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!
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.
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.
Have @theKatieDerham & @theAntonDuBeke raised the bar with that amazing Argentine Tango? #Strictly pic.twitter.com/E96ixioMsB
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 28, 2015
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!
Will @thekatiederham & @TheAntondubeke’s exquisite leg work carry them to the Quarter Final? 🔥🔥🔥 #Strictly pic.twitter.com/hZlbGh6b42
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 28, 2015
"I enjoyed that!" says @thekatiederham to @theantondubeke post Argentine Tango! #Strictly https://t.co/BUZxicp3bg
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 28, 2015
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!
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!
Congestion on the #Strictly dance floor as the Quickstep-a-thon hits full swing! pic.twitter.com/Y7sf1KvUEt
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 28, 2015
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.
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!
.@thekatieDerham & @TheAntonDuBeke are relieved to be through to the Quarter Finals! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/F6iTBR4xZU
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 29, 2015
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!
It's Musical Week next week!!!!!! @TheKatieDerham is very excited! #Strictly 🎩 pic.twitter.com/uYaCQBQDLw
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 29, 2015
See you Saturday on the dancefloor, my loves,
