And yes, it was a couple of weeks ago *ahem* but better late than never I say! Those lovely people Faye and Nick at Strictly Dancers once again brought us a wonderful night of entertainment, starring Brian Fortuna and Kristina Rihanoff, and another workshop, this time the jive, courtesy of host Mark Shutlar. But you know I’m just getting over a sprained ankle, so I didn’t attempt it. I would have, honest!
First out were Danny and Kate, our amateur couple (though you wouldn’t think it) number 2 in the country in 10 Dance, for a Quickstep/Jive combo to Steppin’ Out, Danny looking all mean and moody which belied a fun heart; Kate a vision in blue ruffles. Then a Tango to what sounded like the Gotan Project and a Paso, to the same tune the Strictly Pro’s used in my fave Pro Dance
from 2006 – which was on youtube but is no more *grumbles* - I live in hope of it reappearing! Proper samba music for their, well, Samba obviously, and familiar too, if you check out the Showtime vids – Hip Hip Chin Chin – seeing these dances up close is just awesome – Danny and Kate finished their session with an incredible Jive to Proud Mary.
At the time those clips were filmed, they’d only been together a few months!
The main course arrived in the shape of a Cha Cha to Lady Ga Ga’s Just Dance as Brian and Kristina hit the floor in a flurry of red fringe (Kristina anyway!) to a rapturous welcome, their usual exuberance in the Latin followed by a gorgeously smooth American Foxtrot/VW combo to Baby Love and When a Man Loves A Woman, with Kristina sublime in white and gold satin. What made the evening doubly special was Brian’s throwing the floor open to questions while Kristina changed. So this is less review, more interview punctuated by dancing!
Music for DWTS and SCD – is it given to you or do you choose it? DWTS give you the song, you have no choice – in SCD though, you choose your own, it just has to be approved (licensing etc).
What’s more fun, the UK or USA show: The UK show of course! (Good answer, that’s an extra 300 votes!)
Are you in a relationship? Next question!
What’s with all the candles (in his flat)? I love candles but am very good at spilling wax everywhere (at which point the lady who asked the question said she was excellent at cleaning it up, lol – Brian asked what she was doing later!)
Ideal partner? Ali! (cue ‘Awwwwww’s)
Ok, if not Ali? Tess Daly, she’s hot. No-one’s recording this are they? (Er, no – does writing it down count?)
They Mambo to It had Better Be Tonight by The Buble, with Kristina in a killer leopard print suit, so fast, so WOW! Then a lovely lady called Fran, who celebrated her 90th birthday recently and is still dancing, made us all jealous as Brian swept her onto the dance floor!
What do you think of the judges? They’re all lovely – did you hear what I said to Alesha? Yes, we did, crawler!
Do you choose your own clothes? I’m always in Su Judd’s office!
Are your hips detachable and can I rent them? (That was from a bloke, btw!) I’ve no answer for that, it was drowned out in the laughter! *note to self – tweet Brian!*
And Brian told us a little anecdote about Beyonce – how her entourage advised the Strictly people to keep their distance when she appeared on the show – but Brian being Brian bowled up and introduced himself anyway – and then faced down a bouncer! Which was our intro to their stunning rumba to If I Were a Boy.
Brian happily shared the news that his baseball team, the Phildelphia Phillies, made the World Series for the second time in two years, YAY! (The equivalent of West Ham winning the European Championship. Ever. Or actually just avoiding relegation ...*lives in hope*)
Fave dance? Jive – the all-American manic one, and the Foxtrot – grew up listening to Frank Sinatra.
When did you start dancing? At an early age (between 3-6) moving on to inline skating but going off the edge a bit – dancing set me on the right path and I began to take it seriously at age 15/16. I’ve been together professionally with Kristina for 18-24 months since the DWTS tour and we auditioned for SCD together.
If not a dancer, what would you be? A TV Host (that’s Strictly sorted when Brucie retires!)
Tell us more about Dancing on Wheels: Mum will be flying in for the series – we started the dance classes seven years ago and more and more couples signed up. Then we began writing a syllabus three years ago and approached all the major networks – the BBC commissioned the show, which airs on BBC3 in January. There are six couples taking part and the winners will be representing the UK in the European championships in Tel Aviv! The edit of the show is fantastic!
What do you do for fun? Women! Oh, dear, that came across really wrong (amid gales of laughter!) Exercise – barbecue – golf – pool.
