Lights, Camera, Action!

Last Saturday we were treated to Movie Week on Strictly. In week 3, Television Personality Judi Love and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima opened the show with a Charleston number to, ‘When You’re Good to Mama’ from the iconic Broadway show, Chicago.

With Judi and Graziano both dressed for a 1920s party, they delivered a powerful and sassy number which secured them a respectable score in the mid-20s, but do you agree?

Having done some research into the routine itself, the choreographer is Matt Flint, who also choreographed Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse’s Moana inspired Couple’s Choice the same night.

The routine opens with Judi flamboyantly wafting a feather fan-perfectly encapsulating what this scene in Chicago is all about. This then smoothly moves into a brief section in hold, followed by a sequence of Trucking. At 0:45, we see the first use of the basic Charleston step, subsequently followed by a series of Helicopters, Swivel Walks and Cake Walks.

For me, I’m not really sure what to think of this routine as a whole. The characterisation that both Judi and Graziano portrayed was outstanding and in the training room, Judi stated that she was, “really excited” and was, “loving this dance.” Her passion definitely came through on Saturday night. However, with only a few basic Charleston steps scattered throughout the routine in its entirety, I felt it lacked the original Charleston flare that we have seen in previous weeks.

As a result of this, there were mixed opinions from the Judges. Head Judge Shirley was ecstatic, commenting that the routine was, “Absolutely fantastic” alongside Anton Du Beke who complimented Judi saying how he thought there was a “New career for her in Musical Theatre.”

Despite these positive comments, Craig Revel Horwood, on the other hand stated that, “There wasn’t enough Charleston Content.” Her swivel was also irregular on the right foot. However, he did conclude by saying that he, “Loved the performance.” Whilst I agree with Craig, the routine did lack original Charleston content, it was very entertaining to watch which is exactly what the Charleston is all about-fun!

Despite their score of 24, Judi and Graziano managed to successfully swivel their way through the dance off and can now confidently flapper walk their way into Week 4.

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 4

Motsi Mabuse – 7

Shirley Ballas – 7

Anton Du Beke – 6

MyCharleston – 5

Author: Eleanor O’Donnell

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