very creative routine, and a great start to the show.

Adam & Luba's American smooth was very cute. the choreography was simple, which meant he was able to execute it very well. The lifts weren't too challenging, which again meant it looked clean. The short section danced out of hold toward the end was a bit wobbly, but otherwise it was a good job.

Zara & Graziano's Charleson lacked finesse. She hasn't learned to move like a dancer. She's doing all of the moves, but everything is just steps with no finish or transition. She occasionally goes out of time as well.

Layton & Nikita's tango was full of drama and passion. It was brave to switch hold, and for me it didn't work. Layton did not look as polished in the leader role. I'm inclined to agree with Shirley that his quality could be better. He has acting, performance and dancing in spades, but he needs to work on the ballroom and technique.

I liked Bobby & Dianne's cha cha. It was fun and cheeky. I loved the drag across the floor with Dianne spinning. He definitely needs to control his arms. His limbs are so long, and they can look gangly because he doesn't control them. If he tidies up him arms, he could be even better.

Krishnan & Lauren's Viennese waltz was only OK for me. His topline is very bothersome. It's a little small, and he has a tendency to lean forward. The flerkerl went very awry. This was far from his best performance, but his characterisation was good.

Angela & Kai's Charleston was hilarious, mostly because of Kai camping it up! I really enjoyed the choreography, and, barring a little error in the middle, Angela executed it well. I still wish she would point her toes in the lifts. Those upturned toes are really ugly. But she continues to amaze us.

Johannes' decision to keep Annabel in hold for the entire tango was a smart move. It meant he was in control of the routine from start to finish, and it made Annabel look fantastic. It could have had more intensity, though. I didn't buy the character. Brilliant choreography - more routines like this from our pros, please.

It a shame there were a couple of errors in Nigel & Katya's cha cha, because it was great otherwise. I loved the choreography, with all the zombie elements. Nigel is a fantastic leader, and his timing is excellent. If he's in the final, I'd like to see him do that again and nail it.

Ellie reminds we a bit of Jill Halfpenny. She's great in everything she does, and nothing ever looks difficult. I never feel anxious when she comes onto the dancefloor, because I know everything is going to be under control. Ellie & Vito's salsa was fun, complicated and competent. She's yet to have a bad week, and she is absolutely a contender for the final for me.

Ellie was unquestionably the best of the night. I pretty much agreed with the bottom two on the leaderboard this week - Zara and Krishnan. But Krishnan is so well liked, there is a possibility that Annabel might find herself in the dance-off. No matter what, it definitely feels like Zara's time has to be up now.

Sunday Service: Week 5

This was a bit of an off week for a few of the couples. Nothing was really that bad, but a lot of numbers just didn't quite hot the mark.

Amanda was out this week due to "medical reasons". My social media timeline couldn't have been happier.

Annabel & Johannes went first with their Charleston. It was a really mixed bag. When Annabel knew the steps, she looked amazing. But she spent a lot of the routine losing her way, and giving Joahnnes the side-eye to see what was supposed to come next. It could have been a sensational routine, but it fell flat for me because so much of it went pear-shaped. It looked under-rehearsed.

Nigel & Katya's foxtrot was also a mixed bag. Out of hold it was exciting, dynamic and engaging. Their chemistry was great and they really drew you in. Then they would take hold, and it was really dull. His whole personality just faded away, and we were left with competent, yet uninspiring, dancing. One thing I noted was Nigel's spotting on the pivots. It was absolutely beautiful. I urge everyone to go and have a look.

Something about Eddie & Karen's samba just didn't land for me. I don't know what it was. Once again, Eddie is a star performer out of hold. He never fails to raise a smile. It's almost a shame that Strictly is a series about partner dancing, because if it was just about performing solo, he'd be bossing it. But in hold his dancing just never quite finds its way.

I really enjoyed Krishnan & Lauren's quickstep. He's such a joy to watch, and the improvement he has made since Week 1 is stark. I wasn't so keen on the slower portions of the routine, as this was Krishnan looked least comfortable. But with all the fast chassé sections and the out of hold parts, he was great. Is he the best dancer? No. But he's so engaging that I honestly don't care.

I watched Angela & Carlos' American smooth again today, and I enjoyed it more on second viewing. Choreographically, it moved around the floor, but could have had a bit more. There seemed to be a lack of interesting content, and Angela is capable of a routine with a bit more oomph. Angela is very elegant, and looks great on the floor. She needs to find her mojo.

Vito completely ignored last week's notes about over-packing the routine with steps and again went hell for leather with the paso. Thankfully, Ellie nailed it. Again. It was strong, it had drive and attitude. She is quietly going about her business, and she is going to be here for a long time. She doesn't get people talking about her, but she cannot be ignored.

I really loved Layton & Nikita's performance. It was showstopping. But was it a proper salsa? There was very little partner work. They spent most of the routine side by side. It was beautifully in sync, they matched each other perfectly. But this felt more like a couple's choice routine than a salsa. This was a dance for the stage, not for the dancefloor.

