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What an incredible afternoon I had full of magic! I woke up listening to the pouring rain outside, thinking, Oh No! I've got to trek across London via public transport. I had a difficult morning, and briefly toyed with the idea of not attending - after all I'd only paid £15 for my ticket in the cheap seats - Thank Heaven I made the decision to go, as it was a highlight of my Theatre going so far!
It was nice to visit the South Bank complex again. The bus journey took me through the sceneic route of *old* London - the Strand, St.Paul's Cathedral, and past the Royal Courts of Justice, where the Hutton Enquiry took place during the Summer. I LOVE Gothic Architecture, and you can't get more Gothic than that wonderfully ornate Court building. Just seeing the River Thames, as the bus turns the corner onto Waterloo Bridge is so inspiring - ah, if only I could live there! [Instead of crime-ridden North-East London].
I must say I could do without the endless concrete steps at the South Bank Complex, but inspite of the ugly facade, the group of National Theatres and Concert Halls are situated in a great location, on the Banks of the Thames. It never fails to look beautiful, daylight or evening, sunny weather or on a bleak day. I think the sight of the huge London Eye wheel adds to the skyline very well, with old matching new stylishly. [Must go on it one day!]
It was a pleasure to visit the Royal Festival Hall again, where I'd seen the fabulous Musical revival "On Your Toes" three times during Summer 03 [during the British Heatwave actually!] I'd have gone 4 times if I'd had another ticket I loved it soooo much! Tap Dancing is such fun!!
I bought a programme to read about the Company - the Stanislavsky - as far as I knew they were Moscow's second Company after the Bolshoi. I assumed they would be of a good standard, and I'd booked up to fulfill a lifetime's ambition of seeing the full Swan Lake Ballet live! I absolutely love the music too, it's my favourite Ballet score, there's not a dud tune anywhere and I'm a big Tchaikovsky Fan. When I saw my seat I was terribly disappointed, as it was alot further in than I'd thought. I was sitting in the Annexe, side on to the stage, with a wonderful view of the Orchestra! It was a bit of a tight squeeze aswell, I found myself sitting next to a Japanese lady, who informed me this was "not a good Company", she'd seen them do Nutcracker last week, and didn't enjoy it, "this is not Bolshoi!" she pined. Then we got an amazing stroke of luck, the kids were back at school after Christmas, and the Matinee wasn't sold out, so a kindly Usher asked if we'd like to move to a more central position, and she took us to the Front Terrace facing the stage, in probably the most expensive seats, with a perfect view! What an amazing upgrade, I knew my luck would be changing!!
In the meantime, I got chatting to my Japanese friend, and, like me, she was a Theatre/Ballet Fan, and we talked about the various shows we'd seen. She had those *Opera Glasses* that you peer out of, but when I asked to borrow them, I could see nothing but an elbow magnified! At least I've satisfied my curiosity, and won't be buying a pair of those!
So now on to the Production.......it was truly magnificent.
The quality of dancing was superb, especially the Corps, who really stood out in their beauty and line and unison. I couldn't have wished to see a better production of Swan Lake for my debut. It was not the typical Classical production I've seen on TV and Video, it was so much better in every way. It had a lightness and musicality that Russian Ballet doesn't always have, in my opinion. I prefer elegant positions at all times, energetic leaping by the men, but elegant. I don't like the exaggerated stretching that veers towards Gymnastics - this is Art not Sport - so this Production totally suited my taste, and was so refreshing to see, completely captivating and enjoyable, compared to that dreary Swan Lake by Swedish Ballet broadcast by the BBC last Christmas 02, where the two Principals were completely out of their depth. If the BBC is going to show foreign companies for it's once a year foray into a full-length Ballet - how about Moscow Stanislavsky next time please?
