Which Strictly participant benefited the most from their time on the show?

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Sandy_Andrews

30-07-2016

Originally Posted by aggs:
“I use my friend as my own focus group she watches Strictly every year, but then trundles off and forgets all about it from December to September . It's actually interesting to see how a casual (and possibly more the kind the P-that-b pitch the programme at) viewer, well - views things.

Talking about last year, she remembers Jay (and prefers his Charleston to Jive). She remembers KatieandAnton, she remembers 'her that was with Kevin-from-Grimsby', she has no recollection of Georgia at all. Even prodding about dancing table wear just brings a 'yeah, kinda', she remembers Jeremy and the one with a wonky arm and her that danced in bandages with the 'one with the bum' but then comes to a screeching halt - so you can imagine that going back 2 series is a bit of an ask. She can't remember who won , but she remembers the one who was painted green - and Pixie - and Trent(/the laid back guy with the curly hair).

Like I say, it's interesting ”

Yes very interesting ...

How lucky her opinions so back your own prejudices - but then again you are friends so I guess you think alike as I am sure you are reporting accurately

I should think she must be one of the very few casual viewers of Strictly who remembers Trent - perhaps you went on and on about him at the time.
Most very casual viewers probably can name Anton, Brendan, James and possibly Kristina as she has had rather a lot of publicity - they would hardly remember a very cheesy Australian who appeared for half a series what is now 2 years ago - pull the other one

aggs

30-07-2016

<shrugs> I'm really not fussed whether you believe it or not. It is what it is.
Strangely, we don't spend months talking about Strictly or the pros/celebs. I've said more than once she knows Anton and maybe Brendan by name, the rest comes back at launch time and is - as I said, mainly by physical attributes (Artem was always him with the teeth, Pasha is him that went green) so she remembers Trent but not by name.

As for agreeing

- we haven't agreed on anything terribly much since the Great Donny v David Fall Out of 1971 which was reprised in 1982 when The Jam split and I stayed true and she jumped ship to The Police. It's most of the fun

Ano

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Sandy_Andrews:
“My idea of someone with a good personality is not .''brash" or cheesy for that matter - I just like them to have one.

I do not like young women who simper. are insincere, are prone to having a false laugh and are cold with little empathy for others.

I like down to earth, honest people with a good sense of humour - the sort of young woman that the rest of the cast like very much.

Kevin is absolutely a first class dancer as you would know if you watched the Strictly Prom.
The awful Trent is nowhere near in the same league - although he did have a lot of teeth as I remember which were very prominently on display.”

What is your issue here? Yes Kevin is a good dancer when his calm but when his all frantic and up in your face well IMO I find that extremely uncomfortable to view, now Trent sure has teeth to die for but let's discuss what's relevant here shall we? His a brilliant dancer with brilliant choreography some of which I preferred to the Clifton's. And pixies personality might come across as her being cold to you but I've never seen her as being cold I actually saw her as thoughtful and caring, the cast also seem to take to her so I have no idea what you were watching, all I can say is that I viewed that series just like every series with an objective mind, obviously later on you get the gist of which contestants you prefer. And on the subject of Trent coming nowhere near Kevin just because Kevin made an appearance on the proms now that confuses me on all levels, so all you need to do to become a first class dancer is appear on some BBC titled show, FYI I did try to watch the proms but couldn't see it through to the end but that's another different subject completely. BBC seem to have a fascination with the Clifton's and Janette and Aljaz and obviously they would be the first to accept the offer who wouldn't I certainly would, but the number of appearances does not make someone a first class dancer.

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Ano:
“What is your issue here? Yes Kevin is a good dancer when his calm but when his all frantic and up in your face well IMO I find that extremely uncomfortable to view, now Trent sure has teeth to die for but let's discuss what's relevant here shall we? His a brilliant dancer with brilliant choreography some of which I preferred to the Clifton's. And pixies personality might come across as her being cold to you but I've never seen her as being cold I actually saw her as thoughtful and caring, the cast also seem to take to her so I have no idea what you were watching, all I can say is that I viewed that series just like every series with an objective mind, obviously later on you get the gist of which contestants you prefer. And on the subject of Trent coming nowhere near Kevin just because Kevin made an appearance on the proms now that confuses me on all levels, so all you need to do to become a first class dancer is appear on some BBC titled show, FYI I did try to watch the proms but couldn't see it through to the end but that's another different subject completely. BBC seem to have a fascination with the Clifton's and Janette and Aljaz and obviously they would be the first to accept the offer who wouldn't I certainly would, but the number of appearances does not make someone a first class dancer.”

