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Videos: Watch the first term of 2024
Watch the videos from our first term of 2024. This routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, and Online. The videos include: Everybody Loves My Baby , Bugsy Malone, Partner Charleston and Intermediate Level performance of Sugar Root Rag.
Watch the videos from our first term of 2024. This routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. The videos include: Everybody Loves My Baby , Bugsy Malone, Partner Charleston and Intermediate Level performance of Sugar Root Rag.
Hove Morning GROUP
hOVE Evening GROUP
Brighton GROUP
Lewes gROUP
EASTBOURNE gROUP
PORTSMOUTH gROUP
Online gROUP
De Oever - Holland groups
Midlands groups
Bugsy Malone - Musicals Group hoVE
Bugsy Malone - Musicals Group zOOM
intermediate group - SUGAR FOOT RAG
pARTNER CHARLESTON
Videos: What's on this February
Dive into our Open Level Charleston Course set to the tune to 'Everybody Loves by Baby' whilst we will taking on the closing number in Chicago 'Hot ‘Honey Rag' in our Musicals Course. Elevate your skills in the Intermediate Charleston course with the rhythm of 'Moten Swing.' Plus, mark your calendar for our new Partner Course starting February 22nd, set to 'Puttin’ on The Ritz.'
Spring into action with our dynamic dance courses launching this February!
Dive into our Open Level Charleston Course set to the tune to 'Everybody Loves by Baby' whilst we will taking on the closing number in Chicago 'Hot ‘Honey Rag' in our Musicals Course. Elevate your skills in the Intermediate Charleston course with the rhythm of 'Moten Swing.' Plus, mark your calendar for our new Partner Course starting February 22nd, set to 'Puttin’ on The Ritz.'
But that’s not all, if you take part in the upcoming term you can also perform. All students will be invited to perform their group routines on 18th May at the MyCharleston Speakeasy at the Brighton Spiegeltent.
CHARLESTON COURSE - shake that thing
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINE Eastbourne
Get ready to Shake Your Thing with this upbeat and energetic Charleston routine by Vince Giordano. See below the timetable for each location:
Online - 19th Feb, 6pm GMT
Brighton - 19th Feb, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove - 20th Feb, 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 20th Feb, 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth -20th Feb, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 21st Feb, 6:30pm, Leaf Hall
MUSICALS COURSE - Hot Honey RAG
CHICAGO
HOVE ONLINE
Get your Tommy Guns at the ready as we are heading to Chicago for our next musicals course and teaching the routine 'Hot Honey Rag'. This is a Musicals Classic and lots of fun with toy guns and bowler hats too! New course starts:
- Online 19 Feb 7pm with Fiona
- Studio 20 Feb 7pm with Elena in Hove
PARTNER CHARLESTON
22nd Feb - Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
Set to the tune ‘Puttin’ on the Rit’ Our primary focus is building your confidence in the fundamentals of Partner Charleston. From mastering the Basic Charleston steps to executing elegant turns and walking seamlessly together, we ensure you're equipped with the essential building blocks to navigate the dance floor with flair.
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - Moten Swing
BOOK NOW
22nd Feb - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Elevate your Charleston and Solo Jazz skills with us on our next intermediate course where we will dancing to ‘Moten Swing‘. On this course we will master classic moves such as Kick Charleston variations, Trickeration and The Chase. Join Fiona on 22nd Feb - Open Space Studios at 7pm.
What do you learn in a Partner Charleston class?
With not one but two Partner Charleston events coming up in February, here is a glimpse of what awaits you in our upcoming workshops and courses.
With not one but two Partner Charleston events coming up in February, here is a glimpse of what awaits you in our upcoming workshops and courses.
Confidence in Fundamentals: Our primary focus is building your confidence in the fundamentals of Partner Charleston. From mastering the Basic Charleston steps to executing elegant turns and walking seamlessly together, we ensure you're equipped with the essential building blocks to navigate the dance floor with flair.
Crafting Your Unique Routine: But we don't just stop at the basics. Our goal is to empower you to craft your unique routine. Imagine dancing with joy, syncing your steps with the music and your partner during social dances. We aim to make every step a celebration of self-expression.
Inclusive Learning Environment: Whether you come solo or with a friend, our workshops are designed for everyone. While there will be some partner rotation, couples who attend together will stay paired during routine practice. If you come alone, fear not – we'll pair you up with a fellow student or a teacher fostering a supportive learning environment.
Key Components of Partner Charleston Masterclass:
The Fundamentals: Mastering key steps, Charleston in different holds, turns, spins, and coordinated travel techniques.