This was not the original Marius Petipa--Lev Ivanov choreography, although I recognized the famous Lake Scene steps and lifts from Act II which were kept, but a reinterpretation by Vladimir Bourmeister, who is a new name to me, the Company's former leading Dancer and Choreographer who created this version in 1953, after the founder Stanislavsky died. [The Company was formed in 1929]. I was surprised to read in the Programme that it originates from half a century ago, as it is still so vigorous and fresh as danced by the Company today, all of whom were Russian [or Soviet trained]. It's interesting that the Russian Companies still have such an homogenous personnel, whereas in the Royal Ballet production of Ashton's Cinderella broadcast on TV this month, you'd be hard pushed to find an English dancer on the stage [apart from the two famous Ugly Sisters of Antony Dowell and Wayne Sleep].
The design was breathtaking, the sets and costumes were beautiful. This was the first production I've ever been to that had two intervals, and it was necessary because the ornate set for the Grand Ball in Act III was so spectacular, it brought applause from the audience as the curtain rose and we sat stunned! I couldn't imagine seeing anything more extravagant or superbly designed were I to visit Covent Garden or the Mariinsky Theatre or Paris Opera Ballet - and all for £15, I couldn't believe my luck!
The ballerina's costumes, in particular, were so beautiful, I was left swooning, as each one was revealed. No starchy, rigid, angular tutus here, just soft, simple designs that fitted perfectly and looked a joy to wear [if only I could fit into such creations!]
The costumes for the National Dances at the Grand Ball were long and flowing, there were some heels worn for stamping during the Hungarian and Polish Dances, which had the real character of the regions, and the Spanish Dance was a highlight of colour, with four male suitors swirling red silk capes. Stunning! And so exciting - it all blended together beautifully, seamlessly.
The Court Jester role was danced in a lively fashion - wonderful leaps with soft landings. There were humorous, youthful touches too - his dancing was a highlight and elicited great applause - the balletomanes were definitely in the audience and made their knowledgeable presence felt .
When the time came in Act III for the Black Swan to do the famous 40 Fuetes, the acting and drama didn't stop for her *technical exercise*, instead it was incorporated into the dancing with other people on the stage. We still clapped though!
The ethereal beauty of the Scenes by the Lake, the timing and discipline of the Corps de Ballet, in many ways was the Soul of this Production. I am a huge Matthew Bourne Fan, and have so far much preferred his version of Swan Lake for it's Musicality, Relevance to today's times, and the sheer excitement and sexuality of seeing Male Dancing, but I have to say Bourmeister's choreography was equally musical and moving. As I heard the Orchestra play the famous tunes, increasingly I forgot Bourne for the afternoon and was totally engrossed and swept along with the drama created on the stage. I've always thought the story of Swan Lake is non-sensical, but it actually made sense here in an emotional twist at the end. I can reveal this unsual ending, as you can't book up now, unless you go to Moscow! As Evil Rothbart waved his dastardly black wings high above the rocks, dictating the moves of the two Principals, a sudden loud bang, and flash and it went dark, whilst the music reached a crescendo........for ages, everyone gasped in surprise, and as the Orchestra continued in darkness, I began to think.....I wonder if something's gone wrong, and there were murmurings, but suddenly we saw the stately Prince emerge with the Swan having turned back into a woman as Rothbart was killed, and as the Prince lifted his Love in a flowing long dress, her hair down, tears came to my eyes at the beautiful, happy ending.......until I told myself not to blub in the Theatre! It was sheer delight!!!!!!!!
The applause rang out, flowers were thrown onto the stage - for the Corps, I was delighted to see. I stood and shouted "Bravo!" An Usher brought flowers out for the leading lady, she curtseyed demurely, the Conductor came on stage and got a loud cheer. My only disappointment was that it was only the performers in the Final Act taking their bows. The whole cast didn't come out [probably preparing for the evening performance]. I noticed they'd taken long bows at the end of Act II, after the Grand Ball, before the second interval, but had I known they wouldn't take a curtain call at the end, I'd have cheered loudly. It was disappointing they weren't there, as the young male dancers deserved more applause.
The two Principals danced very well, were technically complete and dramatically convincing. I only noticed a couple of flaws in the landing of one of the male Soloist's jumps, and a Cygnet's slight trip at the Lake in the Final Act. But overall the footwork was precise, flowing and very quick.
