Is it not quite unfair that contestants have been given different styles of dance to do for the opening shows?

Let's face it, the ones most in danger are probably Judy, Tim, Jennifer and Scott. Judy, Tim and Jennifer will have done a waltz as one of their first two dances. A waltz is pretty easy to be led around by your partner. Scott will have done a Cha Cha and a Tango. Both are quite similar and both are fast paced. I don't see how that is fair.

Strictly is not a level playing field in all sorts of ways BUT now at least the vast majority viewers are able to use their free votes to counterbalance any unfairness that they perceive.

I was of the same opinion OP but hopefully the second weeks round of dances should put them all on an even keel .

It's very variable as to what dances suit people. I find tango much easier than waltz (easier to maintain frame).

I would have said Gregg had the worst draw with cha cha and charleston - but the charleston didn't actually look that bad on ITT amazingly enough.

I don't think it makes much difference as to whether you're actually in danger. Of the first boots for whom the dances were available, four did Cha Cha (Edwina, Goldie, Johnny, Quentin), seven did waltz (Brian, Jason, Martina, Nicholas, Phil, Siobhan, Tony) and one did both (Richard).

I agree. I'm still in shock! Gregg.....can......dance.........

I think the music is more of a problem than the dances some have dire music - SCott both dances for instance - Franke doing a charleston to fifties theme music - at least Judy and tim have had music appropriate for the dance

haha dont get carried away

Giving Gregg the Charleston for his second dance is most unfair . Must mean they want him out . I very much doubt he'll survive now .

Yes, I think music makes a huge difference.

spinny did you get the blog link I posted in the blog thread? so manic on there you might have missed it

not sure who will go this week - by nature of the dances and music think Scott or Greg could be in danger and on dancing I saw judy could be too

Yeah as a proper beginner at ballroom dancing I prefer tango too.

In strictly terms I think it's easier to get into the character of the dance to cover up bad technique to the average viewer with tango.

Gregg looks like he's going to kick butt at the charleston. Bet Aliona's pleased.

Yes I did thanks. Great to read some technical stuff although hoping he can expand on it as Strictly progresses.

I think Scott is too popular to go..... Hopefully.

Yes and the audience love a good passionate tango irrespective of technique.

Ha ha re: Aliona. Yes difficult to tell!

Why?

Charlestons are crowd-pleasers, not one of the more difficult dances technically as far as I know, and Gregg's looked good.

If anything, they've done him a favour!

Hmm...

They should let the couples choose the music and the dance in the order they wish all the way through to suit their ages, shapes and musical tastes. Obviously with no repetition.

The pro will know the celeb's favoured style of dance after 5 minutes and call have a look through the celeb's music collection to get something familiar.

There has been a claim that they can't get music rights. But what I suggest is similar to Dessert Island Discs and that has been going for decades without a problem.

That would be the fairest and they can then publish a schedule of dances and music before the first show.

That could also generate an ITT show to discuss the choices made.

One of the important issues to allow for early days in each series is the differing teaching methods of each pro

A few go for basic dance technique with their pupils growing in confidence weekly but looking a bit stilted early days

Others go for the flashy but technically easy hand waving and dancing out of hold etc

Two or three will show vital signs as dancers early days in movement and ability in hold whilst offering that touch of love in musical interpretation

Worth waiting for

I think the current system of a ballroom + a latin each before the first dance-off is infinitely fairer than what happened in the early series. Tough if first time on dance floor was wrecked by nerves - out is out. No chance of second helping with nicer dance.
I reckon Martina Hinggis could have got further than round one.

Two dances out of hold, although yesterday in Ian's training clip he looked pretty good .
Scott looked awful, more in the class of Quentin Wilson, Christopher Parker type of dancing . I'm guessing he has a big enough fan base from radio 1 to save him for a few weeks .