Their last dance is a Disco Hustle to Boogie Wonderland, completely fabulous –
if you haven’t seen any of the professionals dancing live, you must – watching it on the telly doesn’t do them justice! It was lovely to welcome Brian and Kristina to Kent, please come again!
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Strictly Come Dancing: Running Commentary, Week Nine
Injuries and illness plagueing this week's show, with Brucie having the flu, Jade out with a possible Olympic threatening injury and Laila with a mummified foot. But on a good note - it's Ronnie Corbett! Standing in at short notice, obviously! And, more importantly - Claudia! Yay - backstage is going to be hilarious. Oh yes. Bizarrely, and I know no-one will believe this - but the Daily Scatter Strictly preview, written around lunchtime Saturday, originally had Tom Chambers making Brucie's entrance and doing the iconic tap dance - with none other than Ronnie C doing the links and the jokes! Seriously! Which of course was the problem - it was far too sensible an idea, so I replaced them! (With the Prime Minister!)
Ianade's dress rehearsal was a dream apparently, right till the end, when Jade realised something had popped - gutted doesn't cover it of course, both her and Ian and me and probably most other fans too - that tango was shaping up to be something special - please, Beeb Producers - show us it on ITT, please! Fingers crossed for next week - having said that, Jade can't compromise her Olympic plans; we can only hope it isn't as serious as first thought. All the best to you, Jade, I hope you recover well.
Phitya out first for their American Smooth, which was smooth and charming to Come Fly With Me - not particularly 'Wow' I have to admit, but another good ballroom performance from them. Craig: Not showy enough, very cool, timing good, strong finish; Len: I see a change of attitude - upped your performance; Alesha: swagger back, loved the freeness, transitions well done; Bruno: blissful look, smooth take off and landing, handled very well. Score: 31, their best yet.
Ricalie jiving - no pressure, Tess! It is a rapid jive, but intelligently choreographed with plenty of collection points that interpret the music well - Ricky's footwork not always spot on, but the routine is bright, breezy and a real blast. Loved it. Len: Most consistent, the hunted, keep focused, keep this standard; Alesha: timing went a bit, fun, fast paced, lighthearted, pretty amazing; Bruno: a tight package full of power, you just go for it, your work is amazing; Craig: as much as I loved it, lost technique because of the speed. Score: 35.
Rickin VW, gets a pep talk from his more famous nan! I say, very debonair in his glasses. Bit skippy, better posture though and overall a pretty good job. Beautiful rendition of Nights in White Satin by the band. Bruno: Composure and restraint and on time all way through; Craig: very tense, frame lovely to begin with but a really great job; Len: shoulders more relaxed, fascinated with the glasses, good content, well done; Alesha: Did very well, be proud of yourself. Score: 29
Chrola Paso. The cutest couple ever just got mean and moody! Oooooh, he's stamping, he's stampiiiing ... still got banana hands but I don't care, thoroughly enjoyable, great musicality, loved the flamenco steps he did! Len: I nearly pooed me pants, you came out and gave it plenty, loved the attack; Alesha: I love you two, Ola doing a great job with him. Intense, peformed brilliantly; Bruno: Awful but liked it *boohissboo* needs more artistry; Craig: Danger. Menace. Aggression but forgot to dance. "May I have my cape back please" says Chris, haughtily! Score: 30, thanks to Len and Alesha! Claudia dubs him Little Cape Man!
Lainton rumba and I can't help but wonder - why's Anton wearing a coat in training? Is it very cold there? Do they not have a portable heater they can borrow? Anyway, Laila's limping after injuring her ankle slipping on the stairs (I said they looked steep!) and what might have been a lovely rumba had she not been concentrating on alleviating the pain, ends abruptly as it becomes too much. They judges can only score on what they saw, they all say the same. Score: 22.
Vinalie foxtrot, lovely song and Nat has clearly worked hard on technique, but at the expense of her fun attitude. I found it a little pedestrian. Bruno: Kept close to him, head back, lacked freedom of movement, good job; Craig: Didn't have the flow, beautifully simple, sweet, honest; Len: Quality right up my street, full of magic moments, your best dance; Alesha: A dream to watch , elegant and composed; Score: 34
Alian cha cha next and the touchy feely stick your ass out moments are coming along! I Got A Feeling this could be her best Latin so far, a little stumble but overall it was well done and well choreographed too, not as fragile. Alesha: Technically very very good, arms and cha cha walks great; Bruno: You finish every beat wi
th the arms, incredible range of movement but I want a bad girl; Craig: Difficult job because of the music, choreographically brilliant; Len: Hips truly hip-notic, bit arty farty prim and proper but I liked it. Score: 35
That's it, says Claudia and there's good "Oooohing" backstage! The phone lines are open and while we wait, Brian and Kristina perform a Patrick Swayze tribute to She's Like The Wind, which is gorgrous - a special Bolero, says Tess; Joke of the series to Ronnie and his weather report: The sun will be killing 'em in Gillingham, choking in Woking, cool in Goole, dry in Rye and if you live in Lissingdown, take an umbrella! The Pro Dance treat One Night Only - Darren and Lilia, James and Kristina, Matt and Aliona, fast and fantastic. The Jersey Boys and the Boy Blue Hip Hop dancers rip up the floor with another hint of what So You Think You Can Dance will bring us.