The only slight criticism I would have is of the Orchestra. They played a bit too quietly for my taste. The music is so gorgeous, I want to hear it loudly! There were a couple of tunes I didn't recognize, and read in the Programme it was Tchaikovsky's original score. The Conductor was obviously from the old Soviet school looking somewhat austere, but he kept them going along nicely throughout, and I felt priveleged to have witnessed Great Russian Culture on a dank, London afternoon......Oh, and my Japanese friend thought it was "very good" too!
Thank you Stanislavsky Ballet! Please visit us again soon. I would love to see Snow Maiden from their repetoire.
Soooo, *sigh*, I think we got more of the OD than Eurosport had originally intended, as only 90 minutes was scheduled and we got alot more, 17 couples infact which is pretty good going.
At least it gave me a chance to get an overall assessment of the standard of Judging and tech specing. I was all ready to lay into the Tech Specs here for unexplained deductions, but when you saw some of the Judge's PSC scores, they were both as bad as eachother.
Firstly, my favourite Tango performances today were DomShabs, Virtue-Moir and DenStav, on a technical and artistic level.
There were some very nice moments in Dubreuil-Lauzon's and DelSchoes' Tangos, but the French did not skate nearly aswell as in Warsaw.
I do also feel that Virtue-Moir's TES score was overly high, all of Shpilband's couples seem to get Level 4's on every single element always, and I don't think that's necessarily fair. Whilst Virtue-Moir's Tango is one of the very best this season, and they are beautiful skaters, both of them, she is so mature and serene for 17, I don't see how their diagonal step sequence, skated mostly in Kilian hold got a Level 4 or their Lifts. But it was definitely Sphilband's couples getting the scores today.
To have Belbin-Agosto 2nd I found overscored again. This couple had very little connection or chemistry and the Dance only really came to life in the last 30 seconds with a bit of passion, the rest was dull and unremarakable. That this couple are touted as one of the top Dance couples in the world does not fit comfortably with me at all. I can't see it. They are good, but they are not the best in the world, winners of several medals ahead of other couples who IMO are better in every way.
I doubt the DelSchoes will win a medal now or possibly even DomShabs, the Podium will stay as it is or within the 3 couples there now irrespective of how anybody skates by the looks of it, going by today's adjudicating.
The most ridiculous decision today was leaving Faiella-Scali in the top 10 by bumping up their PCS scores when they were only 14th in TES. Outrageous for a very poor overall skate full of errors with weak skating and very little that would warrant a top 10 place. Even Massimo, usually energetic and lively, seemed subdued. That they should be placed ahead of the Kerr's is nothing short of scandalous, especially when it has robbed GB of a chance to compete in the penultimate group and to possibly move up. No chance now.
Once again, if Jana & Sergei were surprised to get such a good score for their Rhumba, to gain 7th place for a non-Tango OD when the rhythm is a Tango I find insulting. Yes, their elements are good, but this is Ice Dance, and when top 10 places are so hard to come by, why not just give one away?
As I posted earlier, without this mysterious 2 point deduction, the Kerr's would have beaten Gregory-Pethukov, whose Tango was weaker than 10th place IMO. She spent alot of time on her knees being dragged across the ice, which AFAIK is against the rules?
The Kerr's skated well, the only slight error being on the 2nd set of twizzles JK got behind Sinead and came out of synchronization. It was much better than F&S, that's for sure, and G&P, and IMO D&W and K&N. I would've had it behind V&M and the others in the top 10. So 7th, possibly 8th at worst IMO, certainly not 11th. I would've had the Zaretski's ahead of G&P aswell. The Z's skated really well, and have a very interpretive, attractive Tango with good choreo, much better technically and artistically than either F&S or G&P.
I also preferred the No.2 Italians to F&S, even with a fall by Anna Cappellini at the end of their mid-line steps, it was still a beautiful Tango.
Tanith Belbin actually stumbled into the barrier at one point just before their mid-line steps, but that didn't seem to affect their scores.
