exactly, the technique they teach is the correct technique but getting them to do it after one week not so easy!

Well, it's quite normal for children to be a little confused after a parental sex-change. When you became Mrs Gritty did you have the operation on the N.H.S.? This has nothing to do with dancing but I think we should be told!

Dancin' Doc.

Dancin' Doc your leather Le Corbusier is surprisingly comfortable. The children never knew but their therapist seemed to think it was significant that their favourite film was The Adventures of Prusilla, Queen of the Desert.

Yes, it took time but the NHS were very sympathetic. When I told them I could multi-task and enjoyed shoe shopping the consultant said it was the most open-and-shut case she ever knew.

Well, Mrs Gritty, it's amazing what the N.H.S. will pay for nowadays. The problem is that the cost of these expensive sex-change operations means that my practice budget is severely restricted. So much so that I have had to refuse applications for Viagra from an ageing television presenter and a member of the judging panel. So, your gain is their loss. But congratulations anyway, and you can now ride side-saddle with confidence.

Dancin' Doc.

Extremely clever and very well spotted

To end all this controversy perhaps it's time that the judges prove their suitability to pontificate on the art of ballroom dancing by each doing a demonstration dance with a professional. If their basic footwork is faultless then they can justify their outspoken comments. But if they get the basic footwork all wrong then perhaps they should make way for a more qualified panel. Do you think the judges would be up for it? If so perhaps we can begin with Bruno demonstrating an elegant slow foxtrot with Erin?

Dancin' Doc.
Last edited by blomes : 04-11-2006 at 15:34

Hear Hear let Brendan and Karen be judges - they both have experience of the judges role

I can understand why people feel fustrated but I think it's a bit harsh to say the judges (bar Len) aren't qualified. I personally think it's fine for them to be judging as it's not a real ballroom competition. It's all staged for tv and there is nothing wrong with bringing in judges with diverse backgrounds with experience of what looks good on tv to give what I emphasise - their OPINION.
If you want 4 Len's judging then why not have all couples on the floor competing against each other in the same dance to the same music as an actual competition would have it? Wouldn't that be fairer?
It's interesting people want "real" ballroom judges on the show yet it wasn't that long ago when Paul Killick was competing with hanna that people would comment how he was always the "bridesmaid" in comps because he was too busy playing up to the crowds. He and Hanna would get the biggest cheers but couldn't quite get a leg over the favorites like Bryan Watson and Carmen, Jukka and Sirpa etc.
I think having judges from non-ballroom backgrounds actually makes it more interesting since they all look for different things.

Still think they should balance it up though - 3 "show" choreographers to one ballroom dancer skews it far too much towards showbiz pizazz rather than the ballroom technique which (IMHO) should be equally important.

Get rid of one of the 3 stooges and put a ballroom specialist in

They could start by drafting in one of the departed pros (as long as their partner isn't still in the competition) - they seem to talk a LOT of sense when they are doing the commentary! What about James Jordan....

Best suggestion I've seen re the judges!

Who's to say a departing pro will be impartial? Main complaints about the judges have been favortism. You don't think that happens in real competitions? That some judges will overlook mistakes made by certain couples?
I'm sure Camilla was greatful that Craig stood up for her choreography of mein heir when Len slammed it. Bruno I find quite funny 'cause he's so over the top. Arlene I don't like but her dancing credentials are pretty impressive and she's not afraid to say what's on her mind and disagree with people. I think the fact that people are writing threads and arguing about it is good...we should all have our own opinions as to what we like and don't like. I don't think it's right to slam the judges just because you don't agree with them. With all the hoopla that goes on with the show, I find a lot of what the judges say does make sense - although I don't agree with it all.
I'm happy with just one specialist who talks about the technical aspects...don't feel I need another but that's just me. As for showbiz pizazz...well...it's kinda the point isn't it? Why else give them individual screen time and alternate dances? How can you fairly judge any routine if they don't dance the same dance side by side?

ACcording to the newspaper he had a fight with matt dawson!

This scenario will be of scant consolation to the professionals and the celebrities who spend countless hours trying to perfect their ballroom and latin routines. Why bother if it's just some lark staged for T.V.? Perhaps, then, the B.B.C. should change the title from Strictly Come Dancing to Loosely Come Dancing! There is no reason on earth why competitors dancing to the correct tempo and the correct music should be any less entertaining than competitors dancing to the wrong tempo and the wrong music. And the sooner the suits at the B.B.C. get this into their thick heads the better it will be for ALL concerned.

Dancin' Doc.

By "real" comp I mean one where they dance against each other doing the same dance (ie rumba waltz etc) at the same time where they would only get to the listen to the music when they start to dance...that's what happens in an actual comp. This format is much kinder to them as it allows each one the opportunity to showcase their talent and their personality - and gives them the freedom to choose their own music which does play a part in how much the public will like the dance.
This is all for charity-it's not like they're training for the olympics. It's meant to be for a lark.

You may think the competition is 'meant to be a lark' but the celebrities don't think it's a lark, the professionals don't think it's a lark, the judges don't think it's a lark and, judging by the interest, the audience doesn't think it's just a lark. Most dancers know that the programme leaves a great deal to be desired and that it could be vastly improved but to dismiss it as just a lark for charity is to undervalue the great deal of perspiration, frustration, and even inspiration that all involved put into it.

Dancin' Doc.

Gosh you're taking what I'm saying the wrong way. Not dismissing the work they put in - putting words in my mouth there. Maybe you should define what you consider lark means? I'm an aussie (living in wales) so maybe my interpretation is screwy but I assume they take part in this to have fun, learn to dance and raise money. And if they get the shiny trophy in the end....bonus. It's not the be end and end all for them. Dancing is emotional, physical and beautiful. It's gutting for people to put in the hard work and get their performance ripped to pieces but on the other hand it's just 4 people giving their own opinion. My old dance teacher certainly didn't hold back if she didn't like something I did in class...you take it on board and try to improve. I never took what they said as personal...they're criticising the dancing not me as a person. I can either sulk or learn from it and push myself even harder. I think Mark is a great example of someone who is just having a ball and working hard. He's not under the illusion of a professional career in this. He wants to perform the best he can and it draws people in. I just wish they all were like that. You don't have to be the most talented person to do well. I enjoy watching Peter because he's got this great presence about him (not surprising given his size).

my last two cents on the subject 'cause I think I'm pretty much exhausted on this subject (and you're all probably sick of hearing from me) - I can understand the frustration with the music. Some of it is quite inappropriate...but I've seen Alan and Donna shingler do showcases to music that I wouldn't call strictly ballroom...and they were quite amazing actually. I kinda like it when they go against the norm...makes it quite exciting creatively (not that I'm saying it is more exciting than correct tempo music). Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't...commend them on trying something different though.

Beautifully put.

In Britian, if someone does something 'for a lark' it means it carries no importance for them whatsoever. Most of the celebrities are well known in acting and in sport and, obviously, dancing is not their life but, they are all used to stiff competition and they desperately want to win. So, it's not just a lark to them .. one only has to listen to their comments to appreciate that! It goes without saying that some have fun, others have tears, but they all learn quite a bit about dancing. Without being cynical, I don't think they enter this competition with the thought of raising money for charity. Any of them could write out a substantial cheque for charity without going through this ordeal. The big prize is more publicity and televisual exposure than they could hope for in their particular field. So, small wonder that they all take it seriously. And so they should. We all know the S.C.D. competition is not perfect but it has got millions of people interested in ballroom and latin dancing and that has to be great news for dancing enthusiasts everywhere.

Dancin' Doc.
Last edited by blomes : 06-11-2006 at 22:19