Posted on December 19, 2021
Effectively, serves me proper for taking such pleasure in our good Strictly last. I ought to have recognized that 2021 would have one last intestine punch in retailer: poor AJ and Kai having to drop out by means of harm. It made the end result much more of a foregone conclusion – by way of public help, nobody stood an opportunity in a head-to-head battle with Rose – and added a tragic observe to a different in any other case celebratory end.
This has been a season of extremes. As soon as once more Strictly pleasure wrestled with coronavirus angst, and we had remarkably high-standard dancing versus medical dropouts, trailblazing and progressive contestants versus… effectively, Dan Walker. New professionals triumphed, the judges incessantly misplaced their minds, or their seats, and Couple’s Selection virtually ate the present fully.
HOWEVER. Total this season was an exhilarating watch and our last three (even when solely two danced) had been a fab-u-lous trio – not only a plea for inclusion, however emphatic proof that it makes every little thing higher. We had extra creative routines, extra of a spread of tales, and contestants who had been extra themselves and thus extra unimaginable performers as a result of Strictly supported them. Who doesn’t need to dwell in a world like that?
So, as ever: be extra Strictly – and hurrah for our massively deserving champions, Rose and Giovanni! Sensible winners of an excellent collection.
Different hits and misses:
- Montages, montages, get yer montages right here. Additionally recaps, and montages of recaps, and recaps of montages, and slowly, inexorably, we slid into the previous – which, given every little thing, might be a candy aid. MISS
- Good day, previous pals! The category of 2021 pitched up for a gloriously chaotic group quantity, minus Robert, nonetheless benched for well being causes, and Tilly, who has COVID-19. Additionally Karen was injured so did her visitor spot sitting down like a boss. Different highlights: Gorka the dalmatian and… sorry, I misplaced my prepare of thought. HIT
- I don’t understand how they might have handled the AJ scenario effectively. In fact she deserved to be honoured within the last, however the highlights reel simply added to the pre-packaged materials, and the dwell interview was virtually too uncooked. Nonetheless, we beloved her on the present, and I can’t wait to see heaps extra from Kai. HIT/MISS
- Ed Sheeran – sigh – however candy to have a visitor look from Janette, as soon as once more teaming up with Aljaž. HIT/MISS
Greatest in Present
- Greatest efficiency: Rose’s Couple’s Selection Although John’s showdance and paso had been each shut contenders.
- Greatest costume: John’s pirate wig This actually was Yr of the Wig.
- Greatest transfer: Nikita randomly banging his chair within the background At the least he saved his shirt on.
- Greatest line: Each one in all Claud’s makes an attempt to jazz up the leaderboard Not a lot you are able to do with two contestants and matching scores.
Saturday
Tess’s gown: impressed or depressed?
Actually simply wrapped in a bedsheet. The pandemic is hitting us all in numerous methods. Claud: sparkly silver with a slit.
Judges’ Selection
Rose and Giovanni – A-door-able
I wouldn’t have picked their Musicals Week quickstep out of all of Rose’s superb dances, however this did have an apparent error to appropriate, which lent itself effectively to the ultimate’s redemptive narrative. It was additionally one which Craig missed, so at the very least we received a contemporary critique. As soon as once more a really endearing riff on their Frozen characters – and in equity, that is in all probability the closest to Rose’s personal persona – together with majestic ballroom that includes the 2 glued collectively all through. This duo actually are the epitome of accomplice dancing and the way it elevates you each: they’ve achieved issues collectively that they by no means might have managed aside. Completely joyful.
Music: “Love Is an Open Door” from Frozen
Judges’ feedback: Shirley stated it was Strictly magic. Anton praised her immaculate traces and stated that we’d choose future ballroom dances on the present towards Rose. Craig loved watching it dwell and praised Rose’s body and storytelling. Motsi beloved their characterisation.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 – 39 (up from 10, 9, 9, 9 – 37)
John and Johannes – Feeling free
A fantastic alternative right here: the Week 7 rumba, which was a memorable second for these two but in addition left numerous room to replicate John’s development as a dancer and performer. I positively felt he was extra fluid and liberated this time round – extra snug with being expressive. Once more, fantastic consideration to the method, from the velvety footwork to the fantastically positioned arms and beautiful little particulars within the exchanges between them. It struck an ideal stability between a slick, competition-worthy routine and natural, reactive connection. A rumba within the last may seem to be a non-starter, nevertheless it confirmed {that a} whisper can have as a lot affect as a shout, and that vulnerability is energy.
