With Blackpool only a week away, the competition standards are beginning to skyrocket as everyone wants a chance to dance in the famous Ballroom. Last Saturday, Comedian Ellie Taylor and professional partner Johannes Radebe opened the show by dancing a Charleston set to the tune, “Friendship,” by Elaine Paige and Bernard Cribbins.

It appears that Ellie and Johannes’ Charleston has caused controversy amongst the Strictly fandom, with mixed opinions being shared about the dance. Even though many were in agreement with the scores from the judges, some also thought it was overmarked and one critic even stated that the routine, “Was too simplistic for week 8.”

Do you think the couple deserved the score or are you more in agreement with the critics? Let’s take a closer look…

The routine opens with barely any time for setting the scene as both Ellie and Johannes launch themselves into high energy Charleston choreography. After a few bars of music, where pair complete a brief section of ‘Hat-Ography,’ they then go into a series of Charleston Swivels and Cake Walks; shortly followed by a quick Lindy-inspired section.

Immediately after, a further sequence of Basic 1920s Charleston Swivels, Truckin’, and 30s Charleston are completed. At 0:48, the couple come together for some, ‘Shirt-Ography’- this, alongside Ellie’s fantastic facial expressions, really establish the comedic tone of the dance and highlights how much fun they are both having.

At 0:57, more Charleston content is provided as they launch into a series of Side-to-Side Charlestons, a brief moment of skipping, followed by a lift. A sequence of Chicken Arms (with added sound effects) is also completed and adds a sense of hilarity to the already comedic dance.

They then come together for a brief section in hold consisting of Basic 1920s Charleston Swivels, Squat Charlestons, and Kicks. They then have just enough time for one more 30s Charleston and a quick spin before ending the routine with further duck imitations and collapsing on the floor for their final pose.

Overall, I respectfully disagree with the critics as I thought this was a jampacked whirlwind of a routine. I thought Ellie really came into her own during this dance as her personality shone throughout. Although the choice of tune is not a traditional 1920s jazzy number, I thought it was well suited as it clearly reflects how much of an established partnership, as well as friendship, Ellie and Johannes have. Adding to this idea further, one critic said that “[They] loved the partnership [and thought] Ellie was on top form in terms of dancing.” However another disagreed and, “Didn’t understand the song and [they felt] the routine was too stop-start.”

Due to this, the comments from the judges were overall very positive as Head Judge Shirley gave Ellie a standing ovation whilst stating how there was, “A lovely swivel, lovely connection and [Ellie was] definitely, definitely on a roll.” Adding to this praise, Anton felt there was, “A huge improvement from last week.” However, the comments were not absent of slight criticism as Craig, “[Felt] it could have been sharper,” but even he could not keep a smile from his face for long as he went to say, “There were some really difficult rhythm patterns that [the pair] coped with so well.”

Scores:

Craig Revel Horwood – 7

Motsi Mabuse – 8

Shirley Ballas – 8

Anton Du Beke – 8

MyCharleston – 8

Thankfully, it appears the curse of the Charleston has now been broken as Ellie and Johannes avoided the dreaded dance off and have successfully swivelled their way into next week- therefore securing their place to dance in Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

If you’re now feeling inspired to channel your own inner 1920s Flapper, why not check out our Charleston adult dance classes

Or head over to MyCharleston’s ‘Move of the Week’ and get those feet swivelling to transport you back to the 1920s…

Charleston Move of the Week - YouTube

By: Eleanor O’Donnell