Pechalat & Bourzat had a couple of stutters, but they look absolutely gorgeous on the ice, were dressed beautifully, and are a tall, elegant couple, though diappointing for them to be languishing in 13th.
At the top Albena & Maxim, skated much better than at Euros, but to me they lack that subtelty and finesse in presentation of other top couples, in particluar Albena does, but technically they were good.
The reason why I preferred DomShabs and Virtue-Moir ahead of them is because I apreciate Ice dancing. I love to see interpretation of rhythm, choreography, light and shade, subtlety, little flicks, hanging back, then a wave of passion, not all out attack every second come what may, whatever the dance.
Dom Shabs and V&M fulfilled this criteria for me, and maintained the Tango character throughout the entire dance, with both partners being equally expressive.
GB has a couple worthy of a top 10 place, but were denied that place by what? Politics, backroom deals, unknown infringements.....who knows?
I only know what my own eyes tell me, and accepted I am watching on TV and not in the arena in Tokyo, but I know full well when a couple is overscored and underscored, so the wool isn't pulled over my eyes.
I shall try to calm down and not sound too bitter, as there was alot of beautiful skating to get excited about.
Eurosport showed us the top 11 and the Germans [18th] but I'd have preferred to see the French, Pechalat & Bourzat as they were 10th on the FD to compare them with the couples they beat in that segment.
My fave FDs today were Virtue-Moir, Dubreuil-Lauzon, Davis-White and DomShabs, though IMO none of the Warsaw medalists skated as well here as they did at Euros, understandably so with Isabelle's ankle injury, but they were still better than Belbin-Agosto. That V&M, or the French or Russians weren't on the podium in Bronze ahead of B&A makes me cringe as a Dance Fan. Tanith's twizzles were faulty, though she still outperformed Ben again, but their routine is not in the same league as Virtue & Moir's either technically or artistically, but still this couple find themselves elevated above others onto the podium, winning precious medals at World level.
It would not have been out of place to see the young Canadians on the podium at their first Worlds, but deserved. From CD to FD they skated beautifully, and are a perfect match in every way, in skating skills, style and maturity, they restore my faith in the future of Dance, thank Heavens both they & D&W beat K&N, as I feel icedance is safe in their hands. Compare the 2 routines of V&M and B&A. "Amelie" was all contrived drama and emotion, a set of elements not all performed clean, and meaningless arm movements by Tanith in the beginning trying and failing to create a romantic mood. In fact this couple have very little connection these days, it seems, and have definitely gone backwards in charisma and chemistry. Maybe the gloss has gone off them onto others, newer and fresher, it's unfair, but that's how it is in Dance. Yet they beat V&M in PCS scores by 46.80 to 43.11
Inexplicable and summing up the quality of officiating at this event.V&M's FD is sublime, and is the kind of routine that transcends sport into art. That they are only 17 and 19, I find astounding and soooo admirable. They may never have 2 such good routines choreographically as this season again, it's often the way, but with their serene quality of skating and artistry we have alot to look forward to.
This young couple's twizzles were the fastest on view and absolutely amazing!! So precise and exciting to watch. Chris Howarth of Eurosport preferred them over everybody, and Robin Cousins on BBC raved over V&M especially, describing Tessa as "exquisite" and declaring these two couples will be on the podium at Vancouver 2010.
I absolutely loved D&L's FD, the choice of music was perfect for them, and the choreography and interpretation was fantastic. Yes, their twizzles are a bit slow, but so what? What a pleasure to see overall gorgeous icedancing and amazingly unique lifts! I love their soft dancey quality, and elegant maturity, I hope they continue.
I enjoyed them more than DenStav who I'm finding repetitious this season. We've seen versions of that FD before, yes, it's passionate, fast across the ice, dynamic etc, and I don't deny them their Gold Medal, but I didn't like the music mix or alot of the choreography, it may be *clever* but the performance didn't move me as much as it did at Europeans, and I don't find it as aesthetically pleasing as the 2 Canadian couples. I've probably been watching them for too long now to see their skating with a fresh eye.
