As the public vote failed to make an impact on the leader board, the judges threw down the gauntlet, demanding better dancing and in the process sent radio man Damon Kalvari and Hayley Hammond packing in this week’s Strictly Come Dancing dance-off.
Judges had harsh words for pedestrian performances, reminding all that this was after all a dance competition. Their harshest comments were reserved for Damon, describing his movement as stompimg rather than dancing.
With only seven couples now left in the competition, moving forward dancers will perhaps take the judges demands more seriously and up the sizzle, intensity and technique.
Couples tackled a variety of dances. The Rumba, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz and the Jive provided the challenges.
Besides the competition, human emotion weighed significantly on this weeks show. Having missed last week due to the death of her mother, Connie Ferguson and Brandon Eilers put on a spirited Rumba performance that paid tribute to her departed mother. The judges described it as authentic and Connie demonstrated that even in bereavement, with strength and determination life does go on.
Jay Antsey and Tsholo Moholwane opened the ballroom floor and gave the judges their best performance yet…more va va voom was demanded though.
Fresh from their nervous dance off survival last week, Graeme Richards and Lindsey Muckle took on the Jive and brought the house down. The judges loved their energy and intensity.
Touted as certain finalists, Lalla Hirayama and Grant Esterhuizen lived up to their favourites tag and produced a performance described as “exquisite” by the judges.
Crowd favourites Thapelo Mokoena and Hayley Bennet again proved why they are so popular with a rousing musical performance. The judges want to see a bit more though – no pressure.
Overall leaders and constant show reel highlight couple Zakeeya Patel and Ryan Hammond, had the judges eating out of the palm of their hand with a performance worthy of a final; time will tell.
Closing off the evening was a poor performance by duo of funny man Mpho Popps and Nombulelo Hlathi with a Foxtrot that disappointed the judges who couldn’t contain their feelings by giving them a ‘lashing.’
Where there were eight great couples dancing on the floor, the completion is now left with seven serious couples – making for a firecracker of a show next week.
You the viewer still have a big role to play – watch Strictly Come Dancing every Wednesday night at 8pm and vote by sms to 34024.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on SABC 3 Wednesdays from 8pm to 10pm.
Ends
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