Hi AT, no worries, I knew exactly what you meant and I know that you realise you can't develop lead and follow skills in a matter of days. I just wanted to clarify the point I made earlier as I didn't want to give you or anyone else the impression that International Ballroom dancers were unable to lead and follow, or act and react. Even, for example, in the Throwaway oversway lines danced, I can see that the female celeb is not following the lead given, as they don't know how to. They simply put their left leg back and turn their head to the left, they are not following the mans body shaping and line to work from that, to get into position. They are just doing what they know is the choreography.
Am looking forward to tonights show though, hopefully with the best dancers going through.

I was expecting to lose Judy tonight. I really like her but feel her time is up now.

I had thought she and Anton had salsa. Salsa is a spot dance so not great for Blackpool. Anton doesn't seem to get salsa bless him and well Judy is Judy. So I though salsa with Anton in a big space was the fates colliding.

Then I discover she has VW which will work at Blackpool, Its a period dance in a period building which may add a bit of extra magic, Anton can do it, he can lead her along and actually she looked a bit more animated and graceful in the clips last night.

So my prediction is shot. I have no idea who will go tonight. But I am out dancing - Milonga first then off to a salsa gig so I won't know until 4am.

Absolutely. I don't mean any of this as an insult to the celebs on strictly - they do a great job in the time frame they have and do way better than I would under the circumstances!

It's just very different things - learning A waltz vs learning THE waltz, for example.

I think it would be interesting if they do a special where they partner up pros with non famous people who do latin and ballroom purely as a hobby. Am I only saying this because I wanna go on strictly? Probably... but also would be interesting to see how people who have a foundation of basic knowledge would do on the show.

Me too.

But I would be rubbish because I hate being watched. But I would give my eye teeth for the training.

Sounds a great idea. I think they do have something like this lined up, but the people have to be nominated and voted for as local "heroes" ?
Just think if you have even a basic knowledge, working several hours a day, most days of the week, one on one with a pro....just think of the improvement !!

Why do you hate being watched ? Take it as a compliment if you are !

Because in my head I look a mess. There is a huge gulf between what I want to be able to do and what my body will actually do. I can feel every tiny error and the narrative in my mind is that they must be glaring and massive and look clumsy.

Do you know for ten years I wouldn't not raise my hands above my head in salsa. Because It felt showey-offy - like" hey folks look at me". The last thing I wanted was for anyone to notice me. And sometimes the hands above the head is for good technical reasons and not just cosmetic styling.

I am better than I was. When I was invited to be a teaching assistant I accepted partly because I hoped it would help me overcome my fear of being looked at. It does but I even now I sometimes sort of pretend I am not there. Avoid making eye contact with anyone after doing a demo etc.

Oh no...that is such a shame. You don't know you look a mess...if people watch, its because they like what they see. Who watches someone awful. ?
Please have some confidence, when I walk out onto the floor, I truly believe I am the best ( even though I may not actually be). Judges like to see confidence. I do like people watching, and in particular, judges watching once they have finished their marking until the end of the dance. Think of the saying " Dance like no-one is there"...I think you are better than you think you are.