Here's the lovely Harry back to visit with a group of dads that love to dance. They're a bunch of fathers that brought their children to dance lessons and decided they wanted to dance too. "Outta Puff Daddys" - Best. Name. Ever! The children dance in an annual showcase every year and one year they figured "why are the kids having all the fun?". They came on as a surprise act in the showcase and it's continued on from there.
They've created a safe place for each other. A place to share, talk cry, to learn that it's okay not to be okay. One man had lost his mum and when he saw these guys come onstage and the joy they shared, he knew he needed to be part of it. There's something about the group that draws the men in, let's them enjoy dancing and sharing their joy, pain and emotions. It was good fun to watch! Ofc Harry had to step in, as he's a dad too. Amazing group, amazing support.
Balvinder and Julian on the couch and they seem relaxed and happy. The lovely words towards each other continue. Interesting that Julian didn’t believe in himself to get Balvinder far in the competition, as far as they made it.
Balvinder wasn’t nervous being in the DO with Amber as she is on a different level to Balvinder, the novice … hrmm, this isn’t quite true though is it? Balvinder is not a novice and she fuels the Amber being too good to be on Strictly attack stories Not liking this from Balvinder.
I never got that vibe at all. It was more that Balvinder knew she was up against a dancer at a different level to her, so was relaxed with no pressure on her.
I agree, Balvinder didn't mean anything unpleasant with that remark,
What a great ITT, I love Bal and Julian and am so pleased they reached the semi final, in a way, it would have been good if they'd won, as an older lady has never won Strictly, their leaving speeches moved me on Sunday, whereas Lewis and Katya's didn't, (have just watched EE and Bal was in a scene, as Suki),
I really like Julian and hope he comes back next year,
loved the section with Harry and the men's dance group, it's a fantastic idea,
also liked all the panel, such great dancers in their respective years, and good to see Fleur and Denise in a colourful top / dress
After a recap of the semi-final, ITT started with the final eliminated couple, Balvinder and Julian.
This seemed kind of short of me, but perhaps that's because by this stage there are a lot of dance to cover in the "Strictly journey" film (and even then it left out the instant dance and dance relay).
I'm getting ahead of myself here, and must apologise that I had quite a bad night, and I've been slightly fuzzy all day, so I'm bound to forget stuff.
Fleur opened with the "what would your week one self think of how weel you did" question. Balvinder said she couldn't have believed she'd be in the final four, and a semi-finalist; it's unreal. Julian said that he also never thought he'd get this far, which gave a bit of a vibe, as it sounded like he meant he didn't have faith in Bal, but even more surprisingly (for me) Jules said it was because he didn't believe in himself. I don't know much about his background on DWTS in Australia, but I've read on here that he didn't do too well, so maybe that explains his lack of confidence. When you think of how supportive he's been to Balvinder throughout (every week, wearing less and less, well, kind of). It kind of explains that comment he made after the Couples' Choice about it being the most he's enjoyed dancing.
I always think it's lovely when the pro learns something too. They often say it, but I think sometimes it's not genuine, but I believe it here. Bal's taught Julian about resilience and perseverance, and also that he's a good professional partner. I know early on some doubted Julian (and maybe some still do), but I think he was perfect for Bal. There was something about his supportive nature and her strength that got them through some trying times.
She really was the true dance-off assassin. It occurred to me earlier that we've lost twelve couples from the contest, but excluding the two who had to withdraw and of course Bal herself, Balvinder's eliminated more than 50% of the contestants (exactly 50% if you do include her).
When she spoke about Amber being a different calibre of dancer, I'm not sure that there was too much meant by it other than Amber's an amazing dancer. Balvinder mentioned being a novice and while I've read that she's done a bit of ballroom socially, I don't think she was especially trained. She and Julian said that they still went out and gave it everyting, even though the odds were against them. I thought Bal's second attempt at the Salsa was a big improvement, but she wasn't beating a 40 dance. ETA: Having written that, I did notice that when Bal started talking about how good Amber was, Julian sort of nipped into the conversation, like he might have been making sure it didn't go down a particular route.
While they talked a bit about the semi-final dances, I can't recall much about it. I know that in relation to the Waltz Bal talked about telling a story in the dance and being authentic, not changing who you are. I also liked her comment (which I think she's made before) that Julian pushed her, such as when he said they were doing a lift, she'd ask if there was an alternative, and he'd say no, so she did it!
