Re: 2023 Tango's 'Little bit of Honesty' Discussion Thread

[B4p]

Hmm. Not sure I agreed with the result but I did think Adam looked absolutely exhausted and probably relieved to be let go.

I agree 50. When I saw how tired Adam looked, the dance he'd got from the pic n mix, and that awful song, I knew he was toast.

Well we're over the halfway mark now. Although Bobby was only one mark ahead of Angela R. on the scoreboard, I think he has more fans, or the realization that despite Angela Rs inflated scores, she reached her limits some weeks ago. If she's in the dance-off again this week I think it will be goodnight Vienna and Bye Bye Blackpool.

I think Layton, Ellie, Nigel and Bobby remain the strongest but Nigel and Bobby aren't always consistent. It was a shame Amanda didn't continue, she could have gone far I'm sure. I hope Krishnan gets through to Blackpool. He seems a genuine guy who's having a ball. I like Angela S. but she always looks stressed out to me. It would be nice to see her in a ballroom number. I'm not sure about Annabel. I don't think she's overly ambitious. She's happy just learning a new dance each week safe with Johannes.

It will be interesting to see the dances and music for this week. So far they've not been posted.


Change of subject - I loved that African inspired Pro dance on the results show. My other half said 'I'm surprised Oti isn't in there with them.' Great to see that Oti choreographed the dance.

[fiftynotout]

Change of subject - I loved that African inspired Pro dance on the results show. My other half said 'I'm surprised Oti isn't in there with them.' Great to see that Oti choreographed the dance.

Isn’t she heavily pregnant?

[diamondsandpearls]

At the risk of boring you with non-strictly stuff, I haven't posted previously because it has been a full  on few days, some it good, some not so good.  We hosted an end of season party at our youth hostel, involving a prper old school disco. I was in charge of curating the playlist and was very firm about the vibe (Studio 54 meets Met Gala). The dancing started at 9.30pm and ended at 2am with the dance floor always full (some of us literally never left it), so I think it safe to say that I knew my audience.  A bit of a tidy up and some farewells the next day - the hostel shuts down for winter and some of us go to hostels which stay open and some go on to exciting adventure.  And so yesterday I started back at the hostel I had previously worked at, but both the manager and the deputy are on stress leave and most of the staff are jaded and lazy.  It's pretty depressing.  There are three of us refugees and we are sticking together and grieving the loss of our beautiful, golden time at the other hostel where we all got on, worked hard but also had a laugh and socialised together.  It's life, and we know it, but still...

Anyway, due to the very happy last hurrah disco I was unable to see the result show.  To be honest, Adam could have tripped up and landed flato n his face and I still would think him the better dancer than Angela R.  I think it was Caledonian who said he though Kai should challenge her more but, agin as I am about Kai I concede he is a good teacher and I'm pretty sure he is keeping the choreography simple for the reason that Angela can't cope with anything more challenging.  I do trust him on that.

After the fairly dreadful movie week we had two pretty good shows that could almost have been from 2008/9.  I thus had high high hopes for this week after the utterly abysmal halloween shenanigans, but I was unceremoniously deflated like a bouncy castle at the end of six year old's birthday party.  It seemed tired and lazy (much like my new colleagues).

Only Ellie looked like she hadn't got the memo to be 'meh'.  Her dress, unnecessary splits aside, was a proper AS dress, and the routine was a proper AS routine.

Everyone else was bobbins.  Either the music was made for another type of dance altogether (Angela S and her flamenco samba) or the concept was just not typical for the dance and to my mind didn't work (eg Bobby's AT).

I love Krishnan to bits, and Lauren is fast taking over the Amy spot in my heart (except when I see Amy in the Clauditorium and then I'm "Lauren who" - fickle I am), but please save me from any more stupid couples 'street' dances.  They are to street dance what Harrod's is to a supermarket.  I'm pretty sure Krishnan could have reached into his cultural heritage or even just chosen a dance he fancies doing (me, I'd do the polka; I'd invent some Polish ancestry to create a suitable back story if necessary.  Or I might do a Gay Gordons after my Celtic heritage...) Anyway, Krishnan - do better!

