I know we are all gearing up to the final of Strictly 2013, but I have been re-watching moments of previous series as I can't seem to get excited about the show this year.

So...what have been really outstanding moments for you in recent years? (We have probably had threads like this before, but I think it's always good to look back and remember why we have come to love the show in the first place)!

For me, it will always be Mark and Karen's Argentine Tango (series 4 I think). There are others, of course, but I'm just reminiscing and would like to know if others also look back sometimes.

And yes, Bacofoil is also imprinted in my memory and the old thread about it on Digital Spy (and accompanying video) have provided me with lots of welcome laughter.

It is still a great show, but it is also good to look back and see how it has changed and developed.

1-Abbey and Aljaz waltz without a doubt. I still get goosebumps whenever I watch it

2-Sophie Charleston : WOW just WOW.

3-Susanna paso

In the past series, another vote for Mark & Karen AT

-Alesha and Matthew foxtrot and waltz.

-Gethin and Camilla waltz

-Kartem rumba and AS

I'm sure that I'm going to think of more later

Great Thread OP

Thanks! I hadn't seen Sophie's Charleston and I think it's great but not one of these special moments for me. It's such an individual thing!

There have been so many good dances over the years. I am just not sure why some of them have been so unforgettable and special. What are the "ingredients"? So many factors influence this - but it's a great show, anyway, although it think it used to be better.

If anyone asks: I did't have any moments like that this year. I still enjoy Strictly but it seemed to have a different feel about it (maybe it's just me being nostalgic).

You're right. It must be an individual thing. I find it a bit hard to explain though.
Those 3 dances this year especially Abbey waltz and Sophie Charleston took me by surprise, captivated me, made me sit up and say WOW. It was so different from what I'm used to see...yeah I still get goosebumps when I watch them.

Exciting that I'm going to watch those dances again at the finale

I think the main Wow factor of Sophies's Charleston was that it was so early in the competition and so completely unexpected. That will be why it sticks in the mind of those who saw it live. Many then want to know she can do with the experience of a couple of months training.

I loved Kimberley's dance to Fever (was that last year?) - she was in a red dress, doing the American Smooth. That one made me sit up and go "wow".

This season, it's Sophie's Charleston or Natalie's AT. I love the AT done well, anyway. I can't see what the fuss was about Susanna's Paso, because all I could really see was everything built around Kevin, which isn't the point of the show. Great way to distract from the celeb, though.

Yes, I think many people expected her to live up to that performance. Then they realised that she was playing herself in the Charleston and it all kind of fell to pieces.

Wow dances:

Zoe and Ian's Tango

Chelsee and Pasha's QS - Chelsee finally managed to contain her energy and produced a more technical routine.

Michael and Natalie's QS - Came from nowhere

Kara and Artem's Paso

I'm sure there are quite a few others.

Yes, of course! I'd forgotten about that one. We were all expecting something else, most definitely.

I did really enjoy anything Kara and Artem did, to be honest. They were my fave couple of all time. I did only start watching a few years ago, so I missed some corkers, I think.

No goosebump moments for me, the standard - Natalie aside- would have to be a lot higher. For drama and atmosphere, K&S Paso at Blackpool ticked a few boxes. Natalie however is exquisite,very good technically, and I really hope they have got something brilliant lined up for the final.

I've been underwhelmed this year too. I enjoyed Abbey's AS but not sure it'll stay with me the way Alesha's waltz - which brought a tear to my eye - has.

Kara and Artem's 'pink' rhumba

Nothing at all from this year. I found them all rather meh.

I really enjoy threads like this. I either haven't seen them, or I've been reminded, and go and have a good old rummage for half an hour.

No its not you feeling nostalgic

I feel different about it this year as well

IMO far to much judges manipulation and too many celebs getting the love just because they did one mediocre dance

I think it's been a poor year too.

Thirded. Disappointing year.

nothing from this series - sadly

but some "wow" dances for me from previous series are:

Darren and Lilias foxtrot
Matt and Lilias American Smooth
Jill and Darrens jive
Zoe and Ians showdance
Harry and Alionas quickstep
Matt and Alionas American Smooth
Matt and Flavias salsa

Oh, olive, thank you. I thought it was only me that loved HOOOOOOOOOOO NOOOOOOOOOOO YAAAAWWK (copyright Monkseal).

Most of Matt and Aliona' routines were WOW moments for me (except the Salsa, bit dull, and the Showdance, same).

Actually that year overall was a good one - Scott & Natalie's VW & Jive were both amazing, as was Kara's AT.


Other WOW's
Most of Alesha & Matt's dances (esp. Jive, Foxtrot, VW and Cha Cha Cha)
Tom & Camilla's Paso (controversial I know), Quickstep, Salsa, AT and Showdance
Rachel & Vincent's Jive, Tango and AT
Chris & Ola's 2nd Rumba and Charleston
Ricky & Natalie's Rumba, Paso, Samba and Quickstep
Harry & Aliona's pretty much everything (except the Salsa, but that was down to the music and not their fault)
Chelsee & Pasha's Charleston & Paso
Holly & Artem's AS, Foxtrot and Paso
Kimberley & Pasha's AS and Charleston

So lots of Wows over the past few series

This year, though:

Sophie's Charleston
Susanna's Paso (OK, KFG's Paso )

From this series:
Sophie and Brendan's Charleston
Susanna and Kevin's Paso Doble

Past series off the top of my head:
Chelsee and Pasha's Quickstep
Kimberley and Pasha's Tango Fusion
Kimberley and Pasha's American Smooth (best dance of Series 10 for me)
Kara and Artem's American Smooth
Jill and Darren's Jive
Matt and Aliona's Samba
Tom and Camilla's Showdance
Mark and Karen's Argentine Tango
Holly and Artem's American Smooth
Rachel and Vincent's Rumba

Ooooh yes, Harry and Aliona's quickstep.....that was fabulous!

And I have to put in a mention for Louis and Flavia last year....think I enjoyed their charleston most, and it was his 'break out' moment, after which he was really able to express himself

Mark and Karen's AT, Aleshas ChaCha and Sophies Paso worked for me

My only "wow" moment remains Mark & Karen's Argentine Tango. There's been plenty of other routines I've absolutely loved but his is the only one where I actually experienced an utter shock reaction while watching it.

Totally agree. It was just mesmerising! i

Yes, I think Louis definitely deserves a mention.

Surely the Rumba with Artem and James deserves a mention!