It's one of those things which makes sense when you do it and is best demonstrated in person! Sod's law. Put simply, good salsa is fast so you need to be absolutely in tune with the beat and the music.

The man leads so you also need to be in tune with him, blocking out anything else that may be going on. You have to feel every movement, so if you create a 'circle of concentration (connection) between you and your partner, particularly in your upper body and head, you will follow brilliantly.

It's so much easier to show this! Apologies!

interesting and informative thread, thanks to all for their contributions.

Kevin was Youth World No.1; British Latin chmp 4 times; and won championships all over the world from Russia to Japan. When he a Joanne split as a partnership, Kevin chose to specialise in Latin because he didn't want to compete against his sister, who chose ballroom. When he retired from competitive dance in 2007, he was ranked 7th in the world - so yes, you could say he has been pretty successful in comps!

As for Strictly degrading the pros technique - you have to remember they are dancing with beginners, which is limiting in performing both style and technique; basically they are having to dance down.

The criticism against Kevin earlier on this thread is about the position of his left arm, specifically during spins and turns, and I agree it isn't right. BUT - playing a bit of Devil's Advocate here - it could well be Kellie is forcing her arm out straight, which makes it very difficult for Kevin to keep his own arm in correct position.

I do know this can be a problem as, when learning ballroom, it was a fault of mine. I don't know why, except that it seemed to happen automatically, almost like a defence against falling when turning. My teacher at the time said that my arm became so rigid that had he tried to force it to bend, or give a little, he may well have broken it! Obviously it is something a teacher will correct, but it can take time, and as I said, the celebs are beginners.

Thanks sofakat. I've bookmarked Yamil's site and will look at the videos later. I noticed the rumba demo immediately. It's interesting that in salsa there's an upper body connection, like AT perhaps, of which I know you are a dancer.

Thanks to everyone else too. It's great to have informed views. Even though not all movements and steps can be translated into words, it stills help when I'm viewing as I become more aware of something even though not fully understood. I think I might have to try some dance ...

Thanks kaycee. As usual on this thread, question answered comprehensively and helpfully!

I fully agree with Kaycee's comments, particularly dancing with a beginner. When I have done so before, I certainly have had to adopt a slightly different stance to accommodate what my beginner is doing, to an extent. I also agree with the comment about Kellie's right arm, it is too straight so, perhaps this is the reason for Kevins arm position.
I would add that I only made my comment after a fellow poster asked the question.about the arm position.

No worries Jennifer - I think most people on here would acknowledge that you don't indulge in gratuitous criticism.

Thank you Mr C. I wouldn't normally comment on the Pro's, I would feel a bit rude doing so, however, there are some that are on the show to do a job, get paid for that job and they are not up to scratch as far as Ballroom is concerned.
My boss certainly would not employ me to replace his PA when I can't take dictation or type properly..... !

I hope you don't feel put in a spot if I ask about pros. If you would rather not answer such questions then I'll desist. I was intrigued by the conversation about Kevin's arm and that led me onto other questions. Thanks for your responses here and elsewhere about technique. Long may they continue!

I am sure Jennifer and Kaycee will agree with me - that many people outside the dance world under estimate Kevin's dancing in his day competing he beat many including Derek Hough and the one thing you do get off Kevin in the show is a dance routine that is the dance stated regardless of the music

No I really don't mind....I hope that I am fair in what I say and of course it is just an opinion. I am quite wary of the fallout and backlash on DS....makes it quite unpleasant sometimes, but my comments / opinions are just based on facts as I see them and nothing personal. So carry on asking, all of us dancers/teachers are delighted to see interest in our wonderful world. I answered a couple of points in the week 8 training thread by the way. Enjoy this evening !

I don't think anyone would accuse you Jennifer of being personal or unfair. You are one of the most levelheaded commenters in this forum. And while I don't have the same love for traditional ballroom and Latin, I truly respect your opinion because of that fairness.
Thank you for all your illuminating posts.

Absolutely Bendymixer. Pure dance 100%, no faffing imbetween. Hope they do well tonight, was a shock last week...

Thank you, on behalf of myself and other minded dancers and teachers on here. I hope that non dancers too enjoy reading through this thread, and looks like they do !!. Sometimes there is a difference of opinion but we do discuss calmly.

Thank you, Mr C.

Oh I certainly agree, Bendy, even though Paul Killick's remarks still come to mind occasionally! Both Kevin and Joanne were quite amazing dancers from a very young age.

I really think Kevin and Kellie have been short-changed in the costume department. The Harry Potter costumes swamped them both and detracted from the dance; the waltz outfits were both just plain hideous, and tonights hip-hop/samba costumes were no better. What do you think?

Oooh, anyone in particular? I've always wondered about Brendan's bum sticking out in his Latin - is that normal? Tristan was doing similar tonight too. I've found Janette not great, and thought Gleb's ballroom wasn't particularly neat or tidy tonight.


Their outfits have been appalling. I think her tango dress from week one is her only good one so far.

Just wondering about opinions on their samba tonight? It didn't feel very samba-ish - too much hip-hop?

they have had a real raw deal this year - costumes have been awful for most of their dances and no tail suit yet for kev.

Re tonight - what I like about Kevin is that he does the dance he is asked to do and keeps it authentic - however tonight he had lousy music and lousy costumes ( I cant see any other pro on show coping with it ) so he had to go with the theme (think it was right choice ) he did more hip hop than I would have liked but the samba they did was of a good standard and overall think they deserved their marks

Hullo, I suspect that Charleston isn't strictly ballroom or latin but can anyone help point out the error in Geo and Gio's routine? I'm trying not to be a blind 'fan' but I think I am simply too unknowledgeable to see the error that others see as so obvious. Thanks in advance!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaoDElHUIqw

You'll see at 58 secs in that she misses a step, but does quickly recover

Ta! Off to watch again...

No problem!

I've watched a couple of times...was a cracking Charleston!

I agree with all your points. I feel really sorry for both K&K- absolutely awful costuming this year for them. Kellie hasn't had 1 full length dress yet for Ballroom and as you say, no tails for Kevin.
Re their Samba - again dreadful musical choice as it was not an authentic Samba beat - I did enjoy it for what it was. Kevin choreographed a brilliant routine to a hip hop track, it had just enough Samba content for me,and they danced it so well, very entertaining. He did what he had to do, to that particular piece of music.

This is very true, Anita danced quite well - feet and legs still need attention, but the overall look is still let down by Gleb in all areas of his Ballroom. I am still shocked that he needed assistance in what is VERY basic choreo and timing thereof. Hope they get through to Blackpool.

[quote=perdiedumpling;80359558] I've always wondered about Brendan's bum sticking out in his Latin - is that normal? Tristan was doing similar tonight too. /QUOTE]

Kaycee and Bendymixer will be better answering this part, but what I can remember from my latin days, is that your weight in latin is further forward. In Ballroom your weight, to be fully in balance, is in the middle of the foot, ( not over heels) and for latin, my teachers taught me to get my weight pitched further forward especially in Jive. This may or not be the reason for it, but hopefully someone can reply later.