Class of 2017 - Halloween Week

Ooo love it or loathe it, it's Halloween Week. 

Have to say I LOVED the opening number with the ghosts of series winners and then Anton!

Jonnie & Oti - Cha Cha Cha

Some difficult moves in this routine but it wasn't one of his strongest performances. Cha Cha Cha didn't suit him but he had a good go at it. Very little in the hip department from Captain Jack!

Judge Julie says - 6

Ruth & Anton -  Quickstep

Ruth's hold wasn't consistent throughout the routine and there was a lot of gaping, a few moments of looking down and a tendency to cling onto Anton for dear life. Slight error but she recovered and she did seem a little more confident and I do think she is improving. Ross was watching with us and he commented that it lacked "pizazz"

Judge Julie says - 6

Simon & Karen - American Smooth

This routine was very pedestrian, no rise and fall at all but I understand Simon has an injury. There was a lack of lifts and it was very very flat, I didn't find any part of it exciting. I think Simon will be in the dance off this week again and it is his time to go. 

Judge Julie says - 5

Gemma & Alijaz - Jive

I find that Jive is always harder the taller you are. This routine had mistakes and I felt Gemma wasn't giving 100% although she did seem confident. I felt the kicks and flicks could have been much stronger and there could have been more bounce action and higher knees from Gemma

Judge Julie says - 7

Joe & Katya - Foxtrot

Enjoyed this routine and yet again some wonderful choreography from Katya. Still tending to stick his bottom out and lean forward a little but I think this was Joe's best ballroom effort. He seemed confident this week and I liked the concept of the story too!

Judge Julie says - 8

Mollie & AJ - Cha Cha Cha

Cha Cha Cha can make or break dancers and to be honest this was much better than I thought it was going to be. Mollie had some straight legs but not all the time. I did think this was quite a basic routine and maybe AJ could have put some trickier moves in there. She had a couple of balance issues but it was a solid attempt and I wished I looked like that in a catsuit!

Judge Julie says - 7

Alexandra & Gorka - Tango

Tango can be quite fierce and Alexandra often has a fierceness about her so I was very excited for this routine. It was intense with great footwork and head action. I think this could have been my favourite of their routines and I am delighted to see Gorka able to show off his talents. 

Judge Julie says - 9

Davood & Nadiya - Rumba 

Well Dav's got his torso out and I wasn't sure where to look! Ooo and it's sparkly too! I found it strange that he was dancing in a ballroom shoe rather than a cuban heeled latin shoe. Although I liked the concept of this dance I did find that it lacked a lot of Rumba moves and there wasn't enough hip action in the routine.

Judge Julie says - 6

Susan & Kevin - Foxtrot

I'd been looking forward to this all night although I have never watched Game of Thrones. Although I love Susan I have to say this was a bit of a let down. I don't think Game of Thrones, Killer Queen and Foxtrot are quiet compatible. She was trying hard but it wasn't for her. I'll still be voting though!

Judge Julie says - 6 (cos I love her!)

Debbie & Giovanni - Charleston

The best thing about their VT was how Giovanni says "Debbie". Debbie looked and danced like a 30 year old and I was in awe of her. The costume change was a little laboured in my opinion and some of the lifts were a little "awkward" but I loved this and wished I could dance like Debbie.

Judge Julie says  - 9 but so close to a 10!

Aston & Janette - Paso Doble

Well I always say I am not a fan of the Paso but I could not take my eyes of Aston in that routine and you could not tell who the pro was in this partnership. So powerful, amazing shaping and such confidence from Aston. I couldn't really fault this!

Judge Julie says - 10

Who would have thought my first 10 would be for a Paso!

DRESS OF THE WEEK - Mollie's All in One (technically not a dress!)

PROP OF THE WEEK - Mollie & AJ's Devil Fork

SONG OF THE WEEK - Can't decide between Better the Devil you Know or Frankie!

Class of 2017 - Week 5

I was a bad blogger last week and just didn't get chance to update due to me appearing in Legally Blonde the Musical. 

Davood & Nadiya - Jive

The Barista Vt was cringey but he was dancing to a top tune! More bounce needed and he needed to flick from the knee more. A fast routine full of content and lots of basic jive. A good energetic opening to the show.

