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Strictly Review: AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington
We are now halfway through the Strictly Come Dancing competition for 2021 and last Saturday, TV Presenter AJ Odudu and professional dancer Kai Widdrington were the highest scoring performers of the night after dancing the Charleston to, “Don’t Bring Lulu” by Dorothy Provine, Pinky, The Girls.
We are now halfway through the Strictly Come Dancing competition for 2021 and last Saturday, TV Presenter AJ Odudu and professional dancer Kai Widdrington were the highest scoring performers of the night after dancing the Charleston to, “Don’t Bring Lulu” by Dorothy Provine, Pinky, The Girls.
However, despite the couple swivelling their way to the top of the leader board, there has been an uproar across the Strictly fandom over their score from Craig Revel Horwood. Even though the other three judges whipped out their 10 paddles, Craig decided not to put his to good use.
Do you think the couple deserved the 10s or are you more in agreement with Craig? Let’s take a closer look as to why many felt they deserved top marks.
The routine opens with both AJ and Kai setting the scene with a throwback to the 1920s. After a few bars of music, the audience are immediately greeted with Charleston swivels, a Lift, Kicks and Cakewalks. At 0:42, we see the pair jump straight into a series of complicated lifts which further wowed the audience and leaving one viewer feeling as though, “[they] were living a 1920s Flapper girl dream.” The routine then progresses into a perfectly synchronised 30s Charleston, a sequence of Suzy Qs followed by a Waterfall, Knocky Knees, Helicopters and Truckin’. The routine ended with a quick shimmy before Kai lifts AJ into their final position.
The choreographer behind this amazing dance was Jenny Thomas and her assistant Sean Moon. The routine that they created for AJ and Kai really captured the authenticity of the Charleston and included a great mixture of classic Charleston steps and trick moves; overall producing a brilliant 1920s routine of which was extremely fun to watch. I would also recommend checking out Jenny’s Instagram to find out about her work.
For me, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this routine and, like many others, was shocked by the fact they did not get a perfect score. AJ’s energy and characterisation could not be faulted as she kept it up and gave 100% right through to the very end. The synchronisation was just absolute perfection and left one critic stating, “It felt like [they were] watching something out of the Great Gatsby.”
As a result of their great performance, the Judges’ comments were full of praise and admiration for the pair. Head Judge Shirley Ballas, “did not have a paddle big enough” as she thought the couple’s Charleston was, “absolutely off the charts,” this, alongside the fact that Motsi, “loved it, loved it, loved it, loved it” induced AJ to happy tears. Furthermore, Anton Du Beke compared AJ to, “Josephine Baker” which could just be the highest compliment a Charleston Dancer could ever receive.
Despite AJ saying she was, “losing confidence” and the Charleston was, “physically challenging” the couple swivelled their way to success with their leader board topping score of 39; therefore, securing them a spot in week 8.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood – 9
Motsi Mabuse – 10
Shirley Ballas – 10
Anton Du Beke – 10
MyCharleston – 10
By Eleanor O’Donnell
Strictly Review: John Whaite and Johannes Radebe
Last Saturday, Strictly Come Dancing contestant John Whaite looked ecstatic after his Charleston performance with dance partner Johannes Radebe. The pair were the highest scoring performers of the night after dancing the Charleston to, “Milord” by Édith Piaf.
Last Saturday, Strictly Come Dancing contestant John Whaite looked ecstatic after his Charleston performance with dance partner Johannes Radebe. The pair were the highest scoring performers of the night after dancing the Charleston to, “Milord” by Édith Piaf.
John and Johannes have made history being the first male same-sex couple participating in Strictly. With their Charleston set in a French Bakery, they delivered a cheeky and entertaining number which secured them a high score of 38, but do you agree?
The choreographer for this routine was Jenny Thomas, alongside her assistant Sean Moon, who also choreographed Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden’s Salsa that same evening. The choreography chosen was well-suited to John’s dancing abilities and complimented the music beautifully.