Bobby and Dianne's height discrepancy still makes my teeth itch.  Stupid pairing.

Annabel.... I'm not allowed to say anything harsh am I? Because of the sad story behind it.  But if you leave the tragedy behind and focused on the dance, it was very, very sweet but oh SO repetitive!  Johannes hadn't given her too much choreography to contend with.  She's elegant, and it was nice, but there really wasn't a lot of content in it.

Luba's dress was the second favourite of the night.  Let's not talk about the rumba.  Ever.

Layton's dances always seem just a tad stagey (might have said this before).  Like he's performing a musical about the jive and he's doing a jive competition and giving it his all.  But Nikita's sparkly vest was equal second favourite.

And then there was... the rest.  Which I really, really cannot be bothered with.  They danced, they wore some clothes, I sang a famous Shania Twain song.

Honestly, there was better dancing and more fabulous outfits at our end of term bash than there was in that episode of strictly.

In the words of Barbie: "It just needs... a little more shaping.  To the salon!"

[B4p]

[quote="diamondsandpearls"]At the risk of boring you with non-strictly stuff, I haven't posted previously because it has been a full  on few days, some it good, some not so good.  We hosted an end of season party at our youth hostel, involving a prper old school disco. I was in charge of curating the playlist and was very firm about the vibe (Studio 54 meets Met Gala).  The dancing started at 9.30pm and ended at 2am with the dance floor always full (some of us literally never left it), so I think it safe to say that I knew my audience.  A bit of a tidy up and some farewells the next day - the hostel shuts down for winter and some of us go to hostels which stay open and some go on to exciting adventure.  And so yesterday I started back at the hostel I had previously worked at, but both the manager and the deputy are on stress leave and most of the staff are jaded and lazy.  It's pretty depressing.  There are three of us refugees and we are sticking together and grieving the loss of our beautiful, golden time at the other hostel where we all got on, worked hard but also had a laugh and socialised together.  It's life, and we know it, but still.../quote]

Although it sounds like a drastic change diamonds, they've obviously chosen you as the chief fairy dust sprinkler. Hard work. It's never easy to be a 'sweeper' and clear out a stagnant pit. I have every faith that the 3 musketeers will succeed in time. A good time of the year for calling an end to old habits and installing some new ideas ready for a fresh start in the new year. Good luck

[mauveangel09]

Hi all
Reading your comments with interest this week. I was in the' keep Angela in' camp for the Dance Off based on technique and I thought she did perform better second time round but there is a big 'but'.........I've liked Adam since the beginning and felt he had real potential that was not fully unlocked. I don't know whether it was due to his illness or work schedule. I felt he struck it unlucky getting the rumba last week. I did feel he looked very tired but then again I think Angela is looking tired as well as I agree that I don't think she will improve any further and may find some of the dances that she has left to be quite challenging..............I felt she was given a safe option last week so let's see. I don't agree with the manipulation and would rather her time come to a natural end (she's done really well) rather than it being engineered for her to get to Blackpool against all the controversy that it would
stir up.................but let's see what Joe Public says and for heavens sake some of the others need to get their acts together...........................

I'm away for a couple of nights so won't be watching live this week. I'll catch up Sunday and post before the Results Show.......................... Hope it's a good show tomorrow xxx

[B4p]

Krishnan & Laura (Samba) - yet another drinks bar and barman role. Some faffing around at the beginning. He gave it a good go, but it felt like an economy Samba for me. I thought he was leaning back a bit which may have hindered his leg action. I agreed with Cr aig that he looked a bit flat-footed. 5,7,6,7 (6)

Bobby & Diane (A.Smooth) - I enjoyed this. I thought they danced well together. The lifts didn’t overwhelm the routine. Bobby was equally involved and leading. Straight in, no messing around. 7,8,8,9, (8

Angela R. & Kai (Paso Doble) - I thought Kai designed a clever routine. I liked the beginning. She kept moving briskly as an active partner. She seemed to have better balance today, I wondered if it was due to wearing boots rather than shoes?  Some nice shapes and side-by-side sections. She did well. 8,8,8,8, (7.5

