SCD 2016 #7 - They're! In! Blackpool! The spiritual home of ballroom dancing, donkey rides, rock and... huge amounts of theming apparently?

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

The last thread is almost full, so I thought we'd be prepared.

Despite the title I do love the Blackpool week really Fingers crossed for a nice ballroom dance from the pros.

Queen thank you for that video Gleb is one great choreographer and strictly is poorer without him, that's on a another level, agree about Len probably not liking it but it was so differently brilliant , I loved it.
His and Anita's paso knocked Louise and Kevin's out the park, I saw them perform it on the strictly tour it was so much more dramatic.

Well did anyone else notice the critics Karen AND Ian on IT2 saying that Claudia and AJ's dance at Blackpool was basically shit????? SO HOW COME THE JUDGES DIDN'T AGREE? If their dance was the best of the 2 it makes Greg and Nat's worse, which we all agreed it wasn't . It gets weirder and weirder.

Gleb and Anita's Paso is one of the best ever Strictly performances. They were both badly screwed over by Strictly, constantly undermarked and then stitched up in the semi finals to ensure that Tony Berk made his first (and likely only) final. No wonder Gleb went to DWTS after that disgrace.

I also saw Gleb and Anita on the tour. I was waaaaaay up in the gods but their performance stood out even from there.They were the only couple to win tour dates apart from Jay and Aliona.

Who's Tony Berk Runny ?

Anton I think.

Thank you for posting that Glen video. That has seriously made my day. Blimey.

Gleb, not Glen.

Oh thanks Yvaine Was Anton Jay's partner then?

I went to the Strictly Tour and Gleb certainly didn't disappoint.

I didn't 'get' Gleb at first last season. He seemed rather vain . However, by the end I was sorry to see him go. Great to see someone doing different things with the choreography. I loved the Paso with Anita - it really showed her off. at all you who saw it on the tour. I wish she had been in the final. He will never be Len's cup of tea though.

Gleb's a 'show' dancer. Anita said he was a slave driver, did she HAVE to go on the tour with him?

I saw the tour as well. Gleb got louder cheers than anyone else, celeb or pro. I had a feeling then he wouldn't be back. A few noses would have been put out of joint by that.

It's seems traditional for the new male pros to get a telling off from Len at some point for their choreography. Then they come back next week with something much more traditional and order is restored. I imagine Gleb doesn't do contrite.

I was so glad I went to see the Tour, I only decided very last minute after someone on here who had been described it as a damn good night out and it certainly was, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Gleb and Anita did the Paso and their American Smooth, with the infamous crab manoeuvre, 'twas well worth seeing. I voted for Helen and Alijaz though because of the lovely dance they did to "At Last" and I knew Jay and Aliona would win the show I was at as it was on Jay's home turf.

Will look out for the tour. Have not thought to go before but my mum would really enjoy it. How does it work? - One dance each? Who judges? Do the audience vote for a winner?

The tour is for the most part like the telly. Each celeb does two dances, the judges give comments and scores. You get to text vote and the they announce the winner.

There's quite a few group dances as well.

It's usually Craig, Len and Bruno.
It's a lot of fun, lot less serious than the TV.

Mel who compered the Tour was an absolute hoot, I see Anita Rani is the compere for the next one.

It is great fun Moonrise, I'm sure you and your mum would thoroughly enjoy it. Book early to get good seats at the venue of your choice though.

Mel was absolutely hilarious- I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. I went on the very last day so they were all a bit demob happy which made it even more fun. But do book early to get the very best seats you can afford, it makes all the difference.

Ooh sounds a great night out. Thanks

Sorry I've just joined this thread so I'm a bit out of it, but I have to say that from initially not liking the Cliftons, they are starting to grow on me. I think Kevin and Joanne both seem quite nice and down to earth and very good coaches to their dance partners. On the other hand, I just cannot warm to Karen at all. She seems false and full of herself. I saw her and Kevin on Mr and Mrs once and kevin said she never had once remembered his birthday. I can believe that.

I felt the same about the Cliftons, Flower - but when I saw Joanne on ITT tonight I thought - she's so much nicer than I imagined.. Still not struck on Karen, though - as lousy - seems very self-absorbed.

I always get the impression that Kevin can't believe he managed to pull Karen and he's got on her on a sort of pedestal. I bet she loves that as well, reminding him that she's out of his league. Forgetting your husbands birthday every year is pretty shitty.

I wonder how many people know Kevin was briefly married to another dancer before Karen?

Hey folks Darcey has just been on Chris Evans R2 she said there's a couple of people who Len has recommended as replacements for him. There is an Aussie woman who's good apparently and, possibly, you've guessed it, Anton !!!

I heard that ppeat, I was also relieved to hear her say that the Head Judge has to be a Ballroom/Latin expert, which rules out some of the names being bandied about.

I'm guessing that Len was referring to Helen Richey who was a fantastic dancer and coach, but she's 71.