Strictly Come Dancing 2010.

Week 1.

FRIDAY. The new series of Strictly got off to a flying start in its first week.

With the new look studio, that seems to be getting more and more like Blackpool Tower's ballroom.

A fantastic line up of very high standard celebrities with their professional dancing partners, that had obviously been carefully selected.

Normally the first week we expect to be entertained by laughing at people attempting to look like they know what they are doing but Friday’s show we saw several of the celebrities looking like competitive dancers.

They all should be very proud of their first dance and let’s hope the standard continues!

Felicity and Vincent: Cha Cha.

Craig 4, Len 5, Alisha 7, Bruno 7, Total: 23. Felicity and Vincent were the first couple on to the floor, which is very difficult for anyone to attempt.

But I have to say Felicity, ‘you little fox’, what a mover!

A really good leg action if anything a little stiff in the ankle but I am sure she will overcome this.

A nice simple recognisable routine with some flair elements to please the audience, if she was nervous she did not show it, I am looking forward to see her develop over the coming weeks.

Scott and Natalie: Waltz.

Craig 6, Len 7, Alisha 8, Bruno 8, Total: 29. There was quite a strong American smooth feel to Scott’s Waltz which I felt was a little over the top for a week one routine.

However there was some nice footwork, his top line was a little open but overall a well polished routine.

If Scott can continue in the other styles to this standard he will be an easy bet to go far in the competition.

Goldie and Kristina: Cha Cha.

Craig 3, Len 6, Alisha 6, Bruno 5, Total: 20. Goldie has a good sense of rhythm; he looked nervous and stumbled in a couple of places but he did get more confident as the routine progressed.

Kristina’s choreography did bring the best out of him and I hope he does as well in the ballroom dances, and definitely not deserving of a three.

Patsy and Robin: Waltz.

Craig 4, Len 6, Alisha 6, Bruno 6, Total: 22.

A beautiful choreographed waltz routine by Robin to show Patsy off to her best potential.

She was a little tense in the shoulders and stumbled on her pivot turns but she performed with poise and elegance, yet another couple who we will need to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks.

Matt and Aliona: Cha Cha.

Craig 7, Len 8, Alisha 8, Bruno 8, Total: 31. Was I expecting this?

No is the answer, I loved his cartwheel and walk over at the beginning as it looked so light and effortless.

I thought the grass and Aliona stood in boots at the beginning was a bit of a cheap gimmick and not at all needed.

Matt has a great sense of rhythm, a fab hip action and great body movements he has obviously studied dancing before, and definitely deserving to go all the way in the competition.

Pamela and James: Waltz.

Craig 7, Len 8, Alisha 8, Bruno 8, Total: 31.

A very elegant show stopping performance, danced with beauty, poise and grace.

James needed to lower his right hand slightly on Pamela’s back to allow her to release her left shoulder.

But apart from that she has a very graceful top line and danced effortlessly, I hope her Latin is as good so we can see her in the final.

Paul and Ola: Cha Cha.

Craig 2, Len 5, Alisha 5, Bruno 4, Total: 16.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, Paul was moving very well and if I am honest not at all what I was expecting.

Ola was nearly dressed and did not over dance as she did not need to.

Craig and Bruno’s comments and scores were completely uncalled for.

It was almost as if they new he was the underdog and they were going to give him a hard time, very well danced Paul keep up the hard work.

SATURDAY.

Jimi and Flavia: Cha Cha.

Craig 6, Len 7, Alisha 6, Bruno 7, Total: 26.

Jimi’s upper body movements are fabulous, but unfortunately he needs some work on his lower half.

He is quite pigeon toed, and there were several footwork and timing issues.

I thought the content of the routine was more show rather than dance, but overall a very good lively performance just lacking in technical content.

Peter and Erin: Waltz.

Craig 4, Len 6, Alisha 6, Bruno 5, Total: 21.

Not a bad attempt from Peter, despite his stance being quite stooped.

He needs to pull away from Erin more rather than clinging on, which will help him stand straighter.

For me the routine was a little complicated and it was obvious that Erin was having to work to keep them both on time with the music.

I would have preferred to see a simpler routine danced well rather than glitz and glamour, which can spoil and look fumbled.

Michelle and Brendan: Cha Cha Craig 5, Len 6, Alisha 7, Bruno 6, Total: 24>

How long are Michelle’s legs?

What a shame they are just lacking a bit of power.

Again I feel this was another routine that was lacking in dance content, but I do feel with a little more work and Michelle being allowed to express herself, she will deliver a good standard of dancer.

Gavin and Katya: Waltz.

Craig 6, Len 8, Alisha 7, Bruno 7, Total: 28. At last, after Friday nights celebrities being amazing I was beginning to think the beeb had put all the weaker celebrities in the Saturday show.

Gavin has flair, a good frame and some clean footwork, there were a couple of little things that could have been better but overall a very good attempt, with great doable choreography delivered well.

Tina and Jared: Cha Cha Craig 5, Len 7, Alisha 6, Bruno 6, Total 24

Gorgeous leg action from Tina with a very convincing performance.

She looked right at home on the dance floor, and I completely agree with Len’s comment about the choreography not being up to par with Tina’s ability.

I wanted to see more from them as I feel they were playing it safe, Jared needs to up his game to keep Tina in the competition.

Ann and Anton: Waltz Craig 2, Len 5, Alisha 5, Bruno 5, Total: 17

Anton the gentleman is the perfect partner for Ann, as I was expecting a train wreck but it was far from it.

A very elegant routine needing a little more rise and fall, but we have seen a lot worse week one dances in previous series.

The lady knows she will never become a British Champion but she infused every second to make great television and obviously loved every second.

Kara and Anton: Cha Cha.

Craig 7, Len 8, Alisha 8, Bruno 7, Total: 30. Talk about saving the best for last!

Kara has obviously had lots of high standard dancing experience.

The pair looked like a true professional demonstration couple even with her little costume problem when her heel got caught up in her dress.

Definitely deserving of an eight to put her on par with Matt, and to go a very long way in the competition.

I hope their Ballroom is up to this standard and if so I predict Matt & Kara for the final.

Do you agree?