Nigel & Katya (C.Choice) - Another start at a small table. I really liked this. It made a refreshing change. The style reminded me a bit of a West Side Story routine. Enjoyed how she incorporated an older dance style using modern music. Loved Katya’s dress and that back bend into lying down move.   Nice to see Nigel looking more comfortable. 8,8,9,9, (8

Ellie & Vito (Rumba) - I thought this was a lovely artistic Rumba, rather than the usual first love, or passionate bump n grind.  I didn’t think she was stiff as Cr aig did. I could see her hip action. She did a great job. 8,9,9,9, (8

Annabel & Johannes (Samba) - And another desk prop. Have the prop department run out of ideas? I liked this Samba a lot. For the first time, she looked like she was enjoying herself as well as performing the dance. I liked the routine. 7,8,8,8, (8

Angela S. & Carlos (Waltz) - Pleasant, but I’m afraid I found it a bit boring. I don’t really connect with this partnership. 7,9,8,9, (7)

Layton & Nikita (A. Tango) - A complex routine. Loved the lifts - very balletic and light, and the side-by-sides, although they seem to use this every week. I thought in a few places Layton’s hands were either limp and shapeless, or blocky. I was surprised that Cr aig didn’t say anything. It was an amazing show dance and something different. 9,10,10,19, (9)

I wouldn't like to call who could be in a dance-off this week as everyone seemed to be on form. I think Krishnan was the weakest tonight and I didn't particularly enjoy Angela S's waltz. Angela R. came fighting back after her kick up the pants last week. Maybe she'll get to Blackpool after all.

T ess was driving me mad with her verbal diarrhoea. Claud looked like some kind of Cockney Barrow Boy or an extra from Oliver in that hideous outfit. I wonder how many more times we'll be told on the Results Show that it's Blackpool next week?

[CaledonianCraig]

Here are my thoughts on what I thought was a 'nearly' night for a few of the couples. By that I mean it was nearly a very good dance but in differing ways fell short.

Krishnan and Lauren (Samba): This was that could have been a dance disaaaster but his enthusiasm and charm helped him through but did show up his weakness. There were one or two errors but also some nice steps flung in there. A 7 from me.

Bobby and Diane (American Smooth): Although he danced this very artistically I watched feeling like I had seen this style many times before from this couple. Too samey was in my notes. I do agree with C.raig about his wild spatulistic arms/hands. A 7.5 from me.

Angela R and Kai (Paso Doble): A dance I felt would suit her. I liked the start but at times in steps she was a bit robotic. She did use her dress well. A pretty decent dance but not her best. A 7.5 from me.

Nigel and Katya (Couples Choice): An interesting start and he had a nice sway and dealt with tricky steps well. It had a lack of flow to it though and being a couples choice makes it difficult to mark. A 7.5 from me.

Ellie and Vito (Rumba): This would be a real test for her I felt. I really enjoyed this - an artistic rumba with real chemistry between them. Only minor fault was it had moments where perhaps it lacked in flow. My dance of the night. An 8.5 from me.

Annabel and Johannes (Samba): I feared for her here as her inability to really let herself go has held her back and pulling off this dance you need to let go. I was pleasantly surprised as it had a good feel to it with moments she really let her hair down. She pulled off some nice moves without any real errors. An 8 from me.

Angela S and Carlos (Waltz): I loved the atmospheric start. She did would with great grace and elegance but like C.raig I spotted the gapping. The inconsistencies of Sh.irley shone through as she described it as having some of best waltz steps she has ever seen in Strictly and then only gave it a 8? An 8 from me.

Layton and Nikita (Argentine Tango): Last to dance you know the producers knew he nailed it. Thought he had a slight slip on the first slide step and hands at times spatula-like that C.raig ignored. A grudging 9 from me.

For me Krishnan has reached his ceiling and coupled with a tough dance (like Adam last week) that could be his undoing. If he ends up in the dance-off I believe he goes. However, I reckon he has strong public support so if he avoids the dance-off then it could be one from any of five (barring Layton and Ellie).

