I just loved his dance last night. It was so full of the joy of dance and performance.
It is such a shame his physicality lets him down because he has great moves.
It is such a shame his physicality lets him down because he has great moves.
Mark's dance
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I know he doesn't 'dance' as well as the others but I would rather watch him perform that four of the other celebs. The show is about performance as much as about technical prowess.
Mark is very light on his feet, but generally for Latin the weight should be carried forward ("Nose Over Toes" is a popular teaching phrase!) and unfortunately Mark carries his weight too far back.
As said many times before, if only the male celebs would wear proper Latin shoes! They would help pitch their weight slightly forward, which would not only make them look better, but help them keep on the balls of their feet, so they'd lose the awful flat-footed look.
As said many times before, if only the male celebs would wear proper Latin shoes! They would help pitch their weight slightly forward, which would not only make them look better, but help them keep on the balls of their feet, so they'd lose the awful flat-footed look.
Originally Posted by kaycee:
“Mark is very light on his feet, but generally for Latin the weight should be carried forward ("Nose Over Toes" is a popular teaching phrase!) and unfortunately Mark carries his weight too far back.
As said many times before, if only the male celebs would wear proper Latin shoes! They would help pitch their weight slightly forward, which would not only make them look better, but help them keep on the balls of their feet, so they'd lose the awful flat-footed look.”
“Mark is very light on his feet, but generally for Latin the weight should be carried forward ("Nose Over Toes" is a popular teaching phrase!) and unfortunately Mark carries his weight too far back.
As said many times before, if only the male celebs would wear proper Latin shoes! They would help pitch their weight slightly forward, which would not only make them look better, but help them keep on the balls of their feet, so they'd lose the awful flat-footed look.”
I have often thought this. I wonder why not? Can anyone offer any reasons? It would definitely be beneficial, especially for Ashley whose flat long feet drive me bonkers!
Originally Posted by Sofajudge:
“I know he doesn't 'dance' as well as the others but I would rather watch him perform that four of the other celebs. The show is about performance as much as about technical prowess.”
“I know he doesn't 'dance' as well as the others but I would rather watch him perform that four of the other celebs. The show is about performance as much as about technical prowess.”
Agree - I look forward to his dances - and don't cringe when they don't go too well, that's just part of the fun. I wonder how good Iveta would be if she was given a real contender next year?
It's possible he could be a contender. If he gets a good dance next week, it could keep him out of the dance off, which may feature Abbie and Ben.
Or if he is in the dance off with Ben or even Ashley, he might survive it.
Or if he is in the dance off with Ben or even Ashley, he might survive it.
Originally Posted by Sho Nuff:
“I have often thought this. I wonder why not? Can anyone offer any reasons? It would definitely be beneficial, especially for Ashley whose flat long feet drive me bonkers!”
“I have often thought this. I wonder why not? Can anyone offer any reasons? It would definitely be beneficial, especially for Ashley whose flat long feet drive me bonkers!”
I understand the celebs have been offered the shoes but didn't like them - the idea of wearing "high heels" Oh No!!! They're not really high, and don't take much getting used to. I wonder if just one of them wore them the others would follow? That's what tends to happen with beginners dance classes!
not all latin shoes have heels though do they? only ones i knew who wore shoes with a definite heel were the likes of sammy who was short
) but agree a proper shoe would help but just looked at some vids of the dancers they are all wearing dance shoes but trad ballroom ones
) but agree a proper shoe would help but just looked at some vids of the dancers they are all wearing dance shoes but trad ballroom ones
Originally Posted by Sofajudge:
“I know he doesn't 'dance' as well as the others but I would rather watch him perform that four of the other celebs. The show is about performance as much as about technical prowess.”
“I know he doesn't 'dance' as well as the others but I would rather watch him perform that four of the other celebs. The show is about performance as much as about technical prowess.”
Well you know he sort of does dance as well as others if by dance we mean musicality, rhythm, timing and interpretation etc. He also has an admirable lightness of movement that surpasses say Ben by miles.
Unfortunately he isn't as agile as he perhaps once was. I would wager his joints have suffered wear and tear through life and his soft tissues have stiffened so his body just isn't capable of doing what his head may like. (I guess the lesson to all of us is use it or lose it!)
Also he isn't of a shape that screams dancer.
All that said I think hiding inside all the physical constraints there is a better dancer than Fiona or Ben.
I enjoyed Mark's dance but it wasn't such a big winner for me. Did anyone else notice him getting his dinosaur into the routine?
Originally Posted by An Thropologist:
“Well you know he sort of does dance as well as others if by dance we mean musicality, rhythm, timing and interpretation etc. He also has an admirable lightness of movement that surpasses say Ben by miles.
