Strictly '22 Thread 8 — 100 years of the BBC did not yield 100 good songs to dance to...

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

Previous thread.

As always, a reminder that this is a SPOILER-FREE THREAD, so please don't comment on the result before the result show.

Here's Jayde and her sister when they disco danced.

Yes, that was the moment for me too! Up until that point I liked her and was defending her.

I don't watch DWTS and don't know Amber, but boy can she dance and she has so much musicality. I agree about her costumes as well, they really suited her.

I'm guessing from those clips that the American version is a higher standard of dancing, choreography and costumes? Would those of you familiar with the American DWTS say this is so?

Have answered before but it is only an opinion - the US version has high production values in terms of chucking more $ at it (including how much they pay their slebs) but they were ultimately responsible for the introduction of contempowaft/jazz/journeys schmaltz/interminable theme weeks.
They do a switch up (partner swap) and trios dance (sleb with two pros). They don't do a dance-off. They do not allow a bye/week off for injuries, you're out. They used to have a live band iirc but then forgot about Ray. The routines seem a lot shorter than here and also have some far worse song choices.
They had a one-off series of DWTS kids slebs. The old host Tom Bergeron was fantastic - I do not particularly like Tyra or Alfonso.
The troupe for group dances consists of decent pros and they have had some excellent choreographers: My favourites are Derek Hough (now a judge), Mark Ballas, Shana Burgess and I have a soft spot for Emma Slater.
They still have Gleb and Artem there. I don't think the costumes or choreo are better per se, but globally the franchise has worked so well that you can pick out high points in France, Germany, Italy, Australia, US, Ireland as well as here.

DWTS is on Disney+ now btw so if you have Tesco Clubcard points you can put them towards a subscription.
I prefer Strictly but I have favourite routines from DWTS too - loved Amber, loved Nyle (first deaf contestant), Rumer and James Hinchcliffe.

As with Strictly, you have some old-fashioned classic routines, and you have modern quirky ones. This was last week's Contemporary where Mark was meant to be representing Charli's anxiety.

I personally liked it but it won't be to everyone's tastes. It reminded me of Florence and the Machine's video with Bill Nighy as her anxiety.

Is "dancing with the stars' named just that on Disney+? I looked a couple of weeks ago and couldn't find it!

Will be interesting to see what Jayde has to say on ITT tonight.

I was surprised by how touchy and hostile she’s been on Twitter over the mildest criticisms... what on earth’s she thinking? Obviously she’s disappointed, going out relatively early on, but I got the impression she overestimated how good she was from the get-go, probably because she’s been a much better dancer (presumably) in years gone by.

Overall, she’s been a bit of a disappointment. I thought she’d be a laugh a minute, self/deprecating, generally joyful and fun to watch. But, no. None of the above.

loved Nyle (first deaf contestant)

This has just reminded me that Strictly used to be a lot more "just get on with it". Stephanie Beacham has no hearing in one ear, and not 100% in the other, and Ben Cohen is hearing impaired too, but it was never really mentioned.

I've only been able to catch up with it this afternoon but I think Jayde deserved to go. Any number of contestants over the years have been criticised for lack of bounce and swivel in the Charlston but her shortcomings were never mentioned. She's been overmarked every week and watching her emotional reaction to the dance experience every week was embarrassing. Tony is working hard and getting so much joy from the experience and certainly deserves still to be there.

Recently enough there was a thread where a woman had overheard people complaining about Ellie S and saying another one who'll win through a sympathy card.

It really pissed me off, there have been 5 "obviously" disabled contestants yes, but only one has won.

There have been many with invisible disabilities, but no-one begrudges them.

I have a disability myself so it all riles me anyway.

@SequinsandStilettos. Thank you for your response. I hadn't realised that the US version was responsible for the "journeys" and the theme weeks etc. I must admit I do like a bit of centempowaft, I've always liked modern/contemporary as well as classical ballet, but whether it has a place on a show that is supposed to be focused on ballroom dancing, is debatable.

First time I've watched Mark Ballas dance, he's good isn't he. Also love a bit of Florence, so thanks for the clips.

I've not enjoyed the CC so far, but I am a sucker for Halloween Week. I think it gives the makeup artists to really show off their skills and even if the music choices are a bit naff, the costumes and makeup are usually excellent. So, looking forward to this week.

"I think it gives the makeup artists a chance to really show off their skills" is what that should have said.

Overall, she’s been a bit of a disappointment. I thought she’d be a laugh a minute, self/deprecating, generally joyful and fun to watch. But, no. None of the above.

I have to agree bluffin

She was my favourite before a beglittered sandal stepped on the floor.

i didn’t feel that way for long. I didn’t get joy. I didn’t get fun. I just felt ishoos and affectation. I also felt annoyance from her. I don’t feel as though you got to see her at all. Not really.

And for a super fan I think it should have been absolutely joyful. Not making it about other things. I feel really sad that her experience wasn’t just joy.

Sometimes life just needs to be about suspending reality and just living the dream.

And it should be a wonder feeling the dance floor under your feet instead of a soap box.

A moment of a lifetime squandered.

You should hear her sing... she's a phenomenal vocalist!

@Shhhdontsay

😘 Just this. You know why. 😘

Rylan talking out of his hoop. At least we know Jenny Thomas is to blame for the choreography rather than Karen

The stuff coming out of her mouth isn’t matching her face.

I thought I had resting irk face. I look like a grinning fool in comparison.

I don’t often disagree with the gorgeous Karen Hauer. But I have to.

Jayde ain’t a strictly icon.

Sorry. She just isn’t.

Oh god, poor Luba. She should join a union.

Roberts Mark is fab. Very inventive, these are a handful I like (but he also can and does do proper ballroom).

rylan brought up social media
she is proud goddamit
and still the nose bob from Karen!
over now at least

If I had to choose my personal four finalists at the moment, they would be Hamza, Tony, Ellie S and, possibly, Tyler (just edging out Fleur). I'm not supporting Ellie because she's surmounting the difficulties of dancing with dwarfism, but because I love her partnership with Nikita, I like his choreography, and she's surprising me by not having that problem that most of the younger sportspeople have on the show, of being wooden and self-conscious performers. I like her confidence and feel for the dance styles.

Jayde looks nice in green.
She could have worn that in pink, channelled her inner Villanelle and done a rumba to K from Killing Eve with Karen as Eve.
Or Patsy and Eddie. Anything but that rumba.

Charleston, even.
I thought she came over okay in that interview and Karen seemed sincere. She's had worse partners, come on erm, Simon Rimmer?

Jenny Thomas for anyone who wants to geek out

AJ Odudu & Kai Widdrington’s ‘Don’t Bring Lulu’ Charleston Faye Tozer & Giovanni Pernice’s ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ Charleston Danny & Oti’s ‘Puttin On The Ritz’ Charleston Ed Ball’s & Katya Jones’ ‘Gangnam Style’ Salsa Debbie McGee & Giovanni Pernice Salsa