http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lcPZLtpOiQ

Gethin's lovely slow FT AS...not Hollywood but it works

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRYZEaaFOOc

Tom's awesome hollywood style AS. First lift is horrible but I loved it.

I agree with this. I'm not going to Ricky-bash because I really like him and really, really want him in the final (haven't yet decided who I want to win as I had been hoping Jade would improve enough to match Ricky and Ali, but as it is, I'd be happy with either of those two because I like watching them dance!), however that one particular moment in that one dance, I disliked. I completely understand why some of his fans instinctively roll their eyes at any criticism of him, as so many people on here are decidedly *not* Ricky fans, but for me at any rate, this isn't a criticism of him but of a step in a routine that was otherwise beautiful to watch.

I was disappointed with that lift because I'd been looking forward to his AS and the rest of it was understated, elegant and charming, but although he executed the lift well, I just didn't like the style of it and would have far prefered something softer and more elegant with a bit more shaping to it. As it was, I was impressed but not charmed by the "crowd-pleasing" lift, that appears to have backfired on them quite a bit.

I loved Ricky's AS and the lift, for me he is the best dancer in SCD this year.

I just don't like the lift full stop. It's more like a weightlifting move than a dance move, and I can't see any dance where it would fit.
The rest of the dance was lovely though, and I liked Natalie's dress. The only dress that I thought was truly dreadful was Erin Boag's.

I agreed with Len. Not really in keeping with the rest of the dance for me.

The rest of the choreography was good and played to Ricky's dancing strengths (pretty much everything then) but I agree that it jarred with the rest of the routine.

The lift that I think looks the best and still has plenty of wow factor is the type that Ali and Brian did. I'm sure it's got a proper name, but Monkseal calls it the Floating Shitake Mushroom which is a pretty good summary of it.
Phil and Katya did a version of it too.

I'm sure Natalie could have choreographed a really showy version of that which could have exploited Ricky's physical strength yet still looked elegant.

Since people are posting their favourite AS routines, here's mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPkdb...eature=channel

I loved the look, the music and the charisma. Even with an extra lift (I'd have cut out the second one) this is the best AS there has ever been on SCD. Interestingly, the judges have played down the extra lifts this series. It was all part of casting Brendan as the bad boy. Kelly is the best female never to win SCD and I rate her more highly than Alesha. That said, I don't think Ali needs to add very much to be in the same league. I thought her foxtrot was magic and no couple can touch her and Brian for grace and elegance.

The lift was impressive, but it wasn't dancing.

So pleased Craig and Len actually told the truth - it was a dead easy lift. Nothing like Mark Ramps (which people have compared it to on this board) in the showdance where he lifted her perpendicular - for reasons of weight distribution far trickier. I would argue Austin's handless balancing of Erin on his shoulder while spinning was also much more difficult.

I really didn't agree with Len. I also felt it unfair to penalize the celebrity's mark for the choreography which is the responsibility. I often agree with Len but this time he certainly WAS ott. It's not as if Ricky had to stop and strain or make any jerky movements in order to accomplish the feat. So what if it was a crowd pleaser. And as Craig said, they weren't taking it for granted that they'd be in the final so they included it while they had the opportunity; it's not as if it was an illegal lift. Talk about mountain and molehill!

Kelly's was a lovely American Smooth. I would have cut out the first lift though like Arlene said. I thought it was a good dance but her frame was lacking refinement and strength in places.

I've got a fair bit of sympathy for Len's opinion, because I also felt it was too 'big' a lift for such a smooth, romantic dance, but it's completely a matter of taste and artistic impression so I don't think Len should have made half as big a deal of it as he did.

As long as it's fair and legal (which it was) it's fine for the judges to state an opinion about it, but there was no need for him to be so angry at all.

Nat and Ricky implied that they wanted a spectacular lift in case they didn't make the final: this I can understand, but on the assumption that they do make the final and perform a showdance, can they top that lift?

That was the second time he got OTT with her. The first was when she tried to take the blame for the Tango. I thought it was lovely how she tried to take the blame for Ricky's mistake but, when he said "I'll take a point off you and if try any of that nonsense" I was very disappointed with him. Yes, tell her off but, not in such an nasty way.

Agree with you there Laura. I think it is coming up to grumpy time with Len it happens every year. I am somewhat going off Len as I do think he can be rude and there was no need to have a go at Natalie just because he did not like it in the dance.
As for Natalie defending Ricky she is not the only Pro to do that I remember Camilla taking the blame with Tom when something went wrong in one of their dances.
I think Natalie is very protective of Ricky and she always takes on board anything the judges say with good grace.