Strictly Come Dancing Recap: It’s Movie Night
Now this feels like a competition. On a night that featured no particular bad performances and only one score below the 20 point mark, it felt like anything could happen. As couples are starting to improve, and one frontrunner couple seemingly struggling, the competition is getting tight.
Even better, the right two couples were in the dance-off. Sureshnie Rider and Obed found themselves in the dance-off against Pearl Modiade and her partner Grant. Of the six couples remaining, they were clearly lacking behind the other couples throughout the season. The couple who survived this week now find themselves at the bottom of the pack and surely the favourites to go next week, but, as I said, anything now seems possible, except for Leigh-Anne Williams not winning the show.
A couple, who, just two weeks ago, I thought would certainly be in the top 2, is now struggling to keep up, and found themselves at #4 on the leader board for the first time this season. It’s been two very average weeks for Karlien van Jaarsveld, and this Friday could be danger time for them. That said, we know what Karlien and Devon are capable of – they can dance themselves out of trouble with one dance.
Remember, last week’s scores are combined with this week’s scores, so each couple will have a score out of 60.
Stanton Fredericks and his partner Erin took to the floor first with a Top Gun-themed rumba. This guy has improved so much. His stance, posture, legs, and hips probably improved the most throughout the season. His technique has grown and he seems disciplined. Tebogo thought it was the “best controlled rumba from a man” on this show. Judges score: 22/30, combined score: 43/60
Michael Jackson’s This Is It film inspired Pearl Modiade and partner Grant’s salsa. Pearl is also really improving, her movement is more feminine, and she’s getting the hang of what is required of her, but it is probably too late. Her time is almost up. Sam thought it was the best performance that she has done, and Tebogo compared her to a slow cooker. The heat just needs to be a little faster. Judges score: 20/30, combined score: 36/60
‘Kiss from a Rose’ turned into the kiss of death for Sureshnie Rider and her partner Obed with their Batman-themed Viennese waltz. It was much better than last week’s performance – it was elegant and poised, but still not enough. Tebogo thought the timing was completely off, and Michael didn’t think the quality is good enough. At least he liked the beautiful story. Judges score: 18/30, combined score: 34/60
Finally! Nkuli Tshirumbula and his partner Nombulelo delivered what I knew they could right from the first episode. I thought he had all the tools to make the finale. Their Beetlejuice-inspired salsa played to his acting strengths – it had a great story and the routine was fun. Is it too late now? I hope not. Michael named it the best salsa they’ve seen so far. All three loved it. Judges score: 24/30, combined score: 44/60
Leigh-Anne Williams and Johannes remains the couple to beat. Sure, their Hangover-themed quick-step to Usher’s ‘Yeah’ felt a tad disconnected. It did not quite click. But, as usual, it was elegant and fluid, and they just move across the floor effortlessly. She cannot be beaten. Michael and Tebogo mentioned the slight hiccups, but they still loved it. It was like “party night at the royal family” according to Tebogo. Glitz, glamour, and class also came up. Judges score: 24/30, combined score: 50/60
There’s no denying it – they’re slipping. Karlien van Jaarsveld and Devon did a Frozen-inspired rumba that struggled to connect. Yes, she embodies Elsa. The dancing and ‘Let It Go’ just did not connect. The disconnection of it all is hard to ignore. Who is to blame for this? Devon? It’s a misstep that could keep them out of the top 3. It comes out of nowhere, really. They’re letting the finale go. See what I did there? Tebogo and Michael were frustrated. Tebogo couldn’t read the rumba timing. Judges score: 21/30, combined score: 41/60
Results in no particular order:
SAFE – Karlien and Devon
SAFE – Stanton and Erin
First couple into the DANCE-OFF – Sureshnie and Obed
SAFE – Leigh-Anne and Johannes
Which leaves Pearl and Grant, and Nkuli and Nombulelo.
Nkuli and Nombulelo are SAFE which means that Pearl and Grant go into the DANCE-OFF against Sureshnie and Obed.
This was a pretty easy decision. The right couples were in the dance-off and it was clear Pearl was the better dancer. It was time for Sureshnie to go, and next week might be Pearl’s time.
Judges decisions:
Tebogo saves Pearl and Grant.
Michael saves Pearl and Grant.
Sureshnie Rider and Obed are eliminated from the competition.
Pearl survives her second dance-off after she was lucky enough to survive her first. Next week, surely, will be a third dance-off for Pearl and Grant, and I don’t think they’ll be able to survive that one. Karlien and Devon will have to step up their game if they want to stay out of the bottom.
Who do you think are in danger next week? Can Karlien and Devon fight back? Do Nkuli and Stanton have enough to compete with Leigh-Anne alone? Join the discussion!
