And me!

The multiple threads on this dance all have several folk in them saying how it lacked grounding and hip action and although lovely, absolutely not a Rhumba. Not matter what the unnamed teacher of Brendan's greatest fan may or may not say. We're just too polite to make a whole thread about it

Sophie doesn't dance through her body, this is partly due to her relationship with the floor and partly due to her (beautiful) physicality. Her lovely limbs all dance nicely, but in isolation. No wonder she struggles with her hips!

This causes the lack physical connection too. I bet she's noodle arms when you try and lead her!

Jesus, why isn't Brendan working on these techniques? If she can get them she will be a much better dancer, even a contender, but right now, she's a disappointment.

Perhaps a lot of people liked it because it wasn't the usual sexy rumba, which some people find embarrasing to watch with the family. I know I enjoyed it and thought it was beautiful to watch.

Personally the interpretation of the music is more important to me and I thought Sophie's interpretation, together with Brendan's choreography, was spot on. The song, as sung by Amy Winehouse, which is the version they used, to me is quite sad and moving. I thought Sophie depicted the feeling of the song beautifully.

I think Craig said her smile didn't last long enough but, to me, that fits in with the song - it's not a smiley song. Bruno said he likes more raunchy rumbas but raunchiness wouldn't have suited it either. As for Len, I thought he was quite nasty and obviously has his favourites.

I think Sophie and Brendan were very pleased with their performance and it was a shame to see the disappointment on their faces after the judges remarks, especially after the reception and standing ovation they got from the audience. I hope it doesn't knock Sophie's confidence too much.

I don't disagree. This is important to me too essentially and it was a very beautiful dance. If the remit was to produce a contemporary dance to this or that track each week it would have been a winner for me. But the challenge is to do a rumba so for that reason it needs to have rhumbaness.

Love that 'noodle arms' much better than spaghetti arms which is the more familiar phrase. I am going to plagiarise that if you don't mind.

Hands up who has attempted to do a rumba in four days training???

Every other contestant to have performed a rumba on this show has. Are there any of those dances that you rate (other than Brendan's partners, of course)?

I tried to find Kimbeley's Rumba by way of contrast to demonstrate hip action but see that she skipped the rumba last year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strictl...0)#Dance_chart

Very strange as she perhaps could have delivered a fine hippy mesmerising Rumba.

Back to op I thought rumba was perfect for the music and mood, loved contemporary styling

And what is your opinion on the lack of Rhumba content?

Really?!! We had no idea.

Why haven't you mentioned it?

and so do I

Rachel and Vincent's Rhumba - nice hip action, all the moves from the core - good fluidity and connection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brvFMgzgpR8

I watched this the other day - just beautiful. And Bruce was somewhat coherent!

I wasn't a particular fan of R&V (AT & tango aside), but this was utterly gorgeous.

lalalala... I can't hear you lalalala... notlisteningnotlisteningnotlistening... full of content... beautiful... lalalala

Yes, the above is completely childish. It may also be uncalled for. But after reading interminable posts, I don't actually think so.

Don't hold your breath for a response. I've asked musicangel several direct questions and not one of them has been answered. It's a shame, because I am genuinely interested to know if she has any positive comments to make about any other dances/pros/celebs, but I guess I'll just have to accept that a balanced debate will never be forthcoming

That's what I should have said!

Damn! I've been spending too much time with 7 year olds...

THAT was a rumba!

I'm genuinely interested in all the contestants, and the pros, the dances, the opinion of others on the dances (especially those that dance but plenty of room for the thoughts of those that don't too!) so I would love to learn from music angels wealth of knowledge on all things Brendan!

I'm such a Pollyanna, me

(Still waiting for the clips and writings on Brendan's teaching techniques)

Yes, it was indeed a rumba

I think people who don't like rumbas (me included) rarely enjoy watching them no matter how technically accurate they are. I have no objection to them on taste grounds though I know some folks find them too smutty for a Saturady night show. For me they are not beautiful; I actively dislike the overplayed hip action and arms being wafted about.

With Sophie there was the announcement it was a rumba but then I watched a dance I enjoyed. So it was a winner for me.

OK but a lot of people liked it but it wasn't a rumba.

I have never heard anyone outside of DS say that they objected to a rumba because it was smutty and what is the point of giving Sophie a rumba if she isn't even going to
attempt to do it.

Most of the celebs have attempted dances that are not suitable for them eg Susanna on Saturday but at least they all gave them a go.

Oh DB, you have the patience of a saint! I do love your optimism.

I fully understand it wasn't a rumba. Enough people have posted here saying that (though Monkseal called it an Amish Rumba in his blog which made me laugh).

nope because to do a technical rumba takes years not days the rest have faked it

Why James & Ola always manage to produce stunning ones for the show.