The Moment of Truth: Ricalie; Vinalie; Alian; Chrola; Lainton! Visibly shocked, the pair of them. It's VW versus AS as Rickin and Phitya are left to dance it out - it's an evenly matched contest, both doing their strongest discipline and both do a good job - I can see this being a Len decision. It is, Alesha and Bruno go for Phitya but Craig and, more importantly, Len, go for Rickin - who are equally shocked.
Well, I'm surprised - I kept reading that Phil was second in the public vote - so is it that the fans just can't help themselves when it comes to a bit of sympathy voting? Perhaps they'll now start to realise they can't afford to do that! Maybe, just maybe, if Ianade are out for good, they'll reinstate Phitya for next week, that is apparently in the rules. Personally, I don't think there should have been an elimination tonight - to use DWTS as an example - if Jade or Laila or anyone else didn't subsequently pull out, they could have had a double elimination next week.
This whole numbers game is where SCD loses its way for some reason – the rest of the show worked really well: I thought Tess did a fantastic job presenting; Claudia, of course, was on excellent form as we all knew she would be and they pitched Ronnie perfectly, with just the occasional reference to Brucie bringing familiarity without trying to actually replace him. It’s just those numbers ... we don’t want a three couple semi with a dance off again – it does the show a disservice – especially with so many good dancers this year. Maybe they should consider my league table idea ...
Ianade's dress rehearsal was a dream apparently, right till the end, when Jade realised something had popped - gutted doesn't cover it of course, both her and Ian and me and probably most other fans too - that tango was shaping up to be something special - please, Beeb Producers - show us it on ITT, please! Fingers crossed for next week - having said that, Jade can't compromise her Olympic plans; we can only hope it isn't as serious as first thought. All the best to you, Jade, I hope you recover well.
Phitya out first for their American Smooth, which was smooth and charming to Come Fly With Me - not particularly 'Wow' I have to admit, but another good ballroom performance from them. Craig: Not showy enough, very cool, timing good, strong finish; Len: I see a change of attitude - upped your performance; Alesha: swagger back, loved the freeness, transitions well done; Bruno: blissful look, smooth take off and landing, handled very well. Score: 31, their best yet.
Ricalie jiving - no pressure, Tess! It is a rapid jive, but intelligently choreographed with plenty of collection points that interpret the music well - Ricky's footwork not always spot on, but the routine is bright, breezy and a real blast. Loved it. Len: Most consistent, the hunted, keep focused, keep this standard; Alesha: timing went a bit, fun, fast paced, lighthearted, pretty amazing; Bruno: a tight package full of power, you just go for it, your work is amazing; Craig: as much as I loved it, lost technique because of the speed. Score: 35.
Rickin VW, gets a pep talk from his more famous nan! I say, very debonair in his glasses. Bit skippy, better posture though and overall a pretty good job. Beautiful rendition of Nights in White Satin by the band. Bruno: Composure and restraint and on time all way through; Craig: very tense, frame lovely to begin with but a really great job; Len: shoulders more relaxed, fascinated with the glasses, good content, well done; Alesha: Did very well, be proud of yourself. Score: 29
Chrola Paso. The cutest couple ever just got mean and moody! Oooooh, he's stamping, he's stampiiiing ... still got banana hands but I don't care, thoroughly enjoyable, great musicality, loved the flamenco steps he did! Len: I nearly pooed me pants, you came out and gave it plenty, loved the attack; Alesha: I love you two, Ola doing a great job with him. Intense, peformed brilliantly; Bruno: Awful but liked it *boohissboo* needs more artistry; Craig: Danger. Menace. Aggression but forgot to dance. "May I have my cape back please" says Chris, haughtily! Score: 30, thanks to Len and Alesha! Claudia dubs him Little Cape Man!
