tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13481167181740458682024-02-19T01:42:51.468-08:00StrictlycomedancingnotJulia Williams attempts to put one foot in front of the other as research for her latest book...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-22424318482502174192009-03-01T03:47:00.000-08:002009-03-01T03:52:39.408-08:00The Time of my Life...Seguing neatly on from my last post (and ignoring temporarily how long ago that was), if you didn't see Paddy and Keith's brilliant take on Dirty Dancing on Let's Dance for Comic Relief last night, let me share the joy of it with you here.<br /><br />They even did THE LIFT!!!! And the second time they did it properly!!!<br /><br />I missed last week's episode, but thanks to Marie did see Robert Webb's hilarious Flashdance spoof. I can't quite decide which one I liked more, but I share the joy of Robert Webb too. Priceless...<br /><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ygToBqK60XU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ygToBqK60XU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5Lz6k5Zg2wA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5Lz6k5Zg2wA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />I have had difficulty <br />a) explaining to the kids that Paddy and Keith really <em>really</em> aren't gay<br />and <br />b) yes Robert Webb is a man...<br /><br />Can't wait to see what they all do in the final...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-55317772477621928352009-01-09T02:08:00.001-08:002009-01-13T03:54:22.381-08:00Nobody puts Baby in a Corner<em></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_9_CEPqS8w-JXNeDST_JChzFiSKpEku4PNA5MIv2xQlRv7DWrBcIstiMA360g_FMOg7f7umA11g2xZCTT8AtDx_LlnP5b-LdtjgrJWcBobNDSZXjjHqkSustZZTIgdxhW4h7-2P4cGE/s1600-h/dirtydancing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289233922668540706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_9_CEPqS8w-JXNeDST_JChzFiSKpEku4PNA5MIv2xQlRv7DWrBcIstiMA360g_FMOg7f7umA11g2xZCTT8AtDx_LlnP5b-LdtjgrJWcBobNDSZXjjHqkSustZZTIgdxhW4h7-2P4cGE/s320/dirtydancing.jpg" border="0" /></a> I somehow managed to miss <em>Dirty Dancing</em> when it came out. What can I say? I was in my final year at university, and it seemed like a teenybopper romance film that wouldn't appeal to me. It was several years later when I worked with someone who was obsessed by it that it dawned on me that somehow an iconic moment in cinema history had passed me by. It still wasn't enough to get me to watch it though, as it's certainly not my husband's kind of film (Crap scifi and slasher/gore are more his thing), so I had it down as One To Watch With The Girls, which of course meant I never got round to it. I nearly saw it a few years ago when my salsa teacher recommended it to help us practise our moves. I duly borrowed it from a friend who is nigh word perfect on the script, and it sat on the side by the tv unwatched for weeks because I didn't have time, and in the end I gave it back to my friend without having seen it as I had visions of one of the children spilling juice on it.<br /><br />When I was researching <em>Strictly Love</em> though, I bought a whole load of dance movies, <em>Grease, Fame, Strictly Ballroom</em>, and <em>Dirty Dancing.</em> Now was surely the time to make up for this gap in my film education.<br /><br />I have to say I was completely taken by surprise by the film. I thought it would be a very sappy teen romance that I could happily have shown the children, and was gobsmacked to discover the storyline features abortion. (I still haven't let the kids watch it). I'm not a huge Patrick Swayze fan, and the name "Baby" makes me puke, but actually, though you do think this is a summer romance that is never going to last, there is a lot to like in this film. The dancing is fabulous of course, but I also do like the character of Baby who stays to true to her principles even though it costs her dear. It is also quite interesting about prejudice and people taking certain situations for granted.<br /><br />So... there's a lot more to it then I imagined, and of course it also has that brilliant dance scene at the end when Baby finally manages the Lift. As a semi ironic joke I dedicated<em> Strictly Love</em> to my husband with the words, <em>I owe it all to you, </em>which my mother took seriously, having never seen the film. She thought it was a lovely sentiment, and after giving it consideration and taking away the cynical head which says <em>Time of my Li</em>fe is pure tack, I think I agree. <em>Dirty Dancing</em> is all about people loving one another and supporting each other whatever life throws at them. And as a romantic novelist, how can I gainsay that?<br /><br />So when I was kindly offered free tickets to go and see <em>Dirty Dancing the Musical </em>by the very kind people at Arthur Leone pr company, I was delighted to take them up on the offer. Besides, it's not EVERY day someone gives me some free theatre tickets (and having just spent a small fortune on <em>Oliver!</em> tickets, such generosity is certainly not to be sniffed at in these credit crunch times...) Obviously I couldn't take my other half who'd be deeply unappreciative, so I asked my <em>Dirty Dancing</em> loving friend along instead, which came in rather handy as she remembered more of the plot then I did.