There was a nice VT from Balvinder's sister (Manjeet, I think, apologies if I've got it wrong), who said Bal's an inspiration to Manjeet's daughters, strong and beautiful. (I'm going to say she can be an inspiration to more than her neices.) Balvinder talked about having a tough year (when her mother died) and that there'd been sadness and grief, some of which carried on through Strictly, but that overall it helped doing something new.
Watching her Strictly journey got to Balvinder a little bit, starting (I think) with her Couples' Choice and then her at Blackpool.
Fleur asked if Bal's going to keep dancing, and she said she's thought about it, but doesn't know where to go. Julian then said that as she liked the Argentine Tango, they are going to get together with Maria and Leandro to do some more.
That was a nice interview. I think Balvinder's got a lot out of Strictly, even if maybe a couple more dance-offs than was fair (I think her Paso Doble one was especially sad), but overall I think she enjoyed the experience, and Julian seems to have got a lot out of it too. It only seems right to knock off Abba and rewrite possibly their most-loved hit in honour of Balvinder Sopal.
Sunday night and the light turns red,
It's no time to lose your head.
Mmm, when they play back your music,
This is when you thrive.
You're gonna dance to survive.
Anybody could lose to you,
You know just what you need to do,
When you hear your song's music, it's all on the line,
You've got to push on through.
When in the bottom two...
You are the dance-off queen,
Strong and brave, doing your routine.
Dance-off queen,
Hard to beat, that much we've seen, oh yeah.
You can win, you can thrive,
Keeping your dance dreams alive.
Ooh, keep it tight, movements clean,
We dig the dance-off queen.
We had a nice VT about a group of dancing dad's, who met because their kids were taking dance classes, and they decided to perform a routine themselves in the showcase event. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey talked to them about the group being a place where men can chat about problems, as well as dance. Harry joined in a little bit. I liked how it encouraged men to have a go at dance and also as a reminder that it can be really helpful to talk to your peers about stuff that's bothering you.
The show closed with a panel of former finalists. Denise van Outen, Danny Mac and JB Gill. I liked this. I think it helped in a way that they were all very good finalists, but none of them wonl it's maybe a bit more relatable.
A lot of this has already been covered, but I'll mention the things that stood out for me. JB was mainly talking about not worrying too much about things, just going out and giving it everything you have. He also mentioned that you never know what might happen, which might be true this year, but I don't think applied in 2024 when he took part!
I thought Danny was especially interesting. He shook his head when Amber's social media savaging came up. I think that if you can implement his advice, it's sound. It was basically that you'll never win over these people who attack you, so if you can't change them try not to worry and instead concentrate on all the positive things you get from friends and family, the people who are supporting you, and dance for them. It's actually a little bit like what George said on the results show.
Denise said it can be hard to come back from a semi-final dance off, which she did, but you need to put it behind you. When she asked Danny if it was right he'd been in the s-f dance-off, he didn't seem too thrilled to recall it. (Hardly surprising!) I'm not sure Fleur liked the reminder about her four DOs from JB either!
Denise had some slightly odd advice about the showdance, which is to include the things you like and are good at, but also some of the stuff you weren't good at. And some lifts. I've slightly misrepresented that for effect! She really meant include some stuff that maybe you didn't get right during the series, to show how much you've improved.
They talked a bit about the couples' favourite dances which they are going to repeat. I wasn't at all surprised that Amber's doing her Jive, but hasn't expected Karen to choose hers. Danny said it had been unexpected, but in a way it's a great opportunity to show how much you've grown. George is going back almost as far, to his week two Paso Doble, which the panel thought showed he's got a serious side too.
On the finalists, everyone agreed that Amber is great. They were impressed by Karen too, but what slightly surprised me was how much Danny Mac seemed to like George, especially his Samba. (But much as I like George, I'm not sure he really did have Danny Mac hips, Fleur, but of course they like to big up the current crop of contestants.) I didn't quite follow exactly what Danny said, but it was sort of that in not taking the Samba too seriously, George ended up doing a really good Samba.
Along with Amber and Nikita, and Jo Clifton, three of the singers are on Tuesday's show.
BTW, what's this stuff about Danny's ears? They looked OK to me.