[CaledonianCraig]

Layton & Nikita (A. Tango) - A complex routine. Loved the lifts - very balletic and light, and the side-by-sides, although they seem to use this every week. I thought in a few places Layton’s hands were either limp and shapeless, or blocky. I was surprised that Cr aig didn’t say anything. It was an amazing show dance and something different. 9,10,10,19, (9)

?

Was the 19 from Mot-si? The way she was wetting her knickers it would have to be.

[fiftynotout]

Morning folks

I’ve loved Krishnan’s vibe and energy from the get go but he is now clearly the weakest link and it has got to the stage where it would be a shame if one of the others left before him. Even Angela R, who is clearly cow-towed to and overmarked, has got the edge over him now.

I think those two should be the next to go and then Annabel and Angela S.

Leaving Bobby, Ellie, Nigel and the professional chap in the semis.

Let’s see how much the gbp can skew this order of events…..

[TANGOLERO]

A little late today on the reporting, butt not the show. First, a couple of the "honesty" bits which I need to get out of the way:
( Not Captain crab-apple, honest).

The contestants all worked "really hard"...(because you can learn complicated dance routines by eating, drinking and have a jolly old time of course without any actual work. The magical "short trip to Dusseldorf" word was much in evidence too..(A bit of dashing about around a dance studio and a trip out or two constitutes a short trip to Dusseldorf. My Shi htzu, Alfie, lived almost sixteen years walking a couple of miles seven days a week with me (plus his morning walks with my wife). Totals something like six or seven thousand miles. He didn't even think it was work.

Thought Freddie Mercury had risen till I realised it was Claudia in party mode outfit. Respectfully, Motsi reminded me of one of those old-time "Brasso metal polish" add posters you used to see on bill-poster boards with her neck rings.?

Okay. I've read all the dance comments so far and don't have much issue with most of them.. Briefly...:

Plaudits to Angela R for her efforts at her age, but she's reached the end of her leash because frankly, she isn't on a par with the rest. Motsi gave me a laugh saying she likes to recognise a dance without the music. Wonder what she made of this Paso? Kai sort of did a tango/paso with a bit of casting spells handwork; not sure what Angela was doing?

Angela and Carlos. C raig ranting about " gapping". He should fall down one. For once I agreed with Shirley. 7.9.8.9. 33.

Annabel and Joannes. Decent Samba, but Shakira and " wet-pants"? Never.

Layton and Nikita. Argentine Tango is a "ground" dance, not ariel ballet. As dance it was great and deserved the top marks. The Lifts weren't needed. 9.10.10.10. 39.

Khrishnan and Lauren, not their best effort; Lacked looseness and their marks said it all. Sadly, I reckon they may be bidding adios?

Bobby and Diane. American Smooth. (Thought that was a drink?) they covered the floor well enough and should be safe.

Nigel and Katya. Couples choice. C raig spoiled my notes by mentioning Gene Kelly as I had written "very Brigadoonish" before he commented. Almost crossed it out. Apart from Nigel looking like he was dressed for golf, again a safe enough affair.

Which sort of leaves Elli and Vito ( Rumba thankfully out of the way) to beat possible public opinion and the galloping gauchos
for top spot. Over to the G.B.P.

[mauveangel09]

Hi all
I just caught up on the show and wanted to do a post before the Results Show.    It was rather nice to watch it recorded as I could fast forward over all the flim flam -

I enjoyed the show more than recent weeks,  and thought all the costumes were lovely this week - no real duffers.  Katya again had a most lovely classic dress which was so distinctive in red and I really liked the waltz dress of Angela S and Carlos's suit - however, all were good.

For me  Bobby, Nigel and Annabel stepped it up a notch this week and Krishnan was the weakest although I still enjoyed what he did and he also had the best music of the night in my book!   It wasn't the bounciest of Sambas but he gave it a go and it was a solid beginners Samba I thought, but we are one week off Blackpool so I suppose he will only escape the dance off if he has the public vote.    However, that said, I think he has learned to have very good timing in all his dances and I'm glad he attempted the samba rolls.

