She's taken alot of stick since she joined Strictly, but finally the penny seems to have dropped, and I felt a thread was in order to give Aliona some credit.

Her two routines last night in the semis were both absolutely fantastic!

The Charleston was my fave Charleston of this series, it had swivel footwork AND Lindy Hop/Swing steps and Lifts, and was very entertaining.

The VW was sublime, choreographed almost all in hold as a partnership, without her twirling round Harry and hogging the attention. It had Len drooling and finally Len and Aliona see eye to eye!

The girl done good. More Ambrosia custard for Aliona!

I echo this.
I no longer count myself an Aliona-hatah.
Well done, that woman!

I didn't like their Charleston at all......But their VW and QS were stunning.

But what do I know.....I have no dance skill or knowledge and am an armchair pundit.

Agree - loved both her routines last night. And credit to her for coming up with a Charleston that didn't rely on the usual mugging and tweeness.

Finally! I think Aliona has been doing what Karen on ITT and some others here have mentioned. Light on content at the beginning of the series to establish good solid technique on the essential bits, and then when the technique is solid-ish, then make solid choreo.

Also we should do a comparison on which pro has used the most props and gimmicks. I think we would be surprised.

Yes I was thinking last night her choreography was fantastic.
She seems to be playing by the rules ...for now.

Artem comes to mind..? Those awful lamposts ruined his VW with Holly.

I couldn't agree more. She has done some brilliant choreography this year and last night was a triumph. She always manages to please the audience but now she is giving the judges and the viewers what they want. Well done Aliona!

Yes he does!
Actually I though those lamposts added value to the dance as they danced through them making the core value ( ie rotary dance) of the VW more visually relevant.

Pasha, James and even Krsitina have been using a lot of them, and in Pasha's case were not needed (chelsee is a great dancer) nor relevant in many of them (AT anyone?).

Aliona's choreography has been much better in general this year.

I hated some of her gimmicky choreography last year, but I think this year she has got it spot on. Agree with the comments about starting of with lighter routines and gradually building up the content - I see her as the strongest choreographer this year and she has won me over because of this. I just wish the judges would give her some proper acknowledgement (which hopefully they will if she gets to the final with Harry).

She knows what she is doing.

She can do traditional straight down the line stuff every week if she wants to, but while Harry was still in the early stages of learning to dance, she cut the routines to fit.

Last year they wanted props and routines that stood out and she did that too.

She's a lot better and smarter than she's given credit for.

I have loved her choreography this year.

Aliona has always been brilliant at choreographing a routine, she's just developed it to fit SCD's style more this year.

Aliona's choreo has been far better over the past couple of weeks and thus, I have been able to appreciate Harry's dancing even more. Take note, Aliona, this may be the way to the glitterball!

Totally agree, the quickstep when they just walked straight into hold, danced, then did little drum to finish, was amazing. Since then they have just gone straight into the dance and because Harry CAN dance, the scores have gone up and up!

I disagree I think it's worse now than it used to be. She choreographs SOME good dances, but overall I find it far too gimmicky and it's one of the main reasons I don't enjoy watching Harry.

I completely agree. The girl is not stupid and her teaching of Harry has been first class. Both of their dances last night were sublime.

Sorry I dont follow you. What gimmicks is she using now. She hasnt used any for weeks now.

I am going to guess Pasha

My memory isnt too great but I think Aliona only used props in the Halloween tango - 2 thrones and 2 masks

Unless we count the car in the Grease Jive - which I guess we should

Anyway - back to the thread and yes - well done Aliona - I love her choreography but it is lovely to see other people loving it too

Gorgeous, classic choreograohy - and no mucking abaaaht which was bound to please Len. Perhaps she felt it was time to play it a bit more by the rules at this stage of the competition. Lovely to see Harry in hold for so long in the VW - soooo beautiful. *sigh*

I completely agree.... I was getting so frustrated with her choreagraphy earlier in the series (and last year)...not enough content when her partners were / are more than capable of handling tougher routines....

Suddenly its like she's had an epiphany!!...the last few weeks - they've been jam packed and very entertaining.

As a consequence - Harry is now my fave and I hope he wins!

Her choreography is genius,but unfortunately that means it goes over my untrained head,leaving me emotionally unengaged.

Perhaps, only perhaps mind, last year a lot of the gimmicks were Matt's idea. He is an ex gymnast so he might have had a lot of input.
We never really got to see her choreographythe first year as unfortunately poor Rav wasn't a very good dancer and she danced round him a bit.

Aliona has finally realised Harry is better in hold and best avoiding proper Latin. I am delighted she is currently playing things straight for Harry's sake.