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Strictly Charleston Review: Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe
We are now in Week 5 of the 2023 series and last Saturday, former tennis player and Radio Presenter Annabel Croft and Professional Partner Johannes Radebe, took to the stage and opened the show with a Charleston, set to the tune “Ladie’s Night,” by Kool & The Gang.
We are now in Week 5 of the 2023 series and last Saturday, former tennis player and Radio Presenter Annabel Croft and Professional Partner Johannes Radebe, took to the stage and opened the show with a Charleston, set to the tune “Ladie’s Night,” by Kool & The Gang.
Dressed up to the nines in their 1920s Glad Rags, Annabel, and Johannes set the scene in true 20s fashion, in a mock dressing room, as they playfully dabbed each other with makeup, and spritzed perfume; and not forgetting a brief yet complex sequence of handheld ‘mirror-ography.’
After a few bars of opening music, Annabel and Johannes shimmy up from their seats and leap into 1920s Charleston swivels, with beaming smiles, as they swish their way into a brief partner section; where Johannes twirls Annabel across the dancefloor. Which is subsequently followed by further swivels, Cake Walks, and Pushes.
At 0:58, the pair smoothly transition into a sequence in hold, followed by an assisted cartwheel. Later on, at 1:05, it appears Annabel takes a small stumble and as a result, misses the cue to jump into her lift. However, all is redeemed as, at 1:08, she regains her timings and flings herself into a Black Bottom inspired sequence.
Nearing the end, the pair attempt a synchronised pattern with feather boas, followed by 1920s Kicks, Flicks, and Swivel Walks.
At the end, the couple come together to complete a further Lift, Pushes, Jumps, and the Splits before popping up into their final pose.
Overall, I didn’t really know what to make of this routine. Whilst it had the moves, it was very tame and seemed to lack the cheeky traditional flare of a 1920s Charleston that we all know and love. It seems that I am not alone in thinking this as one viewer stated that ‘It lacked energy’ and another thought ‘the routine missed the free spirit and wackiness of a Charleston.’
The judges also said similar with Head Judge Shirley Ballas saying, ‘Whilst [she was] delighted, there were a few hiccups’ and Craig Revel Horwood stated that there was ‘No Swivel and was too placed and neat.’ However, he couldn’t help but smile when he commended the pair on the ‘Chic-est Charleston that [He] has ever seen.’
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 5
Motsi Mabuse – 7
Shirley Ballas – 7
Anton Du Beke – 8
MyCharleston – 7
Fortunately, despite the score, and underwhelming Judges comments, Annabel and Johannes were saved from the dreaded dance off as it was Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer’s turn to leave the series.
By: Eleanor O’Donnell
Videos: What's on this November
Dance with us this September and take a look at all the routines we will be teaching next term. Charleston to 'Button up your Overcoat’ or dance to 'You Can’t Stop The Beat' in our Hairspray musicals course.
You can also learn our new ‘When You’re Smiling ' dance in our Intermediate Charleston course. Plus, we have a brand new Street course on the way to Lizzo ‘Good as Hell‘. Secure your spot here.
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's no better time to warm up with the joy of dance.
In this blog, we're thrilled to share a sneak peek of what's in store for you this November. From the spirited 'Sing Sing Sing' Charleston to the dazzling 'Anything Goes' musicals course, and our brand-new 'Tailspin' dance in the Intermediate Charleston course, there's no shortage of dance delights awaiting you.
But that's not all! This term, we're breaking new ground with our Partner Charleston course. It's your chance to swivel and twirl with a dance partner, adding a delightful social dimension to your dance journey
Mark your calendars because the new term commences on November 6th! 💫🎶💃🕺
CHARLESTON COURSE - SING SING SING
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINE Eastbourne
Join our brand new open Level Charleston dance course set to the iconic tune "Sing Sing Sing." Starting from November 6th, we are thrilled to offer both in-studio and online classes so you can join us either locally or across the globe.
PARTNER CHARLESTON
9th Nov - Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
We are so excited to share our first preview of our brand new Partner Charleston course.
After many requests, we have put together a brand new 6 week course where you will learn the basics of 1920s Partner Charleston dancing, simple turns, call and response moves and a fantastic routine too.
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - TAILSPIN
BOOK NOW
Step Up Your Charleston Game with Our Intermediate Course.
In this course, we'll dive deep into the swivels and flicks that make 1920s Charleston iconic. Get ready to take your Charleston skills to the next level by mastering advanced steps that'll leave you feeling confident and fabulous on the dance floor.
Strictly Charleston Review: Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu + Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley
In amongst all the glitz and glamour of Movie Week on Strictly Come Dancing, 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?
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.
