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Dec
26
Week 13 – The Grand Final!

Week 13 – The Grand Final!

Merry Christmas, my loves! I hope you’re having a tremendous festive break wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. I wanted to do a final check-in before the end of the year to recap the Grand Final, to thank you all for your support over this series, and to wish you all well this holiday season!

What an adventure the past few months have been! Strictly 2015 is now over, I made it to the Grand Final with my wonderful partner Katie Derham, we had an absolutely incredible journey week-on-week, and I’m delighted to say a very worthy winner won!

What’s most important to Katie and me is the endless support the voting public has given us throughout our thirteen week journey. We are both fully aware that without votes from our fans, we wouldn’t have made it half as far, so a huge Thank You one and all!

That we made it to the final is such a achievement for me personally after all these years in the Strictly competition, and as mentioned in my last post, it’s really been a grand team effort between Katie and her full-on determination and enthusiasm for each dance, and your support in appreciating our efforts. Everything clicked this series, in first rate style!

But what a Final… what Finalists!

The Strictly 2015 Grand Finalists

Each couple had to prepare three dances for the night: one selected by the Judges as one they’d like to see again from earlier in the series to show how building confidence and experience has helped to iron out mistakes and improve the performance; then our freestyle Showdance – an anything goes affair… and then after the first elimination, a dance of our own choice.

Our Judges’ pick was the Quickstep to ’42nd Street’ from week seven where we scored 26 points. Katie had come a long way since then and we were keen to show this progression. Hats off to her (literally, see below!) for accompanying me on a whistle-stop tour of the ballroom. Speed, accuracy, footwork, performance level (particularly where props are thrown into the mix) were all greatly improved and I felt she delivered a seriously good dance. Flair and panache in spades, I say.

Anton & Katie's Quickstep in the Final of Strictly Come Dancing 2015

Anton & Katie's Quickstep in the Final of Strictly Come Dancing 2015

Anton & Katie's Quickstep in the Final of Strictly Come Dancing 2015

We had huge grins on our faces as the music ended, and the audience appeared to enjoy it too. As for the judges?… Let’s not forget, marks at this level are docked for mistakes where the expectation is perfection, so they were right to point out a slip here and there. But Darcey said we did a ‘great job,’ Len said he loved her posture and upper body when she danced, Bruno reprised his car analogies complementing her upholstery and suspension of all things (!), and referenced a few bumps in the road but that they were covered up well. Lastly, Craig flagged a few things but did at least say it was a ‘major improvement on the last time’ – and that was simply wonderful to hear.

Going last in the running order whilst inflicting an agonising wait does at least let you know where you stand when the scores are in. Darcey, Len and Bruno each gave us an 8 for which we were very pleased indeed, and Craig gave us a 7, so our total for the first dance was 31. This placed us squarely bottom of the leaderboard. Not the best place to be, granted, but all was not lost with another dance to come.

And then it was time for the Show Dances. This had been a very long wait… a thirteen series wait! The rules… there are no rules! Anything goes!

We had just the best piece of music for the job at hand – Carl Orff’s ‘O Fortuna’… such drama, such intensity… the perfect complement to a what had to be a showstopping routine. Transporting us to ancient Rome, the BBC had recreated a scene from the Coliseum, and were ready to make history… a minute and a half of it!

Our routine packed it all in – tango-inspired, it was choreographed to thrill, particularly with the most death-defying lifts and drops – such utter bravery from Katie as she fell backwards into my arms from standing at the end of the routine… what a gal! Epic, indeed!

I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it and we both knew that we’d given it our all, without doubt. The crowd roared and rose to their feet!

The Judges overall were positive, but sharp-eyed as ever. They referenced the responsibilities of working with such a huge classic piece of music, but that we carried the story beautifully and gave it a good go. It didn’t particularly work for Craig, worse luck, but to his credit, he rounded up his comments saying that Katie could rest in the fact that she’d done herself proud and given 100% to drive the dance home. Fair play, and I was so pleased to hear Katie’s hard work being acknowledged.

With some trepidation we made our way to the Clauditorium to receive our scores. Consistency appeared to be our new theme… a seven from Craig and three eights from Darcey, Len and Bruno giving us another 31. Consistent too, in the fact we remained at the bottom of the leaderboard.

The Scoreboard after two dances

All couples were then on tenterhooks for the next hour whilst we waited for all your votes to come in and be counted and verified. It felt like the longest time! Then all of a sudden we were back on the dance floor, under the spotlights once again, and about to learn who would be the first couple out.

The finalists in the Strictly 2015 Grand Final

After a reprise of all the dances on the VT, and seeing how incredibly and impeccably the other couples had performed… particularly with all the 10s that were scored, it came as no real surprise when Tess announced our names. We were out… but let’s not be downhearted about this… we reached the Final… and finished in 4th place overall… A tremendous result, truly!!

Katie gave the most lovely summary of her time on the show and it really brought home what a wonderful journey we’d had, and in the broader view, simply how much enjoyment dancing can bring!

Anton & Katie reach 4th place in the Strictly 2015 Grand Final

What followed were the most wonderful three performances by three superb couples. Jay & Aliona’s Paso, Giorgia & Giovanni’s Charleston, and Kellie & Kevin’s Charleston. Pure joy to watch – technically perfect, performance level through the roof, and these were quite clearly the right couples to have made it through to the very end. Any one of them could have won and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a hair’s breadth between the final tally of viewer votes – I’m sure the Judges were relieved it wasn’t their decision to make!

And so, our three couples took their places in the final line-up, the studio lights dimmed, spotlights focused in, and the results music started to play. You could have heard a pin drop!

“And the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2015 are…” announced Tess, with the required dramatic pause… “Jay and Aliona!”

Roars and applause erupted from the entire studio audience, and no doubt millions of viewers at home too!

Worthy winners indeed, and I’m so very thrilled for them both! Not least Aliona – this being the second time she’s won! Huge congratulations for a very well deserved victory!