Music: “Form of My Coronary heart”, Sting
Judges’ feedback: Anton stated it was one of the best rumba ever on Strictly. Craig beloved the category and understatement. Motsi was moved by it. Shirley handled us to an extract from her upcoming romance novel and invited John to rumba together with her.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 – 39 (up from 8, 8, 10, 9 – 35)
Favorite Dance
Rose and Giovanni – Making historical past
This Couple’s Selection was the unparalleled second of the season, so it really felt a bit dangerous to repeat it. Fortunately, it was simply as highly effective the second time spherical, though I wasn’t fully satisfied by Craig’s reasoning for upping his rating (in case you really nitpick Rose’s modern dance method, it’s not really good – however that’s actually irrelevant for this specific quantity, sacrilegious although that sounds on this weblog…). A beautiful instance of how dance can convey some issues extra clearly and viscerally than another artwork kind, and the way Rose each represented a neighborhood whereas additionally sharing herself on this present. One for the Strictly historical past books.
Music: “Symphony”, Clear Bandit ft Zara Larsson
Judges’ feedback: Craig praised how Rose used the ground. Motsi adored Rose’s reference to Gio and with us. Shirley stated she wore her coronary heart on her sleeve. Anton thought it was simply good.
Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 – 40 (up from 9, 10, 10, 10 – 39)
John and Johannes – Treasure island
Ooh I beloved this paso in Week 3 and I beloved it much more within the last. John gave it EVERYTHING: it was sharper, stronger, had extra resistance, the leaps had been sky-high, and he actually fought for it. As soon as once more it felt like a extremely defining quantity for this partnership, proving that not solely ought to two males dance on Strictly, however that it will make the entire present come alive in new methods. It’s evident, too, that the expertise has opened up a lot for each John and Johannes, and this was a dance worthy of them. Sidenote: really that wig is the third particular person on this marriage, what a personality.
Music: “He’s A Pirate” from Pirates of the Caribbean (COPYCAT KLAXON: Peter Andre and Janette)
Judges’ feedback: Motsi stated he’d smashed it. Shirley agreed, and John actually felt it. Anton…waffled for thus lengthy that Shirley practically handed him the maple syrup. Craig did a comedy fake-out, the wag.
Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 – 40 (up from 9, 10, 10, 10 – 39)
Showdance
Rose and Giovanni – Down with love
Effectively, sigh. I puzzled why we had this silly gloopy romantic theme… after which Jason Gilkison appeared and all of it turned clear. In fact the person who refuses to place any ballroom right into a ballroom present would assume that these two had been Romeo and Juliet – and that that may be a crowd-pleaser within the last. Plus: ROSES as a result of ROSE, get it? So, it was properly executed, for the reason that balletic high quality was just like their Couple’s Selection, and the lifts had been significantly spectacular, plus these two are at all times heartfelt and mesmerising collectively. I simply don’t assume they wanted the flowers and the smoke monster and schmaltz – they’re too good for that. I wished to see them: no distractions.
Music: “The Rose”, Bette Midler
Judges’ feedback: Shirley stated that Rose had melted her coronary heart. Anton was blessed to observe them. Craig discovered it great. Motsi thought it confirmed we might do something we put our minds to and signed “I like you”.
Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 – 40
John and Johannes – Our story
Ah, that’s extra prefer it. This routine felt like a greater reflection of the couple: it had their tenderness by means of to the exuberance and celebration of their accomplished J phrase. I beloved seeing all of the highlights from their previous dances, just like the Charleston and Argentine tango – a choose ’n’ combine method that may look messy however was easily executed. The gospel choir additionally labored significantly better right here, although I don’t assume it’s wanted for future finals. Just like the over-theming in Rose’s showdance, it took away consideration from our {couples}, and after they’re as improbable as this, that’s a frustration – simply give them the well-earned highlight, however I DID love the black-and-white ballroom photos: honouring heritage, whereas additionally marking an vital second of progress.
Music: “You Bought the Love”, Florence and the Machine (COPYCAT KLAXON: Abbey Clancy and Aljaž)
Judges’ feedback: Anton pulled out the J phrase. Craig stated John got here out and went “Bam”. Motsi praised Strictly for altering lives. Shirley referred to as them a groundbreaking pair.
Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 – 40
Leaderboard
Rose and Giovanni – 39, 40, 40 = 119
John and Johannes – 39, 40, 40 = 119
Effectively, you’ll be able to’t get nearer than that. Undecided our judges actually supplied a lot steering, however then this was an exhilarating duel.
Remaining end result
Our new champions are… Rose and Gio, hurrah!! It couldn’t have gone another method actually, nevertheless it was nonetheless an thrilling last and a extremely fantastic second. As soon as once more, our ballroom present has been a beacon of hope in a darkish time, and our successful couple actually epitomise that.
What did you make of the ultimate? Did the suitable couple win? How did you discover the entire season? Get in contact on Twitter to share your ideas: @mkmswain
See you subsequent yr for extra Strictly magic. Within the meantime… maintain dancing!
{Photograph}: Man Levy, courtesy of the BBC.
Marianka Swain
Marianka Swain is a contract author and social dancer at a number of London venues. You could find extra of her work at mkmswain.com.
Marianka Swain
Marianka Swain is a contract author and social dancer at a number of London venues. You could find extra of her work at mkmswain.com.