Poor DelSchoes, somehow kept off the podium yet again, like in Torino, coming ahead of B&A in the FD but slightly behind overall.
It was probably their slightly weaker OD performance that cost them a medal, but who can say for sure with the Judging?I'll always remember Warsaw though, and thank them for their continuing innovation and exciting skating.
I liked DomShabs FD today, Oksana gave a great performance, Robin Cousins criticised Maxim, saying he wasn't a match for her, and had bent free legs always. I wanted to say: "But Robin, he's playing the part of a Barbarian and she is his slave maiden, so the pointed feet of a Ballet dancer is not appropriate, it's a style decision". but who am I to disagree with an Olympic Champion?
Their Coaches shook their heads in disbelief as they dropped a place in the K&C. So much for the konspiracy theories about this couple's politikal power. From where I'm watching that lies entirely with B&A.
Khocklova & Novitski have good individual elements, but as a whole, he is quite weak compard to her, so its good all the choreography is focussed on Jana. That's 2 years in a row they've skated a Flamenco FD with gymnastic, flexibilty based moves. Maybe next year they'll show us some variety, and that they can actually interpret an OD rhthym. The future of Ice Dance? I don't think so, not on this showing.
How on earth Faiella & Scali have stayed in the top 10 after 3 substandard performances I have no idea? Please PM me with an answer if you have one as it's a mystery?
Once again their PCS scores kept them up there, as they were quite rightly behind the Kerrs on TES. I liked their techno Disco FD music and some of the choreo, but on the spins they were painfully slow and a couple of the lifts decidedly dodgy. This couple have lost their pizazz, and need to come back brighter next season to be considered as contenders. I actually prefer the Italian No.2s Cappellini-Lanotte. Federica had to ask Coach Pasquali Camerlengo in the K&C "Bella?" and he replied "Bella, si", unconvincingly.
Gregory & Pethukov - Oh dear, it was 4th division DenStav material - is this what internet fans have been raving about since SA? - she made mistakes on the twizzles, it was hesitant in parts, a derivitive programme. They still made top 10.
They actually learnt how to edit for once, and so selected the couples from whichever group they skated in, rather than it be pot luck who got shown around the top 10, so kudos to them for that.
Illusion Fabric has definitely disappeared forever! YAY!!
Though there was rather too much flesh on view for my tastes, especially with Grebenkina's skimpy outfit that she wore for the Tango OD at Euros, so presumably has a new one for the OD at this event. Infact, most couples seemed to wear previous FD or OD costumes, as I remebered when they stepped on the ice.
Lots of different tunes for the Rhumba CD, so no danger of boredom or repetition, as some of you naughty people protest.
Nice to see a good attentive crowd for the CD too.
Having not downloaded anything, and saved myself for the TV broadcast, I shall make a few personal comments, apologies in advance, but, as they say, it's JMHO.
Checking the scores, they were 2nd on PCS but lost out on TES - how is this possible when they are superb skaters?
It was a wonderful Rhumba, beautiful interpretation by both, Olivier is improving in presentation all the time, and his posture and unusual [for a man] arm movements added to the overall effect and enjoyment for me.
My top 3 were DelSchoes, Dubreuil/Lauzon and DomShabs.
I can accept that Chris Howarth thought that D&L were the smoothest and the clear winners, as I am only watching on TV, and theirs was also a very impressive Dance.
DomShabs were also very good for me, you would never have known the sorrow Oksana must be feeling, with the recent passing of her Father,
it was a lovely Dance, and I preferred all 3 couples to anyone else. I'm aware they have alot of fans, and they are great dancers, especially him, but Albena & Maxim have one style and method of skating, which is all out attack and great speed for every single Compulsory. There is no subtlety ever or variety of interpretation of rhythm, be it the Waltz or the Rhumba, it's the same. Being Old School, to me, this is a weakness, and that's why I couldn't have them in my top 3, Ice Dance is about interpreting the different rhythms of all the Dances, and couples who stick to their one, developed, same style are failing IMO.