Judge Julie says - 7

Mollie & AJ  - Viennese Waltz

Quite a bit of messing about at the beginning until they got into hold. Lovely lines and posture throughout from Mollie and a very tidy routine. Not out of this world for me but there was loads of content.

Judge Julie says - 8

Simon & Karen - Charleston

Felt awkward watching this and he seemed to be struggling a lot. Timing issues and no swivel, this was dad dancing at its finest with his mouth open all the time! He could be in danger this week!

Judge Julie says - 5

Debbie & Giovanni - Rumba

2 Latin dances in a row for Debbie coming from the CCC last week. She did show some signs of nerves but what an excellently well executed Rumba, probably one of the strongest female Rumbas. Filled with loads of Rumba content which were danced so so well.

Judge Julie says - 9

Brian & Amy - Jive

When I saw their costumes at the start of the show I commented that they looked like they were on Hi-De-Hi! Whilst Brian danced the moves in time and order, he did look like a Juvenile (under 12's) at a competition. Very little bounce action and no flicking from the knee. Brian could also be in danger this week.

Judge Julie says - 6

Susan & Kevin - Cha Cha Cha

Loved wee Susan in her dressing gown, she looked amazing again. Lots of content in this but the technique wasn't strong which I suspected it wouldn't be. She is very consistent in her approach to each dance and has a great energy and warmth. I just love how she throws herself into every dance.

Judge Julie says - 7

Aston & Janette - Waltz

A very contemporary feel to this Waltz. Excellent footwork and amazing rise and fall. A great frame and some signs of swing and sway, a very confident performance from Aston but not my favourite of his routines. 

Judge Julie says - 8

Ruth & Anton - Samba

Fabulous song, Brenda and Natasha danced to this song in Series 1 for their famous Samba. Anton looked like he had stepped out of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!. There was a big mistake in the middle of the routine. Not her best and again Ruth could be in danger this week.

Judge Julie says - 5

Gemma & Alijaz - Foxtrot 

Gemma looked incredibly nervous. A lovely full Foxtrot, no gimmicks, props or messing about - a very classy routine. Gemma needed to relax a little bit more but she is really coming on and improving week on week, some great technique displayed.

Judge Julie says - 8

Joe & Katya - Paso Doble

Well Joe looks like he has had the double dip in the fake tan this week! Not a huge fan of the Paso but I love Katya's choreography, she is a real talent. A great routine from Joe, well executed and very convincing with excellent shaping throughout. Think he was however, overmarked by Shirley

Judge Julie says - 9

Alexandra & Gorka - Samba

Again they are left until near the end of the show! Could not take my eyes off her legs. Amazing routine, what can't she do? I agree about her feet but she is born to dance and entertain. A very powerful performance again this week. I would like to see her do a Rumba soon.

Judge Julie says - 8

Jonnie & Oti - Quickstep

Dancing on his blade this week Jonnie was amazing. He tends to stick his bottom out a lot. He had a lot more sass and swagger about him this week, following his acting lesson and he seemed a lot more confident. A full on Quickstep which he executed superbly.

Judge Julie says - 8

DRESS OF THE WEEK - Susan's Cha Cha Dress

PROP OF THE WEEK - Jonnie's shopping basket

SONG OF THE WEEK - Tell her about it - David's Jive

Class of 2017 - Week 3 - Movie Week

Well I have to say I just LOVED the La La Land opening number, made me smile throughout!

Simon & Karen - Quickstep

After the worst VT ever with Simon "flying" round the rehearsal room we were treated to a Toy Story themed quickstep but I didn't enjoy the speeded up version of "You've Got a Friend in me". My 14 year old son said "That was awful, it was all running about and no technique!" Thanks Evan! Simon is very light on his feet but there was no drive throughout the dance. It didn't take me to infinity and beyond!

Judge Julie says - 6

Ruth & Anton - Rumba

First Rumba of the series and I felt sorry for Ruth. Not only was she setting the standard for Rumba but she has Anton whom I feel is not strong at choreographing Latin routines. Not enough pressure on the floor which resulted in a lack of hip action. Her arms need attention too as lots of opportunities for lovely arms were thrown away. She looked stunning but I think she would fare better on a slightly lower heel.