The Winners - Aliona and Jay

And so my loves, that brings us to the end of my running commentary on Strictly 2015 for me and my wonderful partner, Katie Derham. We both want to thank you all so very, very much for your support and votes along the way – to have made it through, week after week (and in some cases against the odds!) is purely down to our fans and for that we are extremely grateful and we hope that we continued to entertain right until the very end!

A huge round of applause to you all!

I’ll sign off now, but wanted to wish you all the most loveliest of festive breaks, and to send you all my very best wishes for the New Year to come.

With love, as always,

Anton X
Dec
18
Week 12 – The Semi Finals!

Week 12 – The Semi Finals!

What a weekend! What an unprecedented weekend! I do believe I’m still getting used to the notion of being a Finalist… hang about, let me say that again… ‘Being a Finalist!’… that’s better… but let me tell, you the rigours of this past week’s training leave me in no doubt that Katie and I are giving absolutely all we have to make our last Strictly dances real showstoppers.

But first, last weekend: the Semi Final was a weekend of lows and highs, there’s no mistaking. With two new dances to perform it had been a particularly full-on week, but exhilaration won over exhaustion, hands down – this is a ride none of us want to get off!

The dress rehearsals went well… here we are in the glitter-booth after practising our Waltz…

…and then as time marched on, it was a quick costume change back into our Charleston get-ups and a few last minute moves before we took to the floor and opened the show with the first of our two dances for the night.

Anton & Katie Semi Finals behind the scenes

Charlestons are such great fun to dance, as I’m sure you can imagine, but they do take boundless energy and sharp-as-a-tack timing to keep them looking slick. They have to be entertaining, first and foremost, and to transport you to a carefree time and place where anything goes…

…Katie’s dress did that for me for a start! Magnificent… tassles aplenty! Perfect for her figure… and of course for the character of the dance. No doubt the costume department included braces with my outfit to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions what with all the leg action involved!

Anton & Katie Semi Finals Charleston

Anton & Katie Semi Finals Charleston

Our dance was fast and frenetic – perhaps the fastest tempo of all our dances so far, and was set to ‘Too Darn Hot’ from that classic musical ‘Kiss Me, Kate’. Very apt song choice once again… boy was it a workout!

We went for it, and Katie danced up a storm. With the Charleston, not only is there so much content to learn, but the timing aspect is particularly crucial here: the dance contains lots of side-by-side sections which not only require the moves being perfected, but the two dancers must be in sync too. On top of that, there’s all the characterisations and doing one’s best to present real personality, and indeed comedy, in the performance. There’s a lot to concentrate on, without looking at all like you’re concentrating! No mean feat.

I thought Katie delivered a tremendous Charleston, one she should be proud of – not to mention taking some dare-devil lifts and drops in her stride – and both of us had an absolute ball dancing it.

Anton & Katie Semi Finals Charleston

Anton & Katie Semi Finals Charleston

The Judges, let’s be frank, didn’t share our exuberance. Len said “The song was hot, you looked hot, the dance was not.” Ouch! He went on to say, “It was a struggle, not slick enough,” and that we were outside our comfort zone; he said it wasn’t our best moment. Bruno used the phrase ‘Loosey Goosey’ and demonstrated with his arms; it seems this wasn’t a positive comment! Craig held nothing back, saying “The swivel was non-existent, awkward, too placed, stiff-looking at times… kicks out of time. Had better hope your next dance is perfect.” But at least Darcey brought some positivity by saying “It was absolutely charming,” though went on to say that the energy faded and we got out of sync.

Well, that hadn’t gone to plan! The scores kicked off with a 4 from Craig (yes, there were gasps all round) and sevens from Darcey, Len and Bruno for a total 25. And after the other four competing couples had danced, we’d landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with a resounding wallop.

I said to Katie to forget the first dance and focus on the next – we had a Waltz and it was set to the beautiful aria ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ from Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi’ – a timeless classic, and all the right ingredients for a performance surely capable of keeping us in the running.

…And we so very nearly nailed it!… Katie was a dream partner for this dance – her frame, her lines and shaping, her musicality, and the simply delightful way she moved around the floor with such a degree of ease and sophistication made this a very special dance for me. I must also mention the incredible job Hayley did of performing this soaring aria. Like I said – it had all the ingredients to make magic.

Anton & Katie Semi Finals Waltz

Anton & Katie Semi Finals Waltz

Anton & Katie Semi Finals Waltz

Admittedly, there were a couple of slight departures from the choreography to keep us all on our toes, and, this being the semi final of course, were what the Judges homed straight in on.

Back for round two, we so hoped this wouldn’t be a knock-out. Bruno kicked off by saying “To capture the power and beauty of Puccini’s divine music through dance is a tall order – the phrasing and emotion you have to portray has to be perfect… and it wasn’t.” After Craig’s ‘4’ in the past round, hearing this, I felt that our fate was sealed. But then Craig stepped in and said “I totally disagree with Bruno, couldn’t disagree more… I really enjoyed it and thought you redeemed yourself.” Well, well, well… maybe all wasn’t lost after all!… Darcey kept our spirits up, too: “You did such a better job in this, well done, you’ve done wonders with your ballroom…. Overall a lovely dance.”

Len’s lens saw things differently; he said “It was nice to see something quiet and understated, but that a waltz is slow and needs great control… unfortunately you somehow got on the wrong foot and that created mistakes… This is breaking my heart, I know it’s breaking yours. It was just unstable and I’ve got to say that. I’m sorry.”

All respect to Len for the honest feedback, of course… feedback, as it transpires, that would stand us in good stead.

Somewhat crestfallen, we headed up to the Clauditorium with less than a spring in our step. The scores were good, in fairness: sevens from Len and Bruno, an eight from Craig, and a very gratefully received nine from Darcey. Total: 31. Position: bottom of the leaderboard!

Semi Finals Leaderboard

We knew the dance-off would be an inevitability – the standard of all the couples being so tremendously high, particularly this series – so it came as no surprise when we were plunged into the dreaded red light in the Results Show.