<br /><br />Now I'd love to say that <em>Dirty Dancing the Musical</em> was as much fun as say, <em>Mamma Mia</em>! which I've seen twice, but unfortunately I don't really think it is. For a start the script is slavishly close to the film (according to the DDLF anyway), whereas the film and stage show of <em>Mamma Mia</em>! are rightly two very different beasts.<br /><br />The film (and stage show) starts with Baby and her family en route to a holiday camp. The film starts with them in a car, listening to music, and on stage, this has been converted to a stage car with scenery running behind it. Hmm... That just didn't work for me. Neither did most of the set, which revolved, and had bits popping out of the floor in a manner I found most distracting. Apart from worrying everytime the dancers were dancing on the revolving floor, I kept losing track of who was saying what and where because my eye was caught by some inappropriate bit of scenery going up and down for no apparent reason.<br /><br />I also had a huge problem with the chemistry between the leads, in that for me there wasn' any. (And here I'm going to be horribly vague, as we forgot to buy a programme so I am not sure of anyone's names.) When Johnny danced with Penny the world lit up, but when he danced with Baby (and yes of course at the beginning she can't dance), I just didn't feel there was any chemistry at all.<br /><br />Also oddly enough, for a musical about dancing, there didn't seem to be nearly enough. And for a stage show that was meant to be a musical, there wasn't enough singing.<br /><br />I don't think this is the actors fault, but a fault of the show itself, which is trying to replicate the movie so accurately (maybe rightly - perhaps this is what <em>Dirty Dancing</em> fans want, although my DDLF was underwhelmed. Mind you, she did say it was partly because Johnny was too "clean".) that it forgets to be a musical.<br /><br />Having said all that, the dancing when it happened was stunning. And the end of the show was really spectacular. In fact, I could have done with lots more of Billy's singing (the actor playing him had an AMAZING voice) and everyone dancing and less of the silly sets, and people aimlessly wandering on and off just because that's what happens in the film.<br /><br />There also was a fantastic moment right at the end when everyone was anticipating Johnny's return and he suddenly burst through the audience uttering the iconic line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner", which clearly all the proper Dirty Dancing fans were waiting for as the theatre exploded. And then so did the stage. Suddenly it was rocking with life, and I felt like I was watching a completely different show. The Lift of course was brilliant, and again you could tell the DD fans were gagging for it. And the encore was also great, leaving me wishing that the whole show had had as much energy. (I dunno, maybe the cast were too worried by the revolving turntable to dance their hearts out earlier).<br /><br />So... An enjoyable evening. Probably a must if you're a<em> Dirty Dancing</em> fan. But was it as good as the film? No I don't think so...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-37542839304378150622008-12-21T02:29:00.000-08:002008-12-21T03:03:45.768-08:00It's the Final Countdown...Or rather it was.<br /><br />You may or may not have noticed I didn't get round to posting about last week's Strictly Show. This was partly due to lack of time, and partly because I thought the whole voting debacle was a pile of crap. It was so patently obvious that they wanted three couples in the last show. It was also patently obvious that the maths didn't add up to make Tom able to go through. Why they couldn't have just dispensed with last week altogether I don't know. None of the dances rocked my boat particularly, but I thought Tom deserved credit for attempting a jive when the girls played safe with ballroom. Yes, yes, yes, I'm sure technically they were much better, but hell Tom's jive was so much more fun.<br /><br />Anyway. Onwards and upwards as they say.<br /><br />I have to confess that despite thinking I had lost total interest in this year's competition since Austin went out, I thoroughly enjoyed last night's show. <br /><br />Rachel's foxtrot was pretty flawless. Did it deserve forty points? Not sure. They seem to have given out tens likes smarties this series but when I watched the previous champions dancing together I thought not one of the finalists was a patch on any of them (except possibly Darren Gough).<br /><br />Tom and Camilla's clearly wasn't as good technically (I still think it's harder for the bloke - if you're a crap dancer and being led by a professional, that has to be easier, doesn't it?), but I just loved his style. So I think the judges were a bit harsh myself.<br /><br />Lisa and Brendan's was lovely to watch, but I found it strangely uninvolving. I know, I know, she made the best improvement overall, but I couldn't help feeling the judges were marking her ridiculously high to make up for the fact that the public were clearly voting for Tom Chambers.<br /><br />Moving swiftly over the return of the previous contestants (who reminded us all why they went off so quickly), I did enjoy Rachel and Vincent's rumba, but I couldn't quite rave about it as much as the judges did. Tom's samba was a lot of fun - again - and Lisa's Cha Cha Cha may have been technically improved from last time, but didn't do anything for me.