Last week we really enjoyed hosting a few of the Strictly Come Dancing stars in our box at the Royal Albert Hall for the International Dance Championships. We welcomed Gleb Savchenko, his partner Anita Rani and his wife Elena Samodanova, as well as Giovanni Pernice & Georgia May Foote, Daniel O'Donnell & Kristina Rihanoff, Joanne Clifton, James & Ola Jordan and more!
As part of our work with the BBC on supplying the shoes for 'Strictly Come Dancing' we thought we'd invite one of our sponsored dancers to give us their thoughts on the show that will dominate television screens across the country between now and Christmas.
Neil Jones, who along with partner Katya Jones are choreographers on the show, gives us his thoughts on the third week. Here's his thoughts couple by couple, do you agree or disagree? Neil's comments on the exit of Anthony Ogogo are at the bottom!
First up this week was Carol Kirkwood and Pasha Kovalev with their Quickstep. This really is a tough dance. I do love Carol but she's not the most natural dancer. She looked better as the dance progressed but needs to improve the position in her top line and stretch through her spine. It's nice to see she's improving so let's hope she sticks around. Rated: 5.
Next up with a Rocky themed Paso Doble was Anthony Ogogo with Oti Mabuse. This was never going to be easy with one arm but I do think there was an improvement from him. I disagree with Bruno's comments and I think he did display musicality. 'Eye of the Tiger' is one of my favourite songs but it's very direct. I think that this was his best dance so far, but he does need to work on his shapes and soften his body to create more powerful lines. Rated: 6.
Next up is the so far very impressive Katie Derham and Anton du Beke with their ChaCha. Katie looks great at moments, especially when standing still in positions. I do have to agree with Craig in his comments and I feel that her body has a delay when she moves, which is because she doesn't connect her body. I think that's the main area she needs to work on. Rated: 5.
Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton were next with an incredible Star Wars themed Charleston! Who would have thought Star Wars and a Charleston would mix so well! For me it's the best routine of the series and she looked like a professional. Rated: 8.
Following up with a ChaCha was Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe and it's such a shame that he forgot his steps! On the bright side he covers it well. I think we should judge on a ChaCha but his weight is really far back so his weight doesn't get on his front leg in time. I still always like Ainsley as he's so entertaining but he needs a lot of work on his technique. As I've said before though, dancing isn't 100% about technique so he's still done a good job here. Rated: 5.
Next up was Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice with their Rumba and this is 100% the sexiest dance I've seen on the series so far! I think she danced great, please just watch out for the feet and make sure they're turned out. I have to agree with the judges on saying that there was not enough basic content and a forward basic should be on the count of two. I think it's important to understand that any faults this time should be on Giovanni and not Georgia, a lot could be learned from Anton. I would love to have given this an 8, but it's lower because of a lack of Rumba. Rated: 6.
Helen George and Aljaž Skorjanec went up next with their Foxtrot and this was superb. Helen is amazing. The main thing to work on is softening the knees but the technique is fabulous. Rated: 8.
Up next with a ChaCha was Daniel O'Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff. Go Danny boy! I found it hard to watch his technique because I found myself smiling so much! I thought it was a great performance again this week and I think the judges were a bit harsh. For me, for the ChaCha you need to be more direct and get your body and weight on to the standing leg more. Rated: 6.
Next up was was Kirsty Gallacher & Brendon Cole with their Lady and the Tramp themed American Smooth. There was a few mistakes and Kirsty needs to work on her footwork, in particular her heel leads, but clearly she is improving. Rated: 6.
A Pirates of the Caribbean themed Paso Doble was next up for Peter Andre and Janette Manrara. For the story and the music choice I felt that this was a great performance. Of course as the competition continues, Peter needs to keep improving his shoulder line and a wider base would help his shapes. Rated: 7.
Next up with a Salsa was Jamelia & Tristan MacManus. I love Salsa because it has no technique, it's purely about the music and rhythm. Jamelia was much better this week, though I was a bit worried at one point when I thought Tristan was going to pull out her hair! She needs to let loose in the salsa to create more musicality and be cautious not to lift the feet so high. Rated: 5.
Jeremy Vine & Karen Clifton were up next with their Top Hat Charleston. This is easily the best performance so far from Jeremy and I can see these two have really worked hard. Jeremy will always find dancing hard because of his long limbs but there was no dad-dancing this week! Rated: 7.
Following on we had Anita Rani & Gleb Savchenko and their American Smooth. Again, a great job from these guys and I think all the girls want a 'Gleb Special'! I loved this dance and of course it needs a bit more work but she is one of my favourites on this show and should easily be a finalist. Rated: 8.
Finally it was Jay McGuiness & Aliona Vilani with their Jive. BOOM! That's how you do it! The Jive is my favourite dance and for me these guys deserve a standing ovation. I think it's a bit early for a 10, but still on dancing I would put my wife on Jay winning this series! Rated: 9.
This week I thought it was a shame that Anthony went. I would have loved to have seen him improve. I don't think he gave the worst performance of the week, I think that on the basis of going wrong, Ainsley probably achieved that by going wrong more times than Anthony. I guess judges may see Ainsley as a bit more of a personality on the show, and thoroughly entertaining. Tweet me your thoughts using the links below and let me know if you agree or disagree with my comments!
Follow my live tweets next week by following me: @Mr_NJones. Also, follow me on Periscope for my thoughts after each show! Follow me (@Mr_NJones) by clicking here!
