Originally Posted by jtnorth:
“I don't know if I can explain what I mean, but I think it's about watching someone dance to the limit of their ability or watching someone dancing well within their ability. Jake was pushing himself as hard as he could and you couldn't be sure all through that it wouldn't go wrong. It seemed to build from one thing you couldn't believe he was doing to another - particularly when he was just holding her at the back of the neck with his leg etc. That's exciting. (imo obviously.) Pixie danced a lovely waltz, very well done by both of them, but it felt like something easily within her ability and not special, and personally I didn't feel any chemistry or relationship between her and Trent to make it more than that.
I have seen lots of early waltzes I've really loved but I think that partnership and connection is crucial. I think it's hard for the ones who already can dance to build up the sense of connection with their partners. Someone who can't dance, like Jennifer or Tim, they totally depend on their partner to protect them, they keep firmly fixed on their pro, and it creates, when they are lucky, a really lovely atmosphere and sense of a partnership. Lots of pop stars on Strictly can come across a bit like their pro is a backing dancer, not because they are any less lovely people, just because they don't need them as much as some. I don't know if that makes sense, but I do think it's a difficulty for them.”
You're absolutely spot on, on both accounts. Jake's salsa was unexpected, a show stopper and performed, imo, by the most unlikeliest person. I certainly wasn't expecting him to take the risks he did. It could have gone so horribly wrong but he pulled it off. He was probably slightly overmarked but it was very good to watch.
I don't really know how you can compare a waltz to a salsa.They're working on different levels. Pixie and Trent were good too. The relationship between celebrity and professional dancer is key and aside from the dancing I think that's what really wins over the public vote. IMO, there are two things with Pixie:
1. she makes it look too easy. It''s dancing by numbers, where's the difficulty? where's the challenge? Maybe this will come in the latter stages but people do like to see a 'journey'. There is none at the moment.
2. There's not really much of a spark betweeen her Trent. Quite frankly, they're boring. Again, this could improve over time. He's very new and we're just getting to know him as a dancer.