Bobby and Dianne's Viennese Waltz themed American Smooth was one of my favourite dances of the night.  I do like a Viennese VW.  I thought it flowed beautifully round the floor, the VW bits were good and there was the lovely choreography and lifts in between. He seemed more mature in his dancing and that was the best dance I have seen from them, however did they not do the VW earlier in the contest??? Can't remember.

I liked Angela R and Kai's paso but didn't quite love it.   I thought the footwork was very good and precise but I found the whole thing a bit stiff and felt there could have been more upper body shaping and more energy - but I saw no balance issues this week and I rather liked the 'armography' bits.

I thought Nigel danced really well and like the j udges said, he is a really stylish mover - I was waiting for something like this from him.   As a Couples Choice routine I thought it was good   (better than a contemporary or Street n umber) and I got the Gene Kelly vibe that CRH mentioned.   I just hope that if they get through, Nigel will be a bit more consistent going forward as the CC routine is always built round the strengths of the celeb.

Ellie and Vito came up with the goods again with their Rumba.   I really liked the content and I thought Ellie's footwork was very good.  I did think that she could have used her hips more and it was a controlled routine rather than passionate for me and I felt they looked like a competition couple - but she's mastered yet another style.

Along with everyone else, I did not think Annabel would cope well with the Samba but what a surprise!   although she really needed to be more earthy it was great to see her use her hips in a routine that was quite fast and I thought the step sequences were really good.  I think these two have such good chemistry and Johannes seems to be able to bring out the best in his partners.

In one way I thought that Angela S and Carlos got more of what they are already good at this week - we know she is a ballroom girl.   However, it was a treat to see them do something more classic and to do most of it in hold.   I didn't really see much of the gapping that CRH mentioned - I think he is always a bit hard on her.  I thought the footwork was very good and I enjoyed the routine.

Layton and Nikita really closed the show in style.  This was a routine from them that I actually enjoyed.   I loved the footwork throughout.  I thought it was a fast Argentine Tango although it must be difficult to choreograph for two males.  Therefore, it lacked bit of atmosphere and light and shade for me, but that was dictated by the music a bit.  It was a different type of Argentine Tango but I did enjoy it.

So all to play for on the Blackpool bus...........................I'm going to read your comments now  before the Results Show.   I always enjoy the Remembrance Sunday Show.

[Twirlie]

Week  8

Krishnan and Laura – Samba
Sadly this was easily the worst dance of the evening.  He still had loads of charisma and it was fun to watch but not very good.   Lauren’s done well by him – she should be given a better celeb dancer next year. It wasn’t good enough though. Only the public vote can save him now.

Bobby and Dianne – American Smooth
I liked Bobby and Dianne. I thought they were much improved from last week. Hands? I assumed it was a stylistic decision. I loved Dianne’s dress. I loved the choreography. The run to the stairs and off over the luggage was surprising and exciting. A great improvement.

Angela R and Kai – Paso Doble
Yes, better than last week’s effort by far. She did have to put her leg in the air again. If tbe younger celebs put their leg in the air as often surely the judges would say “enough already”. There was lots of excellent footwork though. More than I expected.

Nigel and Katya – Couple’s Choice
Wonderful. Absolutely gorgeous. Did Katya choreograph this on her own? It was a real Gene Kelly number. He was so strong – definitely Gene Kelly like – and Katya was as balletic and fluid as a running river. Exactly as Gene Kelly tended to choreograph for his leading ladies. This definitely wasn’t simply a partnership, they danced as one entity. A truly imaginative Couple’s Choice. They weren’t top of the leader board, but they were my dance of the night.

Ellie and Vito – Rumba
Well I thought it was beautiful C,raig. I was nervous as to how this would turn out. You’re always nervous when a couple does a Rumba but she totally smashed it. She was elegant, smooth and never less than absolutely confident about her dance. It was a pleasure to watch. My second favourite dance of the night.