Lainton rumba and I can't help but wonder - why's Anton wearing a coat in training? Is it very cold there? Do they not have a portable heater they can borrow? Anyway, Laila's limping after injuring her ankle slipping on the stairs (I said they looked steep!) and what might have been a lovely rumba had she not been concentrating on alleviating the pain, ends abruptly as it becomes too much. They judges can only score on what they saw, they all say the same. Score: 22.
Vinalie foxtrot, lovely song and Nat has clearly worked hard on technique, but at the expense of her fun attitude. I found it a little pedestrian. Bruno: Kept close to him, head back, lacked freedom of movement, good job; Craig: Didn't have the flow, beautifully simple, sweet, honest; Len: Quality right up my street, full of magic moments, your best dance; Alesha: A dream to watch , elegant and composed; Score: 34
Alian cha cha next and the touchy feely stick your ass out moments are coming along! I Got A Feeling this could be her best Latin so far, a little stumble but overall it was well done and well choreographed too, not as fragile. Alesha: Technically very very good, arms and cha cha walks great; Bruno: You finish every beat wi
th the arms, incredible range of movement but I want a bad girl; Craig: Difficult job because of the music, choreographically brilliant; Len: Hips truly hip-notic, bit arty farty prim and proper but I liked it. Score: 35That's it, says Claudia and there's good "Oooohing" backstage! The phone lines are open and while we wait, Brian and Kristina perform a Patrick Swayze tribute to She's Like The Wind, which is gorgrous - a special Bolero, says Tess; Joke of the series to Ronnie and his weather report: The sun will be killing 'em in Gillingham, choking in Woking, cool in Goole, dry in Rye and if you live in Lissingdown, take an umbrella! The Pro Dance treat One Night Only - Darren and Lilia, James and Kristina, Matt and Aliona, fast and fantastic. The Jersey Boys and the Boy Blue Hip Hop dancers rip up the floor with another hint of what So You Think You Can Dance will bring us.
The Moment of Truth: Ricalie; Vinalie; Alian; Chrola; Lainton! Visibly shocked, the pair of them. It's VW versus AS as Rickin and Phitya are left to dance it out - it's an evenly matched contest, both doing their strongest discipline and both do a good job - I can see this being a Len decision. It is, Alesha and Bruno go for Phitya but Craig and, more importantly, Len, go for Rickin - who are equally shocked.
Well, I'm surprised - I kept reading that Phil was second in the public vote - so is it that the fans just can't help themselves when it comes to a bit of sympathy voting? Perhaps they'll now start to realise they can't afford to do that! Maybe, just maybe, if Ianade are out for good, they'll reinstate Phitya for next week, that is apparently in the rules. Personally, I don't think there should have been an elimination tonight - to use DWTS as an example - if Jade or Laila or anyone else didn't subsequently pull out, they could have had a double elimination next week.
This whole numbers game is where SCD loses its way for some reason – the rest of the show worked really well: I thought Tess did a fantastic job presenting; Claudia, of course, was on excellent form as we all knew she would be and they pitched Ronnie perfectly, with just the occasional reference to Brucie bringing familiarity without trying to actually replace him. It’s just those numbers ... we don’t want a three couple semi with a dance off again – it does the show a disservice – especially with so many good dancers this year. Maybe they should consider my league table idea ...
Friday, 13 November 2009
Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two: Panel Parley
Vincent's baby coming atcha - Brucie has properly horrible flu - Tess is front of house on Saturday and Claudia is helping out! Woohoo! I mean, get well soon, Bruce!
Ricalie on the sofa talking tango failure, the general consensus is they just got carried away in the moment, enjoying it too much and can't say whose fault it was! Ricky (Hunk of the Month) loved it a lot, Nat (Aussie rules) isn't going to hold back on the choreography, she'll keep pushing him. The other couples are full of RickyWitter: Oh Ricky, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind: Hey Ricky! He's equally generous back. The jive is a rapid, very funky looking jive.
Friday Panel - Katherine Jenkins (Knows the score) tapes the show if out on a Saturday, Vinalie her faves; Miranda (Harts Strictly) asks KJ: "Why would you go out on a Saturday?" and wants Sir Ian Waite as her partner. She had a Blackpool party, and she'll have a Final party! Craig (He's a Revel-ation) anticipates and expects certain levels of performance but goes into Saturday with a fresh view and hopes each couple do their best.
Phitya - nerveless, looking rather lovely, great sense of musicality, splayed hands though but dancing to Sinatra Come Fly With Me. Perfect, classic and KJ tells us Sinatra has been used five times and scores quite highly. MH says "he's better in hold whatever that means!"