You misunderstood or misread my post - I didn't say appearing in the Prom made Kevin a wonderful dancer - I said had you watched the Prom you would have seen that he was.
It is not often we get the opportunity to see the Strictly professionals dancing without their less able celeb partners so the Prom was great treat for most of us.
Jo Clifton was wonderful too BTW.
It is not surprising that the BBC used the Cliftons in the Prom they are after all English and World Champions.

The Strictly Prom is still available to view on the BBC iPlayer.

Ano

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Sandy_Andrews:
“You misunderstood or misread my post - I didn't say appearing in the Prom made Kevin a wonderful dancer - I said had you watched the Prom you would have seen that he was.
It is not often we get the opportunity to see the Strictly professionals dancing without their less able celeb partners so the Prom was great treat for most of us.
Jo Clifton was wonderful too BTW.
It is not surprising that the BBC used the Cliftons in the Prom they are after all English and World Champions.

The Strictly Prom is still available to view on the BBC iPlayer.”

But you making it sound as though Trent isn't as good a dancer as Kevin is what I find a bit disrespectful, one thing for sure his choreo was 10x better you can't fault him on that aspect can we now.

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Ano:
“But you making it sound as though Trent isn't as good a dancer as Kevin is what I find a bit disrespectful, one thing for sure his choreo was 10x better you can't fault him on that aspect can we now.”

Well I certainly can - Do you call this great choreography ? :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5xk8YnkJDc

Surely not !

Ochre

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Sandy_Andrews:
“My idea of someone with a good personality is not .''brash" or cheesy for that matter - I just like them to have one.

I do not like young women who simper. are insincere, are prone to having a false laugh and are cold with little empathy for others.

I like down to earth, honest people with a good sense of humour - the sort of young woman that the rest of the cast like very much.

Kevin is absolutely a first class dancer as you would know if you watched the Strictly Prom.
The awful Trent is nowhere near in the same league - although he did have a lot of teeth as I remember which were very prominently on display.”

BIB Every word of that description fits Pixie.

Ochre

31-07-2016

I'm all for some Trent love on a Sunday morning

Trent's choreography on the show was innovative and entertaining with many clever moments and touches of humour whilst also being technically difficult to match Pixie's ability. He always choreographed to show off Pixie.

Because I can never post these links too many times

their Beauty and the Beast Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Halloween Hair Tango, Blackpool Gladiator Paso and Samba have to be some of the most memorable routines from their series.

Going to be singing 'Be Our Guest' with the children all day now

Mr Ochre will be thrilled

Trent and Gordana are on one of the Strictly cruises with Artem and Anya.

Ano

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Sandy_Andrews:
“Well I certainly can - Do you call this great choreography ? :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5xk8YnkJDc

Surely not !”

Hold on surely your not showing me a week 1 dance where contestants are there to have some fun before the actual competition gets started, I can think of a jive this series in week one which had some cheesy touches but I'm not going to fault the pro for that or the contestant, Trent was given an extremely cheesy song so he had to do something for it hence adding some cheesy moves but who cares it was week 1 after all, if that's all you can fault.. I suggest you watch some amazing routines created by Trent ochre has added down below

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Ano:
“Hold on surely your not showing me a week 1 dance where contestants are there to have some fun before the actual competition gets started, I can think of a jive this series in week one which had some cheesy touches but I'm not going to fault the pro for that or the contestant, Trent was given an extremely cheesy song so he had to do something for it hence adding some cheesy moves but who cares it was week 1 after all, if that's all you can fault.. I suggest you watch some amazing routines created by Trent ochre has added down below ”

Thank you I think I will pass on that one

Simply not my cup of tea - lets hope the new Strictly male pro dancers will appeal to you as much as Trent did.

Huph

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Sandy_Andrews:
“My idea of someone with a good personality is not .''brash" or cheesy for that matter - I just like them to have one.

I do not like young women who simper. are insincere, are prone to having a false laugh and are cold with little empathy for others.

I like down to earth, honest people with a good sense of humour - the sort of young woman that the rest of the cast like very much.

Kevin is absolutely a first class dancer as you would know if you watched the Strictly Prom.
The awful Trent is nowhere near in the same league - although he did have a lot of teeth as I remember which were very prominently on display.”

Everybody has a personality, they may all be different but we all still have one.

Ano

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Sandy_Andrews:
“Thank you I think I will pass on that one

Simply not my cup of tea - lets hope the new Strictly male pro dancers will appeal to you as much as Trent did.”

Ahh unfortunately that'll be quite hard since I'm not watching this year, probably the year after..

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Ochre:
“BIB Every word of that description fits Pixie.”

Do you know Ochre I have very little memory of Pixie on Strictly - she left no impression on me whatsoever,
I obviously didn't warm to her personality.
As Len would say too much posing and messing about for me !

