Strictly Come Dancing Recap: Halfway House
In film structure, the midpoint of the film is where things start accelerating, where the shit really starts to hit the fan, where, hopefully, a big plot development shakes things up. It seems that Strictly Come Dancing has taken on that structure: During Friday night’s episode – which marked the midpoint or halfway mark of the competition – one couple dropped out.
Jason Goliath was invited to perform at the biggest comedy festival in the world – in Montreal, Canada – and made the decision to drop out of the competition and follow his dream. It was one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make, but made the right one. It was the only one, really. Good on you, Jason.
Another plus: Now I don’t have to see him dance again. The competition can move forward with dancers who have the ability to do what is required, and did it. Jason’s surprising departure meant that no couple will be voted out, but this week’s scores and votes will roll over to next week. The scores and votes will be accumulated and a couple will exit the competition.
Latin night didn’t really deliver sizzling performances – only one. Predictably, Leigh-Anne Williams and Johannes made it back to the top as Karlien van Jaarsveld fizzled out.
Let’s get on with it.
Pearl Modiade and her partner Grant took to the floor with a rumba. This, for me, was performance wise my favourite Pearl performance. It was the most feminine and sexy she’s been, and that’s something she’s really struggled with throughout. I felt every second. My enthusiasm was quickly shot down by the judges, though. Michael and Tebogo bought thought her feet and legs are not where they should be, whereas Samantha didn’t see any emotion in her body, just in her face. Judges score: 16/30 – down sharply from last week’s 19.
The best Latin male celeb dancer this season followed, as Stanton Fredericks and Erin danced a samba. This is where Stanton shines, and it could clinch him is place in the top 3. His hips were on fire and it was a pretty solid showing. Second best score of the night. Sam loved his hypnotic hips and Michael called it fantastic. Tebogo called it “decent”, so she was a downer. Judges score: 21/30 – his second highest score of the season.
Sureshnie Rider and Obed delivered, by far, the worst performance of the night. Sureshnie’s movement during the jive was sticky and generally just weak. No fluidity and no sex appeal whatsoever, pretty much back to week one Sureshnie. The only good thing was her face, pity her body wasn’t working with. Michael labelled it “hillbilly” – a pretty good word to call it. Untidy, sticky, heavy sums up Tebogo’s criticism. Judges score: 16/30 – shockingly, even with Pearl’s score.
Karlien van Jaarsveld continued her struggle with Latin dances as she and Devon attempted the season’s first salsa. The hip and leg action required for Latin dancing don’t come naturally to her. It’s not bad, but it isn’t good either. I won’t be surprised if she finds herself in the bottom two next week, but on quality alone, she shouldn’t have to worry. Michael said it was “okay” and Sam proclaimed it her least favourite performance Karlien has given thus far. Can’t disagree. Judges score: 20/30 – back to week one score – ouch.
Finally, Nkuli Tshirumbula delivered a performance worthy of the body he was given. At the start of the season, I thought he’d make a play for the finale, but since then has struggled. This week’s samba with partner Nombulelo wasn’t outstanding, but it was the best overall performance he has given. Sam called it “naughty and sexy” and Michael thought it was fantastic, and further called Nombulelo a firecracker. Then came the dud – Tebogo thought he danced like he was wearing gumboots and only awarded them a 5. Judges score: 20/30
The queen made a comeback, throne and crown and all. Leigh-Anne Williams and her partner Johannes delivered with a very strong cha-cha. Her legs and hips were on fire, and the sexiness comes so effortlessly. Her body’s ability is head and shoulders – haha – above the rest. The throne and crown used as props surely foreshadows the finale result. Tebogo accepted Leigh-Anne into the royal family, and Michael awarded it a gold medal. Judges score: 26/30 – tying her highest score of the season. Will she get the lone highest score of the season next week, or will Karlien fight back? Depends fully on the dance she’s given.
Jason Goliath and Sammy closed the night with their swan song, another fun but technically bad jive.
What did you think of the night? Is Leigh-Anne too good or can Karlien come back? In the end, it’s only votes that count.
