With only a week to go until the Final of the Competition, last Sunday we were treated to not one, but two Charleston routines! Both dances received high praise from both the audience and the judges; but which was your favourite? Hamza Yassin & Jowita Przystal or Fleur East & Vito Coppola?

First up, we have Wildlife Cameraman and Countryfile Presenter Hamza Yassin and professional partner Jowita Przystal who danced a highly entertaining number set to the iconic tune, ‘Pencil Full of Lead,” by Paolo Nutini.i The choreographer is Jenny Thomas and her assistant Sean Moon. I would also highly recommend checking out Jenny’s Instagram to find out more about the making of her routines.

The routine opens with a very chilled approach with both Hamza and Jowita seated comfortably on a sofa. However, after a few shoulder bops to the opening beats, the pair spring into action with some ‘foot-ography’ (a sequence of moves that are somewhat similar to the iconic Happy Feet). Immediately following this, the couple then come together for a brief section in hold and complete a sequence of 20s Basic Charleston Swivels, and a 30s Charleston to change direction.

Later on in the routine, they complete a series of Pushes, a Lindy Hop inspired moves, and a Jump in perfect unison. They then break into a sequence consisting of multiple Shimmies, followed by their first Trick Lift- further wowing the already elated audience.

At 1:00, complete further Pushes, 20s Charleston Swivels, Kicks into a Scarecrow, a Box Step (also known as a Jazz Square), followed by a further Lindy Hop inspired sequence. Later on, the pair then go into their second Trick Lift, where Jowita hangs to Hamza’s legs as he whirls her around at break-neck speed; leaving the audience on the edge of their seat and one critic, “Watching from behind their sofa cushion.”

They then have just enough time for a few more Swivels and a quick Lift before Hamza carries Jowita back to their sofa where they collapse into their final position for a well-earned rest.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this routine and, like many others, am thrilled that Hamza has secured his place in next week’s Final. Throughout the routine, Hamza’s energy could not be faulted as he kept it up and gave 100% right through the very end. I thought each move was executed to perfection and the fact that he was wearing a Scottish Kilt, made this all the more impressive. It is clear that I am not alone in thinking this as one critic was left, “Speechless from start to finish” whilst another, “Could not stop smiling.”

Due to this, the Judge’s comments were also full of high, complimentary praise and both Motsi and Shirley giving a standing ovation. Head Judge Shirley Ballas was full of excitement as she exclaimed that she, “Love it,” and, “Applauds [Hamza] for the execution of [his] lifts,” and Motsi believed that “[The pair] have lifted the level for lifts on Strictly.”

As a result of their performance being a huge success with the Judges, Hamza and Jowita swivelled their way to success with their leader-board topping score of 39!

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 9

Motsi Mabuse – 10

Shirley Ballas – 10

Anton Du Beke – 10

MyCharleston – 10

If Hamza and Jowita’s, Charleston has left you feeling inspired, why not check out our YouTube Playlist full of our “Pencil Full of Lead” routines here.

Next up we have BBC Radio star and Singer Fleur East and her professional partner Vito Coppola who transported us to Naples with an unconventional, yet traditional Charleston set to the tune, ‘Tu Vuo’ Fa L’Americano’ by Fiorella.

Set in a beautiful Italian town full of Vespas and Spaghetti, Fleur and Vito open the routine, setting the scene in an Italian courtyard.

After a few opening bars of music, the couple sprung into action as they flew down the Ballroom and broke into a sequence of perfectly controlled and synchronised, Basic Charleston Swivels.

At 0:34, we see the first of many Lifts take place, which is shortly followed by some Chugs, 30s Charlestons, Kicks (with immense height), and Pushes. The pair then come together for a further death-defying lift, where Vito flings Fleur upside down and into a Cartwheel- causing the audience to erupt into a cacophony of applause.

Later on in the routine, the pair break into an Italian inspired Musical Theatre, Cabaret-esque, sequence with immense energy, which is shortly followed by further 20s Charleston Swivels and another complex Lift, which Fleur emerges from with apparent ease. Immediately following this, the couple go on to complete a series of Shorty Georges (Learn to dance this move here), a brief section in hold and a further Lift.

At 1:24, the tempo of the track then changes, and the pair go onto complete a series of moves in Slow-Motion, including a sequence of passionate ‘Napkin-Ography,’ which further adds to the fun and pizzazz of the already Jam-packed routine.

After a few bars, the tempo picks up again and gradually increases until the pair are dancing Suzy Qs, Squat Charlestons, and Kicks at break-neck speed.

They then have just enough time for a few further flicks of their napkins before running back and into their final position, where they are greeted with an explosion of Italian Flag streamers from all four corners of the Ballroom.

For me, I really enjoyed watching this routine and felt it was a really interesting take on a traditional dance. Although the choice of song did not uphold an authentic 1920s, Jazzy feel, the routine itself was jam-packed full or original Charleston content which was incredibly fun to watch. However, there were also elements of the routine where I felt Fleur lacked fluidity and as a result, certain moves were performed with seriousness rather than upholding the intended light-hearted nature of the dance. It is clear I am not alone in thinking this as one critic stated that, “The seriousness of the dance removed the element of fun [for them].” However, it would also be impossible not to mention the high praise that their routine also received as one critic even went as far to say that “This [for them was] the BEST Charleston in Strictly History.”

Due to the mixed opinions from the audience, the Judge’s comments were overall very positive with Anton Du Beke stating that, “[Fleur is] having exactly the night [someone] would want to have in the Semi-Final” and this alongside Motsi’s statement that, “This dance [was] so authentic” left the pair beaming with pride. Even though Craig, gave some slight criticism as he felt it had, “Too much control” he too could not refrain from smiling as he felt it was, “Ah-Ma-Zing!”

Even though the pair ended the evening in the bottom two and, yet again, in the dance off, it was Will Mellor and Nancy Xu who were the next couple to leave the competition. As a result, Fleur and Vito have swivelled their way to success as they secured their place in the Final of the Competition

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood – 9

Motsi Mabuse – 10

Shirley Ballas – 10

Anton Du Beke – 10

MyCharleston – 10

By: Eleanor O’Donnell