Of course... I am just surprised by the number of people who didn't like it.

Sorry that you find it all so boring, but some people are interested about the competitive background of the dancers and others have just been answering their questions.

The overall theme to all of this is "each to their own". Some people don't like Tim and Jo - others of us think they are amazing. Some want to know more about competitions and the career of our pros - others don't care less and find it boring. If you don't like things then that's absolutely fine of course, just don't watch or read them anymore.

Erinfan - I can do exactly what I like. This is my forum as much as yours. I can yawn to my heart's content if I feel like it.

I wonder why Strictly is so very popular and people really enjoy watching the dancing and pros and also why the original "Come Dancing" disappeared off our screens because of lack of interest? I think that actually says a lot.

We are exposed to a lot more latin and latin style dancing so probably when you see proper high level standard it will seem slightly odd at first. Although I can fully appreciate how wonderful T+J and know that they are doing it correctly I still find the whole idea of the proper ballroom hold odd even after several years of dancing myself. It just doesn't see like a natural way to stand.

That's what I was saying - each to their own. I'm not having a go or saying anything insulting! Jeez! I'm trying to say people will have different opinions, if you liked the dance great if not no big deal, just don't look out for them anymore. Of course it's everyone's forum, which is why I was saying that sorry you found the conversation about competitions boring, but for some here it's interesting. I wasn't trying to argue or tell people what to do.

Come Dancing's presentation was dated and the programme tired. If it came back now I think it would be a lot more popular, especially after Strictly. Just my opinion.

No probs

Says a lot about what

The reason Strictly got such a following in the first place was more to do with the fact that it's a reality tv show first, a dancing competition second. It got marketed that way, with the vote to save your favourite and emphasis on personality. Obviously there are more people who would rather sit and watch a reality tv show than a real dancing comp as at the end of the day the majority of viewers just want to be entertained and Strictly is entertaining, it's hardly a mystery why it's so popular.

To all those who keep saying that A&E are better than Tim & Jo, and the weird body shapes made by T&J, they should take a look at YouTube links to Mirko Gozzoli & Allesia Betti (The current World Professional Champions) ~ wide frame, strong lead by Mirko... beauty personified ~ and the inspiration to how T&J now dance. Competitive ballroom dance (and Latin for that matter) is a million miles away from what we see on SCD

And as to A&E being ranked 24th in the UK, that was based on EADA (English Amateur Dance Association) competitions entered and position achieved (NOT titles/comps won) ~ however, I do enjoy watching them on SCD and have even been to a residential dance weekend with them... so that must say something, yes?

They are two of the most beautiful dancers I have ever had the pleasure of watching. They leave me absolutely transfixed every time I watch them compete. Simply incredible.

I'm pleased for you. That's exactly how Anton and Erin leave me

Good, it's always lovely to be moved by dancers. They are ALL wonderful.

(In case that was meant as a dig - I haven't once said anything against Anton and Erin or their dancing. I have just said facts about how highly Tim and Jo are ranked and respected and pointed out that some comments aren't true in the way they are intended. Look at my name - I have nothing against them and also enjoy watching them dance.If it wasn't intended as a dig, I apologise, have read too much into your post and so disregard the above.)

Not a dig, no. I haven't even slated the British pros, only queried why the strange posture was necessary. I also said how much I enjoyed Paace's link to the Italian world champions. The problem I have, and seems like quite a few more on this thread have too, is the actual title of the thread. That "REAL dancers" bit has brought us out fighting
.

Sorry! Have become paranoid now on this thread!! I completely see your point, I agree that the title sounds very condescending and said as much earlier in the thread, but I don't think the OP meant it quite as it sounded. I think she was just saying it was a genuine ballroom routine as you would see in big competitions, rather than more showy, choreographed numbers. (??)

I personally just love dancing and think ALL dancers are wonderful. To be genuinely good is a rare talent and to make it your career takes a lot of hard work, ambition and sacrifice. I think it is wonderful to be able to move people with performance and I think SCD is a great thing as it puts dance in the spotlight and brings dancers to the front of the stage, rather than shoving them at the back somewhere as a glorified extra.

I come from a family of dancers and know many other dancers who have been put down and belittled for their profession, as people haven't understood how much work and skill is involved. They now earn a lot more respect due to the show, which is one reason why I love Strictly.

There are some people who really are elite dancers at the top of their profession and others who are also incredibly successful. However, everybody who dedicates much of their life to dance and is passionate about what they do is a "Real" dancer IMO.

Thank you Erinfan, that was an excellent post. I'm not from a family of dancers myself but I have a sister in law who trained at the Hammond School of Ballet and danced for a few years and now teaches and through her I love ballet. To be honest I was never a fan of ballroom, I thought it was just old fashioned and dated (sorry!) but it took Strictly to make me a fan. I admire these Strictly pros tremendously for their dancing AND teaching skills, and their good humour (mostly ) in all kinds of situations that would make most of us lose our rag.

I love ballet as well! I was lucky enough to see Carlos Acosta recently....words just can't express that man's talent!

I assume you mean M&A (although A&E can do the same thing)
Thought you might like this link to M&I foxtrot
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=R941uxGMn1g

Not the person you replied to, but that was wonderful - thanks for the link

Thanks for the link, beautiful dancers.

Thanks for this link ~ watched one of their quicksteps here:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AJsSxtYIZGY

Breath-taking!

Anton and Erin have been champions too dont forget

bites tongue

Same here.

Champions of what then?

I'm fans of them, I love them, but I am aware they cannot touch couples such as T&J and M&A.

x x x x

Here we go again :yawn:

Erinfan - where are you when I need you?
Last edited by beisw : 02-11-2007 at 13:32

Sorry to burst your bubble but, much as I like to see A&E on SCD, they have NEVER won any major competitions... only minor EADA regional ones.
That said, Anton must be in line to take over from Brucie as host of SCD. Any comments anyone?