Cold, showy, gimmicky, obviously very technical but I thought Gethin's rumba was so much more romantic (and it set my heart thudding) - I think the judges need their eyes examined .

I agree. I couldn't believe it when the judges stood up. Gethin was far better. And Alesha, too I think from a few weeks ago. I'm not a fan of the rumba, I just don't see it's point, but the two celeb ones I mentioned were really good I thought. Maybe not technically perfect, but they had more depth and feeling to them than this did.

I was sitting there ready to be amazed. In a way I was - at how much I didn't enjoy it.

There was no joy in it - it was as others have mentioned just so cold.

I was rather underwhelmed i've got to say........i was expecting to be blown away and i wasn't.

I've enjoyed some of the pro dances (SCD dancers) much more.

I go along with the consensus here. I'm sure they were technically perfect but it's all lost on me. I know faff all about this dancing marlarkey and wouldn't appreciate all the technical nuances and subtleties of the dance in a million years.

If this is all that professional dancing has to offer I'll stick with footie and cricket.

I agree with other posters, I imagine it was all very proficient and well executed, but did nothing for me at all. It all seems a bit too clean, polished and santized for my liking.

I think the fact that I know they can dance, removes any uncertainity and excitement for me. With our celebs, knowing they are virtual newbies, does make their efforts all the more watchable/entertaining. Particuarly true if you find yourself fully immersed in the progress of one or more of the couples.

Haven't seen last night's dance yet, but if you mean the one where the woman spent most of her time off the floor, I agree - it was clever, but it didn't seem to have much dance in it and at the time I just went "huh???"

I suspect that's the level of performance you have to produce in order to reach the level they have done. It probably looks over-done to most of us.

I haven't had time to read every reply on this thread, so apologies if I'm repeating what someone else has already said....

Bryan and Carmen retired after b/p; Joanna (from Belgium) & Michael (from Poland) are now World Champions.

I remember the first time I saw Joanna; it was at the International some years ago, when she was still dancing with Slavik K (dancers out there will understand my inability to spell his name!!) Few people knew who she was but she lit up the floor...... She has always had the ability to take the most complicated choreography and make it look simple.

She started dancing with Michael after dropping Slavik; he was rather less experienced then, but has done wonders!!!

I can't say they really did anything for me. For me, the best dancers make me think: "I want to do that! I want to go and start lessons NOW!"

With those two I was more interested in finishing the hem I was stitching so badly!

I'm sure they were brilliant - but I didn't enjoy it at all. I didn't enjoy wathing her dance in her underpants either. I kept wondering if the male dancer was actually in the room - he seemed a bit distant. Too cold for me.

possibly, Gosh I remember when I was like that, just started with only a few weeks lessons

Just watched it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e11Rr532Ego

rumba - loads of quite obviously incredibly clever and technical stuff in here, but about as much warmth and chemistry as a refrigerator Seemed to spend most of their time grinning at the audience.

Preferred the samba.

It did all feel a bit like "we're going to put as many clever, impressive and technical things in here as humanly possible" rather than something that had been choreographed to be enjoyable to watch - clever rather than beautiful or fun.

They got a good response from the atudio though, maybe it was better live

Where was the passion? It was technically brilliant in parts, yes, but where was the heat?

I don't know, maybe it's difficult to exude heat with cool blonde hair and a lack of hippage... is it?

I feel really sad reading these comments. I think they are incredible dancers and Joanna in particular is immensely skilled. I challenge anyone to watch them live at full throttle and not to be amazed...obviously there will be some who don't like them, but usually they drive audiences mad!

Each to their own, but personally I'm very proud that they have supported Strictly by appearing.

I don't doubt of their skill (and judging by comments in this thread neither do most people) - they put a lot of what (to my untrained eye) looked like very technically difficult and clever stuff into the routine.


As I said, the studio audience obviously enjoyed it, and things are always different live.

I wouldn't dispute their dancing ability, which they evidently have in spades - they just came across rather cold to me. Rumba is often my least favourite dance even when danced by the pros, but theirs didn't come across (to me) as a dance of love or romance or anything like that.

Each to their own, though - no one can be liked by everyone all the time!!

LOL...maybe he was waiting for her to finish getting dressed first!!

I wasn't replying to you directly Sarah-flute, just generally. To be fair Rumba is probably my least favourite of their dances, but I think they are still stunning. I've been a fan of theirs for very many years and have seen them dance live numerous times and so perhaps I'm biased. I've always been blown away by them. (Although I must say I prefer the couple ranked 2, Slavik and Elena)

A lot of stuff is lifted from their competition routines and so of course it is very technical and even their showdances are always done for dance audiences and so it remains very technical. The moves weren't put in to show off, they are just what they always include in their routines.

As you say - each to their own. I'm not saying people are wrong not to like them or that they should like them. Just saying I'm disappointed that they didn't.

Fair enough and totally understandable.

I don't doubt that anyone's reaction would be the same about a couple they loved to watch. And I am certain that it would be a very different experience to watch them live

I've had similar discussions with a friend who used to work within what I guess would be described as contemporary dance. The idea of competitive dance is a total anathema to her - Just technique and performance, dance as sport rather than as a mode of communication and art form.(Even though she totally does recognise the skill etc.)

I guess it depends what you're looking for.

Competitive dance is so much more than that for me. It keeps a lot of art and emotion. You look at the floor and in every corner you have a different story going on and the passion they all dance with is electrifying.

To be fair emotion isn't Michael and Joanna's strongest point which is why rumba is my least favourite of their dances, but I personally could never term them cold. I still think they normally have a great connection.

Their choreography and innovation is their strength (which is why they are a favourite of Karen's) and also their speed, power and charisma - videos never do them justice. Mostly though, they are technically very skilled - especially Joanna. Dancers always work to their strengths and so their routines will also be more based on skill than emotion, but that doesn't really reflect the other competitors out there, who all dance with a lot of emotion and artistic flair.

I thought the second part of their routine was enjoyable.

I quite enjoyed this dance, actually, mostly due to the technical ability of Joanne Leunis (not that I actually know anything about dance!). I thought it looked very impressive, very much an exhibition dance. It definitely lacked 'story' though.

It's interesting seeing people's opinions on the whole impressive technicality vs. acting+storytelling thing. Last year the showdance kind of left me cold too, although as I've come back to watch it I've enjoyed it a bit more.

I recently found this on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uaVX...eature=related

Personally, I find this amazing simply because it looks impossible! But I think there is also a certain artistry to it.

I totally understand where you're coming from... but I know my friend wouldn't be convinced . For her dance is about using movement + gesture to explore and communicate experience - so there may be times when moving with "bad" or without technique is more usefull and expressive. (And to make it sound even more pompous.. she'd look for art rather than artistry. She isn't pompous at all though, lovely in fact - me on the other hand I'm a total nightmare...)

It's just interesting to hear and be aware of different points of view.

I understand her different opinion completely. I think contemporary dance can be incredibly beautiful. There are also times and moves I really just don't get. The beauty of dance is that different people become moved by different things and movements. I love how diverse dance is.

I would however say to everyone to go to an international competition before deciding you don't like competitive dancing. Not directed at you or your friend at all, but just in general.

Couldn't agree with you more !


I can't promise that'll happen v. soon but it's always a good policy to never be easily dismissive of any creative practice - even if you don't like it. (Many baffling hours spent with friends at contemporary jazz gigs, at least proves that I'm willing to give anything a try!)