Thursday Thoughts: Week 5

 Super-late update this week, and next week is also likely to be super-late. But I'm still here!

JB & Amy's jive just didn't quite get there. JB was a bit heavy footed, and needed to be up on his toes more. He was also a little pigeon-toed at tines. JB has so much personality and looks like he is having fun, but his dancing is letting him down a bit. And I've noticed that Amy has this habit of putting her hand to her throat, which is obviously just something she does with her free arm, but to see it three times in about 16 counts was a bit distracting. They did her dirty with that frock, though. Awful.

Punam & Gorka's Viennese waltz was competent, but just really dull. Nothing stood out. Everything was a bit plain. And there were a few times where Gorka was dancing around Punam. he was definitly doing all the work. There wasn't even a fleckerl to keep things interesting, just a standing spin.

I really liked Jamie & Michelle's paso. I loved the black and white costumes (yes, even Jamie's high trousers). I loved the traditional music and how it built as the routine went on. It had more appel than we have seen from other couples this series. It had a bit of drama. The only thing I didn't like was the weird hand-shaking bit.

You knew Chris & Dianne's waltz was going to be a thing of beauty before they even walked onto the floor. It was emotional without being sentimental. His dancing continues to be very good, too. I've watched it several times now, and I still shed a tear when Dianne leaves Chris to dance alone. He absolutely did his team and his city proud.

Tasha & Aljaž continue to be stunning. Their tango was spot on. I know I am going to enjoy whatever they present. They look amazing together. They cover the floor so well and so effortlessly. It perhaps could have had a little more light and shade - it was a bit one-note. But I didn't dislike it at all.

I did, however, dislike Paul & Karen's samba. The wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube men were more interesting to watch than Paul. Karen did all of the work, as usual.

I think Sam was beating herself up unnecessarily. There was a small error in the middle of her quickstep, but it certainly wasn't a disaster. She looked elegant and she and Nikita covered the floor well. She still needs to work on her timing, which is still her greatest issue, and will probably will be her ultimate undoing in the competition.

Pete & Jowita's rumba was pretty OK for a male rumba. He looks as though he is leading, even if he probably isn't. He does a reasonable job of showing off Jowita. And there was a good mix of intimicy and outward presentation. I thought it was decent. I could live without the illegal lifts. Len wouldn't stand for it.

Once I got past Sarah looking like Toyah in that wig, I really enjoyed her samba. The routine was light and fun. But I think Sarah left her hips in the dressing room. There was no hip action at all. There was more hip on her sassy walk away at the end of the dance than appeared anywhere in the routine. Vito gave her another complex routine, and she kept up with it all. I really wish the nude illusion fabric on her dress wasn't so loose.

Shayne & Nancy's American smooth was competent but it didn't really stand out. I really loved the lifts, and none of them were easy. Shayne dances, and partners, really well. It was understated, and lovely. I'm glad Shayne didn't end up back in the dance-off, but they'll need to do something to stand out or they might end up there again.

I don't really enjoy watching Wynne. If someone else had done this routine, it would have been really charming and sweet. There was nothing wrong with Katya's creativity. But I find Wynne and his 'dad bants' really cringey. His hold is a bit iffy at times - his right arm is too far forward which makes him sag a little. Yes, he has good musicality. Yes, he is light on his feet. Yes, it was correct throughout. But at no point do I look forward to watching him. Overmarked once again.

Montell & Johannes' couples' choice was total joy. Just like Punam's, it celebrated who she is. Who they both are. It was everything we love about seeing Johannes on tour, and it was stunning. I fear for other couples' choice routines now. I don't think anything can live up to this. Undermmarked! What can Craig possibly not have liked about it?

Montell and Chris was absolutely the best of the night. It was right for Paul to be in the dance-off and to leave. He was getting left behind, and there wasn't anyone in the group that he is better than. JB did go a bit wrong, but the judges were right to save him.