We were pitched head-to-head against the incredible Anita & Gleb who chose to reprise their Salsa. We were prepared for this… we’d had opportunity to steel our nerves and focus on delivering a faultless performance. We elected to Waltz for our place in the Final, we knew we could do it justice. But would it be enough?… Pitched against such a fast and athletic Salsa, we had to hope that technique would see us through.

We waltzed as if it was our last. The Judges’ feedback rang in our ears as we focused on phrasing, balance and footwork. We followed the natural rise and fall of Puccini’s beautiful melody, driving through the spins to build momentum and lift the dance …it all seemed to click into place. We had done all we could. But so too had Anita and Gleb.

It all came down to the Judges opinions: Craig saved Anita, but Darcey saved us… then Bruno saved Anita… meaning it all hinged on Len’s vote. And we can only presume that technique ultimately won out, as Len miraculously saved us!

We were through!… To the Grand Final!!!!

It was a incredibly bitter-sweet moment though, as we had to say goodbye to Anita & Gleb – a fantastic partnership with some mesmerising performances under their belts. At this stage of the competition with Judges looking for mistakes in order to separate the couples, simply having the wrong dance in a crucial week can spell one’s downfall, and I believe we were lucky with our Waltz. Anita and Gleb have been wonderful competitors, and I truly hope Anita keeps up the dancing – she’s a born natural!

And so, the Grand Final of Strictly Come Dancing 2015 beckons… and Katie and I are in it!!! It’s been a long time coming, and I am beyond ecstatic – Katie too! I’m as proud as can be of her – she’s done so very well, working tirelessly each week to give her all to each dance and this just goes to show that hard work and dedication really does pay off!… Dreams can come true!!

Being in the Grand Final of course means… Showdance …my first Strictly Showdance, ever! As Katie said on It Takes Two, I’ve been cramming 13 series’ worth of choreography into one and a half minutes of ‘O Fortuna’. We’ve had a very busy week as a result, and it’s going to be a belter of a Saturday night… just you wait and see!

My wonderful professional partner, Erin Boag, will be live-blogging the final over on bt.com, so you can follow her expert opinion throughout the evening at this link.

Once again, and as always, a huge Thank You for your votes. Don’t let them stop now though: the result on Saturday is purely down to the public votes so every last one will count. I can hardly believe it… the Glitterball Trophy is at last within reach!

See you in the Grand Final, my loves,

Anton X
Dec
10
Week 11 – The Foxtrot

Week 11 – The Foxtrot

Week eleven… the quarter finals… dancing in December… who knew?! This series of Strictly has really taken a turn, and I am simply overjoyed to still be dancing each weekend! All credit where it’s due of course: Katie has proven to be the most wonderful, and crucially, talented partner – and of course, our fans and the voting public have helped keep us in each week (we all know how the leaderboard can turn on its head!). Truly a team effort all round!

So, after the rigours of the week 10 where we had two dances to perfect, you’d be forgiven for thinking we could take it a bit easier… not so! Everything is ramping up week-on-week, and this was no exception. We had the most marvellous theme to work with: ‘Musicals Week’, and as production levels went through the roof, performance levels had to, likewise!

‘Cabaret’ was our musical, and we were to dance a Foxtrot to the wonderful emotive ballad, ‘Maybe This Time’ – perfect choice, on so many levels! Hair, make-up and costumes did another inspired job on Katie, transforming her into Strictly’s own Liza Minnelli as she emerged through the silvery curtain at the top of the number, stepping onto the stage as though channeling the fabulous character, Sally Bowles. We were at once in early 30s Berlin with the studio transformed into the infamous Kit Kat Klub… Welcome to the Cabaret!

Anton and Katie's Foxtrot to Cabaret

Katie set the scene with a confident introduction section, starting with a wonderful swaying move with our backing dancers before descending the steps to the dancefloor where she gestured over to me. Resistance was futile, of course, and we took each other in hold and thence to the floor. What followed was, for me, a triumph.

Anton and Katie's Foxtrot to Cabaret

Anton and Katie's Foxtrot to Cabaret

The foxtrot as you may well know, is my favourite of all the dances and that made this week’s performance all the more special. Katie had such grace, such style, such sophistication, such long flowing moves as we covered the floor. The promenades, turns, her kicks, and the pivots – the choreography and drama building with each key change in the music.

Performing it felt like one of those numbers where everything comes together in a way you can’t predict but can only hope for, and it creates a ‘moment’ between you and the audience. I was Cliff Bradshaw to her Sally Bowles. The finale had Katie return to the stage, recreating that iconic pose on the chair whilst the audience rose to their feet. Tremendous!

Anton and Katie's Foxtrot to Cabaret

The judges, I am thrilled to say, loved it too! Len said the intro was a bit long, but worth the wait… and then complimented Katie on “fabulous movement, beautiful lines… a very, very accomplished performance.” Bruno compared Katie to a classic luxury sports car, “trixie but under expert guidance able to give a fantastic ride. Beautiful. Once you started moving: stunning – it was a beautiful dance.” Craig, wait for it, said “It looked very good,” and he even said he “loved the choreography,” ending with “I thought it was really, really lovely.” Hurrah!! Darcey summed it up by saying “Katie, that’s exactly what we want from you – the confidence you oozed, it was brilliant.” My sentiments exactly!

The scores cemented my delight – an eight from Craig, and nines each from Len, Darcey and Bruno. Nines! Three of ’em… getting to be a regular occurrence! We totted up a grand score of 35 – matching that awarded our American Smooth in week 9, and still my highest ever on Strictly. We were beside ourselves!

Week 11 Leaderboard

By the end of the night, we placed 4th out of six on the leaderboard. We knew that everything could change with the viewers’ votes, but I think given our reaction on the Results Show, you could appreciate just how surprised and delighted we were to make it through. Thank you all so very much for your votes and continued support… it’s keeping us in the show!