I just remember how much I didn't like her partner and how pleased I was that he wasn't bought back for the 2015 Season.

Ochre

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Huph:
“Everybody has a personality, they may all be different but we all still have one.”

Indeed, 'no personality' is the most bizarre criticism.

Originally Posted by Sandy_Andrews:
“Do you know Ochre I have very little memory of Pixie on Strictly - she left no impression on me whatsoever,
I obviously didn't warm to her personality.
As Len would say too much posing and messing about for me !

I just remember how much I didn't like her partner and how pleased I was that he wasn't bought back for the 2015 Season.”

Fair enough

I'll continue to enjoy following Pixie and Trent's careers post Strictly.

I wouldn't have thought posing and messing about would be criticisms you'd generally agree with...

StrictlyRed

31-07-2016

I don't want to break into your discussion Sandy, but I have been following it with interest and have to ask whether your dislike of Trent may be colouring your perception of Pixie?

I was supporting Frankie in that year, and Pixie/Trent rather passed me by, so I wasn't in the "Pixie was robbed" camp. The opportunity to see Pixie in Breakfast at Tiffany's presented itself earlier this year, so despite being "neutral" about her, I went with an open mind. I also went back to view some of her Strictly dances, and found that I rather liked them.

Here is the most recent review of BAT that I have seen.

http://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/25...t-at-tiffanys/

That she has been getting mixed reviews cannot be denied, that is normal I would imagine, but in the end I can only go by my own personal opinion (which is all the reviewers have, actually), so I am not really influenced by the bad or the good ones.

I know that you are a fan of Georgia, and hope you get the opportunity to see her in the same role when she goes on tour with it later this year. I'm sure she will do a good job too.

aggs

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Sandy_Andrews:
“Yes very interesting ...

How lucky her opinions so back your own prejudices - but then again you are friends so I guess you think alike as I am sure you are reporting accurately

I should think she must be one of the very few casual viewers of Strictly who remembers Trent - perhaps you went on and on about him at the time.
Most very casual viewers probably can name Anton, Brendan, James and possibly Kristina as she has had rather a lot of publicity - they would hardly remember a very cheesy Australian who appeared for half a series what is now 2 years ago - pull the other one ”

As it seems important to you, I have asked her. It seems she remembers him because he reminded her of Tommy Steele in 'Half a Sixpence' and she though he and Pixie would make a good Artie and Ann in a remake (she also thought Pixie would be a good Sandy Olsen but not so sure about Trent as Danny). She remains peeved that Flash Bang Wallop was wasted on Him that had the Claws. So, there you go.

aggs

31-07-2016

I know that Joanne is an ex-World Champion, but I don't think Kevin is, is he?

As I have said before, I just don't like the way that Kevin dances. I can appreciate that he is good - but his style is just not to my taste. Of the current pro's, I have Alijaz and Pasha (although I wish Alijaz was partnered with someone nearer his height for the ballroom partner dances) as ones who I tend to find myself picking out of a group. Same with Artem when he was on.

Personal preference and all that. It's a good thing that the Strictly Pro Pick Elves are so good to us and give us a wide choice.

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by Ochre:
“Indeed, 'no personality' is the most bizarre criticism.

Fair enough I'll continue to enjoy following Pixie and Trent's careers post Strictly.

I wouldn't have thought posing and messing about would be criticisms you'd generally agree with...”

Well not applied to a very modern Rumba obviously

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by StrictlyRed:
“I don't want to break into your discussion Sandy, but I have been following it with interest and have to ask whether your dislike of Trent may be colouring your perception of Pixie?

I was supporting Frankie in that year, and Pixie/Trent rather passed me by, so I wasn't in the "Pixie was robbed" camp. The opportunity to see Pixie in Breakfast at Tiffany's presented itself earlier this year, so despite being "neutral" about her, I went with an open mind. I also went back to view some of her Strictly dances, and found that I rather liked them.

Here is the most recent review of BAT that I have seen.

http://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/25...t-at-tiffanys/

That she has been getting mixed reviews cannot be denied, that is normal I would imagine, but in the end I can only go by my own personal opinion (which is all the reviewers have, actually), so I am not really influenced by the bad or the good ones.

I know that you are a fan of Georgia, and hope you get the opportunity to see her in the same role when she goes on tour with it later this year. I'm sure she will do a good job too.”

Yes I think you are right - it was her partner I really didn't like so yes that probably coloured my feelings.

I liked Frankie too - I thought some of her dances with Kevin were super.
I am embarrassed to say if I was supporting anyone it was Simon - I thought he and Kristina were awfully good.