Unfortunately he isn't as agile as he perhaps once was. I would wager his joints have suffered wear and tear through life and his soft tissues have stiffened so his body just isn't capable of doing what his head may like. (I guess the lesson to all of us is use it or lose it!)
Also he isn't of a shape that screams dancer.
All that said I think hiding inside all the physical constraints there is a better dancer than Fiona or Ben.”
“Well you know he sort of does dance as well as others if by dance we mean musicality, rhythm, timing and interpretation etc. He also has an admirable lightness of movement that surpasses say Ben by miles.
Unfortunately he isn't as agile as he perhaps once was. I would wager his joints have suffered wear and tear through life and his soft tissues have stiffened so his body just isn't capable of doing what his head may like. (I guess the lesson to all of us is use it or lose it!)
Also he isn't of a shape that screams dancer.
All that said I think hiding inside all the physical constraints there is a better dancer than Fiona or Ben.”
I agree with this. He does have rhythm and musicality without doubt.
Originally Posted by davegold:
“I enjoyed Mark's dance but it wasn't such a big winner for me. Did anyone else notice him getting his dinosaur into the routine?”
“I enjoyed Mark's dance but it wasn't such a big winner for me. Did anyone else notice him getting his dinosaur into the routine?”
We did and had a small cheer!
Originally Posted by Sunf:
“His top half was much better on sat night I thought.”
“His top half was much better on sat night I thought.”
Hee, he was more or less stationary (the twist?
) for the last 30 seconds of the routine.I've just spent a happy half hour replaying all of his performances so far - all (even the rumba) thoroughly enjoyable with lots of Iveta's clever, witty choreography around Mark's limitations. Hope he's in for another week at least,
Originally Posted by Englishspinner:
“Hee, he was more or less stationary (the twist?) for the last 30 seconds of the routine.
I've just spent a happy half hour replaying all of his performances so far - all (even the rumba) thoroughly enjoyable with lots of Iveta's clever, witty choreography around Mark's limitations. Hope he's in for another week at least,”
“Hee, he was more or less stationary (the twist?
) for the last 30 seconds of the routine.I've just spent a happy half hour replaying all of his performances so far - all (even the rumba) thoroughly enjoyable with lots of Iveta's clever, witty choreography around Mark's limitations. Hope he's in for another week at least,
”
Well I actually meant his arm work, should of been more specific lol. I have always gone for the dance rather then personality, but I have to say I agree I would like to see one more week from him, Im predicting maybe a ben and mark d/o in the future , he could well stay longer lol.
We too were overjoyed to see the dinasour
BUT
I would like to point out that Mark was paid to be onstage in Hairspray for 7 months, so it should have been a good dance !
BUT
I would like to point out that Mark was paid to be onstage in Hairspray for 7 months, so it should have been a good dance !
Originally Posted by Englishspinner:
“Hee, he was more or less stationary (the twist?) for the last 30 seconds of the routine.
I've just spent a happy half hour replaying all of his performances so far - all (even the rumba) thoroughly enjoyable with lots of Iveta's clever, witty choreography around Mark's limitations. Hope he's in for another week at least,”
“Hee, he was more or less stationary (the twist?
) for the last 30 seconds of the routine.I've just spent a happy half hour replaying all of his performances so far - all (even the rumba) thoroughly enjoyable with lots of Iveta's clever, witty choreography around Mark's limitations. Hope he's in for another week at least,
”
I would love to see him survive longer. Mark is the personification of what makes this show special. If it was supposed to be about the best dancing they could simply take the cameras to the World Ballroom Championships and broadcast that.
I find Mark inspiring because despite the barriers, age, shape, flexibility etc he is trying and succeeding. His dance contains an distinct element of whimsy (and dance should be a bit playful) but he doesn't depend on the comedic element alone to get votes - like Ann W and so on.
Had we been able to reincarnate the 25 year old Mark Benton I think we would be looking at a real contender.
I think he is inspiring because he shows it is never too late to learn to dance. Whatever the obstacles, age, fitness etc anyone can learn to dance.
I hold the opinion that if you can walk you can dance at least to a competent social level and if you get past the barriers a truly life affirming source of exercise and entertainment is there for the taking.
Mark is my favourite, dancing suits him. I enjoy watching his performances and I don't fast forward them as I usually do the more boring technically better dances.
Originally Posted by An Thropologist:
“I would love to see him survive longer. Mark is the personification of what makes this show special. If it was supposed to be about the best dancing they could simply take the cameras to the World Ballroom Championships and broadcast that.