Chrola look amazing, completely and utterly in character, purpose, intent - dancing to I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness. Unusual but Justin Hawkins is a fan of catsuits - ergo - Chris is wearing a catsuit!
Ianade looking great, going to be fantastic, poise, adornments - dancing to Duran Duran A View to a Kill - strong, fiery song may dominate or be a driving force!
Vinalie needs to work on technique but terrific song - Magic Moments Perry Como - genius, cheesy and comic Italian American. They're all swaying; Miranda wants to trap Nat and make her her best friend for life!
Lainton - she still seems terrified but doing a good job getting the 4.1 nature of the rumba (???) Fantastic song choice (my song choice for the rumba!) Rule the World by Take That. Alian and Craig is loving Brian's amalgamations. I bet he's not the only one. The Black Eyed Peas I Got a Feeling. Like I said ...
Claudia is off to the studio, we find out what Strictly has taught the celebs: Belief; application; focus; teamwork; trust; push through barriers; confidence; dancing!
Matador Man: Chris outside practising capework, introduces us to his lucky toilet. Thanks. Backstage congregation area, where they leave to rush the floor for hugs. Rickin VW us out to Nights in White Satin, lovely choice, haunting. Chris and Claudia are swaying!
Ricalie on the sofa talking tango failure, the general consensus is they just got carried away in the moment, enjoying it too much and can't say whose fault it was! Ricky (Hunk of the Month) loved it a lot, Nat (Aussie rules) isn't going to hold back on the choreography, she'll keep pushing him. The other couples are full of RickyWitter: Oh Ricky, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind: Hey Ricky! He's equally generous back. The jive is a rapid, very funky looking jive.
Friday Panel - Katherine Jenkins (Knows the score) tapes the show if out on a Saturday, Vinalie her faves; Miranda (Harts Strictly) asks KJ: "Why would you go out on a Saturday?" and wants Sir Ian Waite as her partner. She had a Blackpool party, and she'll have a Final party! Craig (He's a Revel-ation) anticipates and expects certain levels of performance but goes into Saturday with a fresh view and hopes each couple do their best.
Phitya - nerveless, looking rather lovely, great sense of musicality, splayed hands though but dancing to Sinatra Come Fly With Me. Perfect, classic and KJ tells us Sinatra has been used five times and scores quite highly. MH says "he's better in hold whatever that means!"
Chrola look amazing, completely and utterly in character, purpose, intent - dancing to I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness. Unusual but Justin Hawkins is a fan of catsuits - ergo - Chris is wearing a catsuit!
Ianade looking great, going to be fantastic, poise, adornments - dancing to Duran Duran A View to a Kill - strong, fiery song may dominate or be a driving force!
Vinalie needs to work on technique but terrific song - Magic Moments Perry Como - genius, cheesy and comic Italian American. They're all swaying; Miranda wants to trap Nat and make her her best friend for life!
Lainton - she still seems terrified but doing a good job getting the 4.1 nature of the rumba (???) Fantastic song choice (my song choice for the rumba!) Rule the World by Take That. Alian and Craig is loving Brian's amalgamations. I bet he's not the only one. The Black Eyed Peas I Got a Feeling. Like I said ...
Claudia is off to the studio, we find out what Strictly has taught the celebs: Belief; application; focus; teamwork; trust; push through barriers; confidence; dancing!
Matador Man: Chris outside practising capework, introduces us to his lucky toilet. Thanks. Backstage congregation area, where they leave to rush the floor for hugs. Rickin VW us out to Nights in White Satin, lovely choice, haunting. Chris and Claudia are swaying!
Strictly Come Dancing: Backstage snippets!
The main news of the day of course, is that Bruce will be missing the show for the first time ever, due to having the flu - his doctor has made him rest! Tess will be presenting, so the betting's between James or Claudia to take on Tess' spot backstage. Or Karen. Or Gethin. or Arlene! I'm off to think of a controversial headline ...
Chrola
Phitya
Rickin
Behind the scenes at Blackpool with Matt and Aliona - they're allowed to take their phones in ...
The wardrobe department's Su Judd says the dresses aren't any shorter (it's just blokes' wishful thinking. Ok, it was me that said that last bit, not her).
