Lights, Camera, Action!!

Last Saturday was to Movie Week on Strictly and we were treated to everything from a Meerkat and a Warthog dancing the Samba to a beautiful Grease themed Waltz. In amongst all the glitz and glamour were two Charleston’s and although they did not disappoint the judges, the scores have caused an uproar across the Strictly fanbase. Let’s take a closer look as to why many felt this way.

The choreographer behind both of these amazing dances was Jenny Thomas and her assistant Sean Moon. The routines that they created for both couples really captured the authenticity of the Charleston and included a great mixture of classic Charleston steps and trick moves; overall producing two brilliant 1920s routine of which were extremely fun to watch. I would also highly recommend checking out Jenny’s Instagram to find out more about the making of these routines.

First up, we have actress Kym Marsh and professional partner Graziano Di Prima who performed a highly entertaining Charleston to the tune, ‘If my Friends Could See Me Now,’ from the musical Sweet Charity.

After a few moments of setting the scene sat round a table, Kym jumps straight into a series of solo Basic 20s Charleston’s which signifies the starting of the routine. It is clear from the outset that this routine is going to be full of Charleston fun and cheekiness as Kym’s characterisation is already in full swing.

At around 0:32, professional Graziano Di Prima joins her and the pair launch into a sequence of synchronised Camel Calks and Pushes before coming together for their first lift, which is greeted positivity from the onlooking audience. It is clear that Graziano is not holding back with this routine, as later on, we are greeted with another complex lift which further wows the crowd.

However, at 1:05, the ambience of the setting changes as a spotlight focuses on Kym as she completes a solo piece consisting of multiple iconic Charleston poses with various transitions. At this point, for me, I felt as though she lacked the energy required to make this sequence appear punchy and dramatic which is a shame as it was a great piece of choreography.

After a brief interlude of music, the couple return together once again as they begin their section of what Kym named, “Props-Ography” with top hats. This really brought a sense of familiar authenticity to the dance which perfectly encapsulated the Vintage Hollywood vibe.

Coming towards the end of the routine, the pair complete their final lift without missing a beat and have just enough time for a quick spin before sliding into their final pose.

Considering we are only in Week 3 of the competition; I thought Kym did a great job. Her characterisation and facial expressions are perfectly suited to the dance as she upholds the ability to portray her character with flare and style without getting distracted. However, the Charleston is a high energy dance and for the most part, that was what was missing, which left one critic saying how, “There could have been more exaggeration across the dance, and her recovery from the lifts interrupted the transitions.”

As a result, the comments from the judges were overall quite positive. Head Judge Shirley stated that, “This was by far [their] best number as it was a wowzah routine” and Anton Du Beke believed it was, “The best dance of the series so far.” Craig, on the other hand, thought, “[Kym] needed to energise each move,” but even he could not resist saying how, “This was [their] best dance yet.”

Due to these positive comments Kym and Graziano were able to Swivel their way to success and have secured their place in Week 4 of the competition.

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 7

Motsi Mabuse – 9

Shirley Ballas – 8

Anton Du Beke – 9

MyCharleston – 7

Next up we have Television and Radio presenter Tyler West and his professional partner Dianne Buswell who danced the second Charleston of the night to the jazzy tune, ‘Flash, Bang, Wallop!’ by Tommy Steele from the 1963 musical comedy; Half a Sixpence.

However, despite the couple swivelling their way to the top of the leader board, there has been an uproar across the Strictly fandom over the scores given by Shirley and Motsi. Many believed that this dance was overmarked as Week 3 is too early on in the series to be wafting around 10 paddles.

Do you think the couple deserved the 10s or are you more in agreement with the critics? Let’s take a closer look as to why many felt they were overmarked.

After momentarily setting the scene, the couple immediately break into a perfectly executed Box Step (also known as a Jazz Square), Kicks and a Scarecrow; therefore, bringing Charleston content to the forefront of the routine. At 0:23, we see Tyler throw Dianne over his shoulder for their first of many lifts, which ignites an eruption of cheers from the audience.

The pair then take a moment and pause their dancing to set the scene further with a comedic camera sketch before Tyler further establishes his Charleston know-how with perfectly synchronised Swivel Walks, Turning Charleston Swivels, a Paddle Turn, Camel Walks and Can-Can Kicks, which left one critic saying, “It is difficult to differentiate between Celebrity and professional.”

At 0:50, we see the pair come into hold for a Side-to-Side Charleston sequence which was shortly followed by a further lift. The couple then achieve a death-defying move where Tyler swings Dianne around by her ankles- leaving many audience members on the edge of their seats.

The couple then complete a brief section in hold, followed by a sequence of Charlie Chaplin’s, Birdie Flaps, and Kicks before Tyler lifts Dianne into their final pose.

This routine really was a whirlwind of fun and with Charleston Content coming form all four corners of the routine, what’s not to like?

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this Charleston routine as the content was established, well thought out, and in my opinion, very well executed. It is clear that Tyler upholds elements of musicality and his characterisation really shone through. Even after running the London Marathon, he was able to perform with immense gusto which is perhaps why the Judges were so generous with their scores.

As a result of their great performance, the Judges’ comments were full of admiration as they did not hold back the compliments. Head Judge Shirley Ballas stated that, “[Tyler] is still very much the real deal’ as, “[His] performance was brilliant on every single level.” This alongside Craig’s one liner, “FAB-U-LOUS,” sparked a wave of excitement across the Strictly Ballroom.

Due to these comments and an overall positive response from the general public, Tyler and Dianne received the first 10s of the series and swivelled their way to success with their leader board topping score of 38.

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 9

Motsi Mabuse – 10

Shirley Ballas – 10

Anton Du Beke – 9

MyCharleston – 8

If you’re now feeling inspired to channel your own inner 1920s Flapper, why not check out our Charleston adult dance classes

Or head over to MyCharleston’s ‘Move of the Week’ and get those feet swivelling to transport you back to the 1920s…

Charleston Move of the Week - YouTube

By: Eleanor O’Donnell