Most overscored couple were Belbin-Agosto. Extraordinarily poor posture from him. What was it all about? The body seperation between them whilst he writhed about unattractively? This CD requires the upper body to be firm, with a strong constant hold, you can still interpret the rhythm, as others did within that requirement, but I thought solid 7s for PCS was grossly overscored.
K&N had a stutter in the beginning and looked tight and not flowing freely throughout their Dance to my eyes, so I disagree with their high position of 6th also. Likewise Faiella-Scali had a timid performance, but then I find her weak in the CDs generally. I personally preferred the Kerrs to both. They skated with freedom and expression and the technique was good, timing, edges, all correct, very impressive matching free legs too, so whilst I was happy to see 8th place earlier, now I've watched the Dances, 5th IMO. It's a pity Eurosport never expect them to come anywhere and are so critical always {Chris} and surprised by top 10 {Simon}. They must be the most unbiased commentary team in the world. Give them a bit of praise for their skillfull skating please!
Most robbed couple were Cappellini-Lanotte. Georgeous dance, with so much personality from her and matched so well, edges great, their Coach had a word at the end which Anna seemed to take exception to lol! Obviously he is hyper critical, being a former top 10 World dancer himself, but IMO just after they come off the ice is not the time for any harsh words. They're lying 12th in their first Worlds, so well done! [Could've been even better].
The Zaretskis also skated really well, and have improved soooo much this season. They are making a big breakthrough too in 13th. The couple who did not belong above them IMO were Gregory-Pethukov. Is there any lady icedancer with a poorer posture than Melissa? She even takes the cake over Kristin Fraser in that dept. Technically it was poor, and with her upper body flaws, I cannot see how they got 11th. I'd have had Pechalat & Bourzat ahead, as even with an error at the beginning, they were much better. Shame for them, as it has set them back badly in 14th, when they were obviously aiming for top 10. They wore old OD costumes, but his white trousers did not look good for this CD. This is a dance where you need to see the line clearly, and white trousers on white ice was not to my taste.
Great debuts for Virtue-Moir & Davis-White in 9th & 10th, both couples have very strong males, and IMO Charlie White was the best male from the US team today.
Overall, fun to see the Rhumba CD again, but with the emphasis on the OD and FD elements these days in Dance, the stupendous Lifts and spread eagle balances for the men whilst lifting their partner, the world of Ice Dance has certainly changed, but in the words of my friend in Amsterdam:
"Saw the top 2 CDs already in the Sportjournaal (sport
news) and they were good though they couldn't make me
forget T and D, no couple put their feet close
together like them."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vERSek4M_KQ
Note the simple ending, K&N had the most elaborate ending today with a split leg rotational lift, but none of that is actually marked, it's for effect only.
Some technical info and it's origins:
http://www.ice-dance.com/techreference/compulsories/#rhumba
Hi again Everyone!
Just checking in to say I've voted for Matt & Lilia, and I'm delighted wth the superb way they danced tonight - in ALL the Dances so far.....looking forward to the VW and Freestyle.
I thought their Waltz was perfecto, as Vincent would say, faultless footwork, top line and hold, timing and leading by Matt, beautiful interpretation to the music and choreography by Lilia. 4 x 10 would've been a fairer score IMO.
Believe me, the digi commentators, 2 Ballroom experts, could find nothing to criticise about it, and said Matt was the most improved celebrity in the series, which to me is what the show is all about.
I thought Mark danced much better in the Tango than during the series, he has improved in Ballroom, but I didn't really think the music choice did much to help him - it's not really a Tango - and the experts commented on his weaker posture in comparison to Matt, and some faults in his footwork, but said his presentation was very good.
In the Latin - I really enjoyed M&L's Samba, and thought it was a more rhythmical and tidy performance from Matt than during the series. Also I liked Lilia's outfit and hair more this time. 7s were totally unwarranted, and as Lilia pointed out, it was danced no worse than last time, and previously Craig and Arlene gave 8s, so they were clearly wanting to create a gap in the scores, after the first round, to make sure Mark came out on top.