There was a bigger surprise to come: the dance-off pitched Helen & Aljaz against Georgia & Giovanni who had placed second on the leaderboard. This was very unexpected, and served to drive home to us all how quickly our place on the show could be lost. Both couples danced incredibly well, yet again, and I don’t envy the judges having to make such a difficult decision. They saved Georgia & Giovanni and so we all bade a moving farewell to lovely Helen & Aljaz after their epic ‘Les Mis’ number. None of us expected that, and Helen is very much missed already as our Strictly family gets ever smaller.

I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but we’re all set for week 12… the Semi Finals!! The Semi Finals!!! We have two dances to perform this weekend: a Waltz, and the Charleston. Something of a polar combination, but a great way to showcase Katie’s growing versatility and showmanship. We’ve got some wonderful music to dance to, too, so we’re both looking forward to a very exciting weekend!

Hats off to you all, my loves, and see you on Saturday!

Anton X
Dec
4
Week 10 – The Argentine Tango

Week 10 – The Argentine Tango

Week ten of Strictly this year has been a landmark week in many respects, not just for being relatively uncharted territory as I’ve mentioned in previous weeks’ reports, but this year, with my very first Strictly Argentine Tango… What a series this is turning out to be!

This dance used to be reserved for the semi-finals as it requires a good deal of dancefloor experience to even attempt it, let alone do it justice. Katie and I were the second couple this year to take those bold steps, after Jay & Aliona in week 8. Added pressure came from Katie telling me that it was always a dream of hers to dance the Argentine Tango, so I knew there was a lot riding on this to make it extra special!

Appearing late in the Strictly syllabus due to the mastery that one must already have on the floor, this is a dance quite different to the ballroom tango – different embraces, steps and moods, and has an intensity and passion all of its own. I think it’s this which makes it such a compelling dance to watch, and one which can so often inspire people to take up dancing.

Packed with strong emotion, suspense, drama, and requiring simmering chemistry, it’s a dance ‘in the moment’ and many say takes a lifetime of experience to truly perform. Striking to watch, and striking to practise, too, particularly where throbbing shins and Ganchos are concerned! Such precise timing and placement is required for the intricate leg actions of this dance; the carefully placed kicks, turns, hooks and interweaving moves, but the results can be mesmerising and very moving.

And so, Katie and I took flight from Blackpool to Buenos Aires for Saturday night’s performance, landing us in a dimly lit bar, me drying glasses whilst a devilishly demanding customer commanded my attention. But not to refill her glass… no, this lady had dance on her mind!

Anton & Katie's Week 10 Argentine Tango

We took each other into hold and I immediately started proceedings by raising her into a tremendous scissor kick lift. We can all then appreciate how truly stunning Katie looked – beautifully turned out, and with another svelte dress with breathtaking splits almost everywhere – and her figure already creating superb lines from the get go.

Anton & Katie's Week 10 Argentine Tango

Piazzolla’s ‘Libertango’ with its hypnotic, driving rhythm gave the perfect soundtrack for our Tango as we started out across the floor, Katie’s legs taking on a life of their own. Such control, refinement and flair through the dance, not to mention perfect timing and sharp footwork with the complex sequences of interlocking moves; perfect balance scribing circles in the floor, and poise in holding her position in those dramatic spinning lifts… each move completed with elegant extension through to the tips of her fingers… The intensity between us was palpable. This was an advanced dance, and I was simply thrilled with how well Katie performed it. For me, it was just perfect and I was so glad to have been able to share my first Strictly Argentine Tango with her.

Anton & Katie's Week 10 Argentine Tango
Anton & Katie's Week 10 Argentine Tango
Anton & Katie's Week 10 Argentine Tango

The audience were moved to a standing ovation and, exhilarated from the performance, we were both eager to hear the comments as we headed over to the Tess and the Judges.

“Drop dead gorgeous,” exclaimed Bruno to start off proceedings. Hurrah!!! “Some of the best lines you’ve ever done… a beautifully choreographed routine,” he went on to say, and could only find the sharpening-up of the hooks as points for improvement. That’s what we like to hear!! Craig flagged a few more elements, including telling Katie that her Ganchos ought to bounce off my inner thigh (!) but “apart from that it was wonderful.” Heavens above! Darcey said it was “very beautiful” and like Craig, raised a few points to improve on such as exaggerating the still moments, but said how she could see how much work had gone into it. “There’s no doubt about it,” started Len, “a fantastic dance!” Praise indeed! “The amount of work and choreography was wonderful.” He too had a few points to take on board, and though he said he wasn’t quite transported to the quayside in Buenos Aires, he wrapped up with “Overall, a great job, well done.” We’ll take that!

The scores weren’t half bad, too… A seven from Craig, eights from Darcey and Len, and Bruno came out tops giving us a nine. Total… 32! Granted, a slight dip from last week, but a very respectable score without doubt. It placed us in the middle-zone on the leaderboard once all couples had danced, 5th out of seven so we knew we were by no means safe. But, of course, there was more to come… the Quickstep-a-thon!

The Quickstepathon

After a quick change (very quick for Georgia and Giovanni who had barely completed their main dance), all seven couples took to the floor in wonderful get-ups – you couldn’t miss Katie in her fabulous candy-striped skirt (perfect for drawing the judges’ attention) and all the gents were suited and booted in fine style. ‘Sing Sing Sing’ started up – fast and fabulous, transporting us all back to the thirties as we wheeled around the floor trying to pack in as much content, concentrating on our steps, avoiding bumping into the six other couples, all the while trying to catch the eyes of the judges – just like a true professional competition!

The Quickstepathon couples

It could have been mayhem, but it actually went rather well. So much so that we placed 3rd, and after a slight leaderboard reshuffle, nudged up 1 place to finish 4th overall for which we were very happy indeed.

