Strictly Charleston Review: Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu + Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley
Lights, Camera, Action!
Last Saturday Strictly Come Dancing’s Movie Week graced our screens with lots of different dances from films across the decades. From a Puss In Boots inspired Paso, to a celebration of a 100 Years of Disney; we could not have asked for more.
In amongst all the glitz and glamour, the audience was treated to a further two Charlestons. With mixed reviews being shared between the judges, there appears to be a firm favourite from the viewers; but which was yours?
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu
First up, we have Television Presenter, Angela Scanlon and her professional partner Carlos Gu who danced a highly entertaining and technically accurate, Bob Fosse inspired number set to the tune ‘Who’s Got the Pain’ by Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse from the Film ‘Damn Yankees.’
Within the first few opening bars of music, the fun and comedic Charleston effect was already at the forefront as Angela and Carlos popped their heads round a curtain.
The pair then strut out from behind the curtain and complete a sequence of ‘hat-o-graphy’ which was shortly followed by some perfectly synchronised Charleston Swivels, Camel Walks, and Turns.
At 0:39, the pair complete a further sequence of complex ‘hat-o-graphy,’ and further comedy for the audience as Angela mimes stepping on Carlos’ toes.
Later on, Angela takes a running jump towards her partner, as he scoops her high into a lift, which is subsequently followed by a series of Hitchhikes, Swivels, and Charlie Chaplin Kicks at 0:53.
Nearing the end of the routine, the couple came together for a brief section in hold where, at 1:06, they leapt up with flamboyant Jazz Hands, and raced back up across the dance floor, where they complete a series of Step Ball Changes, Skips, and a further lift.
At the end of the routine, they come together for a final section in hold, where they complete 20s Charleston Swivels, Heel Flicks, a Swing inspired sequence, before falling to the floor for their final pose.
I, for one, loved this piece. Although only Week 3, it has the comedy, synchronicity, and choreography that make up a truly authentic and effective Charleston. It is clear I was not alone in thinking this as one viewer commented that they ‘loved every moment and [thought it a shame] it wasn’t given a ten.’
It is clear that the judges shared a similar view too as Head Judge Shirley shared how ‘[She was] in awe of [Angela’s] stamina’ and Anton loved it so much he thought ‘it was the best number of the series so far.’ Even Craig managed to crack a smile as he stated how ‘[He thought] it was absolutely brilliant!’
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 9
Motsi Mabuse – 9
Shirley Ballas – 8
Anton Du Beke – 9
MyCharleston – 9
Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley
Next up, we have British Journalist, Krishnan Guru-Murthy and his professional partner Lauren Oakley who closed the show with an entertaining Charleston set to the tune ‘Money Money’ by Joel Grey and Liza Minelli from the Film and West End Show ‘Cabaret.’
The routine opens with both Krishnan and Lauren, decked out to the nines in their flamboyant outfits; perfectly encapsulating the Cabaret vibe.
After the opening bars of music and a brief lip-sync, the pair complete a sequence of ‘cane-o-graphy’, Flapper Walks, and 20s Charleston Swivels.
Later on, at 0:33, they go into some voguing struts, and a cheeky shimmy, where the pair comes together to link arms to complete a series of Tick Tocks, a 30s Charleston, and an assisted Cartwheel.
Krishnan’s acting and storytelling was then put to the test as they accentuate the roles of the characters they are emulating.
At 1:23, they come together again to complete a series of side-to-side Charleston (my favourite move!!), and pushes; which Lauren uses to propel herself into a cartwheel and, rather impressively, into the splits.
Nearing the end, fake paper money comes raining down onto the couple, as they come together for partnered Charleston Swivels, which after the pair dramatically spin around into their final position.
Overall, I don’t really know what to think of this dance, whilst it was effective in terms of the Cabaret style, I felt it lacked it flare. However, it seems my opinion is one from the minority, as many viewers appeared to enjoy it, with one saying ‘It was astounding,’ and was full of ‘pure joy.’
It is clear the Judges enjoyed it too, with Motsi Mabuse stating that she ‘loved every second,’ and Anton Du Beke thought it was ‘Absolutely Brilliant!’
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 8
Motsi Mabuse – 8
Shirley Ballas – 7
Anton Du Beke – 7
MyCharleston – 7
Due to these high scores, and positive feedback, both couples managed to avoid the dance off, and have successfully swivelled into Week 4.