Strictly Come Dancing 2023

Last night I did hear two of the professionals mention that their celebrity had never danced before

I think this is a sort of "marketing" really rather than being put out. We all love to see the way they improve so I hope they go on reminding us that they have no previous experience.

I agree janejudge

Looking at it from Leyton’s side for a minute - he was invited to join the show, the producers knew he had been in 2
high profile West End shows, so he has not broken any rules or tried to be anything other than he is.
There have been Celebs with substantial dance experience in Strictly before.

Equally, looking at it from Leyton’s side he’s probably being used to adulation from the audience rather than criticism.

That's true TillyTrotter. Louise Redknapp was an Italia Conti trained dancer too and had been in a girl band. I think she was runner up in Strictly, dancing with Kevin Clifton, and no one made such a fuss sbout her being a trained dancer.

She was also a judge in So you think you can dance. She obviously had enormous experience.

2010 Winner Kara Tointon had starred in a stage show of “The Sound of Music” before taking part in Strictly.
Over half the past winners have had some sort of stage school experience/dance lessons when young.

But nearly half have not 😊

Then they have to have a look at their criteria. What I enjoy is seeing how novices put in such hard work and learn a new skill.

TillyTrotter

But nearly half have not 😊

And they are the ones who’s journey (sorry the J word) is all the more interesting and what I personally prefer to see.

Still, as someone pointed out a few pages back ... who would want to watch 15 Les Dennises for 2 hours on a Saturday night?
Sorry Les

Kai and Lauren danced beautifully together.

So much praise for Ellie & Vito from the judges yet it wasn't followed through in the marking.

Joseann I watched Angela R's Argentine Tango a couple more times today - did she do many ganchos? Their routine seemed very short of them.

I think the trouble is that when you come out of the hook, you have to get your balance back quickly which might have been difficult for Angela.

Then they haven't really incorporated a main part of the dance. In the past there have been some incredible Argentine Tangos.

Not surprised at the dance off result, are you?

I thought it was a close run thing, until Zara's final lift.

Well, I thought they would keep Eddie.

Not that I thought he was better, just that he seemed more likely to remain.

I see that Angela R is coming in for some flack, saying she has been given mainly ‘slow’ dances so far, apart from the cha cha.

They obviously want her to remain for a while.

She is breathless after a slow dance, so think a jive or Charleston will test her.

Surprised Zara came through the dance-off to be honest.
Re: Argentine Tango - I think this performance of it be Rachel Stevens and Vincente is the benchmark.
www.popsugar.co.uk/entertainment/photo-gallery/36294518/video/39440832/Tangos-Rachel-Stevens-Vincent-Simone-Argentine-Tango

I agree JaneJudge . Leyton is a fantastic dancer but I think he looks like he’d rather not be led by Nikita and is about to break free and somersault the entire length of the floor and leave him in his wake.

Ellie and Vito were my favourites last night. It’s great to see a weekly improvement. I think Zara was fortunate to survive the dance off. Her lifts were impressive but her footwork isn’t great. I suspect we’ll see a lot more of her aloft than on the floor to keep her foot work to a minimum.

Thanks for posting that clip TillyTrotter. It’s a fantastic performance of the Argentine Tango. My favourite dance.

(Rachel Stevens and Vincent's Rumba ... way back in 2008 ... was my most favourite dance ever on Strictly! Sorry can't do a link but it's on Youtube - I watch it every now and then!!)

My most favourite Strictly Rumba was Kara Tointon and Artem’s.
No wonder it was steamy - we learnt later they were in a relationship.

Thanks for that link TillyTrotter - a fabulous Argentine Tango and I loved seeing it again.

I think that if Angela R can't manage the ganchos, then she is not managing the dance. It's like saying "I'll dance the Jive but I can't manage the kicks and flicks." But it seems they want her to remain for a while as Calendargirl says. Kai is choreographing routines in which he steers her around as much as possible, incorporating her signature leg lift.

She's really good for her age, obviously, but I've never been a fan as she has always seemed insincere to me whatever programme she's on.

Here's the Rumba danced by Kara and Artem.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQLODYQBVJg

Yes, TillyTrotter it is steamy and Artem with his shirt undone .....