It is musical night on Strictly, so get ready to sing along and be immersed in a world of music and story. This is a great night for the celebs to bring together all their skills, both technical and performance based, and show West End style performances. Characterisation and energy are so important in the performances tonight, as they portray well known and beloved characters from the stage.
I loved the opening number by all the dancers and celebrities. It was the perfect way to get us in the mood for this week’s programme. It was such a great production that it felt like I was watching an actual show. I also have to say the judges looked gorgeous as well.
Sadly, this week we saw Lewis and Katya, who danced a salsa to the musical West Side Story. It was a shock to see both Lewis and Amber in the dance off this week. Both are very strong dancers, giving us brilliant performances week after week. Given that both Lewis and Amber have some form of dance experience, could this be the public’s way of rooting for the underdog and not those with professional experience?
It has always been a debated topic as to whether those with this type of experience should be able to compete on the show. I am personally in two minds about this. Yes, it could come across as an advantage, being able to learn quicker and perform at a different level. However, I do love the performances they come up with, and it gives the professionals the opportunity to try new and exciting choreography that a non dancer would not normally be able to do.
So let us get to it. As usual, I will go through the couples in order of appearance.
George Clarke – Argentine Tango (9)
I really enjoyed George’s interpretation of the Phantom. I think he truly embodied the character, and you could tell he had taken on the advice from the West End star. The start of the music was really hard to dance to, as there was no strong beat, but I liked how it moved from a slow, careful piece to a dramatic and frantic dance. There was some really great intricate footwork, which helped to build the tension. Overall, it was a really well rounded dance that paid off.
Karen Carney – Samba (9)
What a groovy performance from Karen. She looked so comfortable out on the Strictly dancefloor. I think it would have been easy, given the number of dancers on the floor, for her to be swallowed up and overshadowed, but that certainly did not happen. She was very much the star of the dancefloor in this routine. Her spins were great, and she looked great in her hippy costume. A really fun and lively performance.
Balvinder Sopal – Viennese Waltz (10)
Wow, what an exquisite dance from Balvinder. She danced from her soul with emotion and passion. She was breath taking, and she delivered every move brilliantly. The transitions in and out of hold were beautiful. I really felt she put her all into this dance. Balvinder is a great dancer, and I felt she had really improved, and you can see all the hard work she has been putting in over the course of this series. She brought a twinkle to my eye, and I am so glad she has pushed through all the dance offs to bring us this beautiful routine. I love her partnership with Julian as well.
Amber Davies – Charleston (10)
Sit down, Amber is most definitely rocking the boat. The tricks and the energy were outstanding. It looked absolutely effortless. She was very much the leading lady in this dance. Love, love, loved it. It had the perfect energy for the Charleston. Amber well and truly deserves all the praise and recognition she received. Perfection. What a little pocket rocket, whizzing round the floor, flying through the air and putting a smile on everyone’s faces.
Lewis Cope – Salsa (8)
Stamina was definitely needed in this dance, and I think Lewis had it in abundance. He danced naturally with the other professional dancers and kept up, looking like a leading man. I think he portrayed the character brilliantly. It was packed with choreography, which on the whole I think Lewis performed really well. I have to agree it was not my favourite dance, but it must be said that Lewis is still an incredible dancer and I love watching him improve throughout this season. He has such great control when it comes to the dances he performs. Sometimes it is really difficult to see the improvement when a celebrity is a good dancer from the beginning, but I think it is starting to show with Lewis.
What a night. Now with only four couples left in the competition, and the semi final looming next week, the pressure only mounts. Next week our couples will be asked to produce two dances, adding double to their workload. This is where we will see who has what it takes to get through to the final. At this moment in time, I cannot call who will be in the final, as the leaderboard is so tight.
What did you think of Musicals Week? Did the judges make the right choice in sending Lewis home? Let us know in the comments.
Keep dancing,
Catherine
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