Mark's performance in the Salsa is infectious, and he clearly knows what his strengths are - but he started off at that level - and to be honest, I haven't seen as much progression as I have with Matt. I respect Karen as a Professional in her field, however, I found myself irritated with her constant talking, and wished Mark could've got a few words in edgways whilst backstage with Tess. Also it's all about her winning and dancing again - when her job is to showcase Mark's skills IMO. However that was a great dance, and it deserved the scores.
What a surprise and pleasure the combined dance was!!
I absolutely LOVED M&L's Quickstep choreography - stunning!! - and beautifully danced. Damn the rotten camera work though, where at times you could barely see their feet, which for a Quickstep is crucial!
I so would love to see a full length version of that dance, I agreed with the Judges, the Jettes were gorgeous, fitting in time perfectly with the lyrics.
Actually I preferred it to Mark & Karen's Samba - they brought nothing new, delivering the same formula of Latin hip swirling - whereas M&L's interpretation had the WOW factor. I disgree with Len on that point, Ballroom can be spectacular, just look at Anton & Erin, and the other Pro's Ballroom dances. In many ways, I was hoping we'd see something of this nature, or an American Smooth with great lifts, as M&L's showdance, but apparantly they are doing a Latin rhythm. We already know which the Judges will prefer. They faffed around saying each couple danced to their strengths, and scored both the same, but they should've chosen, as IMO it was a clear victory for Matt & Lilia.
I'm astonished at the high calibre of dancing already tonight - 3 dances down, and still 2 to go!
Congrats already to both competitors.
It was such a thrill to see the other contestants again, in particular Spoony and Ola's Cha Cha! WOW!! That boy has smoother actions than Mark IMO, the fluidity of his hips and arm co-ordination is amazing for a non-dancer. In the Final he certainly would've given Mark a run for his money in Latin. Likewise Ray in the Ballroom with Matt. His Viennese Waltz with Camilla was gorgeous, and lovely to see both of them again. Infact a Final with both Spoony and Ray would've been a treat too. Such a shame they both went out so early. Great characters too!
Bring them back for series 5!!
Of the Ladies, lovely to see Carol and Louisa again - my 2 faves, along with their gorgeous Pro partners. Yes, Emma can dance very well, but as I've said previously, what's the purpose of a singer who has danced professional choreography at Wembley Stadium and tours around the world winning a show such as this? She isn't learning a brand new skill, like the sportsmen, just fine tuning one she already had. Sorry Emma Fans, but I totally understand the GBP voting her off - even though she danced well. Plus, ofcourse, the celeb men have to lead in Ballroom, which is far more difficult than her following Darren Bennet. This should garner extra votes IMO.
Looking forward to part 2 - can't wait to see the showdances, and hopefully a Pro demonstration!
Vote Matt & Lilia!
I had to choose this one. 
Flavia dance, as apart from having a sublime technique, she is stunningly beautiful. This dance was no exception, I was transfixed by the Argentine Tango show dance with Partner Vincent, and the two anonymous chaps, pulling and pawing her! 
Loved the entry of the women too, incredibly entertaining dance. FAB!
Lilia would put them to shame in the choreo stakes IMO.
The so called Great British Public should be locked up immediately!
The Great Russian Diva Lilia and Aled were voted off inexplicably
They were the most entertaining couple tonight overall, in that BOTH their Ballroom AND Latin were alot of fun.
Lilia created two great routines, with superb choreography, drama, story telling, she was a total *STAR* tonight in every way, and Aled rose to the occasion twice, within his confines of not being a trained dancer, but he became a *performer* tonight very successfully IMHO!Denise and Ian came first with the Judges tonight by virtue of their Ballroom dance - the Tango, to James Bond's Goldfinger. Denise was Pussy Galore to Ian's Bond, and it was a dramatic routine, danced very well, but I actually thought Lilia and Aled's Cell Block Tango from Chicago was even more entertaining. He was a gangster and she his Moll, looking stunning, and they both really acted the part well, and it was the best Tango in terms of pure steps and choreo.
