Strictly Review: Alex Scott and Neil Jones

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Alex Scott with her professional partner Neil Jones leaped back up the leader board this week with their Charleston where head judge Shirley Ballas commented  “That was your best dance to date’’.

On Saturday night, the ex-professional footballer danced a Charleston to ‘Pump Up the Jam’, an Electro Swing cover by the Sicilian band Swingrowers. Choreographed by Jenny Thomas, the theme was a modern twist on the Charleston and included some great content.

Dressed in black and white the couple quickly got into their routine with Flapper Walks, Butterfly Twists and Heel Flicks followed by Charlestons facing each other with kicks. Before the lift there was a body isolation sequence where Neil made a mistake and momentarily forgets the routine at 0:39. However, they get straight back into with a lovely travelling Lindy Hop section at 0:47 followed by a Charleston, three Fall on the Logs, two Jumping Heel Clicks, Pushes and a Lock Turn. Compared to the other Charleston routines on the show we have already seen heaps of classic steps.

After the second lift at 1min they run onto the raised level where there is a mix of Charleston steps with a lift and some Hip Hop stylised moves which works really well with the music.

Once back on the floor, they carry on with a some Flapper Walks, a Forward/Backward Roll then back to their final position which mirrors the opening pose.

For me, this is the best Charleston of the series so far. Firstly, the costume, music, set design and lighting really capture a contemporary Charleston feel and sets the scene perfectly. Secondly, Alex obviously likes the song they have been given which gets her out of her shell and into character. She uses her faces, looking like she is having fun.  I often have used this song in class and is always a real crowd pleaser.

I also liked that they had some sections in hold when Neil moved Alex across the floor at 0:45 and it was jam packed full of great Charleston steps from start to finish. If they were to dance this again, I think Alex could exaggerate her movements more to match Neil and extend her arms so the lines are crisp and clear.  I think choreographer Jenny Thomas and her assistant Sean Moon did a fantastic job with his one. 

Shirly Ballas commented “Control from the beginning when you walked on stage to when you left it’’ and “ I have to say you have a lovely dynamic between you’’ Shirley went on to offer Alex and Neil a eight for their performance. 

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse gave them the same and stand-in judge Alfonso Ribeiro scored them a nine.

Our Score: 8 

Elena