MyCharleston

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Strictly Review: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola

Last Saturday, Strictly Come Dancing presented their Night at the Musicals, where we were treated to all things theatre; ranging from a Mary Poppins themed Viennese Waltz set to the tune Let’s Go Fly a Kite, to an Argentine Tango to the track Ex Wives from SIX the Musical!

This week’s Charleston routine was choreographed by Tommy Franzén and Lizzie Gough, and it was Actress Sarah Hadland and her professional partner Vito Coppola’s turn to celebrate all things Jazz Hands, with a Charleston set to the tune ‘Popular’ from the West End stage show Wicked!

TV presenter Tess Daly, said there has “Never been this many 10s from the judges going into the quarter final before.” So will this theatre themed Charleston add the number and make it increase, or will it be banished away on a broomstick- never to grace the Strictly Ballroom again?

Let’s find out...

The routine opens with Sarah dressed as the Good Witch Glinda, sat in her bedroom quoting a line from the West End performance- perfectly setting the scene for the audience. After a few bars of music, she joins Vito sat on the bed- further establishing the characters and the scene.

The opening was just perfect, with the magic wand being wafted causing Vito to move in time with the music; further adding to the Musical’s theme!

At 0:45, the pair use their character as Glinda and Elphaba to fly straight into the Charleston spirit, with Basic 20s Swivels, Heel Flicks, and a Jazzy walk. Soon after, the pair came together for their first of many impressive lifts- where Vito sweeps Sarah off the ground and tumbles her through the air; perfectly emulating the scene from the stage show.

Later on, at 1:14, the couple complete a further complex lift- leaving the audience screaming with excitement.

After a few hair flicks Sarah completes a series of solo 20s Charleston steps, Birdie Flaps, Suzy Qs, Kicks, Flicks, and a Squat Charleston. (you can learn how to Squat Charleston here).

Further on, the couple simultaneously complete a mini comedic sketch; adding to the classic Charleston vibe, before Vito swings Sarah up-side-down in one swift motion!

Nearing the end of the routine, Sarah and Vito come together to complete another spell-bounding lift, where Sarah is swung from side-to-side imitating a pendulum; after which they had just enough time for a few 30s style Charlestons before Vito Leap-Frogs over Sarah’s head, and they resume their final poses; where they were met with an eruption of applause from both the audience and their fellow contestants.

To begin with, I was sceptical about a Wicked theme Charleston, because I just really love a traditional Jazz song. However, I was blown away by the standard and finesse that this routine possessed. It was clear from the outset that Sarah’s passion and drive to do well, really were at the forefront and her energy was just infectious– making it impossible not to smile throughout. The lifts were also crazy cool- I LOVED every second!

It is clear that I was not alone in my opinions, as one critic exclaimed that they are “Absolutely obsessed with this couple” and another “Could not believe” how the pair managed to dance a Charleston that was “Unconventionally conventional” with regards to partnering music and style.

It seems the Judges were also in agreement with this as Motsi Mabuse shouted “Yes, yes, yes- what a way to open the quarter finals. Thank you for setting the standard today” which Head Judge Shirey then echoed when she exclaimed “Your lifts were flawless.” Anton Du Beke also shares how this routine was a “Wonderful piece of musical theatre, and if [they] were to lift this Charleston into the Show, it would fit right in” which is a wonderful compliment to receive this far into the competition.

Due to this high praise and the fantastic comments that the couple received, they have managed to successfully swivel their way into next week’s Semi-Finals. Whilst Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe found themselves in the bottom two for the second week running and were unfortunately the next couple to leave the competition.  

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 9

Motsi Mabuse – 9

Shirley Ballas – 10

Anton Du Beke – 10

MyCharleston – 9

By: Eleanor O’Donnell