In my opinion over the last couple of weeks in particular the most interesting, innovative as well as entertaining choreography has come from our Russian contingent of pro dancers. I’m not saying that none of the other pros have delivered notable performances – just that the Russian Quartet of Artem, Christina, Aliona and Pasha have been more consistent with the level of their choreography. Of course it helps that they have the more able and talented celebs but it is equally clear that their choreography stands out from the crowd. Good or bad, their work generally merits a reaction and discussion.


Artems choreography is very innovative and passionate. He’s a hard taskmaster, constantly pushing for perfection. He tends to imprint his style on his celebs whilst enhancing their own. Having had two good celebs he’s been able to showcase his skills but l feel confident that he will still be able to deliver should he get a less able student as l think he has that innate ability to take on a challenge and run with it.

Christina has bags of energy, enthusiasm and sex appeal. She seems brimming with ideas especially as she has been unable up until now to really showcase her skills due to being unlucky with her given celebs. Her celeb this year allows us to see her unique style of drama and excitement. Though even with John Sargent she showed that she was able to create memorable routines even if they weren’t remembered for the right reasons!

Aliona is a difficult one, as she’s a very good dancer but for me suffers from the ‘less is more’ syndrome. I loved seeing her dance with Matthew Cuttler as they were dynamic and exciting. Matt was able to temper, match and enhance her skills, (because he was a brilliant dancer without the massive ego) something her pro partners since have not always been able to do. However, with her celebs she tends to over do it. She doesn’t always properly assess their skills and build from that. Rather, she tends to get an idea, pursuing it regardless of whether her celeb gets it or not. She also has a tendency to over dance so her celeb can sometimes seem to be doing little more than ‘phaffing’ about! Personally l think she would benefit from a second opinion when she’s working out her choreography. She’s not good at taking on criticism, however in the early stages she maybe more open to possible changes before she has totally invested in the routine and is faced with judges and live cameras! Though l don’t always think her routines work (or sometimes even for fill the brief) l like the fact that she is innovative with her ideas and always makes for lively discussion!

Pasha now is too new to give a total opinion on especially as he’s been fortunate to land a good celeb. However from what l’ve seen his choreography is very interesting, lively and sometimes very innovative. I’m also enjoying his ability to tame whilst not stifling the bundle of energy that is Chelsea. I look forward to seeing his future choreography though from what l’ve seen so far I’m sure I’m going to be very impressed.

The fact that these pros are Russian is probably a coincidence and nothing to do with how good their work is. It’s probably more to do with them being more fresh and new to the show, their ages as well as their celebs and individual strengths and styles. However, l will be surprised if all 4 don’t make the quarterfinal stage as for me they are well ahead of their rivals. I also think that Brendan and James in particular would benefit from really looking at these pro’s work as l truly believe their skills are looking very staid, dated and repetitive and they don’t seem to understand why. Of course they do both have massive egos but that aside l think if they watched say Artem and Pasha’s work alongside their own it may stop them being so defensive when criticisms are being given and look at it more as as an opportunity to develop their work. As if the older celebs we’ve had on the show over the years can learn new skills l see no reason why they can’t as well.

P.s sorry guy’s for the novel – just found it hard to stop once l started!

Interesting and well written post!

I must be blind! Until reading this thread, I hadn't even noticed that all four favourites (probably) have Russian partners. The 4 faves are talented dancers, of course, which puts a heavy thumb on the scales, but even so you're onto something. Their Pros all give choreo that commands your attention without resorting to flying, or dragging their celebrity round the floor, or any of the other tricks. And they make routines that can be hot without crotch grabbing. And with the difficult Aliona taken out of the question for the moment, they all make dances that are full of steps and difficult stuff and little waywardness.

I wonder if there's anywhere I can place a bet on a Russian lifting the trophy?

I think in fairness to the other pro's though, the four you have named have the BEST of the clebs this series. Kristina is pulling out some cracking choreography for Jason, but was lacking with Joe and Goldie. Aliona wasn't quite so good with Rav....and Pasha and Artem we have no idea what their choreography would be like with someone with limited ability.