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by aggs:
“I know that Joanne is an ex-World Champion, but I don't think Kevin is, is he?

As I have said before, I just don't like the way that Kevin dances. I can appreciate that he is good - but his style is just not to my taste. Of the current pro's, I have Alijaz and Pasha (although I wish Alijaz was partnered with someone nearer his height for the ballroom partner dances) as ones who I tend to find myself picking out of a group. Same with Artem when he was on.

Personal preference and all that. It's a good thing that the Strictly Pro Pick Elves are so good to us and give us a wide choice.”

Sorry you are quite right I was not being totally accurate - Jo was indeed a World Champion and Kevin was to quote Wiki :

"He was a Youth World Number 1 and four time British Latin Champion and won International Open titles in Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Japan, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Belgium."

But not as you point out World Champion - nevertheless no slouch

He didn't initially appeal to me - an old Matthew, Ian and Vincent fan here I have to admit - but the more I watch Kevin the more impressed I become.
For example I loved his AS with Kellie :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luL1bQ3oues (From 2' 10" in)

The Strictly Production Team obviously choose a selection of pro dancers to appeal to everyone - you and I have very different tastes it seems.

I like Alijaz a lot, and Pasha although not very much !
I really don't like to watch Alijaz dancing with Janette - partly because of the height difference and partly because I think their styles don't match.
His ballroom dancing with Helen in the last series was lovely, however their latin not so much.
Artem just never appealed to me - which was a shame because I thought Kara was outstanding.
I did have a sneaky liking for Tristan - more as a personality I think than as a dancer.

You seem to go for the 'Russians"/'Eastern Block dancers - I on the other hand seem to go for the Western Europeans judging by present and previous crushes (Giovanni and Vincent/Matthew/and back in the day Anton) - I will be interested to see if I like Gorka Marquez too !

aggs

31-07-2016

Oh, I an equal opportunities supporter - I've loved Tristan since he was on Dancing with the Stars and was super chuffed when he came to Strictly. I just wish he had been better served - although, tiddly, couldn't give a shiney one Tristan is just about my favourite ITT thing ever (displacing Jameswewuzeobbed and I'll tell you why for an entire hour. Twice. Jordan over the John Sargeant situation)

Ian is my absolute favourite dancer ever on the male side, with Natalie, Erin and Katya V (I saw Katya with Pasha on their tour which tipped me over into appreciating Pasha more than I had).

I think if I had to say what appealed to me, it would be the taller dancers. They just seem so much more elegant. The less height advantaged just seem more frenetic, especially in things like the jive when at times I fear for their chins.

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by aggs:
“Oh, I an equal opportunities supporter - I've loved Tristan since he was on Dancing with the Stars and was super chuffed when he came to Strictly. I just wish he had been better served - although, tiddly, couldn't give a shiney one Tristan is just about my favourite ITT thing ever (displacing Jameswewuzeobbed and I'll tell you why for an entire hour. Twice. Jordan over the John Sargeant situation)

Ian is my absolute favourite dancer ever on the male side, with Natalie, Erin and Katya V (I saw Katya with Pasha on their tour which tipped me over into appreciating Pasha more than I had).

I think if I had to say what appealed to me, it would be the taller dancers. They just seem so much more elegant. The less height advantaged just seem more frenetic, especially in things like the jive when at times I fear for their chins.”

Well the good news is we totally agree about favourite female pro dancers - Erin and Natalie are my faves too, plus Flavia and Camilla.
I am liking Jo Clifton more and more as I get to see her really dance - she was superb in the Prom by far the best dancer on the night.

I loved this pro dance from Strictly too :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcKRiorDGn4

I am so hoping Natalie and Jo get good celeb partners this year, would love either of them to win.

Ochre

31-07-2016

Originally Posted by aggs:
“As it seems important to you, I have asked her. It seems she remembers him because he reminded her of Tommy Steele in 'Half a Sixpence' and she though he and Pixie would make a good Artie and Ann in a remake (she also thought Pixie would be a good Sandy Olsen but not so sure about Trent as Danny). She remains peeved that Flash Bang Wallop was wasted on Him that had the Claws. So, there you go.”

I'd love to see Pixie in Grease the Musical

Sandy_Andrews

31-07-2016

aggs picking up on your comments about liking tall male pro dancers - we are in trouble this year ... With Gleb leaving there are hardly any tall dancers left.

Kevin, Neil, Aj and Gorka are short.
Giovanni is just a little taller !

How tall is Pasha ?

This leaves Alijaz as the only really tall dancer this season.

I do hope all the female celebs are tiny.

aggs

31-07-2016

Pasha is about 5'10" and Anton and Brendan about 5'11"-ish, I think.

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