Balvinder and Julian on the sofa and they're pretty upbeat. She's thrilled she made it as far as she did in the series. Julian said when he first met her he thought they would have some laughs and have a good time and that did happen. He doubted himself as a teacher and wasn't sure he could could get them there. He didn't believe in himself as much as a dancer as he does now, and that's credited to Balvinder and also Strictly. Such a lovely man, so beautifully said.
Balvinder had fun with the salsa. She said as the competition went on her confidence grew and she credits Julian for the partnership they had and the way he encouraged her to step up and create the magic. She said it's very easy to become something your not to get people to vote for you or like you, but she tried to stay true to herself and keep her dignity, not change, and that's something Julian respected and let her show.
Bal said she wasn't nervous in the DO. She said Amber is a wonderful contestant and woman, she's of a different caliber than the rest. She said going up against Amber was game over for them. Bal didn't know anything coming into Strictly so it was all new. Julian said they did what they always do, no matter who they're against in the DO, they concentrated on themselves and do what they can.
Lovely VT from Balvinders sister, saying there's no better role model for her girls than their aunt Balvinder. They had a very hard year last year and this competition kind of brought them all together. Must say, this woman is a fighter. She wants to continue dancing but really doen't know where to go to keep it up. Julian said they'll dance together again, which I found a lovely thought.
Bib Why didn't Julian believe in himself as a dancer, I thought all the Pros invited on Strictly had some sort of championship credentials
In a couple of interviews I seem to remember that Jules mentioned that he had auditioned for Strictly a few years ago but didn’t make it. Maybe that contributed to him doubting that dance was for him. How wonderful for him to rediscover his love of dance through this very special partnership with Bal. Jules is a gem and I hope he has a long Strictly career ahead.
Julian seems a nice person & a supportive partner but there are better teachers, choreographers, dancers who bizarrely (not Jason's pet) don't always get partners, so I would only be in favour of him staying if there is room, with exactly the same applying to Alexis. The bad feeling that must have been created this year by hiring new people (not blaming them, just a pretty disgusting way to run things by those in charge) instead of using who was there, as well as the cost, must not happen next series when the show may be at it's most vulnerable.
Balvinder and Julian on the sofa and they're pretty upbeat. She's thrilled she made it as far as she did in the series. Julian said when he first met her he thought they would have some laughs and have a good time and that did happen. He doubted himself as a teacher and wasn't sure he could could get them there. He didn't believe in himself as much as a dancer as he does now, and that's credited to Balvinder and also Strictly. Such a lovely man, so beautifully said.
Balvinder had fun with the salsa. She said as the competition went on her confidence grew and she credits Julian for the partnership they had and the way he encouraged her to step up and create the magic. She said it's very easy to become something your not to get people to vote for you or like you, but she tried to stay true to herself and keep her dignity, not change, and that's something Julian respected and let her show.
Bal said she wasn't nervous in the DO. She said Amber is a wonderful contestant and woman, she's of a different caliber than the rest. She said going up against Amber was game over for them. Bal didn't know anything coming into Strictly so it was all new. Julian said they did what they always do, no matter who they're against in the DO, they concentrated on themselves and do what they can.
Lovely VT from Balvinders sister, saying there's no better role model for her girls than their aunt Balvinder. They had a very hard year last year and this competition kind of brought them all together. Must say, this woman is a fighter. She wants to continue dancing but really doen't know where to go to keep it up. Julian said they'll dance together again, which I found a lovely thought.
Bib Why didn't Julian believe in himself as a dancer, I thought all the Pros invited on Strictly had some sort of championship credentials
He said "I have never believed in myself as a dancer as much as I do now and that's thanks to Bal" (my emphasis).
So he did believe in himself as a dancer - and now he believes it even more.
Balvinder and Julian on the sofa and they're pretty upbeat. She's thrilled she made it as far as she did in the series. Julian said when he first met her he thought they would have some laughs and have a good time and that did happen. He doubted himself as a teacher and wasn't sure he could could get them there. He didn't believe in himself as much as a dancer as he does now, and that's credited to Balvinder and also Strictly. Such a lovely man, so beautifully said.
Balvinder had fun with the salsa. She said as the competition went on her confidence grew and she credits Julian for the partnership they had and the way he encouraged her to step up and create the magic. She said it's very easy to become something your not to get people to vote for you or like you, but she tried to stay true to herself and keep her dignity, not change, and that's something Julian respected and let her show.
