I think that's true of most dancers, but I still think it's stretching it a bit to say she's had 16 years of dance training. The pros learn their results show in one day, so I know what you mean about picking up routines quickly too.

[quote=sey77;69811148]Why do people who say they don't like her get accused of 'hating' her?

I don't particularly like her, but I can appreciate she's a good dancer. I definitely don't hate her. Hate is a very strong word, there are very few people in real life I hate. I don't feel strongly enough about her to hate her.

Why can't we have a difference of opinion without being branded so harshly?[/QUOTE

Totally agree with you, people use of this word indiscriminately, dislike is far more appropriate and we all dislike someone I am sure, you cannot like everyone.

"Hate" always equates to children to me, just watch any teenage programme and "I hate you...." etc will appear in there somewhere.

Could it be that people didn't like it that much?

Artem and his 'artistic integrity'. Weird.

It isn't a dance that should even be in the show until semis (if then!). Nor the AT. I won't go on.

She got a standing ovation from the crowd what more do people want. In the case of Nat she is in a no win situation with people who have never liked her from day one and will use any means to try and bring her down.

We just weren't that impressed with her dance I'm afraid. The music didn't help - it made the dance keep stopping and starting instead of feeling fluid.

I wonder where her hair had gone?

That was what I was thinking throughout the dance!

She has magnificent hair. It had been stolen and replaced with a disgusting oily looking horror. I understand the concept may have been a nod towards Josephine Baker but it did not work.

looking at Holly Valance's Charleston as well he seams to make errors of judgement when doing charleston

This. A lot of people don't understand the distinction on here. Susanna's dance made me hold my breath in disbelief (at the beginning), chuckle (at it's over the toppness), want to dance myself to that music and cheer out loud at the end. In other words, I was totally reeled in to emotionally engage by a committed performance of a perfectly (for this event) choreographed and produced number. Natalie's dance left me politely applauding a talented dancer and wondering where her hair went.

Totally agree with you missfrankiecat

I suspect that standing ovations can be encouraged by the production crew. It only needs the Floor Manager to wave a few people at the front to stand up and others will follow or even a few committed fans to stand up. People don't like to be stand out so will not want to be sitting down whilst others are getting up.

You mean she was worse than Mark and Fiona too You only say that because you never see anything positive in Natalie. All your posts are really negative about her. I am non too keen on Susannah but I thougt Sue was better than Natalie, but Natalie wasnt dreadful in the least. Second position I would say despite her back problems.

There was definitely a slightly muted air in the studio after she finished, but there were still loud boos when Craig "only" scored her 9. I think she's probably in a position where, generally, people admire her talent but don't feel a great deal of personal emotional connection to her or the partnership. She's got a standing ovation for every dance until now, which is more than anyone else can say.

I noticed this too. Thought the music was awful and actually found the performance dull.

I agree with you - and I also think that Natalie hasn't really progressed. (I've said this on another thread). She admitted she has had dance training - she was a good dancer when she began the show and she is a good dancer now.

I like to see the journey celebrities make. Imo it is what Strictly is all about. I would rather Abby, Sophie, Suzanna, Mark, Ashley, Ben or Patrick win the show. I just can't warm to Natalie unfortunately.

You are right! I know someone on the BBC production staff and that is what they do.

I don't know if this has been mentioned previously, but with her hair done like that she reminded me of Vod from Fresh Meat.
Not that I minded that, it's a very funny programme and Vod is a great character.

LOL

Song choice was rubbish, so crowd couldn't get into it.

Poor Fiona. I guess there are limits.

Does anyone know if Artem did an 'Anya' and alter the routine to take his injured neck into account?
That could explain the 'stoppy starty' lack of fluidity.

I would not put it past them to have a few 'plants' in the front row who stand and clap on a discrete signal.

If it's a journey you want, what better example than Natalie, overcoming pain and injury to perform?

Yes a real journey as opposed to the fake put on manipulated variety.

I share it <puts on hard hat and dives for cover>