Dancing on Ice: Running Commentary, Week Four

This may well come down to music choices tonight; I need a picture of Karen for my hairdresser; Jason's a Slytherin. The required element, combination steps!

Kieranne have Play That Funky Music - how can people "never have danced in their lives, ever" do they not boogie around the kitchen to the radio. Is that just me? Oops, nearly dropped her but as Tony said, up till then it was great, well done, funky young man - you can dance! Full of energy and very groovy. Score: 15. He said: “Why are my scores going down every week, I had a bit of a wiggle on.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 3) “Every week is different, we are marking on exactly what we see out there. The good points, yes you didn’t have dance training you’re on the button musically, you gave it all you could, tough when you are working with a partner with the presence like Brianne has, you tend to be following her a lot rather than leading her. So while the dancing was good and musically was great, it was not as good technically as you were last week.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 3) “Kieron sometimes I want to give you a shake but I am afraid you will snap in half. A lot of your movements there is no end to them, you throw everything away and although yes there was some good rhythm there it wasn’t enjoyable to watch.”
Emma Bunton: (scored 3) “It was fun I really enjoyed, yes we want you to become the leading man now but it was fun and you smiled all the way through.”

Jason Gardiner: “But it’s is about the quality of the movements.”

Commenting on Jason’s comments Kieron said: “You don’t have to have muscles to do well in this competition.”

Stuana to Waterloo - let go your conscience self Tana (classic 70's quote there!) it was a good try but still a bit tentative and out of time on occasion which made it worrying to watch, but she had a smile on her face at the end. Afterwards she said: “ I love that song and it’s just so fast and I really did have a good dance.”

Nicky Slater: (scored 2) “Well I do agree you had a break through in your smile and your personality out there on the ice compared to what we have seen. We’ve seen it back stage when you are smiling when you go past and talk to everybody, so put it over onto the ice was super, so that was excellent and you looked great out there. It’s a little delicate with the skating for me at the moment but you did the toe steps and you are daring to do things on your own, so all this is good. It needs more speed, it needs more attack but you know that, but I think this is a big step up from last week.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 2.5) “We are expecting more each week and that’s why we have to score like that but I want to say I really admire you. I know you’ve never danced before and you’ve never performed in front of an audience and I think you’re really attacking it and you can see you’re working hard and I loved your smile tonight you just looked gorgeous out there you were a joy to watch.”

Karen Barber (scored 2.5) “You’ve been determined to enjoy it this week, it’s your first up tempo routine. The element was there just a little bit cautious but you know we’ve all enjoyed your performance this week and you’ve worked really hard, well done.”

Dannie have If You're in Love With A Beautiful Woman and he's looking worried, a couple of moments but held it, nice toe pick dance moves. Didn't do it for me so much this week, the song too old for him, as in, a disco number would've been better. Score: 17 He said: “I think bits went well, bits could have been better but overall I’m happy.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 3.5) “ OK first of all just to clear up Frankie this is called Dancing On Ice, and I understand you are teaching him to skate but I am here to judge his danceability and I want him to improve. With that in mind there were moments where you were great coupled with moments where you were not so great, almost a little bit like a bulldog with a bone, no offence Frankie! I just want you to take a lot more care, I just want you to take a lot more care with your dismounts, particularly from your lifts they are very unstable, particular in your step sequence it was a little bit all over the place but you are improving.”

Karen Barber shaking head (scored 3.5) “Jason where do we start with you?! Full credit you had a very difficult routine really, really difficult elements tonight you are a good partnership you are a good team. We are all teaching him to dance on ice which includes skating and we are seeing improvements, you are still going to be here next week I have my fingers crossed.”
Danny’s skating partner Frankie Poultney replied to Jason’s comments and said: “I am not sure by calling somebody bull dog with a bone is really commenting on their performance Jason.”

Fremily to Yes Sir, I Can Boogie - I've got this *ahem* Baccara, see Kate knows it! Oh, it was all going well until the leg sweep, good recovery though, other tricks were accomplished, did the combo on her own, less dragging by Fred. Score: 10.5 a bit harsh I thought. She said: “That was the one thing (leg sweep) I was scared off, it went wrong a few times and it was just really unlucky then.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 3) “I was probably a bit carried away as this is the first time I have seen you go out there and attack it, and you probably attacked it a bit too much. Having said that I’ve probably been a bit generous but at the same time you did the required element on your own, you made the 360, you’re the first person out there since the show started half an hour ago to make the full turn. It was still a bit sloppy and I think you need to get a bit more flexibility in your ankles, but basic skating skills are much stronger.”