I was put off for most of Bobby & Dianne's Viennese waltz by his costume. Why was he wearing his grandad's long johns? That aside, there was a dream-like quality to their routine. It felt almost voyeuristic to be watching this moment, which as Craig suggested, was very cinematic. It's a shame that the fleckerl lost its way, as it was otherwise a very pretty routine. The longer I watch them, the more their height difference bothers me. Bobby is doing an amazing job at keeping upright, and keeping his body low to match Dianne's height.

I did not like Adam & Luba's couple's choice as much as the judges seemed to. For me, he was not matching Luba's energy. She was very bouncy, while his moves just didn't seem as clean. Everything from him seemed a little heavier. The chair section was the best part and seemed a lot more in sync.

The trust Zara put into Graziano to achieve those lifts was obvious. They were impressive, especially the lift at the end. It's a shame that the rest of their American smooth wasn't quite as good. She needs to extend and finish her lines more. Everything is a bit 'small' and contained.

I loved that Angela got to do the dance she wanted to do the most - the Argentine tango. She gave it a very good go too. I don't think it was one for the ages, but she and Kai did a really good job. I would have liked to see her point her toes a bit more, especially on the last few kicks and the final lift, where her hooks of feet looked a little unwieldy. I do with they wouldn't dress both dancers fully in black, though, as it makes the dances very hard to read.

My favourite this week was Ellie and probably Bobby. I enjoyed Layton and Krishnan as well.

The weakest for me were Zara, Adam and Annabel. Zara was brave, but can the lifts alone save her? Adam lacked energy and Annabel's routine was littered with errors. It will be interesting to see what happens tonight.

Saturday Service: Week 4

Lots of classic dancing this week, certainly in the first half of the programme. And some beautiful, classic costumes too.

I wasn't mad about Vito's choreography this week. His samba for Ellie seemed a little chaotic - there was a lot going on. It all seemed too fast and too packed. Ellie did a decent job with what she was given to do, though. She's still a lovely dancer to watch. There was some nice samba content, just too much other stuff.

I liked Adam & Luba's waltz. It was very classy and simple. OK, so maybe Adam spent a lot of time not moving while Luba danced around him, but it worked. The hold was good, the rise and fall was good, it was a pleasure to watch.

Oh dear. Jody & Jowita's salsa started off with so much promise, but started to flag as the dance went on. The transitions were very clunky, one of the lifts was really awkward. The salsa just wasn't his dance. It's such a shame, because Jody can be so much better.

Amanda continues to be annoyingly good. A very nice foxtrot, lovely frame, nice storytelling with Giovanni.

You've gotta love Krishnan & Lauren. Even when it's not perfect, it's still fabulous. Krishnan had the paso attitude throughout. The only thing that let it down was his shoulders, which seemed to be creeping up mid-dance. It was strong and in control for the most part.

It seems that there was a lot of content in Zara & Graziano's Veinnese waltz designed to prevent them from actually doing any VW steps. I loved the storytelling in the opening. I didn't like the use of smoke which covered her feet. Her left arm looked a bit droopy. There looked to be a little error in what we saw of her fleckerl. It was a nice performance, though.

I liked Annabel & Johannes' jive. It was energetic and punchy. The only thing which let it down was Annabel's heels, which she put down throughout the dance. She should have been up on her toes! I'd like to see a little more performance from Annabel now. She's a competent dancer, but she doesn't draw me in.

Eddie continues to be marvelous out of hold, but a little awkward in hold. Thankfully, the American smooth is out of hold quite a bit. I can't quite put my finger on what is wrong. Maybe it's his topline, maybe he doesn't stride out enough. I love his chemistry with Karen and I love the performance. But now it's time to work on being better dancing together, rather than just next to each other.

Loved Layton & Nikita's cha cha. Layton has found a way to channel his energy into control. The cha cha content was well executed, neat, great footwork and styling. As Shirley pointed out, this dance showcased their teamwork. Fantastic!

Nigel & Katya's salsa was fantastic. Nigel is such a great leader! The whole routine was fire! I loved everything in hold, and the side-by-side section was a lovely accent to the dance. In control, while also being loose and free with it. Great stuff.

It's a shame there was a little stumble out of the fleckerl, because otherwise Angela & Carlos' Viennese waltz was nice. But something about this routine left me cold. It was correct, but I just didn't connect with it.

There was lots to like in Angela & Kai's rumba. Lovely rhythm, clean footwork, and THOSE SPLITS! But it was a little too upright for my taste. I want a little more earthiness in the rumba, I wanted her to be a little more into the floor. And I wanted a little bit of hip on that final pose section. But Angela continues to surprise and delight.

Bobby & Dianne's tango was sharp. It was strong and clean. Maybe it was the music and the storytelling, but it was a bit cold for me. I prefer more passion and fire. But overall it was a very good tango.

