Last Saturday, Strictly Come Dancing presented their Semi-Final of the 2024 series, and the dancers really stepped up their game, as each couple danced 2 routines ranging from a graceful Waltz and a Salsa danced by Tasha and Aliaz to Pete and Jowita’s beautiful Argentine Tango and Foxtrot; they really did have it all.

In amongst the different routines, it was Comedian Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell’s turn to swivel their way onto the dance floor with a Charleston, set to the tune When You’re Smiling by The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn choreographed by Tommy Franzen and Lizzie Gough.

This wholesome Charleston appeared to be controversial, where some viewers loved the routine and were furious with Craig awarding a 7, whereas others were in agreement with his score.

But what did you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

The routine opens with Chris and Dianne floating down onto the stage in a hot air balloon, foreshadowing the fun element of the Charleston, as they dodge a hologram of a seagull and Chris’ ‘gag’ with the telescope; adding to the comedic value from the outset.

After a few bars of music, the pair emerge from behind the basket, take centre stage, and immediately break into a partnered sequence in hold, consisting of Kicks, Flicks, Truckin’ (you can learn to how to Truck here) and a series of Basic 1920s Charleston Swivels.

At 0:58, the couple then complete an astonishing lift- where Chris throws Dianne over his shoulder, after which they jump up into the air, and then fall to the ground to dance some ‘Floor-Ography’ moves; perfectly in synch with one and other!

Later on, at 1:17, the pair come together once again for another partner sequence in hold, with numerous Kick Charlestons, and another Lift where Dianne flips herself over Chris’ back as she snazzily swaggers across the Ballroom; further establishing that cheeky Charleston vibe!

Nearing the end, at 1:34, the couple simultaneously complete a mini comedic sketch, before dancing a series of Knocky Knees, Bunny Hops, and a few Charleston Swivels.

As the pair bound back up the Ballroom towards the hot air balloon, Chris and Dianne have just enough time to complete a Morecambe and Wise inspired Kick, before racing into the basket where they pull smiley faces to the match the lyricism of the song and Dianne hops onto Chris’ back for their final pose- leaving the crowd screaming in delight!

I, for one, really loved this Charleston! Although this routine wasn’t danced at the traditional fast pace, it suited their partnership beautifully (and had me sobbing throughout). Dianne is such an incredible choreographer with the way she gives Chris small, subtle clues as to what the next move is. For me Chris is the epitome of pure joy, and each time I watch him dance, he reminds me that anyone can achieve anything if they put their heart and soul into it. In my opinion, this is exactly what dance is meant to do; it is meant to mean something- and this partnership really does!

It is clear that I was not alone in my opinions, as one critic exclaimed that they thought this routine “[Had] great synchronicity, which is even better when you take into consideration that he’s blind” and another stated “Great swivel and superb musicality- this routine confirmed for me that they deserve to be in the final.”

It seems that most of the Judges were also in agreement with as Motsi Mabuse stated it had “Swag [and] great rhythm,” with Shirley echoing this point with the abstract analogy that Chris and Dianne were, “Like two snowmen in the snow on the floor- perfect timing!” However, Craig Revel-Horwood, opened the Judges comments with a rather patronising statement highlighting how it “wasn’t messy actually” and the routine was “Under-energised” to which the other three Judges (and the audience) quickly disagreed. Despite beginning with these comments, even Craig could not stay too serious for long as he concluded that he “Loved the Swivel!”

Due to this high praise and the fantastic comments from the critics, the pair have managed to avoid the dreaded Dance-Off and successfully swivel their way into next week’s Final of the series.

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 7

Motsi Mabuse – 8

Shirley Ballas – 9

Anton Du Beke – 9

MyCharleston – 8

By: Eleanor O’Donnell