DANCE teacher Graham Vernon, from Samlesbury, gives his verdict on the twelfth episode of Strictly Come Dancing.
Austin and Erin
American Smooth Foxtrot: There was a strong confident feel to Austin this week. He showed fantastic control on the lifts but he did seem to lose the pazaz of Fred and Ginger. I have been expecting this level of performance from him for the last few weeks but as it was the lowest Ballroom score of the evening and his strongest style, things were not looking good.
Salsa: Again it was a great little lively performance with the top half of his body, but unfortunately for me his leg and foot action was heavy and stiff. A great, fast and furious routine which increased in the dance-off. Even though the judges' decision for Austin to go this week was the right one, the standard of the whole evening was so high they were all champions.
Lisa and Brendan
Waltz: A beautiful simple start to a near perfect graceful and elegant Waltz. It was just as it should be danced, with great foot control and top line. However, I didn't understand the end of the routine, which they corrected in the dance off. Lisa definitely deserves the prize for the most improved over the series. Do you agree?
Jive: Lisa has mastered the leg and kick action needed to demonstrate this dance. She was even lighter on her feet than she had been in previous weeks. She lost the pump action of the knee half way through the routine, which, as anyone who has ever danced Jive knows, it is very hard to keep. The choreography seemed a little week in places as well, but overall it was a cracking demonstration.
Tom and Camilla
Foxtrot: Tom's footwork has improved in the Ballroom style and the control of fluid movements he now maintains are superb. His head looked a little too forced in places and for me the routine did have an American Smooth feel to it rather than a pure Foxtrot, but he did own the floor.
Rumba: I have to say I was really surprised as I was expecting more from this dance. For me there was no softness or smoothness, it just seemed to be Camilla running round and round, followed by a pose and then Camilla running some more. Did you think the same?
Rachel and Vincent
Tango: A true professional demonstration with fantastic musicality. Vincent, a previous World Tango champion has just found himself a new partner. They were both full of passion and poise, deserving of any dancing competition final. What are they going to come up with for the Strictly final?
Cha Cha: Rachel has proven she is an all rounder, which in the dancing world is rare. She deserves to win. Her hip and foot placement, which is what makes a Cha Cha difficult, was danced beautifully, in fact perfectly. After the judges comments I thought they were going to score a full house, but no! 'Lets comment on how fantastic they were and score them nine.' According to Arlene, Austin's Salsa was in the same league as Rachel's Cha Cha. Hmmmm, would you agree with this?
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