The leaderboard was very different this week. Layton was easily the best of the night. I think Jody could be in trouble, and Zara might get a reprieve from the dance-off.

Monday Musings: Week 3

Ah, Movie Week. Let the "Is it a movie or is it a musical?" debates begin. It's an odd one, as there are enough movies to service Movie Week, without straying into musical territory at all. But here we are.

This week we started with Nigel & Katya's Batman jive, which was not themed on a movie or a musical, but rather the TV show. Huh? Theme aside, the dance was not up to the standard that Nigel & Katya have delivered in the last couple of weeks. Nigel was off time in a couple of places, and it just wasn't as engaging to watch. His kicks weren't sharp enough. I'm surprised it was chosen to open the show.

I don't usually comment on anything other than the dancing, but what a treat to see Amy Dowden reading the T&Cs. Amy has been very open about her breast cancer treatment on social media, but I am not sure how much the core Strictly audience would know about what she has been facing. It was wonderful to see her, and all the love that everyone at the show has for her. Can't wait to see her back on the dancefloor.

On to Angela & Kai's quickstep to Do Re Mi. Their quickstep was slower than others we have seen on the show, but it was exactly the kind of quickstep being taught in classes all across the country and the steps were recognisable quickstep steps. I loved the ending where they walked up the steps, which is such an iconic setting in the film. Angela continues to deliver, and if we take nothing else from this series, then Kai in leafy lederhosen is enough. I agree with the judges that Angela could do with keeping her arms up, but she is lovely to watch.

Zara & Graziano definitely showed improvement. Their paso wasn't as finessed as I would have liked. It was a bit 'walky' in places, and there was a point where she was moving using the same arm as leg. It baffles me how people do that because it takes so much more effort than opposition. I loved the attitude of the dance and it was good to see Zara's confidence grow.

I pretty much agreed with everything Craig said about Layton & Nikita's Viennese waltz. It had a little too much attack and lacked the softness that the song dictates. Layton needs to let Nikita lead. He is such a competent dancer who always know the choreography, it's difficult not to anticipate and just go for it. And yes, that sickled toe was not pretty. Layton is still fantastic, but not as strong as previous weeks.

Angela & Carlos' Charleston was spot on. Brilliant side-by-side work, sustained energy throughout, great partnership, quirky facial expressions. It was everything a Charleston should be. It didn't matter that the majortiy of the audience wouldn't be familiar with the film. You don't need to be to enjoy what they did on the dancefloor. 

I liked Amanda & Giovanni's rumba better than the judges seemed to. The thing that bothered me about Amanda (aside from THAT) is that she doesn't close her feet together properly on the turns, yet she does on all the other steps.

The jive was definitely an improvement for Nikita & Gorka. She looked as though she was having fun. The dance still lacked energy in places, and her heavy legs and upturned toes were not pretty. But I appreciated all the effort she had put into the performance. 

Ellie & Vita's Viennese waltz was enchanting. She is such a beautiful dancer, and I am wondering already if there is anything she cannot do. Her footwork is gorgeous, their waltz steps glided around the floor. It was all lovely and flat. Vito does love to pick up accents in the music too. Great musicality. Loved it.

All throughout Bobby & Dianne's samba, I kept thinking about those 1970s clips they sometimes show of Nigel Lythgoe. Maybe it was the costume. Lots of samba content, lovely voltas and samba walks. I wish there had been some samba rolls, but maybe their height difference didn't really facilitate it.

Jody & Jowita's American smooth was very sweet, and a good effort considering their truncated practice time. Jody just needs to work on his posture in hold, where he tends to lean forward and over Jowita. Out of hold, or in a looser hold, he looks good, and he is starting to finish his movements in a more attractive way.

I liked Eddie & Karen's Couple's Choice (what is the choice now, btw?), but it didn't blow me away. I think that was down to the choreography rather than the performance. I really didn't get what was supposed to be happening during the first visit to the white table. High energy and well performed.

Annabel & Johannes' waltz was classy. I think there was a little error part way though, but otherwise it was good. Annabel had an odd expression on her face throughout was really odd. I am not sure if it was fear or concentration, but a smile would've been much nicer.

Adam & Luba's jive was bright and bouncy like the characters they were representing. I think that the characterisation allowed them to get away with a little less technical precision. I enjoyed watching it, mostly because of Adam's cheeky face. I'm sure there are probably loads of clips of tots bopping along to this on Instagram.

You can't fail but to love Krishnan & Lauren. He was fully in character as Emcee. His dancing continues to improve, and this was an enjoyable Charleston. It was very different to Angela's Charleston, but it entertained almost as much. I hope they get to stay for a while yet.

Angela S. was my favourite of the night, followed by Ellie. I think that the right two ended up in the dance-off, and it was the right result for Nikita to go home. I'm sad that we didn't get time to get to know Nikita more, because she's such a lovely woman, but her time on the dancefloor was definitely up.