Bal said she wasn't nervous in the DO. She said Amber is a wonderful contestant and woman, she's of a different caliber than the rest. She said going up against Amber was game over for them. Bal didn't know anything coming into Strictly so it was all new. Julian said they did what they always do, no matter who they're against in the DO, they concentrated on themselves and do what they can.
Lovely VT from Balvinders sister, saying there's no better role model for her girls than their aunt Balvinder. They had a very hard year last year and this competition kind of brought them all together. Must say, this woman is a fighter. She wants to continue dancing but really doen't know where to go to keep it up. Julian said they'll dance together again, which I found a lovely thought.
Bib Why didn't Julian believe in himself as a dancer, I thought all the Pros invited on Strictly had some sort of championship credentials
In a couple of interviews I seem to remember that Jules mentioned that he had auditioned for Strictly a few years ago but didn’t make it. Maybe that contributed to him doubting that dance was for him. How wonderful for him to rediscover his love of dance through this very special partnership with Bal. Jules is a gem and I hope he has a long Strictly career ahead.
I followed the seasons of DWTS Australia Jules was on and my take was that he seemed a bit...mismanaged? underutilized? by that version of the show? (that said, he was only on one live full-length season, the other 2 were "accelerated", pre-taped All-Star seasons. and one of those All-Star seasons, his celeb was eliminated in a very...curated elim. but i digress...) it seemed like his "role" in that edition was to partner fodder celebs and their pro lineup seems to be a bit of a revolving door. i don't know if Jules not returning was his decision (choosing to get more into the fitness arena) or if he got axed. but I'm glad he gave dance one more try and Strictly said yes. He may have needed a little time to cook and hit his stride but I do feel he proved his worth as a pro. things happen for a reason...and maybe not in the expected timeline.
Balvinder and Julian on the sofa and they're pretty upbeat. She's thrilled she made it as far as she did in the series. Julian said when he first met her he thought they would have some laughs and have a good time and that did happen. He doubted himself as a teacher and wasn't sure he could could get them there. He didn't believe in himself as much as a dancer as he does now, and that's credited to Balvinder and also Strictly. Such a lovely man, so beautifully said.
Balvinder had fun with the salsa. She said as the competition went on her confidence grew and she credits Julian for the partnership they had and the way he encouraged her to step up and create the magic. She said it's very easy to become something your not to get people to vote for you or like you, but she tried to stay true to herself and keep her dignity, not change, and that's something Julian respected and let her show.
Bal said she wasn't nervous in the DO. She said Amber is a wonderful contestant and woman, she's of a different caliber than the rest. She said going up against Amber was game over for them. Bal didn't know anything coming into Strictly so it was all new. Julian said they did what they always do, no matter who they're against in the DO, they concentrated on themselves and do what they can.
Lovely VT from Balvinders sister, saying there's no better role model for her girls than their aunt Balvinder. They had a very hard year last year and this competition kind of brought them all together. Must say, this woman is a fighter. She wants to continue dancing but really doen't know where to go to keep it up. Julian said they'll dance together again, which I found a lovely thought.
Bib Why didn't Julian believe in himself as a dancer, I thought all the Pros invited on Strictly had some sort of championship credentials
In a couple of interviews I seem to remember that Jules mentioned that he had auditioned for Strictly a few years ago but didn’t make it. Maybe that contributed to him doubting that dance was for him. How wonderful for him to rediscover his love of dance through this very special partnership with Bal. Jules is a gem and I hope he has a long Strictly career ahead.
I followed the seasons of DWTS Australia Jules was on and my take was that he seemed a bit...mismanaged? underutilized? by that version of the show? (that said, he was only on one live full-length season, the other 2 were "accelerated", pre-taped All-Star seasons. and one of those All-Star seasons, his celeb was eliminated in a very...curated elim. but i digress...) it seemed like his "role" in that edition was to partner fodder celebs and their pro lineup seems to be a bit of a revolving door. i don't know if Jules not returning was his decision (choosing to get more into the fitness arena) or if he got axed. but I'm glad he gave dance one more try and Strictly said yes. He may have needed a little time to cook and hit his stride but I do feel he proved his worth as a pro. things happen for a reason...and maybe not in the expected timeline.