Week 10 Leaderboard

The results show came, and there was real tension in the air – no couple considered themselves safe, all felt in jeopardy. To hear our names called out to be going through was such a joyous moment! We were triumphant – thank you all so very much for your votes, once again. Week after week, you’re doing us proud!

This week’s dance-off was between Peter & Janette and Kellie & Kevin. As is generally the case with the dance-off, both couples perform better given the added pressure, and this week was no exception. Hats off to both couples, truly. But a decision has to be made, and the judges decided it was Peter’s time to leave the competition, saving Kellie. What a tremendous performer he is, and all of us are really feeling his absence from the show – just the most delightful, positive, enthusiastic chap you could ever hope to meet.

And so to week eleven. Week eleven! The Quarter Finals no less. Well, this is something else! It’s ‘Musicals Week’ and we’re in our element. We’ve got the Foxtrot – my favourite dance – and boy are we gonna put on a show! Our music is ‘Maybe This Time’. Couldn’t be more apt!

See you Saturday on the dancefloor, my loves,

Anton X
Nov
27
Week 9 – The American Smooth

Week 9 – The American Smooth

Ah, Blackpool – one of my most favourite places in the whole wide world… the Vegas of the North and the true spiritual home of Ballroom Dancing – Blackpool’s like a good ol’ friend to me. And to have made it to ‘Blackpool Week’ in this series of Strictly after the rollercoaster ride Katie and I have had up and down the leaderboard, it’s a huge achievement in itself. That said, the true thrill was to come: performing to the nation with Katie on that world-renowed dancefloor in Blackpool’s majestic and resplendent Tower Ballroom.

Talk about rollercoasters though, we were both hoping this week wouldn’t be a Big Dipper. Leaving the competition in Blackpool last year with Judy, and in Series 8 with Ann, left a spectre of doubt in one’s mind and added extra pressure. But, if anything, it steeled us both with the determination to deliver a first rate performance and break through the Blackpool barrier.

As mentioned last time, it’s been a while since I’ve made it this far in the competition – and all praise must go to Katie for this – it’s like going up to the top of the Tower: the air is somewhat rarefied! And with that subtle Rat Pack reference, let’s talk about our dance this week: the American Smooth to Dean Martin’s classic ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’.

It couldn’t have been more perfect. The Tower Ballroom, the American Smooth, a tremendous Fred & Ginger-inspired routine (with some top technique tips from my wonderful professional partner, Erin Boag), a sassy song, backing dancers, me dapper in top hat & tails and Katie, ‘rocking’ the most wonderful feathered frock! As the song goes… “How lucky can one guy be?”

The production this week was phenomenal, and quite simply, Katie and I felt like we were stepping out onto a Hollywood movie set in the golden age of film. Spectacular! Katie started the number solo, and our dancers and I made our entrances from behind the screens. She took my arm, and we were off! After some lovely formation steps to set the scene, we were in hold and traversing the grand ballroom apace – the moment swept us away, it was like dancing on air.

Anton & Katie's Week 9 American Smooth

Anton & Katie's Week 9 American Smooth

Anton & Katie's Week 9 American Smooth

Anton & Katie's Week 9 American Smooth

Katie’s frame, lines, posture… all just wonderful. Her smile was even more glittering than her dress and it didn’t leave her face throughout. She completely owned that dancefloor. The turns, the spins, the lifts… and as the music crescendoed to the end, Katie spun from one dancer to the next with split-second timing, finally being held aloft like a screen siren with a true golden-era flourish, and to a standing ovation from the audience. Tremendous!

Anton & Katie's Week 9 American Smooth

The Judges were equally as enthusiastic! Darcey said it was “exquisite” and that Katie had “pure film star style from beginning to end… with plenty of wow factor!” Len said it was a “fitting dance for this wonderful ballroom… elegance, glamour and sophistication. Your best dance, no question!” Bruno said “stylistically it was impeccable… a great tribute to the dancing queens of the Hollywood golden age,” with Katie being “absolutely fantastic in hold,” and “looking a dream.” Craig said Katie “certainly had the elegance we expect,” and that with some of the slight slips ironed out (he’s a hawkeyes!), it’d be “absolutely gorgeous!”

What wonderful comments! …And the scores were just as fabulous: an eight from Craig, and… wait for it… nines from Darcey, Bruno and Len for a grand total of 35!! What’s more, I’ve checked back and this is my highest ever Strictly score! All credit to Katie – what a record breaker! (I think I’m still in shock!)

We placed fifth out of eight, midway up the leaderboard, with Georgia & Giovanni at the top with 38, and Peter & Janette at the bottom with 29. As we all know, halfway up is still not a safe place to be, but once again, thanks to our wonderful voting fans, we promenaded through to week ten – hurrah! We’d made it to Blackpool… and beyond!

Week 9 leaderboard

The results show saw Jamelia & Tristan go head-to-head with Peter & Janette. Three of the judges voted to save Peter but in the first dance-off panel split this series, Len said he would have saved Jamelia. It was a close call – to be expected at this stage of the competition of course with both now being such capable dancers. But with three votes to one, Jamelia sadly left the competition after a Quickstep she should be very proud of. Having already survived the dance-off four times, Blackpool was to become the final destination in her Strictly journey and we’re all truly missing her infectious smile and energy.

Now at week ten, the competition is becoming fierce. Not only are the calibres of the other couples as high as can be, characterisation, musicality and interpretation are all being polished and showcased beyond the underlying technique. It’s getting serious. And not just that… this coming weekend we’ve all got two dances to perform: aside from our main routine, it’s the Quickstep-a-thon! All seven couples will be hot-footing it around the dancefloor trying desperately not to collide at breakneck speed. It’s like a semi-choreographed group dance… we’ll all need our wits about us!

Our main dance this weekend is the Argentine Tango: high drama at its best. Cue lights, cue music… cue Tango face. Tune in on Saturday night and let’s face the music!

