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!
A raunchy Rumba from @thekatiederham & @theantondubeke, but will it lead to a romantic Blackpool getaway? #Strictly pic.twitter.com/exqU7KdeWJ
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 14, 2015
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!
Will their Rumba get them to Blackpool or will @theAntondubeke never, never, never go? #Strictly @thekatiederham pic.twitter.com/k9YHLBe0kk
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 14, 2015
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!
Celebrating the highest Rumba score of the series! 3️⃣1️⃣ @thekatiederham @theantondubeke #Strictly https://t.co/u5idY9o4Qq
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 14, 2015
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!