Thank you for that insight - interesting to hear how the other franchises operate
You were certainly on form with your review @Crimson Arrow loved the take on the Abba song too.
Thanks @NYGirl for the insight into DWTS Australia. I 'm glad Julian came to strictly too and am glad he was able to reinforce his love of dancing by taking part and having Balvinder as a partner.
You were certainly on form with your review @Crimson Arrow loved the take on the Abba song too.
Thanks @NYGirl for the insight into DWTS Australia. I 'm glad Julian came to strictly too and am glad he was able to reinforce his love of dancing by taking part and having Balvinder as a partner.
Being in all those DO's must have been crappy for him too if he was feeling insecure about his abilites as a dancer/teacher.
You were certainly on form with your review @Crimson Arrow loved the take on the Abba song too.
Thanks @NYGirl for the insight into DWTS Australia. I 'm glad Julian came to strictly too and am glad he was able to reinforce his love of dancing by taking part and having Balvinder as a partner.
Being in all those DO's must have been crappy for him too if he was feeling insecure about his abilites as a dancer/teacher.
As an aside, it was interesting that they used Harry to visit the dancing dads, rather than one of the Strictly pros, which is how it always used to be with such features.
Hi everyone! It's Tuesday and "Fleurday". It's our final week of Strictly, as Fleur pointed out. Tonight we will have Amber & Nikita on the sofa, the Strictly Singers Tommy, Hailey & Andrea will be here and we'll get a look at training from the Christmas show. Also Joanne is here with the final Choreography Corner.
Interesting comments in parts of the media on Balvinder’s remarks last night as interpreted on other social media sites … Anyway, tonight we have the “other level” Amber.
If Karen was extending from mid to low back for her waltz, I hope she was protecting it and that’s much harder than thoracic extension. Well done her. She’s so strong.
Missed the George bit but I like meerkats 🤓
Ok, I liked that demo and it shows the power in ballroom dances when there is strength in the standing leg to stride out in whichever direction needed.
I think the more novice dancers benefits from being characters. Lots of times I’ve heard celebs mention it, so pros should use it more.
I can see Joanne loving Amber’s CC. Amber is so strong because she makes strenuous moves look effortless and soft.
Choreography Corner is first up.
Joanne mentioned Karen has a spine problem and had a diagram to show how she adapted her posture to keep the frame for her waltz.
George had his head and body down and forward, which gave him a S shape. He needed to be more like a meerkat and perk up straight.
Amber looked brilliant to JC and she like the head whips Amber did. We had a demo time of how they moved across the floor with the limited space they had.
Karen was a bit bouncy but not as "skippy" as Craig complained. She bounced once and the other time was part of the choreography.
George is best when he's in character. He wasn't stompy as Craig mentioned. She thinks he needs to find a character for every dance because then he loses himself and gets more into the dance.
Amber's couples choice was stunning and was one that JC would have loved to dance.
Strictly singers minus Jamie. I miss Lance and preferred his voice to Tommy and he was the one who did Gangnam Style, not Tommy and I get annoyed when it’s wrongly attributed 😠
Comments
Best “filler” item on ITT this year
I agree, Balvinder didn't mean anything unpleasant with that remark,
What a great ITT, I love Bal and Julian and am so pleased they reached the semi final, in a way, it would have been good if they'd won, as an older lady has never won Strictly, their leaving speeches moved me on Sunday, whereas Lewis and Katya's didn't, (have just watched EE and Bal was in a scene, as Suki),
I really like Julian and hope he comes back next year,
loved the section with Harry and the men's dance group, it's a fantastic idea,
also liked all the panel, such great dancers in their respective years, and good to see Fleur and Denise in a colourful top / dress
This seemed kind of short of me, but perhaps that's because by this stage there are a lot of dance to cover in the "Strictly journey" film (and even then it left out the instant dance and dance relay).
I'm getting ahead of myself here, and must apologise that I had quite a bad night, and I've been slightly fuzzy all day, so I'm bound to forget stuff.
Fleur opened with the "what would your week one self think of how weel you did" question. Balvinder said she couldn't have believed she'd be in the final four, and a semi-finalist; it's unreal. Julian said that he also never thought he'd get this far, which gave a bit of a
I always think it's lovely when the pro learns something too. They often say it, but I think sometimes it's not genuine, but I believe it here. Bal's taught Julian about resilience and perseverance, and also that he's a good professional partner. I know early on some doubted Julian (and maybe some still do), but I think he was perfect for Bal. There was something about his supportive nature and her strength that got them through some trying times.