Anton X
Nov
20
Week 8 – The Rumba

Week 8 – The Rumba

From the moment the studio lights dipped and the opening bars of Dame Shirley’s wonderfully seductive ‘Never Never Never’ gently drifted across the dancefloor, all eyes were on Katie. And what a sight she was to behold. With a dress which demanded a score of its own (legs-11!) Katie was a rare vision, confidently opening the number with a sensuous solo section, inviting me to the floor to take her in my arms and lead her in the dance of love: the Rumba.

This week was one of those glorious weeks where everything seems to click into place, creating a performance rather than mere moves to music – a synergy between partners, and one of those magical ‘moments’ which feels like dancing on air.

I couldn’t have wished for a better performance from Katie. Such a hard dance to deliver convincingly – being so slow and measured, it leaves everything exposed for the Judges’ scrutiny, hence why Rumba week is often so make-or-break. We worked hard to incorporate some lovely Rumba choreography, including the Aida step which I suspected might ‘pickle Len’s walnuts’!

Katie clearly connected with her inner dancing diva, creating some wonderful shapes, moving with balletic fluidity and embracing the dance to give a beautifully expressive, romantic and intimate performance. Brava!

Anton & Katie's week 8 Rumba
Anton & Katie's week 8 Rumba
Anton & Katie's week 8 Rumba
Anton & Katie's week 8 Rumba

The audience… and judges… were in agreement! Hurrah!!

Len had spotted the Aida and said it was one of his favourite steps – so it had been well worth working on that… and to our delight announced that the performance was “Fantastic.” Off to a great start! Bruno said Katie looked “supremely elegant” and after a somewhat “hit and miss” track record to date… “tonight was a hit!” Darcey called our routine “One classy love story… not sensual and sweaty… this was perfect!” She praised Katie for her growing understanding of what the judges were looking for in a performance, which was tremendous to hear. Craig began by saying it was “a little melodramatic” but conceded better to have drama than not; he then left us speechless when he went on to say it was “so nearly brilliant… I absolutely loved it!” We were, as you can imagine, flabbergasted!

What wonderful comments from the judges – such an uplift, and great affirmation for Katie that she really is improving in her technique – and particularly given this is such a difficult dance to pitch correctly. I’m thrilled!

We almost didn’t mind what the scores were, such was our elation, but we knew a trip to Blackpool – the spiritual home of Ballroom Dancing – was at stake. Hearing the judges call out three 8s, and a 7 from Craig, we were jubilant! 31 points – back in the game, and placed 6th out of 9 on the final leaderboard. It turns out 31 is my highest ever Rumba score, so Katie truly did me proud!

Week 8 Strictly Leaderboard

The Results Show saw our names called out unexpectedly early in the running order – a very rare and welcome treat, and we were so relieved and excited to think that our scores plus the very kind votes of all our fans would enable us to dance in Blackpool’s legendary Tower Ballroom. Thank you all, so very much! The Blackpool show is such a landmark in each series of Strictly, it’s the one us dancers all aim for so that our partners can experience the true grandeur and atmosphere of the ballroom, and that wonderful sprung floor! I know Katie is thrilled to bits.

It’s sad, as always, to say goodbye to one of our couples. This week Jamelia and Tristan went head-to-head with Jeremy and Karen in the dance-off. After valiant performances, the Judges granted Jamelia passage to Blackpool, and we all had to bid a very fond farewell to Jeremy who had entertained us royally during his time on the show and will be very sorely missed. What a gent!

The competition is really hotting up now. I’ve reached Week 9 twice before, in series 7 and 8, so this will be slightly uncharted territory for me, but I’m ready for it – bring it on! The stats also reminded me that I left the competition last year with Judy in Blackpool week, so the pressure’s on!

After a very busy week – including a road-trip up North – this Saturday evening, live from Blackpool Tower, Katie and I will be performing the American Smooth! Quite simply, we couldn’t be any more excited!

See you on the dancefloor!

Anton X
Nov
12
Week 7 – The Quickstep

Week 7 – The Quickstep

We certainly hot-footed it across the dancefloor last Saturday night with our Broadway inspired Quickstep to the musical classic, ’42nd Street’! The original production was set in New York at the time of the great Depression – would our routine give us a much-needed leaderboard-lift, or would our scores leave us in the doldrums?

Opening our routine with some hat-and-cane-choreography gave Katie her first real taste of working with props, and we had some marvellously sync’d hat-tipping to get us off to a fine ol’ start.

Then, without any more ado, we were off!…Hurtling across the dancefloor in a rip-roarer of a Quickstep. We packed lots of content into the routine – made all the more challenging by the sheer velocity of the dance, but Katie once again gave a tremendous performance. What a true pleasure she is to dance with: so elegant and light on her feet, and always brimming with enthusiasm – we were both skipping along with glee. Granted there were a couple of hairy moments but even when footing may have been lost, the broadest smile on her face wasn’t. Joyous!

Anton and Katie's Quickstep
Anton and Katie's Quickstep
Anton and Katie's Quickstep

As we reached the finalé of our routine we received another standing ovation from the studio audience – “This bodes well…” I thought to myself, heading over to Tess and the judges. The verdict, however, came as something of a mixed bag…

Bruno started off well, saying he felt like he was in 5th Avenue, “so much beauty and glamour”, and that the beginning was great, but then said that road is full of potholes, and once you hit them you lose the footwork and then the frame. Craig acknowledged it as being a “very ambitious routine,” within Katie’s capability, and that with a little more practise we would have smashed it. Darcey said it was made for Katie, and that she was “beautifully light on her feet,” but noted that if a challenging routine can go wrong, the core and frame can weaken. Len was best: he, like the others, referenced how control can be lost with a slip at speed – granted – but rounded it all up by saying “Can’t take away the fact that it was a fantastic performance!” That’s more like it!

