BLOG
Read about all things Charleston
Strictly Charleston Review: Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell + Nikita Kanda and Gorka Marquez
After a yearlong wait, Strictly Come Dancing has finally returned to our screens for their 21st Series and last Saturday we were treated to not one but two Charleston routines! Both dances have received mixed opinions from both the audience and the judges, but which was your favourite?
After a yearlong wait, Strictly Come Dancing has finally returned to our screens for their 21st Series and last Saturday we were treated to not one but two Charleston routines! Both dances have received mixed opinions from both the audience and the judges, but which was your favourite?
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
In Week 2, EastEnders Star Bobby Brazier and his dace partner, Dianne Buswell opened the show with the first Charleston of the series, where they danced an alternative Charleston routine to, ‘Do Your Thing’ by Basement Jaxx which was choreographed by Matt Flint.
After a few bars of opening music, where both Bobby and Dianne jazzed out to the tune, the pair leapt off the stage and sprang into action with well-sequenced Charleston Swivels, a Shimmy and Twists. At 0:37, they then came together for a brief section in hold where, they completed a series of Swing-inspired moves; including Kick Charlestons, Spins, and Jazz Hands.
Later on in the routine, they went on to complete a series of bunny hops, a 30s Charleston, and an impressive lift; which really showcased Bobby’s skills and potential as a dancer. At 0:59, the pair then came together in hold once again, before bursting out into perfectly synchronised Charlestons and kicks which they used to race across the dance floor.
Further on, the tempo of the song suddenly changes, which gave the couple the opportunity to further showcase their skills. With a Barrel-Roll at 1:23, shortly followed by a Running-Man inspired sequence, there really was no stopping them, as the crowd collapsed into a cacophony of applause.
Nearing the end, the pair seemed to go from strength to strength as Bobby threw Dianne up into the air, with apparent ease, for their final lift before launching themselves upon the floor in a dramatic finish.
Although not traditionally authentic in style, this Charleston gave a modern twist to the genre which many viewers seemed to appreciate, with one commenting that, “[The] lifts were fantastic,’ and how, “[They] couldn’t take their eyes off the screen.”
As a result of this, the comments from the judges were pretty positive too with Head Judge Shirley stating how, “[She] loves a lift,” and Anton Du Beke was ecstatic with, “the new form of energy.” Even Craig managed a smile as he congratulated the pair on their “Fantastic Swivel.”
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 7
Motsi Mabuse – 7
Shirley Ballas – 7
Anton Du Beke – 8
MyCharleston – 7
Nikita Kanda & Gorka Marquez
Next up we have Radio presenter Nikita Kanda and her professional partner Gorka Marquez who danced the second Charleston of the night to iconic tune, ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’ by Beyonce.
This is not the first time we have seen this song being danced to in the Strictly Ballroom, as Catherine Tyldesley and Johannes Radebe danced their Charleston to the same tune back in 2019; which you can read all about in our blog here.
After a brief opening, where the pair set the scene in an engagement ring shop; linking to their choice of song, the pair launch into a sequence of sassy, Cat-Walk style struts. At 0:24, we see the first use of the Basic Charleston step, which is subsequently followed by a series of Scarecrows, Spank-the-Babies, and Silly Runs.
Later on, at 0:40, the pair burst into a series of traditional 1920s moves, consisting of pushes Flapper Walks, and further Basic Charleston steps. After a brief interval with comedic acting, Swivels, Tick Tocks, and a simplistic lift are then performed. Almost immediately after, the couple return together for a further section in hold where double Charlestons and Bunny Hops, are showcased with apparent ease.
Nearing the end of the routine, the pair complete a sequence of synchronised Truckin’, Jazzy Walks, and a lift, before racing back towards the mock up jewellery shop where they resumed their final positions.
I, like many others, did not really know what to make of this routine. Whilst there was lots of great Charleston moves, they were often disjointed with little to no swivel on the traditional Charleston step. It appears I was not alone in thinking this as the Judges also shared a similar view.
As a result, there were mixed opinions shared with Motsi Mabuse commenting how there had been a “Dramatic improvement in confidence,” which Head Judge Shirley Ballas echoed with a mention to the, “1000% improvement in performance skills.” Unfortunately, however, Craig thought it was, “flat footed [and had] no swivel.”
Due to these comments, both Nikita and Gorka unfortunately found themselves within the bottom two of the leaderboard against Les Dennis and Nancy Xu. However, despite this, the pair managed to successfully swivel their way through the Dance Off and have secured their spot in next week’s show.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 3
Motsi Mabuse – 5
Shirley Ballas – 5
Anton Du Beke – 5
MyCharleston – 4
By: Eleanor O’Donnell
What's On: Masterclasses This October
Are you yearning to master new moves, explore different dance styles, or simply reconnect with your passion for dance? Look no further! As MyCharleston have a jam-packed term of Masterclasses coming up this autumn. We have an array of workshops that will cater to all levels and styles.
|
