Given the transformation of Matt Dawson over the last two weeks, I can't help but be reminded of Darren Gough's similar journey. He started off without the real natural flair of some of the other competitors, but steadily each week he improved on each performance until he was virtually unrecognisable as the man who started the competition.
That leads me to heap praise on Lilia. She must be a fantastic teacher to gain such a transformation in both men. .

I think that her partnership with Aled was one of the best of all the series.

(they woz robbed, I tell you robbed - they should have been in the final ... and breathe ... time to let go now ...)

I would agree, and extend that to her husband too. They both have a real flair for choreography to get the best out of whatever celeb they have.

I think they're all fantastic teachers and a lot depends on their celebs and their ability to learn. You could say that Gough and Dawson are both sportsmen and so used to workinig over and over on technique and possess a determination to get it right.

Not taking anything away from Lilia, I think she does a fabulous job every year and is one of the best teachers along with Erin- just looking at the other side as well. As I said though, I think every pro does a great job in the limited time they have!

Come join me in the 'still bitter and twisted two years on' corner

I think Lilia definately is one of the best teachers, she's worked wonders every year, each time with not a lot of obvious potential.

They're all great teachers. But, and I know I'm biased, and speaking from personal experience, I think Erin's the best teacher!

I think they all can work wonders but Lilia seems like one of the best teachers, and I admire her even more for her great choreographies.

DerChef

My personal fav is Erin but Lilia must be amazing to bring Darren Gough and Matt Dawson from VERY humble beginning to where they are at now.

Whilst I think Karen is amzing (and beautiful ) I dont think alot of beginners could cope well with her very personal and in your face style of teaching and thats me included

Ohhh Yeah

[QUOTE=Cat 123 I think Erin's the best teacher![/QUOTE

I would go along with that! and althought Zoe and Ian were my favourites last year, I really felt that Erin was robbed. I never bought into the Darren Gough story, yes in the end he could dance but no way near as well as Zoe or Colin imho.

Some of us forumites must be an exception then cos we are all beginners and can all cope with her teaching style Her classes are great.

I guess there is a difference between that, though, and trying to get a beginner up to a standard where they have to perform a totally difference dance every week.

I don't think anyone could deny she has brought a lot out of some very unpromising pupils, whether you think she is the best or not. On Saturday, Matt was within one point of doubling his original mark from week one! Lilia is one of the most successful pros on the show.

The other teacher I'd point out would be Erin- Colin was great from the start, but she also did a great job with Peter in the ballroom, and got as much out of Julian Clary as anyone could!

There definitely is but I thought Der Chef was talking about beginners in general, not just on such a show, probably got it wrong

That is exactly what I wanted to say, they are both absolutely amazing, and the transformation in Matt and Darren G is/was incredible. Go Lilia

Best teacher for me (besides Erin!) I think would be Mr. Cutler. He's so sweet, I seems really gentle and encouraging.

I hadn't thought of him! He is great, although he'll have to do another series before we can compare his form to Lilia's (we can't really hold Siobhan Hayes against him, don't think there was much anyone could do there). He has such a great attitude with Carol, I think they are the two most genuine people in the competition.

Although, thinking about it, I'd probably collapse into a gooey heap on the floor and not be able to concentrate if he was teaching me! I'm going to try though lol! I want a lesson with him when SCD is over.

I was taught by Erin for anout 7 months before SCD and she is wonderful! Also had classes with Camilla, and Izabela from last year as well.

I think Lilia is a fantastic teacher as the track record has proven - however I think the change in Matt is more about his attitude than anything. It wasn't until all the judges said he should leave because he didn't care that he really got into it. Thank God for that sportsmens competitive streak!

She does seem to bring the best out of her partners. She did wonders with Darren and so far a very good job with Matt.

Agree completely! I really admire the way he teaches.

I'd have to plump for Erin. Of her four partners, three have them must have seemed like completely hopeless cases at the beginning, but she managed to bring the very best out of all of them.

True, but she still shouldn't have been in the final with Julian at the expense of Lilia and Aled (I'm over it, truely I am ... )

I agree all her celeb partners have showed a lot of determination. Gough and Dawson are very fit. I think all guys have been of a similar age too. She's lucky that the public have kept her partnerships in long enough to see that improvement also.
I think she is a creative choregrapher also so that helps.
I think she does a great job but it would be interesting to see how she would do with a Dennis Taylor or Bill Turnbull.
The best teaching pros I would say are Lilia and Ian Waite. With Erin in second.
Last edited by Stella Street : 20-11-2006 at 14:33

Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova all the way
Last edited by Tilly W : 20-11-2006 at 14:43

I think it is actually more difficult for the ladies to teach the men, because they cannot help them so much when they are dancing. Men generally seem more clumsy in their movements.

I think Erin has made mistakes (eg. dancing with dummies?). Of the others, Darren, Karen and Ian and Anton have been very good.

You need to remember how unseriously Aled, Darren and Matt took it when they started. They hadn't got a clue. They could have gone the way of James, or Spoony or Ray.

Yes I do think she is the best teacher.
Last edited by fatskia : 20-11-2006 at 15:19