Lead and Follow Techniques: Clear communication and awareness are crucial in partner dancing. We guide you through simple techniques for effective leading and following.
The Importance of Frame: Learn how to use your frame to connect with your partner and move as one cohesive unit.
Choosing Your Next Step: Understand how to pick and choose steps that connect well, creating memorable patterns for social dancing.
Dancing to Various Tempos: Practice footwork to different tempos and BPMs, discovering what suits your style best.
Building Confidence on the Dancefloor: Navigate errors, cues, and frame improvements with confidence, whether in a social setting or a choreographed routine.
Expressive Dancing: Unleash the playful side of Charleston by learning to use facial expressions while moving – a key element in communication during this lively dance.
If Partner Dancing resonates with you, join us:
Weekend Workshop:
10th Feb
Time: 2-4 pm
Venue: Open Space Studios
Dive deep into the basics of 1920s Partner Charleston, an ideal Valentine's Day gift!
6 Week Course:
Every Thursday starting from 22nd Feb
Time: 6 pm
Venue: Open Space Studios
Master fundamental principles, simple turns, and create a fantastic routine for your next social event.
👯 Join as a Pair or Solo: Book your spot as a follower, a lead, or as a pair. Secure your place now via the link below
Vintage Wonderland: MyCharleston Christmas Speakeasy Unveiled!
The holiday season just got a whole lot more dazzling as MyCharleston transported us to a bygone era with our very own Christmas Speakeasy. This festive extravaganza was a glittering blend of vintage charm and dance magic that added an extra sparkle to the celebrations.
The holiday season just got a whole lot more dazzling as MyCharleston transported us to a bygone era with our very own Christmas Speakeasy. This festive extravaganza was a glittering blend of vintage charm and dance magic that added an extra sparkle to the celebrations.
We made sure to capture every twirl, dip, and shimmy of the day, and now we're thrilled to share the magic with you! Dive into the enchanting performances from our talented students who lit up the night with their grace and charisma. From the classic steps to the musical theatre, each video encapsulates the spirit of the Speakeasy. Our students truly shone like stars on that special night, huge congratulations to everywho who took part!
Everybody Loves my Baby
Performed By Co-Founders, Elena and Fiona
Button Up Your Overcoat
Performed by Open Level Charleston Students
When You’re Smiling
Performed by Our Intermediate Group
You Can’t Stop the Beat
Performed by our Musicals Group
If you would like to perform now is your chance as all students on our February term will be invited to perform at the MyCharleston Speakeasy at Brighton Speigeltent on 18th May. To join and book a course please follow the link below.
Videos: Watch our Winter 2023 Routines
Watch the videos from our Sing Sing Sing course. These routines have been taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth and Online. See if you can spot yourself or a friend!
Watch the videos from our latest winter 2023 routines. This routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, and Online. The videos include: Sing Sing Sing, Anything Goes, Partner Charleston and Intermediate Level performance on Tailspin.
Hove Morning GROUP
hOVE Evening GROUP
Brighton GROUP
Lewes gROUP
EASTBOURNE gROUP
PORTSMOUTH gROUP
Online gROUP
anything goes - Musicals Group
intermediate group - tailspin
pARTNER CHARLESTON
anything goes - online Group
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Shoes for Charleston Dance and Lindy Hop
When it comes to the vivacious worlds of Charleston and Swing, the right footwear can make all the difference. From the raucous energy of the Charleston to the intricate rhythmic Swing moves, both styles require a shoe which supports the iconic swivel. Getting the right pair of shoes to support these timeless styles of dance isn't just a fashion statement; it's your partner in dance. Get ready to discover the ideal footwear that will not only boost your confidence but will help you slide and swivel with style.
When it comes to the vivacious worlds of Charleston and Swing, the right footwear can make all the difference. From the raucous energy of the Charleston to the intricate rhythmic Swing moves, both styles require a shoe which supports the iconic swivel. Getting the right pair of shoes to support these timeless styles of dance isn't just a fashion statement; it's your partner in dance. Get ready to discover the ideal footwear that will not only boost your confidence but will help you slide and swivel with style.
When searching for the perfect dance shoe, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure comfort, performance, and style. Here’s a short overview of what to look for in a dance shoe.
Dance Style: Charleston dance is all about the swivel, therefore you need a non-grip sole, we recommend leather or suede sole.
Good Fit: Dance shoes should be snug but not tight, bear in mid they will stretch slightly with use. They should fit the ankle perfectly so find a size which is a true to your foot as possible – not too tight not too loose.