She really was the true dance-off assassin. It occurred to me earlier that we've lost twelve couples from the contest, but excluding the two who had to withdraw and of course Bal herself, Balvinder's eliminated more than 50% of the contestants (exactly 50% if you do include her).
When she spoke about Amber being a different calibre of dancer, I'm not sure that there was too much meant by it other than Amber's an amazing dancer. Balvinder mentioned being a novice and while I've read that she's done a bit of ballroom socially, I don't think she was especially trained. She and Julian said that they still went out and gave it everyting, even though the odds were against them. I thought Bal's second attempt at the Salsa was a big improvement, but she wasn't beating a 40 dance. ETA: Having written that, I did notice that when Bal started talking about how good Amber was, Julian sort of nipped into the conversation, like he might have been making sure it didn't go down a particular route.
While they talked a bit about the semi-final dances, I can't recall much about it. I know that in relation to the Waltz Bal talked about telling a story in the dance and being authentic, not changing who you are. I also liked her comment (which I think she's made before) that Julian pushed her, such as when he said they were doing a lift, she'd ask if there was an alternative, and he'd say no, so she did it!
There was a nice VT from Balvinder's sister (Manjeet, I think, apologies if I've got it wrong), who said Bal's an inspiration to Manjeet's daughters, strong and beautiful. (I'm going to say she can be an inspiration to more than her neices.) Balvinder talked about having a tough year (when her mother died) and that there'd been sadness and grief, some of which carried on through Strictly, but that overall it helped doing something new.
Watching her Strictly journey got to Balvinder a little bit, starting (I think) with her Couples' Choice and then her at Blackpool.
Fleur asked if Bal's going to keep dancing, and she said she's thought about it, but doesn't know where to go. Julian then said that as she liked the Argentine Tango, they are going to get together with Maria and Leandro to do some more.
That was a nice interview. I think Balvinder's got a lot out of Strictly, even if maybe a couple more dance-offs than was fair (I think her Paso Doble one was especially sad), but overall I think she enjoyed the experience, and Julian seems to have got a lot out of it too. It only seems right to knock off Abba and rewrite possibly their most-loved hit in honour of Balvinder Sopal.
Sunday night and the light turns red,
It's no time to lose your head.
Mmm, when they play back your music,
This is when you thrive.
You're gonna dance to survive.
Anybody could lose to you,
You know just what you need to do,
When you hear your song's music, it's all on the line,
You've got to push on through.
When in the bottom two...
You are the dance-off queen,
Strong and brave, doing your routine.
Dance-off queen,
Hard to beat, that much we've seen, oh yeah.
You can win, you can thrive,
Keeping your dance dreams alive.
Ooh, keep it tight, movements clean,
We dig the dance-off queen.
We had a nice VT about a group of dancing dad's, who met because their kids were taking dance classes, and they decided to perform a routine themselves in the showcase event. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey talked to them about the group being a place where men can chat about problems, as well as dance. Harry joined in a little bit. I liked how it encouraged men to have a go at dance and also as a reminder that it can be really helpful to talk to your peers about stuff that's bothering you.
The show closed with a panel of former finalists. Denise van Outen, Danny Mac and JB Gill. I liked this. I think it helped in a way that they were all very good finalists, but none of them wonl it's maybe a bit more relatable.
A lot of this has already been covered, but I'll mention the things that stood out for me. JB was mainly talking about not worrying too much about things, just going out and giving it everything you have. He also mentioned that you never know what might happen, which might be true this year, but I don't think applied in 2024 when he took part!
I thought Danny was especially interesting. He shook his head when Amber's social media savaging came up. I think that if you can implement his advice, it's sound. It was basically that you'll never win over these people who attack you, so if you can't change them try not to worry and instead concentrate on all the positive things you get from friends and family, the people who are supporting you, and dance for them. It's actually a little bit like what George said on the results show.
Denise said it can be hard to come back from a semi-final dance off, which she did, but you need to put it behind you. When she asked Danny if it was right he'd been in the s-f dance-off, he didn't seem too thrilled to recall it. (Hardly surprising!) I'm not sure Fleur liked the reminder about her four DOs from JB either!