<br /><br />I think losing Lisa at this point was the right call. I still can't understand why the judges saved her at the expense of Austin, who by rights should have won this. But hey nonny nonny no, the Great British Public do occasionally get it right...<br /><br />I'd also like to point out here (in the absence of Marie as she is on holiday) that some weeks ago she pointed out the similarity of Rachel Stevens' brothers to the Mitchell boys - Tess, you're just too slow...<br /><br />The second wave of returning dancers reminded us what we lost in terms of fun from Mark Foster (yes, we were right, he really was that bad), Heather Small (who was much better last night then on any of the shows. It must have been nerves), Cherie Lunghi (who was as good as I remember, but I am still irritated that she and James were such poor sports) and John Sergeant, who was just as much fun as I thought he was.<br /><br />The third wave just made me a) wonder again why oh why did Christine last so long?, b) miss Jodie and c) wish I could have seen a final with Austin in it.<br /><br />I thought it was very nice they gave Lisa an opportunity to do her show dance, but it confirmed for me that yes, she really should have been in third place.<br /><br />Now all the way through this competition, I haven't really got Rachel. I think she dances beautifully, but she lacks emotion somehow. I have to say that in her show dance, for the first time I thought she really came alive and lit up the floor. It was wonderful to watch, and I was convinced she had it in the bag. The judges seemed to be so down on Tom, and technically he clearly can't compete with Rachel.<br /><br />But then.... Oh then... Tom and Camilla produced the most hilarious witty, entertaining show dance. It was fantastic. The return of the penguin. And with so much style...Tom leapt and gurned his way around the stage, looking as if he was having a blast. I laughed the whole way through it. If there were people wavering, I think that dance won him the competition. It was fabulous.<br /><br />While they filled in time we also got to see the returning champions's show dance, which was great fun, but also Kristina and alien faced Brian (as Marie calls him - and in Marie's absence I feel duty bound to keep the faith) did an amazing Cha Cha Cha to Duffy singing Mercy, which I can't unfortunately find on You Tube.<br /><br />But here for your delectation and delight are firstly Rachel and Steven, who were fabulous too.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cAN60yPCXoU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cAN60yPCXoU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Just not a patch on Tom and Camilla. Worthy winners in the end...<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F2CiF2qj3Sc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F2CiF2qj3Sc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-63245989209654618132008-12-02T07:39:00.001-08:002008-12-02T07:47:06.067-08:00Hurrah!We've finally lost boring Christine. Do you think that the judges were getting their revenge for not having had the opportunity to vote John Sergeant off?<br /><br />As I had a manically busy weekend, followed by my pulling my back out yesterday I've only had a chance to catch up on the dances on the SCD website.<br /><br />From what I saw I think it was Christine's time to go. Didn't think much of either of her dances. Can't say Lisa wowed me that much either, but the judges seem to like her.<br /><br />Tom's samba was every bit as camp as Bruno said it was, and I liked his waltz, but I thought Rachel's and Vincent's was better.<br /><br />Laughed out loud at Rachel and Vincent's paso doble. Might have known Len would object to the cloak. But it wasn't a patch on Austin and Erin's which oled all the way to being the best latin dance of the series I'd say.<br /><br />I think Austin has to win it, for overall consistency and sheer entertainment value, but I'm really not sure who should be in the final with him. I think for dancing ability it should be Rachel, but the judges seem to really like Lisa for some reason I can't fathom, and Tom when he hits a high really hits it. But I suspect he isn't quite good enough. So my money is on it being Austin FTW and Lisa in the final, but then again, I've been dead wrong before.<br /><br />And if like me you're suffering from a maniacal life at present, and haven't seen Austin and Erin's paso doble, here it is in all it's glory.<br /><br />Ole!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sP0e6j-bA0Y&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sP0e6j-bA0Y&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-82970001447438605072008-11-24T01:15:00.000-08:002008-11-24T01:44:09.211-08:00Oh No!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUHKrJse0HNLAVycbZsidT5WJmfJNAGvw2jz6FVZ8bnMlbNKPtwv1Y0e7Vz5iMVXSWKcviJDiQlHk9fqvC_wNAoFhjC7TA2Psp3d3eSLsjmx-wseoGsrWAs5h4ov7IghmoKg-EgxYlT0/s1600-h/446x251-jodie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUHKrJse0HNLAVycbZsidT5WJmfJNAGvw2jz6FVZ8bnMlbNKPtwv1Y0e7Vz5iMVXSWKcviJDiQlHk9fqvC_wNAoFhjC7TA2Psp3d3eSLsjmx-wseoGsrWAs5h4ov7IghmoKg-EgxYlT0/s320/446x251-jodie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272157141524437554" /></a><br />Now that Jodie's gone, who do I vote for?