Nicky Slater: (scored 1.5) “I see some really good promise in there and you looked relaxed and together. The start of it was very good but the end of it for me you were in a lot of trouble. You are being enabled on the required element of the turn you are being helped a lot and it’s better if you can do it on your own. I have seen some positive things but Tana was skating more on her own and I gave her a two so I just put you a little bit below.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 2) “I just thought it looked messy, unsteady. I felt like Fred was kind of like dragging you around. You are improving but very little.”

Mikanie with Cecilia and I had a smile on my face the whole way through, a couple of stutters but excellent skating and a lovely, warm, fun performance. Score: 20.5 top of the series so far. Afterwards he said: “You know when you are out there try your best just to stay focused and just to keep in the moment.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 4.5) “Mikey I thoroughly enjoyed that, it was playful it was cheeky you told a story there was a great connection with you and your partner. What I will say to you though just to keep improving is that you sometimes sabotage yourself with your own arms but taking them too far out of your control range, make you a little bit unsure on your feet. Tell you what mate this is exactly where you need to be going.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 3.5) “I agree with what Jason is saying, and It’s because of that getting yourself out of your comfort zone where the feet go a little bit wobbly but the fact you do it on your own you have to get the credit for. Like I said to you last week there is a natural posture for you that other people need to learn and it’s now working to your advantage and it’s great to see.”

Karen Barber: (scored 4) “You’re great to be around and so great to work with. This is one of my favourite routines of the week and you didn’t let me down and I was looking forward to it, well done.”

Hatt and the Emotions, Best of My Love. I'm bloody impressed, you could see she had a huge problem yet she still carried on, the energy in the lifts was immense and she managed the toe steps. Score: 12.5 hopefully she'll get the leg sorted for next week. She said: “Yeah I had to adjust my leg as it keeps slipping out. Sharon’s been brilliant from physio and she has glued it in but when you sweat the glue starts to move. I am glued in now otherwise I wouldn’t be able to skate.

Robin Cousins: (scored 2.5) “As I said last week it’s great to watch you and see you push it and have a go. You really did try but unfortunately the choreography really exposed the challenge that you have, you were heavily enabled my Matt this week. What I am going to say is that you made an effort you did the required element and I am hoping the people at home will realise that this is the week to let you go by and bring you back next week and we can see what you did last week and see the Heather Mills we have seen before.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 2.5) “You are always smiling you really, really give it. I think the main thing is there was so much content and I love that because you are pushing yourself but I think it wasn’t as fluid because of that and it kind of hindered it a bit.”

Karen Barber: (scored 3) “I agree with everything you have all been saying but you sold the routine. You have great musicality, you can dance, the beginning was slightly mis-matched but you brought it back.”

Hilandra dancing to Sweet Caroline - charming I think is the word, certainly improved, much smoother. Score: 11.5 . What's Emma on? He improved, you can't ask for more. Classic quote from Phil: "Let him through, he's a doctor!" He said: “Fifty percent better than last week. I am more confident this week and it’s beginning to progress and flow and I have a great teacher here so yeah it’s getting a bit better each week and looking forward to the next one if the voters vote me in.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 2) “ Look Dr Hilary, the thing is it’s not very good OK. You are improving very, very slightly but not enough, you have very tight and restrictive shoulders.”

Nicky Slater (scored 2.5) “Working below the waist rather than above the waist I think you are getting more speed across the ice, instead of rising on the turns and being almost afraid of it when you start to move if you can actually use the ankles and the knees more and make the ice your friend. It’s not about how old you are it’s about technique out there and if you could just relax a bit more in those steps then the flow will come. You have a kind of charisma coming out from the ice as well.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 2) “On a positive note, I think your posture is a bit better but I was glad there were no lifts and it feels like you’ve gone back a couple of weeks. Everyone else is leaps and bounds ahead of you so that’s what I am scoring on.”

Mattiella to Le Freak and it's YAY! Well done - loved that routine, great musicality and dancing and they nailed the neck snapper lift. Such a brilliant attitude to it too, fearless. Score: 19.5 She said afterwards: “I loved it, I am loving this experience.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 4) “So much fun and excitement it was really evident from the way you perform that you obviously trust Matt. The relationship is working, it is fantastic I loved it. I have to say the basic skating skills have not really improved that much but the overall package of how it’s all coming together is really working in your favour.”

