Strictly Come Dancing Recap: Surprise!
Or not.
The fact that all four couples made it through to this week’s semi-finals is not a surprise. This show’s format allows for four couples in the semi-finals, and three couples go through to the finale. When Katlego and Roxy made the announcement, it should not have been a shock.
Last week’s scores and votes will be added to the semi-final scores where the finalists will be revealed.
Also, the finalists won’t be a surprise. This week’s non-elimination saved Nkuli and Nombulelo, but this week, they’re going to have to say their goodbyes. All four couples probably are aware of things too.
Karlien van Jaarsveld and Devon stole the night with a breathtaking waltz while Stanton Fredericks and Erin also achieved a personal best score of 27. Frontrunner Leigh-Anne Williams and her partner Johannes did not exactly stumble, but they were pushed from their perch.
All four couples were required to do a local freestyle routine – and I honestly did not really care for that. The night, entertainment wise, though, was likely the best of the season.
Leigh-Anne managed to get down during her freestyle routine while still maintaining her natural grace. Their freestyle netted them 26/30.
Karlien and Devon’s routine was a sokkie throw down, and with all the stuff Karlien is juggling, she might be a Superwoman, but it was a little cheesy for me. They completely made up for that with their stunning waltz, though. Their freestyle scored them 25/30.
Stanton and Erin scored high with their freestyle. He got down. Really down. This is what Stanton thrives on, and predictably, they did well, scoring a personal best 27/30.
Nkuli and Nombulelo stumbled unfortunately; unable to lose themselves in the music, but the routine itself might have let them down – mixing kwaito with Latin held Nkuli back. Score: 24/30.
Now to the real dancing.
“Team LJ!” chants roared through the crowd after Leigh-Anne and Johannes’s fierce salsa. It was a fun and fast routine, numerous lifts – the last one being great – and Leigh-Anne’s hips and legs were working it. Michael revealed that he knows Leigh-Anne can salsa, because she did a salsa with him a few months back during an interview on Expresso. Hmm. He thought the routine was “near perfect”, but Tebogo and Sam disagreed. They didn’t think that Leigh-Anne let go enough. Score: 26/30. Combined score: 52/60.
Stanton and Erin struggled through a waltz. Stanton is trying, and very hard. His shoulders were hunched, and there was almost no grace as they crossed the floor. No fluidity. He is trying. He gets into that character, but lacks the technique. Sam and Michael agreed that it wasn’t their best performance. Michael said they struggled through it, and called it tense and tight. Tebogo forgave some of their mistakes because the “intention” was there. Okay. Score: 22/30. Combined score: 49/60.
Undoubtedly, the dance of the night, and arguably one of the best performances of the season, was Karlien and Devon’s waltz. Man, it was beautiful, and graceful, and the way they glide across that floor is effortless. If only she could nail the same technique with the Latin dances. She would be a huge threat to Leigh-Anne, and probably is. If they’re not the top 2, it’ll be a travesty. The emotion in Karlien’s ballroom is perfect. If someone who’s reading this can make it happen, please do it: I need to see them do a Contemporary routine. 30/30, I tell you. Michael thought it was the best dance she’s done all season. Tebogo sai Karlien takes us on a journey, and she does. Score: 29/30 – a personal best, and equalling the highest score of the season thus far. Combined score: 54/60.
Nkuli and Nombulelo didn’t fare that well with their foxtrot either. Overall, a pretty average night for them, ultimately sealing their fate. It was not graceful, and you could see him thinking the whole time. Nkuli is stuck in his head rather than letting the dancing and body speak for itself. Tebogo called it “bumpy”, and Michael concurred, saying it wasn’t smooth enough. Samantha thinks the reason for their lack of gracefulness is their height difference, but Tebogo disagreed. He is pretty tall, or rather, Nombulelo is pretty short. Also, cute as a button. Score: 22/30. Combined score: 46/60.
This week we find out who makes up next week’s finale. It’ll be Leigh-Anne, Karlien, and Stanton. You can bet on it. Who’ll be facing off against Nkuli in the dance-off? Based on this, it should be Stanton.
What did you think of the episode? Who’ll be in next week’s finale? Leave a comment on our Facebook page and join the discussion!