Annabel and Johannes – Samba
I’m not sure what I thought about this dance. I certainly wasn’t as blown away as the judges seemed to be. It was good though and an improvement on her standard prior to last week’s Couple’s Choice. That seems to have released something within her.

Angela S and Carlos – Waltz
Yes very nice. I didn’t notice the gapping first time through, but on watching a second time I could see that C.raig’s right it was there most of the way through. L.en would have backed him up I have no doubt. Motsi says it’s their best dance? Na, na, na! And Shirley – some of the best footwork you’ve ever seen in the Waltz? Rubbish! Even I with my complete lack of Ballroom know-how know that that’s just not true even without seeing it.

.Layton and Nikita – Argentine Tango
There was something about this that didn’t make me think of an Argentine Tango. There was too much side by side dancing again, especially at the beginning. I’ve also seen A.T.s with much more intracate leg flicks etc than this. Very few of the flicks seemed to go between legs. Nor were the lifts very high. It didn’t blow me away. They’re very very good dancers, but I didn’t think they really did an Argentine Tango and they just didn’t do it for me. Was it iconic? Is it one of those dances that will be included in Strictly compilations on YouTube? I don’t think so.There are plenty others which fill that bill. Rose and Giovanni, Debbie and Giovanni – those Argentine Tangos are much more memorable I’d say.

So. I agree that Krishnan is most likely to go tonight. He’ll need a lot of public support to avoid the DO. I also know that I often disagree with a lot of others on here who are perhaps more knowledgeable about dance than I am. I’m afraid I’m just a member of that GBP who looks at the dances and thinks “that looks good – I like that” without thinking about technicalities etc.

[diamondsandpearls]

Ellie and Layton aside t was all a bit lacklustre again, wasn't it?

Nadiya continues to slay in the best frock competition and surpaassed herself this week in the most sublime rose petal pink piece of slinky 1930s slitheriness.  Please give her the job of conceptualiser for all the outfits - she clearly has way more great frock sense than Vicki Gill.

I love a purple AT, and I wasn't disappointed.

Ellie must have been good because I didn't run and hide behind the sofa.  I'm not a fan of the layers and layers of net curtains draped over one side of the body type rumba outfit but concede it could have been a whole lot worse. (Sophie Ellis Bextor's aubergine/midnight blue/charcoal grey [colours varied from screen to screen] was the best rumba outfit that Strictly has ever produced and they've never repeated that style. Tragic.)

Katya looked lovely in the red dress for the couples American Smooth choice (more AS than many we've seen this series - am happy for more of these if we're forced to endure CC). Nigel looked happy, which was nice.

Bobby is a sweetheart but he's plateaued since week one. If they're (stupidly) saving Angela R for Blackpool on the basis she can lift her leg up to her head then I'd rather Bobby went than Krishan as he and Lauren still bring me joy on a personal level whereas Bobby and Dianne make me feel very uncomfortable with their huge height difference and he really hasn't gone anywhere at all since the beginning.

Angela S had a quintessential waltz dress (brought back memories of Erin c 2007 ) but the colour was too pale for her. She did a waltz and apparently there was gapping - I was too thrilled with the shoulder wafts to notice.

I can't remember any other outfits or their wearers. Apart from weeks four and five which were humdingers, I'm really not feeling this series. Only Ellie and Layton really have final potential as far as I can see.

A word about Adam... I agree he had potential but a combination of health issues and Luba's dreadful teaching meant he never quite fulfilled it.  Luba is an exquisite dancer but she has none of the teaching prowess of Giovanni, Kai, Lauren or Nikita (Oti, Natalie and Erin were also superb.  Joanne Clifton was good for some people but she would have annoyed the hell out of me).  Anyway, Luba can't teach so she needs to go back in the chorus line and give that nice girl who was new last year with Lauren a chance. Or give us back the Dan Walker era Nadiya.

Anyway, Angela R and Bobby in the dance off, Angela R to go (it won't happen).

[B4p]

Was the 19 from Mot-si? The way she was wetting her knickers it would have to be.

Told you to watch my arithmetic!

