You could say that about many of the dances during a themed week... that's why I don't enjoy them very much.

But if they are doing an except from Once they have do wear the clothes if possible. I can understand why Helen didn't wear an authentic Les Miz costume as none of them were remotely suitable for a paso, but the cut of the dress was a nod to the time.

I'm thinking - if you can't get beyond a pair of jeans and a shirt, maybe live theatre (which includes dance) isn't for you...

I think maybe the guy in Once dresses like that. Can't remember where I heard that, though.

Both Helen & Aljaz would have preferred more authentic costumes .. they said as much, but unfortunately wardrobe didnt fully embrace it.

I loved Jay & Aliona's understated look .. just what was required imo.

I am thinking had it been anyone else but Jay doing a rumba is a pair of ordinary jeans he would be slated . If for example Kevin wore that outfit people would be pointing and snerking . For example people have passing remarks about Kellies outfits for weeks
I am thinking that people accept far more if he is their favourite .

I don't see why all this type of thread can't be amalgamated. I'm sick of seeing threads being critical of Jay's costume / dancing / personality.

And I say that as someone who hasn't even voted for him.

If they are going to do musicals week, they have to get the costumes right, Jays was perfect for his character, bit dissapointed with the "Les Miz" characters far too sparkly.

This thread is down right desperate.
The film once ( not seen the musical) features a rather scruffy hero. It is a beautiful, touching, romantic film, made on a tiny budget.
I thought the clothes, stripped down set (thank god no backing dancers), and Aliona's gentle choreography suited the story beautifully.
Go watch Once, better than nearly all big budget movies.

I think it's more that people have been criticising Wardrobe and sympathising with Kellie for some of the shockers she has had to wear. Was pleased that last night she finally got a dress that suited her and the dance. Why Nancy was dancing with the Artful Doger is just a mystery of the Strictly themeing best left to one side,

As for Jay, he was kitted out in an outfit that followed the film and stage show styling of the Musical they were allocated - as did all the celebs - not sure what there is to discuss.

Different to the costumes we're used to seeing but contextually accurate.

I did wonder why Nancy was dancing with the Dodger !! Smiled to myself that at last Wardrobe dressed Kellie well , in the week when she played an woman of the night !
Thought Aliona got her outfit right last night , in theme but pleasing to the eye . Jays was very plain in comparison .
Its all very subjective how people see and enjoy dances , dancers , costumes , emotions . Isnt that what a discussion board is for ? Opinions and discussions ?

I think you'll find that Strictly has transmogrified that into a more time slot appropriate 'Pub Landlady'

Lol !!! I did laugh at that !! I think the Dodger was more clued in than Strictly bosses

Me too!!

It's one of my 'things'. If he'd worn black jeans and a plain shirt he'd have looked great.

It was the combination of the black formal shoes (which of course he has to wear), the jeans which looked like cheap stretch jeans to my inexperienced eye (like the sort they peddle on shopping channels) and a lumberjacks shirt (is the bloke in the musical a lumberjack? ) that didn't work.

Jay looked wonderful last week for the tango and I'm sure they could have dressed him in the style of the film in a more flattering way.

Possibly the time they normally save by not making Kellie's had to be made up somewhere so they had to not make Jay's?

That might be it Kellie looked lovely.

I must also say I disliked Aliona's outfit. She is so beautiful it wasn't as much of a clash as it was with Jay but a shapless pink top and a baggy orange skirt? It was not good. But again I haven't seen that particular musical so maybe it made more sense it you have.

To be fair though, I have been talking about Kellie's outfits for weeks, mostly as I felt really sorry for her to have to wear them.

But then again I am also saying that this was not good for Jay.

For me costume is a huge part of the dance, that's why you wear one and not practise wear in a performance.

This, all of this.

I have seen photos from the musical and the guy is in dark jeans, white top and a black waistcoat, now for the rhumba that would be a better fit and it would still be 'what the boy wore in the musical'.

If you google image search falling slowly performance the vast majority of pictures have the guy dressed in a lumberjack shirt and jeans, and the girl in a brown skirt and tweed style jacket, obviously you can't do a rumba in a jacket so they played a bit with Aliona's costume but Jays was spot on.

Sorry can't link images but hopefully someone can link one.

But he didn't need the outfit from 'falling slowly', just from the film/musical. Especially as Aliona didn't have the same outfit and Gio wasn't the beast even though when they dance together, it is iconic that it is the huge beast and her in her dress.

The outfit I described would be more rhumba appropriate.

He looked fine to me in those tight jeans!

It's from the musical so why would anyone snerk!!? It's authentic to the character he was portraying. God!!!! Is that so difficult to understand!?! Why?!?
It wasn't a Disney outfit no ... that seems to be a problem in some people's eyes.
The man is a busker ... what do you expect him to wear .. black trousers and a white blouse ... like Gleb last week!?!

It is a less well known Musical and song. I think it would have helped if the VT had shown that the characterisation was spot on, it would maybe have been even better than Ronan turning up.

Part of the confusion may have been because it looks like Jay on a day off.

I'd put that down to the producer choosing it or agreeing to Aliona's preference, for a Musical and Song. Whichever, it worked for them and it was technically the best male Rumba I have seen on Strictly.

Is Jay not being slated? Is this thread imaginary? Did my wishing finally pay off? Am I now hallucinating? Is this the real life?

Questions abound.