Originally Posted by
dippydancing:
“Hi all- just appreciating here for the first time 
I have a feeling that Laura could become the biggest improver on the show amongst a lot of celebs who already have a certain amount of dance experience to begin with. And I think she'll improve more than the total novices. I'd suspected it in weeks 1 & 2, but training for wk 3 seems to be showing signs of someone who's really learning a lot.
Sorry to ask such an eye-roll question that I'm sure has been asked before, but how much -if any- dance background does Laura have? Not that I hold it against celebs if they have it- I'm just here to see interesting partnerships and nice dancing.
I'm being a bit of an Appreciation Tart btw -so many interesting and/or great dancers this year that I still haven't nailed my colours to any particular mast
”
Hi dippy
BIB Completely agree with what you've said there. The progression Laura has already made and has the potential to make is a big part of her developing Strictly story, as is the chemistry between them on the dancefloor. They have a special something when they're dancing together that I find captivating, they're an exciting partnership.
I also love that Laura is a superfan of Strictly and you can see how much it means to her to be taking part. She's keen to learn as much as she can and clearly very hardworking. She has such a fun, bubbly, feisty personality too.
Originally Posted by
fatskia:
“Great to see Aliona and Giovanni getting together to catch up.
I like that Gio is his own man and makes his own mind up about people.
That shows an inner strength.
Aliona is very good at analysing dancing and is a creative choreographer, so it's an opportunity for Gio to get some honest feedback. Aliona tends to call it as she sees it! 
Aliona is just back from a trip with Vincent to Monaco.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuAa4jOWAAEZQF5.jpg”
BIB Absolutely and Laura's the same.
Lovely photo of Aliona with Gio, I'm another that misses her and am appreciative of her vocal support for L & G.
As an aside talking of support did everyone else notice last Saturday Jo go out of her way to walk round the Clauditorium and pat Gio on the back as they came to the top of the stairs after dancing their Waltz? She looked so proud and then says something smilingly to Katya.
I also think Laura & Gio have a chance of making the final fatskia. The potential is definitely there. I certainly hope to see them go a long way in the competition