i think Louis Smith did the best charleston, as his gymnastic moves added the wow factor.
I also liked Sophie Ellis Bextor 's version, and the Sports presenter Chris ? Surname, who won a few years back.

Sophie's was a triumph of the dance fitting her (perceived) character; Chris Hollins' was the most successful, in terms of making him sellable as a winner. I personally have a soft spot for Chelsee Healey's motoring damsel in distress. Technically she got quite a bit wrong but I thought it was an authentic, charming dance. Mostly, they are just an excuse for shoe-horning bizarre themes into comedic routines for poorer dancers.

Yep, Sophie's was lovely. I thought Chris H's was vile, but then I really loathe the charleston - both dancing it and watching it.

But Sophie's was pure 1930s and therefore rather classy, as was Artem's with Kara. Theirs was very clever.

With most of the charleston routines I have to leave the room! I hate the slapstick!

http://youtu.be/QGlscgwu0LA Brian Fortuna and Ali Bastion's was my favourite, the only time I 'got' the Ali love the judges had.

Horrible, horrible dance. I loathe it with a passion

So for me the question is which Charleston didn't make you want to gouge your eyes out with a spork?

That would be Sophie's.

I still haven't forgiven Ola for inflicting the horror Chris Hollins danced. This is the first year I have been able to bring myself to vote for anyone she is partnered with.

I have no idea what to look for in a Charleston apart from "swivel action" My guess is there is more to it than that. So based on no knowledge whatsoever I liked Sophie's. I also liked Denise Van Outen's which felt authentic to me only because I believe that Egypt mania was very much in vogue in that era.

Good grief what an over-the-top reaction.

I had forgotten Artem and Kara's, which I also liked.

It's the pits, isnt it!

Knew you'd be on the same page!

Are you new to the forum?

Whereas I find this horribly leaden and flat-footed. To be fair, I think she may have had a foot injury, leading to the unsuitable shoes but all the gurning and characterisation doesn't get over the footwork problems for me.

Many posts here will shock you if my little rant seems like an over reaction.

Wait till we are nearer the finals!

Chris and Ola's final charlston was amazing as was Denise and James charlston to walks like an egyption.

Kara & Artem's. Beautifully danced with a cool speakeasy vibe, not overly gurntastic (although there were bum bongos, which I have to overlook). Criminally undermarked.

I liked Artem and Natalie's as well.

Chitty Chitty Charleston

If Sophie had made it to the final 3, this would have been, hands down, the best Charleston ever. As it is, it's the joint best with Denise's Egyptian Extravaganza.

Sophie embodied that era like no other. Still gutted she didn't get to reprise the Charleston in the final and get her 40!

Like you two I was never a fan of the Charleston. It didn't seem like a proper dance just a short-term, low skilled fad, from an elite minority that came and went for a short spell in the 1920's.

But last year Diamond Betty posted with such erudition and passion that I started to consider it anew. I wouldn't call myself a fan of the style but I am now trying to learn to appreciate it as a credible style and a forerunner (so I understand) of many other styles that developed from it.

Matt Baker, Louis Smith, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Chris Hollins.

Like most dances on Strictly does the actual dance and the Strictly version ... differ slightly?

Kara & Artem.

2nd best: Sophie & Brendan.

It's still my favourite dance on Strictly ever, even above St. Halfpenny's Jive.

Indubitably.

It is one of those dances that done well can be great fun to watch - otherwise it can be dire. Very easy to go overboard in the hope it will cover up poor dancing.
As others have mentioned I loved Sophie and Brendan but also Natalie and Artem. Definitely have to include the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Charleston - (still miss Anya) and even though I wasn't keen on Denise Van Outen I did enjoy the Egyptian Charleston - can't remember Chelsea's at the moment - that's as far back as I go!
I don't think there has been a 'stand out' Charleston yet this year.