Yes! Heaven help that they should have to look at feet and legs!

Thanks for that info .... and I agree with you about Louis Spence too!!

I hate it when Darcey mentions the boys are right or the boys this that and the other, god it makes me cringe

Do you really believe that technique matters anymore in this travesty of a Dancing show now. The show attracts a baying audience that will cheer or clap or stand to anything required of them.
The dancers often dress in absurd costumes with puerile props and are voted by a lot of screaming teenagers who probably don't vote for them based on their 'technique'.

The audience are told to cheer and clap. It wouldn't be very nice to be on the show only to get nothing or to be booed. The costumes are all a part of strictly, it wouldn't be the same without them, and 90% of the time they're beautiful and fit the dance. Also, we are told to vote for our favourites. But from last year I have seen plenty of people here that do vote on technique sometimes.

If Helen does become the new judge, I can foresee clashes between her and the rest of the judges due to their lack of knowledge of ballroom/latin technique.

Indeed they should, but only if they understand what those feet and legs should be doing! I remember Darcey commenting on someone's excellent technique in a ccc - which had been danced almost entirely on bent knees, not a straight leg once (no wonder Len gave her - Darcey - such a withering look!) I think it might have been Pixie, but not 100% sure - her ccc was certainly weak.

Yes, there will be disagreements, for the same reason there were disagreements with Len.

I do believe technique matters, but the fact is they simply do not have time to learn it. One of our greatest ballroom dancers - Karen Hilton - once said that you can learn to dance a waltz in a few hours, but it will take the rest of your life to learn to dance properly! This is the same with all 10 dances.

The baying audience? Mmmm tickets are free, and as such the audience becomes part of the show, and expected to react as directed. The standing ovations after nearly everyy dance becomes pointless, but the rest, I don't mind.

Some of the costumes I do agree with you, especially the so-called 'comedy' acts - who will ever forget that stupid crap/lobster outfit? And some of the outfits are badly fitted - the male pro dancers last year had trousers that were too tight, and, biggest crime of all, had pockets!!! But some of the dresses are lovely.

Puerile props? Abso-blimmin'-lutely!

Baying teenagers who vote - I've yet to meet any teenager who votes. Those who do watch tend to record the show to watch later anyway. Voting, I believe is mostly a middle-age thing!

BIB I vote and I'm 21?

I'm 13. I vote, although I have to use Hola.

BIB whats that? never heard of it

it is a fact that Strictly's public demographic is older (cant remember exact figures) but in the 18-32 age group X Factor wins - the beeb are after that demographic

agree with your post totally Kaycee

For me Len should be replaced by:-
Karen Hardy,
Or
Iain Waite,

They show so much knowledge,

Brendan would be OK, Anton more of a joker.

Question us who is head judge, I assume it's Craig, over Bruno, but Bruno may think differently.

There are 100s of professional dancers who are more than qualified to become head judge; it doesn't have to just be someone who has been on Strictly.

Head judge must be the one with the real bb/Lat knowledge - which is why Len is HJ. I trust whoever replaces him will have the same experience and knowledge, and will, therefore, become, HJ.

Thank you, bendymixer.

Of course, there will be some younger peeps who vote, but on scd, generally it is the older viewers. Don't know about you, but most of he younger people I know are too busy being out doing things (dancing, movie, etc) on a Saturday night.

It lets you browse websites that are geoblocked or has feautures you can't use n your country. I use it to vote online.

But how many of the 100 are regularly on TV and have presentation skills?

Like Len did before Strictly

I would imagine there will be all sorts of screen tests and stuff for any potentials. They won't just be unleashed in the launch show.

They may not have presented on TV, but many/most give lectures, host workshops and demonstrate both at home and overseas so certainly have the necessary presentation skills if indeed these are required.It would not be a problem for any professional. At the end of the day, neither Len or his replacement present the show, they are merely judging and giving critique.

They will have been on tv about as regularly as Craig, Bruno, Arlene and Len had before they became Strictly judges!

But - as with Len - professional dancers who have perhaps ended their competitive careers, and have become qualified to coach and to judge competitions, will also be used to 'presenting' their expertise at numerous dance congresses; to sitting on a stage compering competitions; producing tutorial videos, etc. None of which 'presenting' they have to do on Strictly, as all they have to do is JUDGE.

When did we find out Darcey was a judge?

A while ago

aha sounds cool

I meant during the year she joined.