The routine opens with both John and Johannes setting the scene working in a French bakery. After a few bars of music, they break into, what Anton called “Baquette-ography,” swivels, a Can-Can sequence and a perfectly synchronised Cartwheel. At 0:37, we see the pair move smoothly into a series of swivels followed by a lift. At 0:50, the tempo of the song changes which results in the pair completing a series of the basic Charleston step in slow motion, one critic mentioned that, “this change in tempo made it all the more impressive.” They then went into a series of pushes, or as Johanne’s called them, “check your nails,” Tick Tocks, Side-to-Side Charleston and assisted Cartwheels. The routine ended with a comical scene with John pushing a pie into Johannes’ face- providing further entertainment for the audience.
For me, I really enjoyed watching this routine. The characterisation that John and Johannes portrayed was phenomenal and the routine included a well-balanced mixture of solo-steps, partner work and tricks as well as lots of Classic Charleston steps amalgamated with non-Charleston moves; therefore, adding an element of originality into the mix. The syncopation of the last section in particular left one critic stating, “it was hard to differentiate between Professional and Celebrity.” It was also a joy to witness this dance being adapted to suit the modern, progressive world without losing the original 1920s flare.
As a result, the comments from the judges were overall very positive. Head Judge Shirley stated that their routine was absolutely, “flawless” alongside Motsi who said they were, “spectacular” and how she wanted to, “take [them] off to Broadway.” Even Craig managed a smile and complimented John saying he was, “amazing” and how he loved, “the French vibe.”
Do you agree with these comments or was there anything you thought John could have improved on?
John and Johannes swivelled their way to success with their leader board-topping score of 38; therefore, securing them a spot in next weeks Halloween special.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood – 9
Motsi Mabuse – 9
Shirley Ballas – 10
Anton Du Beke – 10
MyCharleston – 9
Author: Eleanor O'Donnell
Like to learn some of those Charleston steps? Then find out about our Charleston adult dance classes
Strictly Review: Judi Love & Graziano Di Prima
Last Saturday we were treated to Movie Week on Strictly. In week 3, Television Personality Judi Love and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima opened the show with a Charleston number to, ‘When You’re Good to Mama’ from the iconic Broadway show, Chicago.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Last Saturday we were treated to Movie Week on Strictly. In week 3, Television Personality Judi Love and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima opened the show with a Charleston number to, ‘When You’re Good to Mama’ from the iconic Broadway show, Chicago.
With Judi and Graziano both dressed for a 1920s party, they delivered a powerful and sassy number which secured them a respectable score in the mid-20s, but do you agree?
Having done some research into the routine itself, the choreographer is Matt Flint, who also choreographed Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse’s Moana inspired Couple’s Choice the same night.
The routine opens with Judi flamboyantly wafting a feather fan-perfectly encapsulating what this scene in Chicago is all about. This then smoothly moves into a brief section in hold, followed by a sequence of Trucking. At 0:45, we see the first use of the basic Charleston step, subsequently followed by a series of Helicopters, Swivel Walks and Cake Walks.
For me, I’m not really sure what to think of this routine as a whole. The characterisation that both Judi and Graziano portrayed was outstanding and in the training room, Judi stated that she was, “really excited” and was, “loving this dance.” Her passion definitely came through on Saturday night. However, with only a few basic Charleston steps scattered throughout the routine in its entirety, I felt it lacked the original Charleston flare that we have seen in previous weeks.
As a result of this, there were mixed opinions from the Judges. Head Judge Shirley was ecstatic, commenting that the routine was, “Absolutely fantastic” alongside Anton Du Beke who complimented Judi saying how he thought there was a “New career for her in Musical Theatre.”
Despite these positive comments, Craig Revel Horwood, on the other hand stated that, “There wasn’t enough Charleston Content.” Her swivel was also irregular on the right foot. However, he did conclude by saying that he, “Loved the performance.” Whilst I agree with Craig, the routine did lack original Charleston content, it was very entertaining to watch which is exactly what the Charleston is all about-fun!
Despite their score of 24, Judi and Graziano managed to successfully swivel their way through the dance off and can now confidently flapper walk their way into Week 4.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 4
Motsi Mabuse – 7
Shirley Ballas – 7
Anton Du Beke – 6
MyCharleston – 5
Author: Eleanor O’Donnell
Like to learn some of those Charleston steps? Then find out about our Charleston adult dance classes
Why we love dancing Thriller
Why do we love to dance Thriller? Find out more about this iconic dance including where the inspiration came from, who create the video and how our workshop will bring out your inner zombie.