And Bobby Davro, Sharron Davies and Suzy Amy have all apparently signed up for Dancing on Ice! That's 97 celebs on it now. Seriously.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two: Training Updates
Latin: Lainton rumba - 11 hours and they're looking for Laila's inner vixen; Chrola Paso, 15.5 hours - he's mean and moody and ...he's hurt his foot - I'm the boss, says Chris, she's not here, is she? Alian cha cha on 10 hours, having lost a day due to Brian having food poisoning *eek*; Ricalie jiving, 12 hours - the longest one minute thirty of their lives!
Chrola on the sofa, aw, love 'em. Chris (Cola can) we were all waiting and it all came together. Ola (She's the Gaffer) we have to keep to that level now. Worried re the Paso but should be fun. Strictly Dynasty training, aw, bless - even when they shout at each other they're sweet. They're practising masterful; Chris has cape burns! No, not Springfield's N.A.S.A. launch pad - he's just a bit too masterful with the cape! Watch out for a dramatic end to their Paso!
Len's Masterclass - recreating that iconic moment Kristina was dragged like a sack of potatoes by John in their Paso! This is going to be IT, he tells Claudia. Start with an explosion, full turn, firm grip and lower, leg out and Away! Ole! Cue Music!
Ballroom: Rickin VW on 12.5 hours - the shoulders look much better; Ianade tango on 16 hours - feirsty, comfortable, spicy; Phitya AS on 12.5 hours, looking very smooth but - Tuffers in a cardy!!! Vinalie foxtrot on 15 hours can't stop smiling even when she stabs him with her heel!
This looks to be one helluva tight contest on Saturday! My tip for the top based on what I've seen - Ianade. But after that *shrugs unknowingly*
Strictly Cribs - Nat C's house: The big black coat that hides all; Awards; Albert Square name plate, signed by all, including a soppy Matt Di A; An Italian lover, our Nat - no wonder she and Vincent have gelled; Wendy Richard tribute board; and a proper cuppa to end!
Alian and the Big 40 on the sofa and Ali (Viennese Whirlwind) said it hit her on Monday how close she came to going out and how much it meant to her to stay in, going from the low to such a high. Brian (worth a FourTenner) was in shock, had to watch it back! They show Ricky G impersonating him; he returns the favour, albeit a bit too posh! Just The Two Of Them in training - don't get freaked out, says Claudia! The Cha Cha - Brian's put together another difficult routine!
There's more bananadrama at the end. The supplier must be quids in.
Chrola on the sofa, aw, love 'em. Chris (Cola can) we were all waiting and it all came together. Ola (She's the Gaffer) we have to keep to that level now. Worried re the Paso but should be fun. Strictly Dynasty training, aw, bless - even when they shout at each other they're sweet. They're practising masterful; Chris has cape burns! No, not Springfield's N.A.S.A. launch pad - he's just a bit too masterful with the cape! Watch out for a dramatic end to their Paso!
Len's Masterclass - recreating that iconic moment Kristina was dragged like a sack of potatoes by John in their Paso! This is going to be IT, he tells Claudia. Start with an explosion, full turn, firm grip and lower, leg out and Away! Ole! Cue Music!
Ballroom: Rickin VW on 12.5 hours - the shoulders look much better; Ianade tango on 16 hours - feirsty, comfortable, spicy; Phitya AS on 12.5 hours, looking very smooth but - Tuffers in a cardy!!! Vinalie foxtrot on 15 hours can't stop smiling even when she stabs him with her heel!
This looks to be one helluva tight contest on Saturday! My tip for the top based on what I've seen - Ianade. But after that *shrugs unknowingly*
Strictly Cribs - Nat C's house: The big black coat that hides all; Awards; Albert Square name plate, signed by all, including a soppy Matt Di A; An Italian lover, our Nat - no wonder she and Vincent have gelled; Wendy Richard tribute board; and a proper cuppa to end!
Alian and the Big 40 on the sofa and Ali (Viennese Whirlwind) said it hit her on Monday how close she came to going out and how much it meant to her to stay in, going from the low to such a high. Brian (worth a FourTenner) was in shock, had to watch it back! They show Ricky G impersonating him; he returns the favour, albeit a bit too posh! Just The Two Of Them in training - don't get freaked out, says Claudia! The Cha Cha - Brian's put together another difficult routine!
There's more bananadrama at the end. The supplier must be quids in.
News in Brief: SCD, DOI, DWTS,
From the Strictly training rooms:
Ali and Brian are excited about having the opportunity to let their hair down this week - there's plenty of flirting, hip swinging and fun in rehearsals!
