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.