Elena and Fiona, MyCharleston co-founders dancing in Katz Greek Sandals
Shoe Material: Suede or leather are the most common materials; a soft leather allows for more freedom of movement, and it feels good too.
Heel Type: Some sort of heel is helpful in Charleston because when you are swivelling you are moving on the balls of the foot. A lower heel helps with balance, the more flared the heels is the more stability it will provide.
Appearance: For those who want the vintage look or a really stylish shoe there is plenty of choice however if you are someone who lives in trainers you could consider a shoe cover designed for dancing. Whatever style you decide upon go for something that feels suits your style.
Support: Factor in your foot shape when choosing your dance shoe, you may want cushioning in the insole and adequate arch support. Support along the side of the foot is also important if you tend towards underpronation (when the foot rolls out)
Elena dancing in Slide and Swing Shoes
Cost: If you are just beginning your dance journey, I would recommend spending no more than £30. The cost of specialist Charleston and Swing Shoes can be in the hundreds, and they are worth the money if you discover this is your passion. You can also adapt shoes you already have but having a suede sole put onto your shoe or another good option is a shoe cover for dancers.
With these key characteristics in mind, we’ve compiled a list of top-notch dance shoe reccomendations that combine style, comfort, and performance to enhance your Charleston experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, these shoes are designed to help you “Swing in Style” So you can perfect your Charleston swivel with confidence and flair.
Greek Sandals
Cheap, light, strike a good balance between grip and slide. The down side is they don’t offer much support and they definitely aren’t outdoor shoes, so save them for the dance studio and you’ll perfect your swivel in no time
Silver Sparkle Greek Sandals
Silver with clip
Black Greek Sandals
Greek Tan Sandals
Trainer Covers
Get the support of a trainer but take away the grip with these trainer covers
Black https://amzn.to/3PJHYRD
Jazz Shoes
Light and good for swivel but don’t have a leather or suede sole.
Toms
These fashion shoes are very popular in the Lindy Hop scene. They are a solid pair of shoes, good on swivel but the soles don’t offer great flexibility.
Women https://amzn.to/3F5Li4C
Character Shoes
A lot of dancer find a bit of heel is actually quite helpful. I’m a big fan of character shoes but would advise going to a dance shop and getting ones which are a really good fit, if the feet are in any way sliding within the shoes you will feel unstable.
Fashion Shoes
Some of the best shoes people have showed up to class in have been bought on the High Street or Charity Shops! Often in the style of pumps or brogues the best ones tend to be made of softish leather and with leather soles which offer glide.
Dedicated Swing, Lindyhop and Charleston Shoe Brands
Aris Allen
Aris Allen is a shoe brand which offers dance shoes with a suede sole for women and men. The shoes are designed by swing dancers for other swing dancers
Price range: £39 - £62
https://arisallen.com/
Bleyer Shoes
Bleyer Shoes offers many different styles of dance shoes for both, men and women. The brand is run by a UK based company called The Swing Dance Company Limited.
Price range: £40 - £115
http://bleyershoes.com/
Charlie Stone
This brand offers Greek Sandals with a unique design with hidden elevation for better arch and ankle knee. All shoes have leather upper and lining and a smooth sole, so that you can swivel perfectly over the dance floor
Price range: £82 – £93
https://www.charliestoneshoes.com/collections/all
Groovy Fox
A brand dedicated to providing high quality, authentic and comfortable, yet affordable shoes to wear on and off the dance floor. Handmade shoes from Bulgaria for Swing and Charleston dancers.
Price: £100-£150
…
Slide&Swing
Slide&Swing was established in Spain in 2013 and you can get dance shoes for both men and women. They are all handmade with an upper, lining and sole all in leather, so the shoe is very light and smooth.
Price range: £111 - £155
https://www.slideandswing.es/shop/
Saint Savoy
These dance shoes for men and women are a bit more pricey, but you get really beautiful classic dance shoes with leather soles or synthetic soles. All shoes are tested by professional dancers to see if the shoe really makes a good dance shoe considering the comfort of your feet while dancing.
