And for the curious here is the German show's Bruno (Jorge) in all his glory
http://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=Mxm1ynpdF00

Oh my! What a nightmare! Makes one appreciate Tess and good old Dave Arch!
Voted back on again!?! Imagine getting Iwan back!

The only other version I watch is DWTS U.S. - and Strictly is better, IMO.

In the states, most of the celebs seem to be able to deliver decent and confident performances, but it's all style over substance really.

Also, the video packages are so clearly manipulative and show an obvious agenda from the producers.

As to the original question, as an expat I adore Strictly to obsessive levels as it reminds me of home but in fairness, having watched dances from France, Germany, Australia, US and Lebanon (Darren Bennett is a judge!) all the shows have some decent pros and lovely dances. DWTS stateside is now OTT with its theming, nonetheless from the top of my head I can still think of some classy routines where the dances sold themselves.
From those four only Derek's had a prop or twist.

Val: rumba with Rumer
http://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=1iiGE9DHbjY
Max: tango with Meryl
http://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=jbflvDJ7ppM
Derek: charleston with Amber
http://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=x-CrUA6kRv8
Mark: Argentine with Candace
http://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=MTJ1EtiizVQ

Here is a nice routine from a previous French winner

http://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=DvFx20dmtUE

Here is a nice routine from DWTS Lebanon winner Rony (4 mins in)

http://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=xxCiOkPoyQw

Strictly is way, way , way better IMO . Dancing With The Stars that was still respectable until a couple of seasons ago, lost the plot . The fact that I am completely and utterly uninterested to watch a show I used to like so much say it all really. Shorter dances (50 seconds -1 min ) , too many gimmicks, the real killer which is : producers manipulation and favoritism of certain pros (cough...cough...Derek, Val)....I mean SO obvious !!! I mean I love Derek and his brilliant mind but even I am put off by this favoritism over the years; It is not his fault though but it is really frustrating.

I saw a couple of episodes of the French version and I couldnt believe my eyes ....a rumba that is basically a showdance...same thing with a chacha for example...none of the dances looked like the styles they were supposed to be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWn-4CRCbXI
Since when lifts are allowed in the Jive ?
a samba
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niKG858u5Fw

The Australian version didnt fare better with me either ....

The Argentinian Version...NO WORDS..ABSOLUTELY NONE....Since when getting naked and yes getting naked , I am not joking qualify as ballroom/latin dancing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSon1D7gG1Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cEloUJYQac

These videos are flagged by youtube btw so you have to be more than 18 to see them.

The Russian version that I had the pleasure to see when I was following Gleb and his partner Adelina last season manages to stick to the rules at least; great dancing and great production. Although I see them putting lifts in the waltz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQb1oFeJTI
rumba
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZt2HlrUCC0


I dont get it.


Let's ALL hope that Strictly dont ever reach those levels; The premise of this show was to teach celebrities about Ballroom/Latin dancing and that's what I want to continue to see.....not showdances for every styles of dances; Stick to the rules.

That's the first time I've come across the Argentinan sex dance, I have to say I gave myself a giggle imagine how that would'be gone down on our version (Bruno does love a steamy rumba And Tess literally going into meltdown as she frantically apologises) I do think UK strictly is the best with DWTS (US) having some great moments but nowhere near as entertaining

I do like the French clip splits the score into performance and technique though, that's a good idea

The Brazilian version is really odd. The jury is divided in "artistical" - a journalist (go figure), an actress and an actor who have previously won the show - and "technical" - a prima ballerina and a famous samba teacher. Judges with technical knowledge of Ballroom and Latin? Zero. The jury may change every week or not, depending on the producers mood.

The presenter is a shouty man with an annoying voice (love you Tess!) and they dance the following dances: Bolero, Samba, Country (same as line dancing), Disco, Flamenco, Foxtrot, Gypsy Dancing (nope, me neither), Hip Hop, Indian Dancing, Merengue, Mambo, Paso Doble, Rock and Roll, Salsa, Tango, Waltz, Zouk, and the typical Brazilian dances Forró, Funk, Lambada and Maxixe.

To sum it up, it's horrific and it makes me forever gratefeul for Tess inane jokes, Len's over rehearsed puns and the Craig Kellys of this world.