I find Mark inspiring because despite the barriers, age, shape, flexibility etc he is trying and succeeding. His dance contains an distinct element of whimsy (and dance should be a bit playful) but he doesn't depend on the comedic element alone to get votes - like Ann W and so on.
Had we been able to reincarnate the 25 year old Mark Benton I think we would be looking at a real contender.
I think he is inspiring because he shows it is never too late to learn to dance. Whatever the obstacles, age, fitness etc anyone can learn to dance.
I hold the opinion that if you can walk you can dance at least to a competent social level and if you get past the barriers a truly life affirming source of exercise and entertainment is there for the taking.”
“I would love to see him survive longer. Mark is the personification of what makes this show special. If it was supposed to be about the best dancing they could simply take the cameras to the World Ballroom Championships and broadcast that.
I find Mark inspiring because despite the barriers, age, shape, flexibility etc he is trying and succeeding. His dance contains an distinct element of whimsy (and dance should be a bit playful) but he doesn't depend on the comedic element alone to get votes - like Ann W and so on.
Had we been able to reincarnate the 25 year old Mark Benton I think we would be looking at a real contender.
I think he is inspiring because he shows it is never too late to learn to dance. Whatever the obstacles, age, fitness etc anyone can learn to dance.
I hold the opinion that if you can walk you can dance at least to a competent social level and if you get past the barriers a truly life affirming source of exercise and entertainment is there for the taking.”
I love your post.
Beautifully articulated and excatly how I feel. Thanks. xx
Originally Posted by An Thropologist:
“I would love to see him survive longer. Mark is the personification of what makes this show special. If it was supposed to be about the best dancing they could simply take the cameras to the World Ballroom Championships and broadcast that.
I find Mark inspiring because despite the barriers, age, shape, flexibility etc he is trying and succeeding. His dance contains an distinct element of whimsy (and dance should be a bit playful) but he doesn't depend on the comedic element alone to get votes - like Ann W and so on.
Had we been able to reincarnate the 25 year old Mark Benton I think we would be looking at a real contender.
I think he is inspiring because he shows it is never too late to learn to dance. Whatever the obstacles, age, fitness etc anyone can learn to dance.
I hold the opinion that if you can walk you can dance at least to a competent social level and if you get past the barriers a truly life affirming source of exercise and entertainment is there for the taking.”
“I would love to see him survive longer. Mark is the personification of what makes this show special. If it was supposed to be about the best dancing they could simply take the cameras to the World Ballroom Championships and broadcast that.
I find Mark inspiring because despite the barriers, age, shape, flexibility etc he is trying and succeeding. His dance contains an distinct element of whimsy (and dance should be a bit playful) but he doesn't depend on the comedic element alone to get votes - like Ann W and so on.
Had we been able to reincarnate the 25 year old Mark Benton I think we would be looking at a real contender.
I think he is inspiring because he shows it is never too late to learn to dance. Whatever the obstacles, age, fitness etc anyone can learn to dance.
I hold the opinion that if you can walk you can dance at least to a competent social level and if you get past the barriers a truly life affirming source of exercise and entertainment is there for the taking.”
Totally agree. There would have been no stopping them.
Originally Posted by fefster:
“I would think his knees can't cope with heels though.”
“I would think his knees can't cope with heels though.”
We're talking Cuban heels, not 3-4" and strangely they can often help take the pressure off weak knees.
But even if that is a reason for Mark not to wear proper shoes, it can't be the reason for the other male celebs.
Originally Posted by fefster:
“I just loved his dance last night. It was so full of the joy of dance and performance.
It is such a shame his physicality lets him down because he has great moves.”
“I just loved his dance last night. It was so full of the joy of dance and performance.
It is such a shame his physicality lets him down because he has great moves.”
Not bad considering he hails from the wasteland
Re wazzyboy's comment.
Not sure how rude you meant to be about Mark's home area but I suppose you might as well join all the others who've probably never been north of Watford.
Re Mark's knees.
He said on local radio this morning (yes BBC Tees) that the cartilage has gone on both his knees and that he is on painkillers most of the time.
Not sure how rude you meant to be about Mark's home area but I suppose you might as well join all the others who've probably never been north of Watford.
Re Mark's knees.
He said on local radio this morning (yes BBC Tees) that the cartilage has gone on both his knees and that he is on painkillers most of the time.
Originally Posted by ladyinred:
“Re wazzyboy's comment.
Not sure how rude you meant to be about Mark's home area but I suppose you might as well join all the others who've probably never been north of Watford.
.”
“Re wazzyboy's comment.
Not sure how rude you meant to be about Mark's home area but I suppose you might as well join all the others who've probably never been north of Watford.
.”
It was a jokey reference to a comment made by fefster in another thread Epic fail, clearly
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