Price range: £165 - £196
https://www.saintsavoy.com/
Swivells
Created in Paris the Swivells collection is inspired by the world of Swing to revisit classics with colour, comfort and lightness. The products are manufactured near Porto, Portugal, and Alicante, Spain, with the aim of limiting the use of materials harmful to the planet.
https://swivells.com/en
£100-£150
In conclusion, finding the perfect Charleston dance shoe is not just about style, it’s about optimizing your performance. In my experience no one shoe is suitable for all occasions, what I wear in class is different to the shoes I perform or social dance in. If you are beginner dancer the right footwear can make a world of difference in your dance journey but don’t spend too much initially. Once you’ve explored this vibrant dance style you can invest in quality dance shoes that align with your passion. If you’ve found this guide helpful, share it with fellow dance enthusiasts, and let’s keep the dance community thriving. Happy Dancing!
Videos: What's on this January
Get ready for an exhilarating start to the new year with our exciting lineup of dance courses kicking off this January! Watch the previews of all our upcoming courses for January 2024. Including: Open Level Charleston, Intermediate Charleston, Partner Charleston and Musicals.
Get ready for an exhilarating start to the new year with our exciting lineup of dance courses kicking off this January!
Immerse yourself in the energetic beats of Louis Armstrong's 'Everybody Loves by Baby' and the iconic 'Fat Sam’s Grand Slam' from Bugsy Malone in our musicals course. Step into the world of dance delights with the Intermediate Charleston course, where you'll groove to the rhythm of Ella Fitzgerald’s 'Sugar Foot Rag.'
But wait, there's more! Building on the tremendous success of our Partner Charleston Course, we're thrilled to announce a brand-new partner course starting on 11th January, set to the infectious track ‘Bill Bailey, Won’t you come home.’
Save the date, as the new term officially kicks off on 8th January!
CHARLESTON COURSE - EveryBody Loves My bABY
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINE Eastbourne
Start the New Year with a swivel and a flick with our all-new Open Level Charleston course, set to the tune of "Everybody Loves My Baby." Commencing on January 8th, we're delighted to bring you the option of in-studio and online classes, allowing you to join us locally or from anywhere across the globe.
MUSICALS COURSE - Fat Sam’s Grand Slam
Bugsy Malone
HOVE ONLINE
After many requests, we will stepping back in the world of Bugsy Malone with one of our all time favourite routines ‘Fat Sam's Grand Slam’. This has always been one of our most popular musical courses over the years and we can't wait to bring back to the studio and online.
Online: 7pm, 8th Jan with Fiona via Zoom
Hove: 7pm, 9th Jan with Elena at Open Space Studios
PARTNER CHARLESTON
11th Jan - Open Space Studios, 6pm - 5 week course
Set to the tune ‘Bill Bailey, Wont you come home’ we are pleased to confirm we will be continuing Partner Charleston courses this January. Dive into the world of 1920s Partner Charleston dancing, where you'll master the fundamental principles, learn simple turns, explore Charleston variations perfect for partner dancing, and even put it all together into a fantastic routine.
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - Sugar Root Rag
BOOK NOW
Thursday 11 Jan-8 Feb, 7-8pm, Hove
Taking on a new challenge next term, we will be dancing to ‘Sugar Foot Rag’ by Ella Fitzgerald. This course will be quite different from our current Charleston Course as we will be moving into 1930s Charleston steps and variations and developing the nuance of the pulse and swing within the music. Expect Charleston Squats, Fall off the logs and plenty of rythmic steps.
2023: A Year in Review
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, it's time to reflect on the incredible achievements and unforgettable moments that made 2023 a standout year for MyCharleston. This dance community has continued to thrive, bringing joy, creativity, and a sense of togetherness through the timeless art of Charleston
Celebrating MyCharleston's Spectacular Journey in 2023: A Year in Review
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, it's time to reflect on the incredible achievements and unforgettable moments that made 2023 a standout year for MyCharleston. This dance community has continued to thrive, bringing joy, creativity, and a sense of togetherness through the timeless art of Charleston. Let's take a journey through the seasons and relive the magic that unfolded. We have not only taught countless weekly classes, but here are some hightlights from outside the studio doors too.
Spring
Embracing Women's Empowerment
International Women’s Day Workshop: In March, MyCharleston paid tribute to the roots of the Charleston dance, celebrating International Women’s Day. The workshop, held at Brighton Dome and organized by Brighton Women's Centre, honoured the dance's historical significance as a symbol of liberation for women in the 1920s. Watch the inspiring event unfold in this video: International Women’s Day Workshop
Choreographing the play: A Couple of Swells for Brighton Fringe
When Theatre Company ‘Lemon Squeeze’ contacted us about working on the choreography for the latest performance ‘A Couple of Swells’ We were delighted to take part. The show is about the lives of two music hall rivals Vesta Tilley & Hetty King who became global superstars as male impersonators in the early 1900s. Vesta was in her day England’s highest earning women, whilst Hetty was reputedly the highest-paid music hall star in the world. The play debuted at Brighton Fringe May 2023. Read the full story below
Jenny Thomas Masterclasses: The spring season continued with the energetic Charleston masterclasses taught by renowned Strictly Come Dancing choreographer Jenny Thomas. She will be returninng in May 2024 to Brighton.
