With only a week to go until the Quarter Finals of the competition, last Saturday we were treated to a leader board topping routine from actor Will Mellor and professional partner Nancy Xu, who opened the show with a Charleston, set to the unconventional tune, “Hush,” by Kula Shaker
It appears that Will and Nancy’s Charleston has caused controversy amongst the Strictly fandom with mixed opinions being shared about the dance. Even though some were in agreement with the higher scoring from the judges and believed it was a “Sauvé, stylish take on the Charleston,” many, “Weren’t keen,” on this new approach to this centenarian dance.
Do you think the couple deserved their score or are you more in agreement with the harsh criticism? Let’s take a closer look…
The routine begins with both Will and Nancy setting the scene wearing headphones and rocking out to the tune. After a few bars of music, the pair strut out of their boxes towards the centre of the dance floor, where they launch straight into a Paddle Turn and Basic Charleston Swivels, shortly followed by a sequence of 30s and multiple Kick Charlestons. They then come together for a brief section in hold where they complete a series of Happy Feet, and Will using Nancy’s leg as an air guitar- igniting a multitude of whoops and cheers from the audience.
Later on in the routine, further 1920s Basic Charlestons are completed in hold, followed by Cake Walks and a lift. At 0:50, a sequence of Hitchhikes, Slow Motion Running (with exceptional facial expressions), and Side-to-Side Charlestons are danced with immense intensity- further establishing the Charleston-esque qualities of the dance.
Just when the audience thought there couldn’t possibly be room for anymore Charleston content, the pair complete a sequence of Tick Tocks, Cake Walks, a Lindy Hop inspired section, a Pirouette, and a Jump Lift with apparent ease.
They then have just enough time for a further few Robotic Walks, Flicks, Kicks, and Spins before coming together for a James Bond inspired ending where the crowd erupted into a cacophony of applause.
The choreographer behind this techno masterpiece was Jenny Thomas (check out her Instagram here) and her assistant Sean Moon. The routine that the pair created for Will and Nancy was well suited to Will’s dancing abilities and not only allowed him to show-off his newfound dancing abilities, but also perfectly encapsulated what the Charleston is all about- having fun!
Overall, I really enjoyed this routine. Although it was not traditional in the sense of upholding a Jazzy tune, the routine itself was jam-packed full of original and authentic Charleston content which was enjoyable to watch. Due to the amalgamation of the older Charleston style and modern music, I thought a fresh new perspective was shone on this dance, which therefore highlights, an array of possibilities and ways that the Charleston can be danced and enjoyed. Further reinforcing this dance as timeless. It is clear that I am not alone in thinking this as one critic claimed they were, “Jumping off [their] sofa at this innovative and unique performance.”
As a result, the Judges were also unanimous with their admiration and complimentary opinions. Head Judge Shirley gave the pair a standing ovation and stated, “Every single thing worked for [Will],” as he, “Nailed it.” This alongside Anton’s comment that, “This was [his] best performance of the series,” left the couple beaming with pride. Even Craig could not stop himself agreeing when Motsi stated that, “This [performance] has set the standard high for the rest of the night.”
Due to these highly praising comments, Will and Nancy Flapper Walked their way to success and topped the leader board for the first time since Week 1 with their score of 38; therefore, securing their spot in next week’s Musical Special.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood – 9
Motsi Mabuse – 10
Shirley Ballas – 10
Anton Du Beke – 9
MyCharleston – 9
By: Eleanor O’Donnell