Sadly Jill and Darren had an abberation with their choice of music [that strange Europop song that Den/Stav did an exhibition to last season]. It was far too fast to be a Tango rhythm, and Jill looked frozen in the headlights. Poor dance, but beautiful pale blue dress, showing off her shapely, buxom figure.
They were an astonishing 6 points behind Denise and Ian in the Ballroom section.
The less said about Julian and Erin the better.
They were the odd couple out tonight in terms of chosen Dances - the Fox Trot and Jive were their alloted ones tonight - but they were sooooo slow, wooden and one dimensional, as to be almost sleep inducing.
How is the song "Fever" suitable for a Foxtrot?
That's what Erin chose, and it was as dull as ditchwater. No lilt or sway or anything resembling the beauty of the Foxtrot.
They were last in the Judge's marks, naturally, and immediately Julian started his comedy camp routine, which is entertaining, as I love camp comedy, and saw Julian in the musical "Taboo" [about Boy George's life] where he couldn't sing either, but just did his act - entertainingly, it has to be said. BUT THIS IS A DANCE CONTEST!
In the Latin Dances, the superb entertainment continued, with Aled and Lilia first up with a stunning Paso Doble! It was Aled's best yet, really getting into character, with wonderful choreo again by Lilia, waving two red fans and looking vampish. The woman is a Goddess! :glamor:
The Judge's praised it, and what followed were two equally fantastic Pasos by Jill and Darren and Denise and Ian, won by Jill by a single point - 3x9 points 1x10 [awarded by Arlene Phillips] and for Denise 4x9 points. That's how FAB the two dances were!
Jill and Darren's was a more Flamenco style dance, with simple black stylish costumes, and the kind of choreo where Jill excels, ie shadowing steps and arm movements. This is by far her forte, whereas she is much weaker in the regimented dance holds of Ballroom. The music was a typical Paso bull fighting tune heard often in Ice Dance [I think for the Paso CD] and they were completely back on form in this Dance.
Denise and Ian had "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", and were twirling non-stop, with dramatic flourishes, very dynamic across the whole floor, being such a TALL couple, with Denise in classy red, with a flamenco skirt, which she used to call the bull to her! Wonderful and stylish - the judges loved it too.
Then we had the pantomime!
Julian and Erin's sopporyphic Jive. With the same simple steps repeated ad infinitum. Even Erin has slowed down to Julian's pace, and barely moves across the floor.
More comedy remarks, begging for votes, etc.etc.
WHAT ABOUT THE DANCING?
So to the votes..........apparantly the Judge's favourites can't be saved, and the veiwer's votes count towards the final result MORE, so consequently, Jill and Darren and Julian and Erin got thru, and Aled and Lilia and Denise and Ian were the bottom two.......and poor old Lilia and Aled got voted off!
I KNOW WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO TO ALL THOSE WHO VOTED FOR JULIAN........you deserve Brucie's awful jokes non-stop for 6 months minimum!
It left me feeling
I wouldn't mind if the other 3 couples weren't soooooooo much better in every way, so much more entertaining too, that's what the judge's said, Julian is fun, BUT HE CAN'T DANCE!!
I shall miss lovely Lilia, and demand her reinstatement asap!
Next week's Final from Blackpool has been devalued as a contest, and in terms of being an entertaining show by Lilia's absence and Julian's participation. Go off into the sunset on a Blackpool donkey Jules! :HA!:
~La Rhumba~
Looking back I may've been harsh on Julian & Erin, but those were the passions I felt on the night after the result.
I also sent the review in an email to BBC2's SCD:It Takes Two, and a researcher contacted me to go on the show as a *Superfan*, as they had back then, but guess what? I chickened out, as I thought I'd have to appear on screen, and I knew I couldn't lose enough weight by the following week.
Then when the programme went out with a *superfan* from Scotland {a man!} he was talking on the phone, so I should've said yes, and not panicked!! LOL! 
I have a feeling they showed Julian my comments, as during the Final, when waiting for the Judge's comments, he stood next to Bruce after his and Erin's first dance, and declared:
"Apparantly it's an outrage, I'm in the Final!"
...Er, sorry Julian....