Here is our intermediate group embraced the joy of her workshops , as captured in this lively video: Jenny Thomas Masterclass
Summer
MyCharleston Speakeasy - May: May brought the much-anticipated MyCharleston Speakeasy at the Spiegeltent, Brighton Fringe. The dance floor came alive with the rhythmic beats and vibrant moves, making it the most raucous event to date. Relive the excitement through these highlights: MyCharleston Speakeasy
Summer ALSO Festival - July: The summer festivities continued with a montage of highlights from the festival. From Charleston Ceilidh to Uptown Funk Dance workshops, MyCharleston's dance team showcased their talents with passion and flair: Summer Festival Highlights
The summer continued with numerous live shows, including performances at: The Grand Brighton, our City Dances, Newtorn Vintage Festival, Our City Dances and The Boat Regatta of Hayling Island to name a few. Not to mention the countless private bookings for Birthday parties, Hen Dos and private events.
Autumn
Southpaw Speakeasy: Embracing the spirit of the prohibition era, MyCharleston joined forces with Southpaw Dance and local Hip Hop dancers K.O.D for an innovative performance at the Pavilion Theatre Worthing. "Speakeasy" showcased a fusion of Hip Hop, Charleston, and Swing, proving the harmony of diverse dance forms: Southpaw Speakeasy
Wednesday Addams Halloween Routine: As autumn unfolded, MyCharleston added a touch of quirkiness with a Halloween routine inspired by Wednesday Addams. The dance captured the essence of minimalistic yet expressive moves, allowing dancers to let loose: Wednesday Addams Routine
Winter: A Festive Finale
Christmas Speakeasy: As winter approached, MyCharleston brought the year to a close with a festive flair. The Christmas Speakeasy was a dazzling celebration of the season, filled with joyous dance and holiday spirit.
As we wrap up this journey through the seasons, MyCharleston's achievements in 2023 stand as a testament to the enduring power of dance to bring people together. From celebrating women's empowerment to embracing diverse dance forms, MyCharleston has once again proven that the joy of dance knows no bounds. Here's to more memorable moments and electrifying dances in the years to come!
Strictly Charleston Review: Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
With only a week to go until the Final of Strictly Come Dancing, last Saturday we were treated to Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin’s turn to take centre stage with a Charleston set to the tune “Fit as a Fiddle”. Choreographed by Matt Flint, this routine came out on top with a perfect score of 40. It received high praise from both the audience and the judges; but was it your favourite routine of the evening?
With only a week to go until the Final of Strictly Come Dancing, last Saturday we were treated to not one, but two dance routines from each of the remaining couples. Amongst the many, it was Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin’s turn to take centre stage with a Charleston set to the tune “Fit as a Fiddle” by Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor.
Choreographed by Matt Flint, this routine came out on top with a perfect score of 40. It received high praise from both the audience and the judges; but was it your favourite routine of the evening?
Let’s delve a little deeper to find out why this Charleston captured the hearts of so many.
The routine opens with both Layon and Nikita dressed to the nines in their 1920s tartan suits, and perched on a orange ladder.
Nikita then rings a bell signifying the beginning of the routine, and the pair jump down just as the opening chords begin where they race back up the dancefloor to grab their second prop; the umbrella.
With some perfectly synchronised Umbrella-Ography, the pair launch into traditional 1920s Charleston Swivels. From this, Layon leaps into a box and begins to complete a series of further turns, spins, and a lift; which wows the onlooking audience.
Later on, at 0:42, both Layton and Nikita come together for another lift, where Layton dramatically mock falls to the floor, as they resume a re-enactment of a wheelbarrow. Rather impressively, Nikita flicks Layton over into a front flip, where he lands perfectly and completes further Charleston Swivels, Birdie Flaps, and a brief section of Chair-Ography.
At 1:11, the pair complete a swing-inspired partnered sequence, Birdie Walks, and an assisted cartwheel, alongside various leaps and jumps in between.
