by Anna Kennedy OBE
I cannot believe its the Strictly 2017 Final next week. I have loved every minute of watching the couples progress, the fabulous costumes, the different themes and the wonderful group numbers choreographed by the lovely Jason Gilkison.
I have been chatting to my Peoples Strictly Dance Partner who is appearing as the Genie at Bridlington Spa’s pantomime throughout December.
Robin shared that Shirley Ballas used to teach him to dance when he was younger so he knew she would be absolutely fantastic.
For anyone to come in and take over from Len Goodman, who was a Strictly institution, they needed credibility and they needed confidence. What we loved about Shirley is that she doesn’t just give constructive criticsm. She gives real ballroom and latin terminology so that the public are really starting to learn all the little details about what the Professionals really do as dancers.
Its all good stuff that she gives the couples the sort of criticism that allows them to go away, see what mistakes they made and come back better the next week.
Both Robin and I feel Debbie is an inspiration. It does not matter that she’s had previous dance experience. For someone of her age, to be able to do what she’s doing is incredible. We’ve never had a winner over 40 and we think she could take the title at the end of the series. Speaking as a woman who is 57 I am definitely not passed it and have lots of energy and love to dance!
Robin shares he wishes he could dance like Debbie does now to be honest. He is 38 and he dances 8 times a week in theatre shows and as you get older you really have to look after your body.
Stretching is the really important thing to do when you reach a certain age and lots of people forget that. The other thing with Debbie and her experience of ballet is that it is a totally different skill to Latin and ballroom. In fact, she has the added problem of unlearning everything she’s previously taken on board and learn how to move in a totally different way.
Another of my favourite’s especially being a Holby fan Joe is what Strictly is all about. He had absolutely no dance experience, he started off okay and he’s got better and better and better. He’s just managed to improve at such an incredible rate. Katya is an exceptional professional and she choreographs such creative routines. If they carry on as they have been, we think they will win this year.
We cannot wait for the weekend and I bet the nerves are kicking in. Good Luck to all the finalists!!!