The scores were in: sixes from Craig and Bruno, and sevens from Darcey and Len, for a total of 26. Good; not bad… but not great. Indeed, an improvement indeed over previous weeks’ scores, but I’ll admit I was hoping for more, especially as it placed us 8th out of 10 – a similar situation to last week: poised precariously just above the danger zone. Mind you, with the way the votes can change things around, much of the leaderboard constitutes a danger zone!

leaderboard week 7

Then came the Sunday night Results show – what a night to remember! ‘Major Du Beke’ opening the show’s most fabulous Remembrance Day routine to get everyone ‘In The Mood’ for what was to come. It was firstly something of a shock (and huge relief) to us both that we’d made it safely through to the next week (Hurrah!) – and once again, surely all down to the wonderful voting public. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

…But there was another shock (now, remember what I said about the danger zone…): Kellie and Kevin had slipped from 5th place on the leaderboard, down to the bottom two where they now faced the dance-off – and it was Kevin’s first ever dance-off to boot! They were going head-to-head against lovely Carol and Pasha. Both couples lit up the dancefloor with wonderful reprises of their routines, but it was our resident ray of sunshine, Carol, whom the judges sent home. Such a sad loss for the rest of us, she really did bring something very special to the show and was a delight to be around.

But the show must go on, such is the nature of Strictly! The remaining 9 couples will be fighting over 8 places on the coach to Ballroom Mecca… Blackpool! Hot on the heels of our Quickstep, we’re slowing things down for a sensuous dance of love – it’s the Rumba!

See you Saturday, pip pip!

Anton X
Nov
6
Week 6 – The Paso Doble

Week 6 – The Paso Doble

Week 6… Hallowe’en themed no less, and despite our best efforts, it seems that frightful is indeed the word!

Now when I say frightful, I should clarify. On the one hand, what a frightfully fantastic evening! First class entertainment all round. The staging, music, costumes, hair and make-up… perfectly ghoulish and befitting the theme. And of course, the fearsomely phenomenal performances from all the dancers – no mean feat with some of the get-ups we were wearing!

Frightful, on the other hand, in the mortifying verdicts from the judges. Ah yes. Our nemesis!

Well, once again, we thought we’d delivered a rather ‘wicked’ performance: this week, a suitably spooky homage to The Phantom Of The Opera, with a hauntingly powerful rendition of the musical’s infamous theme by our resident band.

I do believe it’s the first time I’ve opened the show, in all these years… and now in series 13 (unlucky for some!) what an entrance we made!

Let’s set the scene: eerie Venetian canal – me as Gondolier complete with Phantom mask and cape, Katie as my beautiful protégé Christine, with Sarah Brightman hair and a lavishly layered ghostly white dress. Mist billowed across the scene as we disembarked from our gondola and launched into our Paso Doble routine.

Anton & Katie Week 6 Paso Doble
Anton & Katie Week 6 Paso Doble
Anton & Katie Week 6 Paso Doble
Anton & Katie Week 6 Paso Doble

Anton & Katie Week 6 Paso Doble

Week after week, Katie always embraces the true spirit of each dance and it thrills me to be her partner. This week was no exception and we both had a truly phenomenal time on the dancefloor. I was matador, and Katie my cape for which her billowing dress worked a treat. We covered the dancefloor with plenty of drama, intensity, and attitude; lots of Paso content, theatrically framed, and with moves finished off with some rather divine lines and shaping by Katie, especially in her arms and hands – tremendous!

As the music drove to its climax, so too did our routine, with a sequence of spins and leaps, and… the audience were on their feet! Hurrah!… Or so we thought.

The judges (this week AKA The Addams Family!) weren’t of the same opinion, and we could tell from their faces straightaway… even through the fearsome makeup! Len quite rightly acknowledged that Katie is an English Rose, but that the Paso didn’t suit her personality as a result and her footwork was “scary”; “It wasn’t great, Kate,” were his last words on the matter. Bruno said “you have to be a primadonna to dominate,” and likened her performance to that of a doorman. We’re still puzzling on that one. Craig said he thought Katie was “very stiff and had awkward balance issues throughout,” – at least something constructive in there; and thankfully Darcey took a more positive view, saying that Katie was showing “good improvement” with her Latin, and looked stunning too.

The scores didn’t sit any more comfortably, kicking off with a 4 from Craig, 5 from Bruno and 6 each from Len and Darcey. 21 in total… gruesomely the same as last week. So much for our ‘onwards and upwards’ strategy, this came as a spiritual low!

Week 6 scoreboard

We knew the situation was grave, positioned once again so close to the bottom of the leaderboard. What a shocker, particularly as we’d simply hoped the scores would start to reflect a general improvement. I do believe we really needn’t have worn any make-up for the Results show… our faces were ashen enough as we stood, desperately hoping our names would be called out as being safe.

But, once again thanks to you, our wonderful fans, we were spared from the dance-off! The combined score kept us clear of the bottom two slots, and we were granted safe passage through to Week 7.

An altogether different fate befell Jamelia in a cruel twist of the leaderboard, and Kirsty, who both had to dance again, head-to-head. Even though both couples’ dances were devilishly good, the judges decreed it was Kirsty’s Charleston which had given them more of a fright, and that her time had come to depart the Strictly dancefloor once and for all. Another new friend and truly delightful personality lost from the show. Huge commiserations.

And so we returned to the studio first thing Monday to focus on the new dance – this time it’s ballroom… Best foot forward: it’s the Quickstep!

See you on the dancefloor on Saturday, my loves,

Anton X
Oct
29
Week 5 – The Salsa

Week 5 – The Salsa

Well, talk about ‘rise and fall’, Strictly series 13 is all about that for Katie and me this year. Ups and downs at every turn… and if we’d have predicted a rollercoaster ride from one week to the next, last weekend’s salsa took us for a dive right on cue.

Dare I say, I thought it went rather well, all things considered? And thanks to so many tweets and facebook messages of encouragement from you lovely fans, our resolve remains strong and our spirits high as we return from our Havana episode and step best foot first into a new dance for week 6. Onwards and upwards!

Back to last weekend though, and I’d like to commend Katie on her performance, once again. For me, each week, she goes from strength to strength: learning new steps, techniques, characterisations, rhythms, roles – so much to take on board – she’s doing tremendously well.