At the end of the routine, they had just enough time to squeeze in a few more basic Charleston Swivels, before Layton climbed onto Nikita’s shoulder in time for their final pose.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this routine. From the outset, it was very clean and succinct; which I would have expected from the couple as they have made heaps of progress each week. I also really like this partnership; as they seem to bounce of each other’s energy which makes for very entertaining routines. It is clear that I am not alone in thinking this, as one critic commented how. “[This routine] will go down in history as one of the best dances ever.” And another one stated how they, “Sobbed throughout the entirety of the routine as it is clear how much effort [the pair] are putting in each week.”
Clearly the Judges were proving a similar viewpoint with Anton explaining how it would, “Have been a travesty if [they] had gone out some weeks ago before as we would never have got to see that; that was incredible.” And Craig gave a standing ovation as he said, “[This was the] best Charleston that I have ever seen in 20 years” which might well be the highest level of praise to receive from a self-proclaimed Charleston Expert.
In light of these comments, the pair received the perfect score of 40 and have managed to swivel their way successfully into the Final of the 21st Series of Strictly Come Dancing. Well Done Layton and Nikita!
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood – 10
Motsi Mabuse – 10
Shirley Ballas – 10
Anton Du Beke – 10
MyCharleston – 10
By: Eleanor O’Donnell
Strictly Charleston Review: Ellie Leach & Vito Coppola
Strictly Come Dancing Contestant and Coronation Street Actress Ellie Leach and professional partner Vito Coppola earned their spot at the top of the leader board alongside Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, after dancing a Charleston to ‘Love Machine’ by Girls Aloud at the Blackpool Special 2023.
Last Saturday, we were treated to the highest scoring Charleston of the series so far; and what better time for it to happen than at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom! Strictly Come Dancing Contestant and Coronation Street Actress Ellie Leach and professional partner Vito Coppola earned their spot at the top of the leader board alongside Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, after dancing a Charleston to ‘Love Machine’ by Girls Aloud.
Originally, when I first heard their choice of song, I was not expecting much due to it’s unconventionality compared to the traditional theme of dance. However, I stand corrected as I was absolutely blown away by this routine, choreographed by Matt Flint, and it could easily be one of my favourite routines to date.
From the judges comments to external critics, it appears the pair left everyone spellbound and wanting more. Let’s delve a little deeper into why this was the case.
Set in a rather fitting seaside fairground, Ellie and Vito set the scene playing on a vintage fairground attraction, ‘The High striker.’ After a few bars of music, Ellie races over to the prize wall, and Vito leaps up, demonstrating fast paced Charleston swivels and Pirouettes.
At 0:34, the couple finally come together, and launch themselves into a series of 1920s Charleston swivels, a Swing-inspired partner section, Tick Tocks, Kick Charlestons and their first of many lifts.
From 1:02, it seems as though Ellie’s feet barely touch the floor, as Vito throws her up, and over his shoulder in a complex lift; leaving the audience in an ecstatic applause.
At 1:16, Vito launches Ellie into the air and over his head, from which a back-up dancer catches her from behind; clearly demonstrating the highly trusting partnership the pair have developed. Later on, at 1:29, the music pauses for a brief moment, as Ellie and Vito complete some sassy clicks, before leaping into action once more with a further lift, Kicks, and a mid-air roly-poly completed by Ellie; leaving the audience awe-inspired and clinging to the edge of their seats.
Nearing the end of the routine, Vito shows off his Cartwheeling skills as Ellie glides back up the dancefloor, where they end up in their same opening positions.
To finish off, Ellie hits the ‘High striker’ with an oversized, Strictly-fied mallet; causing confetti to burst out and serenade the celebrating couple. What I really loved about the ending of this routine, was the fact that there wasn’t really an end pose, and rather there was just a celebration of pure joy which really made me smile and encapsulates what Strictly is all about.
Overall, I think Ellie excelled in all areas, and it seems I am not alone in thinking this as one of the critics stated, “[Their] dancing was so crisp, confident, and energized,” with another stating, “it was joyous and smiley, please let Ellie be the winner!” The judges seem to share the same view with head judge Shirley Ballas sharing how, “[The routine] was extremely difficult yet [Ellie] made it look so easy,” and pointing to her heart she stated, “those lifts will be etched here.” Craig Revel Horwood was also full of praise as he exclaimed, “it was the hardest Charlestons [he had] ever seen and the best cross swivels [he has] seen on the show ever!”
Due to the consistently high praise given by all the judges, Ellie and Vito survive elimination and swivel their way into next week.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 9
Motsi Mabuse – 10
Shirley Ballas – 10
Anton Du Beke – 10
MyCharleston – 10 By: Eleanor O'Donnell