With only one week to go until the Quarter Finals of the series, last Saturday, it was 2000s boyband member of JLS; JB Gill, and professional partner Lauren Oakley’s turn to dance a traditional Charleston set to the tune “Yes Sir That’s My Baby” by the Firehouse Five Plus Two (an iconic track for an iconic dance!!)

The routine was choreographed by the wonderful Jenny Thomas (check out her Instagram  here) and click this link if you would like to sign up to our Charleston Masterclass with Jenny on the 22nd and 23rd March in Brighton and Hove.

This Charleston routine had everything a 1920s fan could ask for. From the choreography and the music to the cheekiness in its style; Craig Revel Horwood could not praise it higher.

It seems that JB and Lauren had a very successful night, with a high score of 39, and being the winners of Sambathon!

But what did you think? Do you prefer the traditional 20s Charlestons, or are you more of the mindset that the previous, more unconventional ones worked best? We would love to hear your thoughts!

The routine opens with a hologram scene of New York taxi cabs, with JB and Lauren flagging them down- really setting the American 20s vibe from the outset.

After a few opening bars of music, the pair spring into action, and immediately break into classic 1920s Charleston Swivels in perfect unison, followed by Silly Runs, and Charleston Kicks- all the classic moves that we all know and love!

At 0:30, without hesitation, the pair complete a rather impressive lift, swiftly followed by a short-Partnered Sequence consisting of further Kicks, Suzy Qs, Knocky Knees, and a Windmill (also known as a Helicopter- you can learn to dance this move here).

Later on, the couple complete a Fall-Off-The-Log, another impressive Lift, and a momentary pause for a quick ‘Break Dance’ break!

At 1:04, Scarecrows, Pushes, Kick Charlestons are completed; after which JB throws Lauren high into the air and over his shoulder in a complex lift- leaving the audience ecstatic. Then the couple seamlessly come into further Basic Charleston Swivels in hold, Birdie Flaps, the Running Man, and an Assisted Cartwheel.

Nearing the end of the routine, the pair then complete a series of flawless Side-To-Side Charlestons (My favourite move EVER!), Tick-Tocks, and a quick Spin before coming into their final pose- not forgetting the Jazz Hands!

In my opinion, this routine was full of authenticity, and it has to be up there with one of my favourite Charleston routines ever- it was just pure joy and I sobbed throughout! The choice of song was also incredibly nostalgic for me, as this was one of the first songs that I danced to when I first joined MyCharleston 5 years ago (watch the routine here). It is clear that I am not alone in thinking this dance deserved top marks, as one critic commented that this routine was, “Full of joy and using traditional music makes all the difference- JB looks like a winner” and another exclaimed, “Yes Sir, That’s my JB!”

It seems the Judges also enjoyed JB and Lauren’s Charleston as Head Judge Shirley commented on how the “Synchronicity was off the charts” and Craig agreed, stating it was “Pure class.” Motsi Mabuse echoed this stating the routine had the “Right Swag,” and Anton Du Beke thought the “20s American style [was] brilliant and stylish!”

As a result of these positive comments, and high scores; the pair have successfully swivelled their into next week’s Quarter Finals!

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 9

Motsi Mabuse – 10

Shirley Ballas – 10

Anton Du Beke – 10

MyCharleston – 10

By: Eleanor O’Donnell