As Halloween approaches, the soundtrack to Michael Jackson’s Thriller will soon be heard blaring out of dance studios worldwide. So why do we still get such a thrill from dancing Thriller?
Jackson’s Thriller routine is famously recognisable all over the world and is still learnt by thousands of people young and old. For me the magic of Thriller is that the dance routine is quite easy to learn. Like many great pieces of work it is simple and yet dynamic to watch. But the real magic is that the dancers take on the character of a zombie. This is so liberating because the pressure to look cool and stylish as a dancer is gone. In fact, you need to look decidedly stiff as you begin the routine with a zombie styled walk accented with a head twitch.
The routine contains a number of simple Zombie walks which are so effective that I still remember how spellbound I was when I first saw it in 1983. Back then music videos were a new genre and Thriller took this medium to a new level, with dancing, costumes and a narrative. Thriller has a Shakespearian quality to it as it presents a story, within a story – within a story. The inspiration came from the film An American Werewolf in London. Whilst the song and the video have stood the test of time, it is the dance routine which everyone watches and wants to learn.
The Choreographer was Michael Peters, nicknamed ‘The Gran Varones’, his work includes Broadways acclaimed musical Dreamgirls and the film Sister Act. However, Peters is most famous for his work on music videos where he collaborated with artist such as Donna Summer, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and of course Michael Jackson. Speaking about his experience of working with Michael Peters, Jackson said;
“ It was a delicate thing to work on because I remember my original approach was, ‘How do you make zombies and monsters dance without it being comical?’ So I said, ‘We have to do just the right kind of movement so it doesn’t become something that you laugh at.’ But it just has to take it to another level. So I got in a room with Michael Peters, and he and I together kind of imagined how these zombies move by making faces in the mirror. I used to come to rehearsal sometimes with monster makeup on, and I loved doing that. So he and I collaborated and we both choreographed the piece and I thought it should start like that kind of thing and go into this jazzy kind of step, you know. Kind of gruesome things like that, not too much ballet or whatever.” -Michael Jackson
The dance talent of Jackson himself is what really brings this dance piece to life – forgive the pun! His perfect execution of each move is made even more incredible when you discover that he had no formal training and was entirely self-taught. He believed “the greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work.” He himself learnt by watching classic entertainers such as Gene Kelly, Bob Fosse, and Charlie Chaplin. Michael had a strong work ethic and practiced endlessly until he could pop, lock, and moonwalk at a level unseen by the world.
Michael Jackson’s dancing has always inspired me and in my interpretation of the Thriller routine I have tried to include simple moves, which look effective. The starting point in the workshop is to discover your ‘Inner Zombie’ with some travel moves. This is then developed into a move which I call ‘Zombie climbs through a window’ I love this move because you get to engage your imagination and be playful.
The routine has some of the most iconic moves including everyone’s favourite - Zombie with Monster Hands! This is when the Zombies cross lines with a side to side walking move. It’s one of those moves which just feels good when you dance it. It’s also one of the most iconic moves from the video, so there is a real sense of achievement when people master this one. We end the routine with Jackson’s classic move in which his finger points to the sky as he sings ‘Ow’ then we all melt to the ground in a Zombie pile up.
The dance workshop is open to a range of abilities whether you are a beginner adult dancer or experienced, the focus is on being playful and having fun. We would definitely encourage you to dress up so we can really get into the spirit of things, and if you are up for it you can take part in the video at the end of the class. If you want to bring children, we would love to have them but do contact us before booking so we can check it is suitable for their age and dance level.
The Thriller dance workshop is taking place on Halloween weekend. We are running two dance classes so you can learn online or join us in the dance studio. All the details are below and a link so you can book your space and join us for the ‘Thrill’ of your life! Wa, ha, ha!
Online Zoom Workshop, Friday 29th October, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
In-studio Workshop, Saturday 30th October 2-4pm, Brighton University dance studios
Strictly Review: Tilly Ramsey & Nikita Kuzmin
After a year long wait, Strictly Come Dancing is finally back for the 2021 series and last Saturday we were treated to our first Charleston of the series. In Week 2, TV personality Tilly Ramsey and his dance partner Nikita Kuzmin were the highest scoring pair of the night after performing a Charleston to ‘Yes Sir! That’s my Baby’ by Firehouse Five.