[B4p]

Mauve - Last edited by mauveangel09 on Sun 12 Nov 2023, 19:02; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Not sure why I wrote Danny Kaye when it was Gene Kelly who was mentioned).

I used to like watching Danny Kaye. He wasn't a bad dancer either. I did love Gene Kelly's style, and used to love watching his movies.

Well. Krishnan left with good grace and still with a smile on his face. I'm sure he'll keep dancing now that the Geni is out of the bottle. Who will Claud tease now that his son Jay won't be around each week?

I think Angela R. will be voted off next week. Watching Bobby Jive on that sprung floor should be interesting. It'll take him a few minutes to come back down to earth after all that bouncing around  

[jingle]

Angela S had a quintessential waltz dress (brought back memories of Erin c 2007 ) but the colour was too pale for her. She did a waltz and apparently there was gappalso ing - I was too thrilled with the shoulder wafts to notice.

My first thought on seeing Angela's dress was 'Diamonds is going to love those shoulder hankies'

I agree with your preference to sacrifice either Bobby or Angela R in favour of Krishnan. I'll begrudgingly admit he was the weaker dancer, but I've enjoyed every one of his routines and also his interviews on ITT. Just like Amanda, his departure is going to leave a big gap.

[diamondsandpearls]

I am CROSS.

It was obvious before one step had been danced who they were going to save. If the person who went out (trying not to do spoilers) went out to any other person I would have been sad, but not cross.

The pro partner of the person who actually got through looked like they were awaiting turn for the guillotine. Think they would have been v happy to have been knocked out instead of the couple that actually was.

I shall wait until I know you've all seen the results before I expound further.

In the meantime, as a cheery interlude, let us muse upon and appreciate Nikita's slicked back hair whilst listening to 'He's the Greatest Dancer' by Sister Sledge

[CaledonianCraig]

I am CROSS.

It was obvious before one step had been danced who they were going to save.  If the person who went out (trying not to do spoilers) went out to any other person I would have been sad, but not cross.

The pro partner of the person who actually got through looked like they were awaiting turn for the guillotine. Think they would have been v happy to have been knocked out instead of the couple that actually was.

I shall wait until I know you've all seen the results before I expound further.

In the meantime, as a cheery interlude, let us muse upon and appreciate Nikita's slicked back hair whilst listening to 'He's the Greatest Dancer' by Sister Sledge

Yes I would agree.


I think most of us now will know the result so it was Krishnan who danced off against Angela R. It had an inevitability to it right down to the point when Angela finished her dance and Kai could repeatedly be heard telling her:'You did it.'

To be fair though Krishnan had gone as far as he could and I have no real gripes about the result. It was like last week too where one couple had a tough dance (Adam's Rumba and Krishnan's Samba) whilst Angela had a comfortable dance. She too though, you feel, is coming to the end of the road.

[TANGOLERO]

C,C wrote, quote: "Angela had a comfortable dance. She too though, you feel, is coming to the end of the road." unquote.

Or she'll end up winning it. " La Dona Imobile" means " The woman is fickle" Same might be said for the producers of Strictly.

[diamondsandpearls]

C,C wrote,

Or she'll end up winning it. " La Dona Imobile" means " The woman is fickle" Same might be said for the producers of Strictly.  

I think they've been very focused actually. It was fairly clear from week one that Angela R was destined for Blackpool by hte producers. the fabu-u-lus darling one has been pouring honey all over Angela in his feedback, rather than the acid he is known for and there's a widespread sense that he has been under strict(ly - geddit?!) instructions. Now that she's got to Blackpool it's job done and she can go out. (On the Twitters she's not very popular - seen as a one trick pony, and the fact that she's been in the bottom two twice in a row, despite decent scores, demonstrates that unpopularity also). There's only so far you can go with being 102 and able to stick your leg by your ear.

