I know that every year there are some celebs who overachieve or underachieve because of their pro dancer - the lucky ones get the better teachers, or the clever choreographers - but this year it's really bugging me because of Matt. He has such huge natural talent, yet Aliona's choreography often showcases her, not him, and her routines don't seem to be developing his skills. I've never warmed to Natalie, but now I'm beginning to, as week after week she showcases Scott and brings out the best in him.

Also, why don't the judges direct their comments to the pro when they are criticising something in the choreography?
I wish they would be more outspoken to Aliona, or Natalie and Scott are going to leave them standing (or Matt standing, lifting Aliona...).

Anyone else feeling like a pro is holding back their celeb? Or the opposite?

Jared Murillo. Tina wouldn't ever be the best dancer but she'd have been a lot better with Vincent, or Darren if he hadn't been dumped in the Troupe. I also think Gavbot would have been a little better with Erin too as Katya is just too much of a bot herself. I do love Katya though. Oh, Kara with James. Because I love James, she's damn good (as is Pamela, I'm just thinking potential awesomeness), and she did want him as her pro. I like Artem but think James is superior at all the things a strictly pro has to do.

I would love to have seen Tina with Darren. I think Kara & Artem are a great partnership - he looks to be a great teacher & choreographer. Also I can't picture Pamela with anyone other than James.

I also think Darren would have done wonders for Tina. I don't have any issues with any other pairings this year, especially love Kara & Artem and Scott & Natalie.

I don't get the issue with Aliona. I think she choreographs good routines. If Matt isn't wowing people, maybe it's because he's not as great as you all think. It can't all be Aliona's fault.

I'm not Aliona's biggest fan, neither am I Matt's. I don't deny that they work well together but I just find them boring. They've shown too much whilst never topping the leaderboard alone. And when they have topped it, they did gimmicks whilst the other toppee didn't. Without the spectacle, where do they go now?

I agree. I think he's not bad but not in the league of Scott, Pamela or Kara. I also don't really get their partnership. I just think that the complaints about Aliona's choreography by the Matt fans are a way to mask the issues they obviously see in Matt's talent that they don't want to admit to

Quite. I think if Aliona left the props alone, not much would change. I respect their talent, but Matt is not the best dancer in the competition IMO and neither is Aliona the most talented female pro IMO again. I don't think they gel, and whilst I hate the "smug" accusation, for me this year they would get it. When the series started I did think he was a shoo in for the title, but I actually really don't now. I reckon Scott. If not him then Kara or Pam. And I would be happy with any of those three as they are my top three, even with Pam's jive tonight.

Aliona'a choreography is all at breakneck speed.
There is no light & shade in her routines.

I think she makes life harder for Matt.

Yup quite agree........they have not so far done a dance that wasnt at 100 miles an hour.......she needs to tone it down a lot.....but she sits there on ITT with that little smile of hers thinking she has got it all right......its very fortunate for her that she has got a celeb who can keep up with her (just) or she would have had an early exit again I think.