Strictly Charleston Review: Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell + Nikita Kanda and Gorka Marquez
After a yearlong wait, Strictly Come Dancing has finally returned to our screens for their 21st Series and last Saturday we were treated to not one but two Charleston routines! Both dances have received mixed opinions from both the audience and the judges, but which was your favourite?
After a yearlong wait, Strictly Come Dancing has finally returned to our screens for their 21st Series and last Saturday we were treated to not one but two Charleston routines! Both dances have received mixed opinions from both the audience and the judges, but which was your favourite?
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
In Week 2, EastEnders Star Bobby Brazier and his dace partner, Dianne Buswell opened the show with the first Charleston of the series, where they danced an alternative Charleston routine to, ‘Do Your Thing’ by Basement Jaxx which was choreographed by Matt Flint.
After a few bars of opening music, where both Bobby and Dianne jazzed out to the tune, the pair leapt off the stage and sprang into action with well-sequenced Charleston Swivels, a Shimmy and Twists. At 0:37, they then came together for a brief section in hold where, they completed a series of Swing-inspired moves; including Kick Charlestons, Spins, and Jazz Hands.
Later on in the routine, they went on to complete a series of bunny hops, a 30s Charleston, and an impressive lift; which really showcased Bobby’s skills and potential as a dancer. At 0:59, the pair then came together in hold once again, before bursting out into perfectly synchronised Charlestons and kicks which they used to race across the dance floor.
Further on, the tempo of the song suddenly changes, which gave the couple the opportunity to further showcase their skills. With a Barrel-Roll at 1:23, shortly followed by a Running-Man inspired sequence, there really was no stopping them, as the crowd collapsed into a cacophony of applause.
Nearing the end, the pair seemed to go from strength to strength as Bobby threw Dianne up into the air, with apparent ease, for their final lift before launching themselves upon the floor in a dramatic finish.
Although not traditionally authentic in style, this Charleston gave a modern twist to the genre which many viewers seemed to appreciate, with one commenting that, “[The] lifts were fantastic,’ and how, “[They] couldn’t take their eyes off the screen.”
As a result of this, the comments from the judges were pretty positive too with Head Judge Shirley stating how, “[She] loves a lift,” and Anton Du Beke was ecstatic with, “the new form of energy.” Even Craig managed a smile as he congratulated the pair on their “Fantastic Swivel.”
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 7
Motsi Mabuse – 7
Shirley Ballas – 7
Anton Du Beke – 8
MyCharleston – 7
Nikita Kanda & Gorka Marquez
Next up we have Radio presenter Nikita Kanda and her professional partner Gorka Marquez who danced the second Charleston of the night to iconic tune, ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’ by Beyonce.
This is not the first time we have seen this song being danced to in the Strictly Ballroom, as Catherine Tyldesley and Johannes Radebe danced their Charleston to the same tune back in 2019; which you can read all about in our blog here.
After a brief opening, where the pair set the scene in an engagement ring shop; linking to their choice of song, the pair launch into a sequence of sassy, Cat-Walk style struts. At 0:24, we see the first use of the Basic Charleston step, which is subsequently followed by a series of Scarecrows, Spank-the-Babies, and Silly Runs.
Later on, at 0:40, the pair burst into a series of traditional 1920s moves, consisting of pushes Flapper Walks, and further Basic Charleston steps. After a brief interval with comedic acting, Swivels, Tick Tocks, and a simplistic lift are then performed. Almost immediately after, the couple return together for a further section in hold where double Charlestons and Bunny Hops, are showcased with apparent ease.
Nearing the end of the routine, the pair complete a sequence of synchronised Truckin’, Jazzy Walks, and a lift, before racing back towards the mock up jewellery shop where they resumed their final positions.
I, like many others, did not really know what to make of this routine. Whilst there was lots of great Charleston moves, they were often disjointed with little to no swivel on the traditional Charleston step. It appears I was not alone in thinking this as the Judges also shared a similar view.
As a result, there were mixed opinions shared with Motsi Mabuse commenting how there had been a “Dramatic improvement in confidence,” which Head Judge Shirley Ballas echoed with a mention to the, “1000% improvement in performance skills.” Unfortunately, however, Craig thought it was, “flat footed [and had] no swivel.”
Due to these comments, both Nikita and Gorka unfortunately found themselves within the bottom two of the leaderboard against Les Dennis and Nancy Xu. However, despite this, the pair managed to successfully swivel their way through the Dance Off and have secured their spot in next week’s show.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 3
Motsi Mabuse – 5
Shirley Ballas – 5
Anton Du Beke – 5
MyCharleston – 4
By: Eleanor O’Donnell
What's On: Masterclasses This October
Are you yearning to master new moves, explore different dance styles, or simply reconnect with your passion for dance? Look no further! As MyCharleston have a jam-packed term of Masterclasses coming up this autumn. We have an array of workshops that will cater to all levels and styles.
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