WEEK 9 – Semi Finals are in sight! And what a night! Competition is really hotting up and it was anyone’s guess who was going to leave this. Although we all know who it should have been?!

Jodie and Ian Personally, I did not quite see what the judges saw in this dance, and I was surprised by their comments. Yes, it was fast, and they could indeed go in the 100m at the Olympics – but it was overmarked. Her posture was funny and there seemed to be quite a few mistakes which affected synchronicity, which is very important to the aesthetics of a dance. However, Jodie is one of my favourites, so I was pleased the judges saw something I didn’t. Their dance was to a song called Mr Pinstripe Suit. Her dress was just the most gorgeous shade of red, it really suited her.
Score: Craig 7, Arlene 8, Len 9, Bruno 9. Total 33.

Lisa and Brendan Samba to Rock The Boat by The Hues Corporation. Not her dance, but it was better than I thought it would be – I particularly liked the bits where she span on her own. Like Jodie, Lisa is a tall girl. Her samba was a lot better than Jodie’s last week though. Brendan is jinxed with his samba, so it was unfortunate they had do endure it again in the dance off.
Score: Craig 6, Arlene 7, Len 9, Bruno 8. Total 30.

Christine and Matthew waltzed to See the Day. Christine wowed us with bags of elegance and style. She is improving week on week, that’s for sure. It is lovely to see someone’s confidence grow. I love her relationship with Matt. She looked drop dead gorgeous in a beautiful pink gown. Judges seemed to like it too!
Score: Craig 8, Arlene 8, Len 9, Bruno 9. Total 34.

Cherie and James Cha Cha Cha to the Wild Cherry song Play that Funky Music.
Again, my view of the dance was somewhat at variance with the judges. I thought it was quite staid. You have to “push through” onto the floor in latin, she reminded me very much of the woman on dancing with the stars who dances like she is about to snap! (Susan Lucci) I didn’t really like her dress either. I wish the designers would stop using these tops with fringe sewn on… Proper dresses please! Not a bad enough dance to justify be in the dance-off though. I was quite upset to see Cherie leave.
Score: Craig 7, Arlene 8, Len 8, Bruno 9. Total 32.

Austin and Erin were for me the best ballroom dancers of the night. I was totally blown away by their Tango. I commented at the time that you would be hard pressed to guess which one was the professional out of this pair tonight! Loved every single piece of it, from the music – Libertango – to the dress, the suit, the story, the steps – the Attitude. Spot on! I got my 10 out as well!
Score: Craig 9, Arlene 9, Len 10, Bruno 10. Total 38.

Rachel and Vincent Rumba. Best latin of the night without question. But, overmarked I think. Wonder if the judges wanted her at the top of the leaderboard to ensure last week was not repeated. It was enthralling! However, the judges said about her legs wasn’t “quite” right, they needed to be straighter – and she didn’t have anything like enough hip action. It was a typical Vincent rumba though – hot, steamy and very sexy! Phew!
Score: Craig 9, Arlene 10, Len 10, Bruno 10. Total 39.

John and Kristina did a surprisingly good American Smooth to True Love Ways Poor John is taking a lot of stick at the moment – cant believe he has made it as far as News at Ten due not to political reporting, but dancing skills, or more precicely – the lack of them!! What he does though, he does well – I have to admit. I just hope we don’t see good dancers picked off one by one, just because the voting public want to annoy Craig and the gang.
Score: Craig 5, Arlene 6, Len 7, Bruno 7. Total 25.

Tom and Camilla Salsa – Super dancing– as is only to be expected from him. Funny though, there is something about him I just don’t like. I wish I could put my finger on it. His dancing is very accomplished, and he seems very nice when we see his training footage and when he is on ITT he comes across very well – I feel like I am missing something, like there is a party that I haven’t been invited to?
Score: Craig 8, Arlene 9, Len 9, Bruno 9. Total 35.

Now here’s a treat for real dance fans! Here is my daughter and her partner doing a cha-cha and jive in their local competition. I am pleased to say they won!

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