Last Saturday, Strictly Come Dancing aired their annual Blackpool special, where we were treated to the 3rd Charleston of the series. With all the glitz and glamour of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Welsh Opera Singer and ‘Go.Compare’ Man Wynne Evans and professional partner Katya Jones’ danced an alternative Charleston set to the tune “Carmen Suite No. 1: 5. Le Toreador” by Georges Bizet.

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 & 23rd March in Brighton.

Although this routine was unconventional in style, what with it being a Spanish inspired piece, Motsi Mabuse thought it  “[told] a story of dance.” But what did you think? Do you prefer these alternative, more unconventional themed Charleston routines, or are you more of the mindset that 20s/30s is best? We would love to hear your thoughts!

The routine opens with Katya and her back-up dancers walking to their opening positions, adorned with traditional red outfits and giant fans, before Wynne brings the comedy with his debut entrance riding upon a hobby horse- wearing the biggest smile the Strictly Ballroom has ever seen!

At 0:19, still riding on his horse, Wynne completes a series of basic Charleston Swivels, before Katya and her entourage of dancers join him for a Partnered Charleston in hold, heel flicks, and a Paso Doble-esque inspired dance break.

Later on, the pair then complete a rather impressive lift, after which Katya is briefly set upon the ground, before being hurled into the air once more-much to the delight of the audience.

At 0:55, the pair use the backing dancers for their Assisted Cartwheels, as Katya is thrown upside-down, and passed along a row of dancers where Wynne lifts her up to yet another astonishing height. At this point, the audience has erupted into a crescendo of applause in support of the entertaining element of this dance.

Later on, a further Paso Doble sequence is completed, shortly followed by a series of Charleston Kick and Flicks in hold, Trucking, and Tick Tocks- therefore brining some authentic Charleston flare!

Nearing the end, Wynne and Katya come together for a rather theatrical lift- to which a not-so graceful ending occurs as Wynne plonks is partner onto the floor.

Finally, Wynne grabs Katya by the ankles causing her to fly higher and higher into the air as they spin at great speed before coming together for their final pose!

It is clear that the pair really enjoyed performing this routine in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, and many members of the audience loved it too- so much so that many gave a standing ovation.

In my opinion, although it was super entertaining enough and the choreography was beautifully pieced together, the whole routine did not scream CHARLESTON! However, it seems that I am alone in my thinking this as one critic explained that it “Felt like a funny Paso Doble parody routine for comedy- I LOVED it!” and other stated that there was “Nice Flapper action throughout, the lifts were crazy, and I am literally obsessed!”

It seems the Judges also enjoyed Wynne and Katya’s Charleston as Head Judge Shirley commented on how it is a “Katya Special [with] all the lifts and tricks- it was highly entertaining” and Motsi and Craig were also in agreement with “An extra mark [needing] to be given for the high energy all the way through!”

 Despite these positive comments from both the Judges and the Critics, Wynne and Katya found themselves in the bottom two of the leader-board with a score of 31, and as a result, found themselves in the dreaded Dance Off against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe.

Unfortunately, due to a few issues with his technique, Wynne and Katya are the next couple to leave the Strictly Come Dancing Competition, 2024.

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood - 7

Motsi Mabuse – 8

Shirley Ballas – 8

Anton Du Beke – 8

MyCharleston – 7

By: Eleanor O’Donnell