I think most of the pros given a partner with the ability of Jason, Chelsee, Holly or Harry, would be able to produce some great routines.

swap the celebs for Russell, Lulu, Audley and Nancy and it would all be different

It's a fair point. Though Russell's been well-served by Flavia, it seems to me, and Audley by Ola too. Their limitations have been recognised and their strengths (whether of character or talent) maximised. I suspect in the case of the other two, however, given Artem and Pasha, Lulu would not have been flying, she'd have learnt more, and Nancy wouldn't have been made any more of a mockery than she was able to make of herself. Though whoever had Artem would certainly have learned a lot about human patience, tolerance, and stoicism...
(Love him really. I like the bad boys as well as the cute ones)

Audley is with Natalie.

ah yes but then the 4 best dancers would be with Ola, Natalie, Brendan and ahem Anton

What did I say? Ola? Dumb monkey
(But see, it just goes to prove how dim Pasha's fans are )

Brilliant post

I think the new pros have definately freshened things up.
James & Ola look very stale & uninspired beside them.

Kristina is producing fabulous routines for Jason.
Pasha is packing his routines with content.
Artem is a bit hit & miss this season but I loved the Swan AS.

Aliona is so frustrating though. I won't be sorry if she isn't back next year.

I liked your novel Sultry Diva! And agreed with it! And was grateful to see someone else who writes as copiously in posts as I do!

Some good points and well thought through.

I agree but I would still keep them in the show. If I were a producer ( ) I would want James & Ola and Robin and Brendan for my middle-of-the-table celebs; and Anton and Erin to be there for the more 'mature' ones. Flavia and Vincent have proven themselves capable with strong contestants as well as more middling. But the fab 4 Russians are the ones who I know will bring something more exciting to the table. And I wouldn't want to waste what they have by seeing them out in Week 3. Unfair? Yes. But I just wouldn't want to see Ola churning out her same ol'-same ol' moves in Week 9 with a great contestant while wondering what on earth we might have been treated to in the hands of Kristina or Aliona.

lots of faff and naff all steps is what

Loved your post Sultry Diva - wish the producers would think about all aspects of the show in this kind of depth.

I think Pasha is proving himself to be a real master of choreography and Kristina is also showing that given a true contender she can build an amazing routine the equal of anyone.

I also love the way Flavia has tailored Russell's choreography to his personality but my favourite current pro is Natalie. With Ricky and Scott she had partners with potential and their routines were challenging and exciting. Many on this forum refused to acknowledge her talent because her partners showed so much promise and were quick to ask "What would she do with a dud?"

Well I won't call Audley a dud, but he's not a natural dancer and won't win, yet Natalie has nurtured and encouraged him to a point where he can now take to the dance floor with some confidence.

Of the past pros I admired Darren and Lilia (another Russian) Matt Cutler and my all time male favourite Ian Waite.

I think Kristina is doing great choreography this year with Jason and I'm starting to like Pasha aswell

I feel sorry for Kristina today, thought the remarks for their rumba was really harsh. Yes it wasn't their best, but so much better than their position on the leader board suggests. Hopefully they'll come back next week ready to impress. I love her routines, top dances of the series so far for me are their 'I will survive' tango and 'bewitched'. Also like Artem's choreography but always have the feeling it wasn't performed at it's absolute best, for one reason or another. Maybe that will change as the competition hots up.

I actually think Aliona is a very good and interesting choreographer, she's just not good at choreographing for Strictly celebs. I'd quite like a proper dance troupe headed up by Aliona and Artem, both of whom appear to dislike the constraint of choreographing to the rules!

I've liked Kristina for the first time in a while this year, but while she is strong at choreographing for a good celeb, her routines for middling celebs has been a bit too focussed on her.

For me though the best choreographer in the show is Natalie.

Aliona isn't Russian - she's from Kazakhstan.

I would fully put my hands up to being doubtful about Natalie in the past but her attitude with Audley has really impressed me. I think he is a total dud - although extremely likeable - but Natalie has been upbeat and supportive, taught him well in limited timescales and really managed to disguise the extent of his deficiencies with her choreography and dancing.

do not shrink me gypsy, I serious!

great success

Eh, technically maybe. She's like me in that she was born in one place but is essentially completely from another- I'm technically Irish but I've only spent about 3 weeks of my life in Ireland. Emma Watson is French but you wouldn't call her French.

She's basically Russian for me.