There have been many points of amusement for Katya in training so far this week, with Phil sniffing his armpits, chewing carrots and blowing his nose throughout rehearsals. Katya has also told him that he looks a bit scruffy and would probably dance better if he dressed a bit nicer for training!
Chris has read up on the Paso dance and discovered that the man is in charge! He took advantage of this by telling Ola she would soon be calling him Mr Hollins! I bet that didn't last long though ...
Natalie is still loving being part of the show since she has reached the halfway point but didn’t quite realise it would get so serious!
According to Anton, he has had shorter relationships than the 12 weeks he has been dancing with Laila! Laila said “Anton and I are sometimes like a married couple. We shout and scream at each other and then he tells me I’ve got to be sexy!” Towards the end of their Rumba routine, Laila started to feel dizzy. Anton, of course, thought this was because she was getting intoxicated by the Rumba and his irresistible charm!
Ricky Groves spoke of his disappointment at losing the public vote and said that you can never tell what will happen, as the last time when the judges slated his dance he still got through! The words Erin used were 'down and out' - come on now, it'll all be different again this week!
Ricky and Natalie had a lot of fun in rehearsals yesterday - Ricky performed a Beyoncé impression which, whilst incredibly entertaining, didn’t impress Natalie apart from giving her the giggles. That clip will probably be tucked away for the end credits on ITT! The fast-paced routine of the Jive seems to be taking its toll on him though, there's a lot of panting, leaning against a wall out of breath and lying flat on his back! Now that's official and not anything to do with rumours touted by the red tops, people - I know how your minds work, now stop it.
In other SCD news, Karen Hardy coaching Phil and Kate from 'The Apprentice' on Live from Studio Five; they'll perform in front of a judging panel on Friday.
Fancy a cruise? Of course you do, and even more so if it's free and you can have dance lessons with Darren and Lilia!
Camilla is a busy busy bee - not only has boyriend Kevin Sacre confimed on Twitter that she's definitely in I'm A Celebrity etc, she's also set to take over from Mr. Motivator as the fitness guru on GMTV!
According to the gossip rags, Vernon Kay is leaving ITV and coming to the Beeb - to take over from Brucie on Strictly! I like Vernon actually, and the only other person I've thought so far that would do a good job is Paul O'Grady. Like I said, that's the gossip rags ...
Ali, Natalie and Zoe have also signed up for the next Strictly tour, joining Ramps, Austin and Kelly, leaving just two places, another from the current crop and one more from an older series presumably. Who would you like to see?
Ali and Brian are excited about having the opportunity to let their hair down this week - there's plenty of flirting, hip swinging and fun in rehearsals!
There have been many points of amusement for Katya in training so far this week, with Phil sniffing his armpits, chewing carrots and blowing his nose throughout rehearsals. Katya has also told him that he looks a bit scruffy and would probably dance better if he dressed a bit nicer for training!
Chris has read up on the Paso dance and discovered that the man is in charge! He took advantage of this by telling Ola she would soon be calling him Mr Hollins! I bet that didn't last long though ...
Natalie is still loving being part of the show since she has reached the halfway point but didn’t quite realise it would get so serious!
According to Anton, he has had shorter relationships than the 12 weeks he has been dancing with Laila! Laila said “Anton and I are sometimes like a married couple. We shout and scream at each other and then he tells me I’ve got to be sexy!” Towards the end of their Rumba routine, Laila started to feel dizzy. Anton, of course, thought this was because she was getting intoxicated by the Rumba and his irresistible charm!
Ricky Groves spoke of his disappointment at losing the public vote and said that you can never tell what will happen, as the last time when the judges slated his dance he still got through! The words Erin used were 'down and out' - come on now, it'll all be different again this week!
Ricky and Natalie had a lot of fun in rehearsals yesterday - Ricky performed a Beyoncé impression which, whilst incredibly entertaining, didn’t impress Natalie apart from giving her the giggles. That clip will probably be tucked away for the end credits on ITT! The fast-paced routine of the Jive seems to be taking its toll on him though, there's a lot of panting, leaning against a wall out of breath and lying flat on his back! Now that's official and not anything to do with rumours touted by the red tops, people - I know how your minds work, now stop it.
In other SCD news, Karen Hardy coaching Phil and Kate from 'The Apprentice' on Live from Studio Five; they'll perform in front of a judging panel on Friday.
Fancy a cruise? Of course you do, and even more so if it's free and you can have dance lessons with Darren and Lilia!
Camilla is a busy busy bee - not only has boyriend Kevin Sacre confimed on Twitter that she's definitely in I'm A Celebrity etc, she's also set to take over from Mr. Motivator as the fitness guru on GMTV!
