Week 1 - We're back!

Hi everyone - it's that time of year again.  Loads of new faces - celebs, pro's and judge!  I have to say I'd only heard of about half of the celebs but no doubt they will feel like old friends very soon!  I also have to say that I think getting Shirley as head judge is a massive coup for the BBC. Multiple times world latin champ along with a plethora of other titles makes her one of the most experienced & respected dancers in our world. In my opinion she has more right to be there than Len ever will (even though I liked him).

So, onto the performances:

Gemma & Aljaz - Cha Cha Cha
Disappointed - he copped out by not giving her any basic figures. She needed more pressure into the floor through her feet & the very small section that should have been latin crosses had a very weak action. She also needed straighter legs which would have helped her foot pressure.
My score - 5

Brian & Amy - Tango
His right hand was splayed & in totally the wrong place.  Tango is the only dance where the man has his fingers past the lady's spine & lower towards the small of her back. It meant his frame was all wrong too. Knees too straight which resulted in a stompy dance & incorrect footwork. He also needs to get his pelvis forward. Good timing though & not a bad performance aspect.
My score - 4

Alexandra & Gorka - Waltz
Very few heel leads (some in the wrong place). Needed more rise & fall. Needs to get her chest away from his by pulling down through her lateral muscles.  Good arms & fluid extensions. Good performance.
My score - 6

Simon & Karen - Paso Doble
Didn't like his 'gun hands' as I call them. His legs were too straight & he was walking rather than dancing/marching. Very stompy - more aggressive than dominant. Good focus though.
My score - 4

Charlotte & Brendan - Foxtrot
Elegant, good stride.  Not bad top line just needs to watch hr chin as it drops occasionally. Good footwork & very good attempt at a heel turn.  Good attempt at a very hard dance (particularly for lady).
My score - 6

Chizzy & Pasha - Cha Cha Cha
Another dance with almost no basic figures. Good energy & acting & she handled the dress issue well. Lost synchronicity a couple of times & a few heel leads we didn't want.
My score - 5

Johnny & Oti - Waltz
Good footwork, good frame but needs to keep pelvis forward to aid posture. Good timing & stride. Needed more rise & fall and sway.
My score - 5

Jo & Katya - Jive
Good rhythm, timing & energy. Needed to point toes more. One of the best performances tonight. I was glad Shirley was happy to put Darcy in her place about the technique.
My score - 7

Susan & Kevin - Viennese Waltz
Better than expected. She missed her crosses on her reverse turns but a good fleckerl. She needs to stretch her top line away from him.
My score - 5

Debbie & Giovanni - Paso Doble
Ok she's a former ballet dancer so some may think she has an edge.  The only advantage it gives her is knowing how to tell her body to do things.  I've taught ballet dancers in the past & it takes them forever to get used to dancing with heel leads. She did well tonight.  Great attack, great timing, good shapings.
My score - 7

Davood & Nadia - Cha Cha Cha
Static hips but a good attempt at latin crosses. Good energy & good strength in his leads.
My score - 6

Ruth & Anton - Waltz
Another one who needs to pull away her top line. Romantic performance but a few routine & balance issues.
My score - 4

Richard & Diane - Cha Cha Cha
Good personality. Footwork ok in places but a bit clumpy due to being on bent knees for most of it.
My score - 4

Molly & AJ - Jive
Another AJ show (maybe his youth is the cause of that). She was a bit flat footed at times & her flicks needed more retraction. Good energy though.
My score - 6

Aston & Janette - Foxtrot
Great timing, not a bad frame but needs to watch his left shoulder when he does lines. Needs to stop 'spotting' his head during turns & keep it to his left & stop looking into camera! Good confidence.
My score - 7

I will just say that I think they need to keep the dances limited for week 1. Too many variations can make it difficult to compare dances.  I also think it's unfair on the celebs to give them foxtrot & viennese waltz in week 1 as they are tricky to learn.

All in all, not a bad week 1

Until next week......

Keeeep dancing!

PS. If you live in Kent or have DAB radio, you can hear me every Saturday morning on BBC Radio Kent at 8.50 discussing Strictly & giving my opinions!