[mauveangel09]

Angela nearly did herself a serious injury in that dance off slip up. If you didn't clock it, It was near the end when she was doing the high kicks and I thought she fell backwards but the camera cut away really quickly. Afterwards I replayed it and froze the frame. She completely lost her footing on the supporting leg and it was lucky that Kai caught her and she recovered so quickly. Could have been nasty. I think she looked really shaken and obviously thought she was going out...................... hmm

I think she will definitely be bowing out next week - to score 32 and still be in the dance off means a low vote share doesn't it? However it will be a fitting exit for her. I felt conflicted as Krishnan has achieved so much but I just didn't think he was good enough to be at Blackpool.

I don't think there has ever been a more predictable series than this.....................However, I do think that it should be more meaty in the last few weeks. Apart from Ellie and Vito they are all so close it will be interesting to see the order in which they all exit.

[diamondsandpearls]

I'd have happily watched Krishnan's QS at Blackpool. I don't think there is a single dance of Angela's that I have felt Blackpool-worthy.

[TANGOLERO]

Very enjoyable show all round. I'll look forward to the comments here and add a few tomorrow. For now, Angela Scanlon's Argentine Tango was dance of the night for me.

[B4p]

I enjoyed the show tonight and thought the extra dancers did a great job of complimenting the celebrities without getting in the way. Some of the lifts from their usual professional to someone different was impressive particularly one that Vito did where he threw Ellie over his shoulder and she was caught by one of the supporting pros.

I've just got back from a trip to see one of the London shows, so I'll watch it again tomorrow and write some notes up then.

I think my favourite dance was Annabel & Johannes. Absolutely beautiful. I was a bit bemused by Layton & Nikita using a pole to dance around, when everyone else was talking about having to fill the floor and make use of every inch of that huge ballroom.

[mauveangel09]

Definitely a great show all round - thoroughly enjoyable and I thought that most of them came alive tonight! Rather perversely one of my least favourite routines was Ellie and Vito - with Annabel, Bobby and Angela S standing out for me- best music and styling went to Nigel and Katya. The opening n umber was amazing - so much going on that it was almost too much to watch, I need to watch it back again but it was incredible.

Bobby and Dianne - Jive - 9
For me Bobby had a breakthrough last week and continued to impress me tonight. The height difference didn't seem so pronounced. I thought he once again danced with maturity and this was a tight, flawless and enjoyable routine.

Angela and Kai - AS - 7
It was an elegant and lovely dance with some really good lifts but I thought she lost her way a bit in parts and the energy definitely wasn't there. Liked the choreography.

Leyton and Nikita - Couples Choice - 8
What to say? He probably knew how to do this dance before entering the competition. It's a ballroom and latin american dancing contest - not pole dancing. Couldn't see the sync issues that CRH mentioned, but I think he is judging him as a professional dancer not a Strictly contestant. However, you can't deny that it was a very good routine within its context.

Annabel and Johannes - AS - 9
Really enjoyed this routine and I voted for her. I feel she has blossomed into a dancer and they have a lovely relationship. I think she is at a standard now to challenge any of the others and has come such a long way. The only thing I did think with this Viennese Waltz themed American Smooth is that of it bits of it did seem to mirror their Couples Choice routine that they did previously.

Ellie and Vito - Charleston - 9
The routine was a bit of a confusing mish mash to me and really seemed more like a jitterbug jive in places rather than a Charleston. Probably the worst music of the night for me which didn't help the routine. I also thought there was too much of Vito . Not my personal favourite routine of theirs but the swivels certainly were excellent.

Angela S and Carlos - Argentine Tango - 9
At last Angela shows that she can do something different other than ballroom. This was one of the dances of the night for me. I liked the way that they were dancing in the ring of lights which contained the dance. I think Argentine Tangos can get lost in the big space at Blackpool but this one didn't. My one gripe was the music, much as I like the track this routine would have looked spectacular to authentic music.

Nigel and Katya - Quickstep - 8
I love 'It don't mean a thing ' and I felt this could have been a real '10' worthy dance. In all honesty I didn't see a lot of the mistakes that were pointed out but the camera was cutting away quite a bit. Shame for him and I think he was really disappointed in himself although I still thought it was a great routine. '6' was way too low from CRH.

So the '10' paddles were out in force tonight - this will be the most interesting dance off of the season so far.............................

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