After a year long wait, Strictly Come Dancing is finally back for the 2021 series. Last Saturday we were treated to our first Charleston of the competition. In Week 2, TV personality Tilly Ramsey and her dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the highest scoring pair of the night after performing a Charleston to ‘Yes Sir! That’s my Baby’ by Firehouse Five.
The judges’ comments were extremely positive about their performance. Craig Revel Horwood said: "I really and truly loved that, the energy was fantastic, I think you're fantastic! Brilliant!”. Head judge Shirley Ballas described her as a "powerhouse" and congratulated Tilly saying she was "not expecting that”.
The routine scored a total of 34. Do you agree?
If we pick apart the dance, which was based around a day out having a picnic, it included: Classic Charleston 20s Step (0:27), Pushes (0:30), Around the Worlds in hold (0:35) and Travelling Charleston (0:47). Tilly then went straight into Flicks, Flapper Walks and Heel Slaps.
After the tennis section, the couple performed a 30s Charleston variation, Helicopters (1:15) followed by floor work and lifts.
The routine ended with another classic Classic Charleston 20s Step (1:27), Kick Charlestons, Hitchhikes and a final position.
The choreographer of the routine was Jenny Thomas who also choreographed Giovanni and Rose’s Salsa number.
Tilly said she's had a great time. She told Claudia: "It's been the best week and I never thought I would be able to have done that a couple of weeks ago."
Overall, this Charleston number was full of classic 1920s moves, loads of energy and the pair used their faces in a dynamic way to capture the quirkiness of the genre. The song was the perfect choice for this classic routine and the couple have set a high standard for upcoming Charleston routines on the show.
Scores:
Craig - 8
Motisi - 9
Shirley - 9
Anton - 8
MyCharleston - 8
Author: Eleanor O’Donnell
Like to learn some of those Charleston steps? Then find out about our Charleston adult dance classes
Videos: Watch what's on next term
Our in-studio and online courses for the winter term are now live! All our courses will run from the week commencing 1 November for six weeks in Sussex, Hampshire and online. Over the six weeks you will learn a routine set to a specific piece of music with the last week giving you the chance to dress up and dance the full routine with your fellow dance students!
Our in-studio and online courses for the winter term are now live! All our courses will run from the week commencing 1 November for six weeks in Sussex, Hampshire and online. Over the six weeks you will learn a routine set to a specific piece of music with the last week giving you the chance to dress up and dance the full routine with your fellow dance students!
None of our courses require a partner and all include an online tutorial pack so you can practise at home.
CHARLESTON OPEN LEVEL COURSE - ‘PENNIES FROM HEAVEN’
We are excited to share the first glimpse of our next Charleston course which is our 'Pennies From Heaven' routine. We first performed this back in 2014(!) and have updated the choreography for the new term. This is a really joyful, upbeat routine and you get to dance with props. The courses run for 6 weeks and start from 1st November. Click your location for full dates and times:
CLASSES
MUSICALS COURSE - ‘ANYTHING GOES’
Dust down your sailor suits as our next musical course is based on the song ‘Anything Goes’. The show is set on an Ocean Liner and the choreography is inspired by the 1950s version of the film starring Mitzi Gaynor and the current West End version with Sutton Foster. Take a peek at what Fiona has got lined up! The course runs online from 1st Nov at 7pm; in Hove from 2nd Nov at 7pm and Eastbourne from 3rd Nov at 6pm.
HOVE EASTBOURNE ONLINE
charleston intermediate - ‘SING, SING, SING’
STREET JAZZ - ‘LET FOREVER BE’
We are happy to confirm that Street Jazz is now a permanent fixture to our timetable and next term Fiona will be teaching 'Let Forever Be' from 4th Nov at 6pm, Open Space Studios in Hove. The routine is inspired by the 1999 Chemical Brothers music video directed by Michel Goundry.
HOVE
To view the full timetable just click the link below.
Free Week of Stretch & Flex Classes
Join us for a free week of Stretch & Flex Classes! Every morning from 27 Sept-1 Oct, join Fiona via Zoom for a 30 minute Stretch and Flexibility session to start your day on a happy note!
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