Last Saturday, we were treated to the highest scoring Charleston of the series so far; and what better time for it to happen than at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom! Strictly Come Dancing Contestant and Coronation Street Actress Ellie Leach and professional partner Vito Coppola earned their spot at the top of the leader board alongside Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, after dancing a Charleston to ‘Love Machine’ by Girls Aloud.

Originally, when I first heard their choice of song, I was not expecting much due to it’s unconventionality compared to the traditional theme of dance. However, I stand corrected as I was absolutely blown away by this routine, choreographed by Matt Flint, and it could easily be one of my favourite routines to date.

From the judges comments to external critics, it appears the pair left everyone spellbound and wanting more. Let’s delve a little deeper into why this was the case.

Set in a rather fitting seaside fairground, Ellie and Vito set the scene playing on a vintage fairground attraction, ‘The High striker.’ After a few bars of music, Ellie races over to the prize wall, and Vito leaps up, demonstrating fast paced Charleston swivels and Pirouettes.

At 0:34, the couple finally come together, and launch themselves into a series of 1920s Charleston swivels, a Swing-inspired partner section, Tick Tocks, Kick Charlestons and their first of many lifts.

From 1:02, it seems as though Ellie’s feet barely touch the floor, as Vito throws her up, and over his shoulder in a complex lift; leaving the audience in an ecstatic applause.

At 1:16, Vito launches Ellie into the air and over his head, from which a back-up dancer catches her from behind; clearly demonstrating the highly trusting partnership the pair have developed. Later on, at 1:29, the music pauses for a brief moment, as Ellie and Vito complete some sassy clicks, before leaping into action once more with a further lift, Kicks, and a mid-air roly-poly completed by Ellie; leaving the audience awe-inspired and clinging to the edge of their seats.

Nearing the end of the routine, Vito shows off his Cartwheeling skills as Ellie glides back up the dancefloor, where they end up in their same opening positions.

To finish off, Ellie hits the ‘High striker’ with an oversized, Strictly-fied mallet; causing confetti to burst out and serenade the celebrating couple. What I really loved about the ending of this routine, was the fact that there wasn’t really an end pose, and rather there was just a celebration of pure joy which really made me smile and encapsulates what Strictly is all about.

Overall, I think Ellie excelled in all areas, and it seems I am not alone in thinking this as one of the critics stated, “[Their] dancing was so crisp, confident, and energized,” with another stating, “it was joyous and smiley, please let Ellie be the winner!” The judges seem to share the same view with head judge Shirley Ballas sharing how, “[The routine] was extremely difficult yet [Ellie] made it look so easy,” and pointing to her heart she stated, “those lifts will be etched here.” Craig Revel Horwood was also full of praise as he exclaimed, “it was the hardest Charlestons [he had] ever seen and the best cross swivels [he has] seen on the show ever!”

Due to the consistently high praise given by all the judges, Ellie and Vito survive elimination and swivel their way into next week.

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 9

Motsi Mabuse – 10

Shirley Ballas – 10

Anton Du Beke – 10

MyCharleston – 10         By: Eleanor O'Donnell