Judge Julie says - 5

Mollie & AJ - Viennese Waltz

Mollie was the sexiest Maria I have ever seen and AJ looked very cute too! I felt that there could have been more Foxtrot in this routine although the parts that were in there were very competent footwork-wise from Mollie. My favourite of their routines so far, very endearing and tender.

Judge Julie says - 8

Rev Richard & Diane - Paso Doble

Again I am slightly disturbed watching him! The leg length of his red trousers were distracting me, they were at half mast! He seems to remember the routines OK but he is awkward and out of control. Unfortunately I don't enjoy his performances. I think his time could be up, in fact I hope it is! Sorry Rev!

Judge Julie says - 4

Debbie & Giovanni - Quickstep

I didn't write anything down during their dance as I was transfixed and QS is my ultimate favourite. There was too much messing about at the beginning but it was a lovely routine, very light and some great footwork. I wasn't a fan of the side by side in the middle but I disagree with the judges pulling her up on it with the 10 second rule thing! What can't Debbie do? I am looking forward to seeing her if she gets a Cha Cha Cha as I think this could test her!

Judge Julie says - 8

Brian & Amy - American Smooth

I actually really enjoyed this! Great characterisation from the funny man. Could have been a little but more basic ballroom in there but his footwork was fairly neat. He did need to push more and drive through the dance rather than "walking" it through. I think he will escape the dance off this week.

Judge Julie says - 6 

Alijaz & Gemma - Charleston

Awww Alijaz lost an ear! He even looks handsome when he has his face painted as a bear! I was looking for swivel through the routine but there were very few swivel style steps in there. Loved the energy and the concept of the routine and it was a great contrast to last weeks lovely Waltz. Her best dance so far for me!

Judge Julie says - 8

Charlotte & Brendan - Tango

Just how much was Brendan loving being Maverick? I think the leather jacket and Aviators went to his head though and I found his "come back" at Shirley very unprofessional and awkward, he was back to the old Brendan! So back to the dance, Charlotte looked amazing AGAIN but her footwork was messy, she needed to drive more and get into her knees more. However it was better than last week!

Judge Julie says - 5

Jonnie & Oti - Paso Doble

Indiana Peacock does the Paso! I was slightly perturbed by his coloured in beard but it was an action packed routine. He tended to stick out his bottom a lot and he also needed to improve his shaping but it was a great routine and I think he is a consistent performer.

Judge Julie says - 7

Susan & Kevin - Samba

First Samba of the series for wee Susan! As much as I love Susan this was another terrible VT! Who was leading who in this routine? Little power house Susan was in total control of the routine but it did lack technique, as fun and entertaining as it was! A very hard dance for a complete beginner.

Judge Julie says - 5

Joe & Katya - Viennese Waltz

2 ballroom dances in a row for Joe. Lots of content this week, think they have taken note after last weeks wardrobe fiasco. He does lean forward a lot in hold and he reminded me of a character from the Elves and the Shoemaker with his little moustache. Much improved after last week.

Judge Julie says - 8

Aston & Janette - Cha Cha Cha

Well I couldn't take my eyes off his little blue legs and for the first time I felt that you could not tell who the pro was. With him wearing tights his legs we also very exposed and not hidden by trousers. He had great technique, pushed into the floor and had straight legs. One of the best male CCC's I think we have had this early in the comp!

Judge Julie says - 9

Alexandra & Gorka - American Smooth

Left towards the end of the programme again. I just love seeing Gorka getting more opportunity to shine and show off his choreography. A well performed dance where everything worked, music, chores, costumes and facial expressions. A fantastic all round beautiful piece of theatrical dance.

Judge Julie says - 8

Davood & Nadiya - Samba

Davood in tight white pants - no comment! His arms and hands need work and there could have been more bounce action. He has a tendency to have his mouth open all the time which is slightly distracting but is was an improvement on last week.

Judge Julie says - 7

DRESS OF THE WEEK - Ruth's Rumba dress

PROP OF THE WEEK - Alijaz honey pot

SONG OF THE WEEK - Can't stop the feeling - Aston & Janette CCC