According to the gossip rags, Vernon Kay is leaving ITV and coming to the Beeb - to take over from Brucie on Strictly! I like Vernon actually, and the only other person I've thought so far that would do a good job is Paul O'Grady. Like I said, that's the gossip rags ...
Ali, Natalie and Zoe have also signed up for the next Strictly tour, joining Ramps, Austin and Kelly, leaving just two places, another from the current crop and one more from an older series presumably. Who would you like to see?
Torvill and Dean say that Dancing on Ice is the toughest reality show on telly - and I'm not going to argue, you wouldn't catch me doing it! Here's a more in depth article with them - ignore the headline, it's not an attack on Strictly *rolls eyes*. It's also reported that Boyzone's Mikey Graham will be taking part as a tribute to Stephen Gately, and that Heather Mills may possibly drop out, due to the pain it's causing her.
Trav's Thoughts are in on both DWTS and SYTYCD, enjoy!
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two: Wardrobe Functions
Where's the boat, Cap'n Claudia? Vinalie on the sofa - they're blethsed! Nat (Stepped up her game) The atmosphere was electric! She told you Len wouldn't like the jivey bit, Vincent! Shout out to Sid1979 on the forum - Vinalie represent all that Strictly is about. English lessons: Vincent was cream cracketed ... cream cracked ...Nat's cracking up and ... she just melted! Foxtot this week and Vincent (Pocket Rocket) says they've got the routine down already, he's sorry for the other professionals!
Armistic Day Rememberance Dancing with Richard (lovely eyes) and Lily (better than the other girls) back in the day when London was full of people looking to lift their spririts - and what better way than dancing!
Su Judd talks ballroom tango frocks: black, red, drama, weighted skirt for movement, her faves were Zoe's and Kelly's. Lisa's very different, jade and orange. The boys in tux jacket, ties to match the girls frocks - Darren B. says as in dancing, so in life, the men are the matching accessories! Hilary and Nicola (Thread Bearer) say the hard work for Blackpool was worth it! This week: Jade's tango dress - hot orange, black accents, wasp corset, lace overlay, satin skirt, seven panels, thigh high split, extra frills. Very Agent Provocateur ... ooh, samples! Boudoir meets ballroom! Natalie's foxtrot dress - pale turquoise, gold, halterneck, dropped waist, gorgette skirt, trailing lace, crinoline at hem, epitome of late 40's/early 50's Hollywood, Dior. Laila's rumba frock - more fringing, halter neck, full length from peppermint to dark green. Ali's cha cha frock - traditional Latin, sweetheart neckline, stone boarders, fringe skirt - cha cha cha ooh la la!
Ianade couldn't believe they got through from 4th on the leaderboard! Strictly World Wrestling: Jade (The Abs) Johnson v Ian (The Pecs) Waite - a comfortable 3-0 victory to Jade! Their tango is looking Very. Very. Good. The end credits show how it can go so wrong before it all goes goes wonderfully right on the night!
Armistic Day Rememberance Dancing with Richard (lovely eyes) and Lily (better than the other girls) back in the day when London was full of people looking to lift their spririts - and what better way than dancing!
Su Judd talks ballroom tango frocks: black, red, drama, weighted skirt for movement, her faves were Zoe's and Kelly's. Lisa's very different, jade and orange. The boys in tux jacket, ties to match the girls frocks - Darren B. says as in dancing, so in life, the men are the matching accessories! Hilary and Nicola (Thread Bearer) say the hard work for Blackpool was worth it! This week: Jade's tango dress - hot orange, black accents, wasp corset, lace overlay, satin skirt, seven panels, thigh high split, extra frills. Very Agent Provocateur ... ooh, samples! Boudoir meets ballroom! Natalie's foxtrot dress - pale turquoise, gold, halterneck, dropped waist, gorgette skirt, trailing lace, crinoline at hem, epitome of late 40's/early 50's Hollywood, Dior. Laila's rumba frock - more fringing, halter neck, full length from peppermint to dark green. Ali's cha cha frock - traditional Latin, sweetheart neckline, stone boarders, fringe skirt - cha cha cha ooh la la!
Ianade couldn't believe they got through from 4th on the leaderboard! Strictly World Wrestling: Jade (The Abs) Johnson v Ian (The Pecs) Waite - a comfortable 3-0 victory to Jade! Their tango is looking Very. Very. Good. The end credits show how it can go so wrong before it all goes goes wonderfully right on the night!
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