Strictly Review: JJ Chalmers and Amy Dowden

JJ Chalmers and his professional partner Amy Dowden are the latest couple to leave the show after a Charleston to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for Musicals week.

The six remaining couples last week attempted new routines based on some of the most popular musicals of all time. However, JJ & Amy only scored 20 points out of 30 from the judges which led to them being bottom of the leaderboard and voted out after the Dance-Off.

Do you agree with the results this week? Were they the right couple to leave?

The routine starts with them in the iconic car from the film. The first dance sequence includes Flapper Walks, Tick Tock and Heel Clicks.  The next sequence is in hold but JJ is quite stiff whilst they both perform a series of Kicks. It’s not until 1:08 that we see our first basic 20s Charleston step followed by some skipping sequences in hold. At 1:31, the choreography includes a sequence similar to the Charleston Stroll followed by 20s Charleston in hold but JJ is on the wrong leg. Towards the end, they repeat the Tick Tock sequence at 1:39 before returning to the car. 

Head judge Shirley Ballas told him: “What a way to open the show with that iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, my heart was just going with the whole thing.” However Craig Revel Horwood said: “I’ve got to say it was too stop and start for my liking. And “Also on the basic Charleston step, which you did many, you need to try and kick the back of your heel up a little bit more as well.”

He also commented: “The characterisation was very good although I thought you could go a little bit more over the top.”

The characterisation is key in bringing the Charleston to life and JJ could have done more with it. He also seemed stiff in the movements which didn’t help bring our the character. The routine could have included more classic steps in it but he may have been limited due to his injuries. 

The choreographer Jenny Thomas put together a great number for someone who has never danced before and it was a great effort for a novice dancer. 

Scores:

Craig: 6 

Shirley: 7

Motisi: 7

MyCharleston - 6. Sadly, there were mistakes and he could have performed with even more gusto but still enjoyable to watch.