Strictly Chartleston Review: Zara McDermott and Graziano di Prima | Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington
Last Saturday, Strictly Come Dancing aired their annual spook-tacular Halloween Special, and we were treated to not one, but two Charlestons.
Do you think the couple deserved to remain in the competition or are you more in agreement with Critics? Let’s take a closer look as to why many felt this was the right decision.
Zara McDermott & Graziano di Prima
Up first Love Island contestant Zara McDermott and her professional partner Graziano di Prima danced a Skeleton themed Charleston set to the tune, ‘Jeepers Creepers’ by Al Donahue and his Orchestra.
The choreographer for this routine was Matt Flint, check out his Instagram for more of his works and to see behind the scenes of the making of this Charleston.
Watch their full routine here:
Dressed up in spooky skeletons, Zara and Graziano set the scene, as they relaxed on sun loungers in a mock-up spa. After a few bars of opening music, Zara playfully woke Graziano up and encouraged him to dance.
After about 20 seconds of seated choreography, Graziano lifts Zara from the chairs and spins her round, to which the pair then jump out and spring into action with Silly Runs, Tick Tocks, and basic 1920s Swivels.
Later, at 0:45, the pair complete a sequence of Kick Charlestons, a Lift, Suzy Qs, and an assisted Cartwheel.
At 1:03, the couple then come together for a partnered section containing Side-to-Side Swing Kicks, Shimmies, and Pushes; subsequently leading into ‘Towel-Ography’ containing a series of Spins, Kicks, and further 20s Charlestons.
Nearing the end, Graziano throws Zara into a further lift, where the pair then complete more 1920s, and Kick Charleston steps.
At the end, they both run back up the dancefloor, where they collapse back into their sun loungers for their final pose.
I liked the concept and the choreography, but I feel the execution lacked finesse. The makeup and costumes, however, were very effective and really helped piece this routine together. I thought Zara was a little stiff but, as a complete novice to the dancing world, I think she did exceptionally well.
It appears that I am not alone in thinking this one viewer commented that whilst it was a “Nice theatrical performance […] it lacked power and was very placed.” This statement also aligns with the Judges comments, as Head Judge Shirley thought it should “have flowed [in order to] create angles through the body,” and Craig seemed to be in agreement with his view that it was “Very much a Charleston by numbers [that needed] more energy.”
Due to the judges comments, and low voting number from the audience, Zara and Graziano became the fifth couple to leave the competition after competing in the dance off against Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood – 6
Motsi Mabuse – 7
Shirley Ballas – 7
Anton Du Beke – 7
MyCharleston – 6
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington:
Up next, it was Television Presenter Angela Rippon, and her professional partner Kai Widdrington danced a Cluedo themed Charleston, set to the ‘Murder she Wrote TV Theme Tune,’ which was choreographed by Bill Deamer.
This Charleston sparked controversy amongst the audience, with some saying that it was overmarked. Do you think the couple deserved their high scores, or are you more in agreement with the critics? Let’s take a closer look as to why many felt this way.
Watch their full routine here:
At the beginning of the routine, Angela set the scene spying through her magnifying glass and typing on a typewriter in time to the music.
After a few bars of opening music, Angela raced to join Kai where, similar to Zara and Graziano, they burst into Silly runs and 1920s Charleston Swivels.
Following this, the pair break into Flapper Walks, Kicks, The Twist, and a rather impressive lift; which left the audience in a raucous of appreciation.
At 0:47, they complete Pushes, 1920s Swivels, and Kick Charleston. During this, it appears Angela takes a fumble as she misses the cue for the Kick Charleston, resulting in an asynchronous sequence.
However, she quickly regains herself as the pair complete a series of Birdie Flaps, Silly Runs, and ‘Torch-Ography,’ shortly followed by seated Choreography, where they completed Kicks in perfect unison.
At 1:17, the couple pop back up straight into more basic Charlestons. Later on, comedy is brought to the forefront as Kai makes a running jump at Angela, and the pair make a point to jab a finger at Anton (which he took in great sport.)
Nearing the end, the pair complete further Suzy Qs, 30s Charleston, Pushes, and a brief partner section into an astounding lift, where the audience erupted into a cacophony of applause. Following this, they had just enough time for a few spins before Kai launched Angela into their final pose; where he mimed fanning her down- further adding comedic effect.
Overall, I liked this routine. It was different and a slower pace of Charleston which was choreographed to Angela’s strengths, but for 79 years of age; I think she did incredibly well. There was lots of authentic Charleston content which was great to see too.
It appears others thought this too, with on viewer commenting on how it was a “Wonderful performance [and it] was a joy to watch.” However, not all shared this view as some commented on how it was, “Overmarked, and riddled with mistakes.”
Despite these negative comments from the critics, the Judges were head-over-heels for this routine, with Craig Revel Horwood producing the highest praise when he said it was a “Swivel Masterclass,” and Motsi shared how “[Angela] makes everything look so easy.”
Due to these positive comments, Craig Revel Horwood gave the pair a 9, which was the first time in 8 years of Strictly history that he had given a score higher than his fellow judges.
As a result, both Angela and Kai managed to swivel their way past the dreaded dance-off.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood – 9
Motsi Mabuse – 8
Shirley Ballas – 8
Anton Du Beke – 8
MyCharleston – 8
By: Eleanor O’Donnell