Strictly Review: Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu
Last Saturday, we were treated to the highest scoring Charleston of the series so far. Strictly Come Dancing contestant and CBBC Presenter Rhys Stephenson and professional dancer Nancy Xu earned their spot at the top of the leader board after dancing the Charleston to “The Charleston” by Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys.
However, despite the fact the couple got top marks, some fans were upset by this scoring. Even though all four judges whipped out their 10 paddles, a few believed the dance to be overmarked and one critic even went as far to comment that it was, “nothing compared to AJ’s Charleston last week.”
Do you think the couple deserved the perfect score or are you more in agreement with the harsh criticism? Let’s take a closer look…
The routine opens with both Rhys and Nancy setting the scene in a rowing boat. After a few bars of music, Charleston content is already at the forefront of this routine; therefore, immersing the audience into the 1920s spirit and preparing us for the jammed packed Charleston adventure the couple are about to embark on. Rhys begins with a solo and greets the audience with Charleston Swivels shortly followed by a Scarecrow, Charleston Runs and then a brief section in hold. At 0:50, we see the couple launch themselves into a nerve-wracking lift, leaving the audience awe inspired and one critic feeling as though, “[they] had time travelled back to the 1920s.” The routine then progresses, and we see the pair jump into Charlie Chaplin’s, Knocky Knees, Itches and then straight into a further series of complicated lifts. Nearing the end of the track, the tempo changes which results in the pair completing their final section at a faster pace, leaving one fan stating that, “despite this change they remained perfectly in synch” and another comparing the couple’s energy to the “Duracell bunny.” The routine ended with a quick set of kicks before Rhys lifts Nancy into their final position.
The choreographer behind this masterpiece of a dance was Jenny Thomas (check out her Instagram here) and her assistant Sean Moon. The routine that they created for Rhys and Nancy really captured the essence of what the Charleston is all about. The choreography chosen was also well-suited to Rhys’ dancing abilities; therefore, allowing him to showcase his energy and technique to perfection.
For me, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this routine and, like many others, was thrilled when they got the 10s across the board. Rhys’ energy and performance skills were second to none and the fact that this is Nancy’s first ever partnership and perfect score; made it all the more special to watch.
As a result, the comments from the Judges were overall very positive and complimentary. Head Judge Shirley stated, “all [she] wants to do is just get up and dance with [Rhys]” and how he is the “king of side-by-side.” This alongside Motsi’s comment that, “this has to be the Charleston of the series [because] up until now, that is the best Charleston we have seen,” left the couple speechless. Even Craig could not stop himself from smiling as he told Rhys he thought it was, “Ah-Maz-Ing!”
Rhys and Nancy Flapper Walked their way to success with their leader board-topping score of the perfect 40; therefore, securing them a spot in next week’s Musical week.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood – 10
Motsi Mabuse – 10
Shirley Ballas – 10
Anton Du Beke – 10
MyCharleston – 10
By: Eleanor O’Donnell
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