STRICTLY WEEK ONE – It’s going to be a great competition this year!

Wow, wow, wow – what an amazing start to Strictly this year; so many outstanding dances with the celebrities and pros working well together.

Kelvin and Oti’s Samba was way beyond expectations for week one, and he came in late to the competition as well to replace Jamie who sadly suffered an injury on the launch show taking him out of play for 8 weeks at least. My goodness, Kelvin has it, hips action to envy for most gents, shoulder and pelvis, yes! And such great timing too, as Motsi said, ‘Electrifying’ and Craig, yes Craig in week one, ‘A-may-zing!’. Definitely my top three this week and a couple to watch.

And for the ladies, a great Cha Cha Cha Cha from Michelle. One to inspire everyone, especially in the over 50s age group who are always concerned that they can’t move their bodies as well. With practice it’s possible, and it doesn’t have to look frenetic to be good. It was a real ‘Hello….’moment when she walked in, lovely straight legs and attitude which carried it off wonderfully. A really powerful and yet elegant dance with great co-ordination. Michelle is a judge on an American drag queen show and she said in the video postcards before she danced that as a judge her role was to critique in a way that would help people to improve, but as a contestant her role was to listen Craig said when critiquing, ‘You don’t need my help…’ What a great compliment and confidence booster from the judge that most contestants are worried about.

In the ballroom, Dev did an elegant Foxtrot with some definite heel leads which were duly noted by head judge, Shirley. A really easy, relaxed yet musically on time piece with lovely, well considered choreography. Plus of all the all gents in the competition, Dev stood tall and kept a lovely posture to give his partner a great frame. It’s notable that the taller men do seem to struggle to stand upright; those of you come to classes with we have frequently heard me say, ‘Head up, shoulders back, open the chest…’ it makes such a difference and enables small technical errors to be less ‘seen’. I wonder if taller people get used to having to lean forward and slightly down to speak to people, hence the tendency to hunch forward; it’s possible that it becomes a habit. In dancing height is a great advantage and I’m sure the Strictly pros will be doing their best to make their partners look their best.

And finally Karim and Amy’s Cha Cha Cha Cha was a treat to watch. As Craig intimated many of the steps would not be considered as Cha Cha Cha Cha by the International Dance Teachers’ Association but it was very entertaining, full of energy and well performed.

My favourite, well probably too early to say but definitely some great couples to look out for in coming weeks. The real challenge will be when we get into the competition and the couples tackle the different dances with only a week to perfect them. As many of them said, dancing is hard work but so worthwhile. I think Anneka Rice summed it up for me, it’s not so much about the steps and he routine, that’s exciting, rewarding and great, but it’s much more about ‘How dance makes you feel….amazing.’

Classes are back this week, so dust off your shoes and get ready to feel the smile of dancing!