Week 2 Scores

Chelsee & Pascha (will check how his name is slept later) - Salsa.  My score - 7

For me it had lots of energy but was more like a "Disco" dance than a Salsa.  Chelsee has so much potential and it really seems to me that she has a 'disco' dancing past so she needs to learn how to ground her feet more and use the floor instead of bouncing on top of it.  She is one to watch!  (Loved the armography section)

Edwina & Vincent - Foxtrot (Or rather American Smooth).  My score - 4.

Very disappointing.  I don't like to criticise the professionals but this was more an American Smooth.  I guess it was an attempt to hide Edwina's dance ability in the foxtrot and to appeal to the voting public by adding props and making the routine more interesting and I guess I can understand Vincent's reasons for doing so as the actual foxtrot section wasn't very good. 

Audley & Natalie - Salsa   My score - 6.

This actually had a fair amount of rhythm.  Personality was great!  I think Audley has potential to really move his hips.  He managed some quick step movements and arm movements but was let down by his flat feet and at times his lack of energy.. he did some very bad looking drag runs towards the stage as he headed there for the final section.. but it was a joy to watch.  (And a great track of music!)

Alex & James - Foxtrot.  My score - 7

I enjoyed this.  Alex looked most stunning at the start and end of the routine.  During the foxtrot she needed to lower her shoulders to correct the posture.  She seemed to be coming away from the floor with her feet so attention for me was drawn to some clumpy steps.. but she stepped out really well with James and really made a good attempt at the foxtrot.  Beautiful smile and gorgeous feather fan.  Shows promise!  (Loved the jewelled neck piece)

Dan & Katya - Salsa. My score - 7

I could REALLY like Dan I think.  Loved the VT of the tennis.  The Salsa itself for me seemed a bit bitty.  I liked the bits of salsa but they weren't linked together.. they seemed to be interrupted with lifts and poses.  I would have liked more continuity so that I could have seen Dan's rhythm some more. 

Brendan & Lulu - Foxtrot.  My score - 6

Brendan could not have looked more swish.  The song lyrics "falling to pieces".. were what I was scared of Lulu doing through the routine.  It did seem like Brendan was carrying her around the floor and she seemed scared to lift her head up (I'm not surprised after forgetting her routine last week).  It was still a pretty tough foxtrot routine and I do think Brendan needs to simplify the choreography to help her along for the first few weeks.  The mirror was interesting but not sure it really added too much to the routine.  Hope Lulu gets some confidence back and can really start to learn to dance.  I would love her to do well as she is such a fabulous performer.  I think the Latin dances are going to suit her more if she can nail the choreography.  (In shock slightly after Brendan's forward roll to Tess!)

Holly & Artem  Salsa My score - 8

Very smooth and relaxed.  Enjoyable to watch (even though i didn't care for the music)

Rory & Erin Salsa.  My score - 7

Loved the music and the continuous salsa style.  Great shimmys!  Rory seemed a little flat-footed at times but really nailed the routine.  Looking forward to seeing more of Rory's dancing! I was close to giving an 8.

Robbie & Ola  Foxtrot  My score - 8
Wow!  What a surprise!  This was great!  Lovely stepping out of feet.  Good posture.  Excellent flow of movement.  Loved the solo at the beginning with an elegant quick-moving zig-zag from Robbie.  I was so impressed!  I'd like to watch it again.  Best dance of the night so far.  Almost feel like giving a 9.

Anita & Robin  Salsa.  My score - 5.
I'm not loving the dress.  Brave outrageous outfit but I don't think it worked for Anita for this dance.  It showed off too much of her legs which looked gangly throughout this dance.  Very little hip action though good content in the routine.  She smiled throughout and tried to give but I think nerves overcame her.

Jason & Krystina  Foxtrot  My score - 8
Jason has such a fabulous personality and is a great actor so it was no surprise that this foxtrot looked straight out of the movie.  The actual foxtrot section was almost correct.  He was trying with the correct footwork and trying with the posture but he did look stiff as he held his head up.  I'm sure he'll learn to relax more in future weeks.

Nancy & Anton  Salsa.  My score - 4
Oh dear.  This lady actually did try to perform with some style and the start was particularly effective.. but her feet got carried away during the routine and it didn't seem to be the correct steps.  Nancy seems to have potential but this was a messy performance unfortunately.

Harry & Aliona  Foxtrot  My score - 8
Lovely and smooth.  Harry needs to lift his head a little more to create a better frame but he stepped out really well and it was a good rendition of the foxtrot.

Russel & Flavia  Salsa   My score - 6
This is a difficult one.  I enjoyed it but also felt a bit awkward.  I didn't like the beginning.  I'd rather Russell had stayed serious.  He can move so he doesn't need to create comedy scenarios.  The music was a bit off-putting as it sounded more like a samba than a salsa hence the inclusion of samba steps into the routine.  There was a lot of good salsa in the routine but due to the speed of the music the steps weren't always finished off and it seemed like they had to allow several bars of the music just to catch up with the feet.  Russell needs to work on pointing his toes when his leg is up in the air too.  I think I was slightly disappiinted.  I originally gave a 7 but have changed to a 6.

My favourite routine suprisingly was Robbie & Ola's!  It's the one I'd like to see again.  I hate to say it but I think my choice for leaving would be Nancy.  I'd be happy for them all to stay until the final :)    Nobody should leave!

Judge Peach