Nicky Slater: (scored 3.5) “Yes I thought you looked great out there, I thought the energy and the commitment at the start of the program was fantastic. If you can get that when you are moving over the ice as well that would be a real win. I thought at times there was hesitation and it was a bit wobbly coming out of the lift.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 4) “You are so cute, it was really steady it was fun. It was such a shame there was a little mess up over here and I think that knocked you a bit I could see it in your face. You are a great performer and I really enjoy it every week.”

Sharrel - a visit from Jessica gives her a boost and they have a lovely tune, You've Got A Friend. See what they did there? Still needs to relax more, only broke into a smile when she nailed a bit of the choreography, needs to do that more, as she can skate elegantly. Score: 15. As for Jason's nasty little comment, words fail ... just no need. She said: “Last week was very tough, I kept taking my shoulder out of my socket last week and we didn’t want to complain about it, so we had to deal with that and the adrenaline can of ran out on Monday morning but we worked really hard and I love that routine and it’s a lovely piece of music.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 2) “OK, I am giving you a two for improved arms and leg lines, but this is also about performance, you’ve got to give me a performance level.”

Karen Barber: (scored 3.5) “It’s a real test of character not when things are going well but when they’re not and you showed great sense of character. I thought it was a really polished performance, the lifts there is a really nice extension and there is a real quality starting to come out now and when you smiled it was great.”

Nicky Slater: (scored 3.5) “I think the music suited you more, maybe cos what’s gone on in the week. It was a softer feel and I did get quality in the way it was presented to me, I think you can extend more with your arms and go with the legs, you know that but that was a real step up.”

Garia and Easy - they made us all think it'd be something from Saturday Night Fever, what with him wearing that suit! Beautiful skating again, a couple of moments, but overall a pleasure to watch, needs added confidence and bring fun Gary out there. Score: 19. He said: “It felt fantastic, I had a few little s you are stumbles there which I’m gutted about but I had a great time and thank you for being kind. I am so far out of my comfort zone, I am skating and I’m dancing but I am really trying and Maria is working really hard, and Chris and Jayne are working hard to get me half decent and I am really trying really having a good time and hopefully I will relax into it if I am given the chance.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 4) “It’s lovely, it works so well with the relationship with the music the look is great it’s really comfortable. Every now and again you have those little moments where you are waiting for Maria to make sure you know what you’re doing next, there was 2 of those tonight and then the exit of the lift, and it’s like what Chris said tonight you are, there is no question, one of the best skaters we have out here, you have to just believe it a bit more and enjoy it.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 3.5) “I just love watching you, as Chris said you are one of the best skaters, for me I felt like you were constantly looking at Maria, I want you to show off a bit, make the performance about you and that’s what I am missing at the moment.”

Karen Barber: (scored 4)“Yes the performance is about you but also the relationship between you and I saw that connection, I am trying to convince you that you are as good as you are and you will be better.”

Hayliel and it looks like they've a Viennese Waltz! No More Tears the song, but should have been Dance Yourself Dizzy (Liquid Gold, remember that? I've got it ...) Full of enthusiasm, a little stutter, but the energy and performance there as is the big grin, as always. Score: 23 She said: “I do feel sick all the way round because apparently I hold my breath!”

Jason Gardiner (scored 4.5) “Save the best to last! You know what I love about you Hayley is; it’s 70’s week and we required a lot of energy and you have more energy than EDF. However what I will say is your weakest moment was your required element, however I absolutely loved the turn combination that was spot on, you are really our best in the competition so far.”

Karen Barber: (scored 4.5) “A mistake was made in the required element. Your attention to detail was amazing I loved it.”

Results: The usual recap - I'd agree with Jason's three he picked there, Mikanie and Mattiella got my votes (trying to cut down!) Safe: Sharrel; Mattiella; Mikanie; (YAY) Hatt; Hayliel; Kieranne; Hilandra; Fremily; Garia. It's Tana v Danny, as long as he doesn't forget the routine, Danny will go through - it all goes to plan, apart from the trip up the step, it's 5-0 Danny. Tana said: “I’ve had such a fantastic, fantastic time. I’m going to miss skating with Stuart and just everyone who’s been so supportive. I’ve had such a fantastic time. I’m exhausted! I’ve loved every single bit of it.”

Till next time (ITV1, Friday, 8pm!) and after that, Sunday!