Denise had some slightly odd advice about the showdance, which is to include the things you like and are good at, but also some of the stuff you weren't good at. And some lifts. I've slightly misrepresented that for effect! She really meant include some stuff that maybe you didn't get right during the series, to show how much you've improved.
They talked a bit about the couples' favourite dances which they are going to repeat. I wasn't at all surprised that Amber's doing her Jive, but hasn't expected Karen to choose hers. Danny said it had been unexpected, but in a way it's a great opportunity to show how much you've grown. George is going back almost as far, to his week two Paso Doble, which the panel thought showed he's got a serious side too.
On the finalists, everyone agreed that Amber is great. They were impressed by Karen too, but what slightly surprised me was how much Danny Mac seemed to like George, especially his Samba. (But much as I like George, I'm not sure he really did have Danny Mac hips, Fleur, but of course they like to big up the current crop of contestants.) I didn't quite follow exactly what Danny said, but it was sort of that in not taking the Samba too seriously, George ended up doing a really good Samba.
Along with Amber and Nikita, and Jo Clifton, three of the singers are on Tuesday's show.
BTW, what's this stuff about Danny's ears? They looked OK to me.
Ear today, song tomorrow.
In a couple of interviews I seem to remember that Jules mentioned that he had auditioned for Strictly a few years ago but didn’t make it. Maybe that contributed to him doubting that dance was for him. How wonderful for him to rediscover his love of dance through this very special partnership with Bal. Jules is a gem and I hope he has a long Strictly career ahead.
He said "I have never believed in myself as a dancer as much as I do now and that's thanks to Bal" (my emphasis).
So he did believe in himself as a dancer - and now he believes it even more.
I followed the seasons of DWTS Australia Jules was on and my take was that he seemed a bit...mismanaged? underutilized? by that version of the show? (that said, he was only on one live full-length season, the other 2 were "accelerated", pre-taped All-Star seasons. and one of those All-Star seasons, his celeb was eliminated in a very...curated elim. but i digress...) it seemed like his "role" in that edition was to partner fodder celebs and their pro lineup seems to be a bit of a revolving door. i don't know if Jules not returning was his decision (choosing to get more into the fitness arena) or if he got axed. but I'm glad he gave dance one more try and Strictly said yes. He may have needed a little time to cook and hit his stride but I do feel he proved his worth as a pro. things happen for a reason...and maybe not in the expected timeline.
Thank you for that insight - interesting to hear how the other franchises operate
Thanks @NYGirl for the insight into DWTS Australia. I 'm glad Julian came to strictly too and am glad he was able to reinforce his love of dancing by taking part and having Balvinder as a partner.
Being in all those DO's must have been crappy for him too if he was feeling insecure about his abilites as a dancer/teacher.
He did well supporting Bal through the dance offs
Interesting comments in parts of the media on Balvinder’s remarks last night as interpreted on other social media sites … Anyway, tonight we have the “other level” Amber.
Begin with the (not) choreography corner.
Missed the George bit but I like meerkats 🤓
Ok, I liked that demo and it shows the power in ballroom dances when there is strength in the standing leg to stride out in whichever direction needed.
I think the more novice dancers benefits from being characters. Lots of times I’ve heard celebs mention it, so pros should use it more.
I can see Joanne loving Amber’s CC. Amber is so strong because she makes strenuous moves look effortless and soft.
Joanne mentioned Karen has a spine problem and had a diagram to show how she adapted her posture to keep the frame for her waltz.
George had his head and body down and forward, which gave him a S shape. He needed to be more like a meerkat and perk up straight.
Amber looked brilliant to JC and she like the head whips Amber did. We had a demo time of how they moved across the floor with the limited space they had.
Karen was a bit bouncy but not as "skippy" as Craig complained. She bounced once and the other time was part of the choreography.
George is best when he's in character. He wasn't stompy as Craig mentioned. She thinks he needs to find a character for every dance because then he loses himself and gets more into the dance.
Amber's couples choice was stunning and was one that JC would have loved to dance.
Hi Hamstrdam. Not many of these left now and I’m going miss the hi 😊
It has! I hope you have some good memories given everything that’s happened to you and yours following the RTC.
I have thank you. Strictly has been a good distraction the past few months