Salsa after a Viennese would be a culture shock for anyone. We had a jolly scenario with me as a tourist, wandering off the beaten track in the streets of Havana looking a little lost… and Katie the seductive, sensuous Latina in a fiery red dress, setting her sights on me and clearly eager to show me some Cuban sights through the medium of salsa!

Anton & Katie Week 5 Salsa

Anton & Katie Week 5 Salsa

Anton & Katie Week 5 Salsa

The steamy rhythms of Bublé’s It Had Better Be Tonight, performed impeccably by Dave Arch and his resident Strictly orchestra, gave us a driving beat and Katie’s remarkable legs took their cue. It was a fast-paced routine, with lots of salsa content, some mesmerising armography, death-defying drops, and plenty of heat (certainly enough to get us hot)! There may also have been a little bit of improvisation at the end – an added bonus, one would think?…

Not so the judges, who seemed to have remained lukewarm throughout.

After the highs of last week, their comments were particularly grounding; Len perhaps summing it up with “Cuban salsa… good, but no cigar.” Darcey said it was fast and plenty of fun… but messy and not hot enough. Bruno took issue with timing, but Craig, dear Craig said “there was no figure of eight in the hip action… and without it it’s a shimmy.” Oh dear. And his final seal of disapproval… “A dreadful, dreadful salsa.”

The scores then formalised things… 6 from Len and Darcey, 5 from Bruno, and a 4 from Craig giving us a very disappointing 21 and a crashing drop from last week’s top slot to second from bottom this week.

Week 5 leaderboard

Placed so precariously, we’d convinced ourselves the dance-off was unavoidable – I’m sure you could see it in our faces as the results were announced. Evidently we were saved by your good selves, the voting public, and for that we are tremendously grateful! Your votes not only succeeded in keeping us in the show, but also lifted us clear of the the danger zone! A huge thank you from us both!!

The dance-off this week therefore came as a great surprise to all: it was between Ainsley & Natalie, and Jamelia & Tristan, and just goes to show how important the viewers’ votes are. Both Ainsley and Jamelia danced with great gusto and delivered great entertaining performances, but the judges decided it was the end of the road for Ainsley. Now there’s someone who’ll be royally missed from the show; what a personality, and such a gentleman.

And with that, Katie and I dusted ourselves off and regained focus on the week to come. New week… new dance… and for your delectation this coming Saturday, Katie and I will be performing a Paso Doble, indeed with a Halloween theme! Trick or treat? Tune in Saturday!

Toro, Toro!

Anton X
Oct
22
Week 4 – The Viennese Waltz

Week 4 – The Viennese Waltz

We’re back in the game! What a magnificent result last Saturday – Katie and I literally waltzed and spun our way to the top of the leaderboard, and it put us on top of the world, too!

Closing the show meant that we had waited anxiously all evening whilst all the other couples delivered some first class dances… But it was worth the wait: what a truly tremendous performance, my goodness! The perfect music (Presley’s ‘If I Can Dream’), two remarkable outfits which fitted the bill to a tee, and a sublime Viennese Waltz with which we were to enchant the audience.

We had a stylish opening section, both in sync as we addressed the ballroom, and then we took flight as we took hold of each other, gliding across the dancefloor with, to my mind, a real sense of grace and panache. Katie’s dress twinkled under the spotlights and our feet were a blur as we turned and spun… and spun some more. Boy, did we spin!



The Viennese, technically, has a somewhat restricted syllabus of steps, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy dance – far from it – to master the flow and the spins – especially at speed, takes some doing. And that’s why I’m so very proud of Katie for delivering such a polished performance that night.

Anton and Katie's Viennese Waltz Anton and Katie's Viennese Waltz

To receive a standing ovation with a roar of applause from the studio audience gave us an inkling that it might have gone well… but it was only when the judges gave their comments did we breathe a sigh of relief, sure that whatever the score, it would be better than last week’s! In all honesty, we’d both worked our socks off to pack in plenty of content and we had everything crossed that we could pull it off.

It seems we had!…

Len was first to comment on the content – Fleckerls, natural turns, reverse turns, pivots… and he commended Katie on how she’d kept the pivots light. “So much better than last week,” he said… echoed by Bruno too, who said it was an “incredible turnaround from last week,” that Katie was “made for ballroom” and had been turning like a Catherine Wheel! Darcey referenced the level of content and that it was worth pushing Katie as it had paid off… and Craig… we braced ourselves… he’d spotted a couple of sticky moments, but that aside, said it was “Incredible,” and again to Katie’s credit: “I don’t know how you learnt that in a week!” Hurrah!!



The scores sealed it. Three 8s from the chaps, and a 9 from Darcey… 33 points – 13 more than last week!… And since we were closing the show we knew at that point that this wasn’t just a u-turn performance, hang about… we’d actually made it to the top of the leaderboard! Ballroom Blitz!

score-34

leaderboard-4



I should point out, there was much conjecture over this being my first and only such placement in, ahem, 12 years, though this isn’t in fact the case. You may remember that I topped the leaderboard in the very first Strictly show, Series 1, Week 1, with Lesley Garrett when we scored 29 for our Waltz… then in Series 3 when Patsy Palmer and I Tangoed to the top spot with 34 points, and then most recently with Laila Rouass when our 31 point Foxtrot took us to the top. So, four times now, and Katie and I are in agreement that it’s rather a nice place to be, so we’ll be working on a fifth!

Although thrilled to be safe from the dance-off and through to dance another week, we were both truly sorry to have to say goodbye to the legendary Daniel O’Donnell. He and Kristina put up a valiant fight against Kirsty and Brendan but sadly their ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ routine had them make an untimely departure from the show.

And so, focused on the task at hand, we’ve been practising hard for this coming weekend’s dance. It’s the Salsa. Oh yes, Salsa. You’d best tune in!

See you on Saturday night my loves,

Anton X
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