<br /><br />I thought it was a real pity that she went last night because not only was her jive highly entertaining (and boy did we need some entertaining on Saturday night - I thought it was a peculiarly flat and odd show myself), she was clearly so ill she hadn't had much time to practise. But hurrah for Jodie she was dignified and gracious in defeat even though her dance this week was much better then Christine's. Do you think all John Sergeant's The One Show voters have switched allegiance. Now WOULDN'T that be funny? They can't vote for John but they vote for Christine who'll end up winning because she's the closest the public can get to voting for John.<br /><br />Mind you, that wouldn't be right would it, because once again I found her dance bland and dull -was it the cha cha cha? (see I don't even remember). I also found Lisa's quickstep bland and dull. And Rachel's foxtrot was lovely but full marks??? I don't think so. Are the judges proving a point do you think? See, public you wanted an old man who couldn't dance, but we're going to inflict another young beauty who can for the final...<br /><br />Jodie's jive, I thought was great. Tom's tango less great. But the dance that made my night was Austin and Erin's cha cha cha which was fun and cheeky and ENTERTAINING. Got that judges? We like being entertained. You clearly didn't because they got an unremarkable score, and I was worried they were going to end up in the dance off. Anyway, they lived to fight another day and my money is now on them and Rachel and Vincent for the final. I think I want Austin as he's shown the most consistency through the series, and while I like Tom I don't think he's quite as good as Austin. Mind you having said that in the group dance Tom and Austin both shone and the girls just looked limp and decorative - but I think that's probably the fault of Arlene's choreography. Is it just me or do you think there is something pervy about the way she leches after younger men - can you imagine the furore of Len did that to Rachel? (Can you tell I have really really gone off Arlene?)<br /><br />Finally of course we got to say goodbye to John, which was touching and sweet, and I so love Kristina who is charming and beautiful and has a wicked sense of humour and deserves a really great dancing partner next year. But boy oh boy, did you notice how po faced Arlene looked? And the judges were the only ones who didn't stand up. Miserable so and sos. I was in hysterics when John thanked them for their help in allowing him to stay in the competition - Arlene's face was a picture. In case you missed it, I leave it here for your delectation and delight. Strictly is just not going to be the same without them.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d4dqpJWmBfs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d4dqpJWmBfs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-12099941146424656782008-11-20T06:28:00.000-08:002008-11-20T06:56:49.738-08:00Strictly Crap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1hJwqO9jVC_zLuXcjfXUzhc5pYhRyGeVXbgF95R8TJmr3CukB99BVFmTgELCJ6-dFmkdM8qutYXKmC2t3d2AimJAj2U8Yk3rHWqwWZW86XR25XcJg1vjamD87bxiBcJ7vnSYGL7a4VE/s1600-h/claudia_286x161.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270746961409054658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1hJwqO9jVC_zLuXcjfXUzhc5pYhRyGeVXbgF95R8TJmr3CukB99BVFmTgELCJ6-dFmkdM8qutYXKmC2t3d2AimJAj2U8Yk3rHWqwWZW86XR25XcJg1vjamD87bxiBcJ7vnSYGL7a4VE/s320/claudia_286x161.jpg" border="0" /></a> I don't normally watch <em>It Takes Two</em> given that it's on when I'm either hoiking children round town to various activities or cooking their tea. But last night I wanted to see what John and Kristina had to say, so I left the dinner cooking and sat down (in between settling disputes between the ten/six year olds and filling in the husband on what had happened when he came in) to watch.<br /><br />I really wanted to know what persuaded John to step down - my gut instinct says he's not the type to be bullied. It seemed clear to me from watching last night, that he had just got fed up with the media storm, which had taken the fun out of if for him.(Caused in no small part it has to be said by the likes of Arlene who was told Breakfast News on Monday that "When [other celebrities] put hours in the practice studio they are constantly working. They do not sit down, and I know with John, he sits and reads the <em>Guardian</em>. A lot of time he and his dance partner spend fooling around." , and was busy telling Jeremy Vine on Monday lunchtime John shouldn't still be in the competition.)<br /><br />It strikes me that as well as being a perfect gent, John Sergeant is fundamentally also a very kind person, and it clearly bothered him that other people were getting stressed by the whole thing, and that he was uncomfortable to have got through on Saturday when Cherie didn't. I suspect that too, had something to do with his decision.<br /><br />However, while I'm not sure about the whole bullying thing, I do agree with Marie, that facing a choice between people being rotten to you and going on a cruise, most of us would opt for the latter. And judging by the incredible bitchiness James (and to a lesser extent Anton and Kate Garroway) displayed when interviewed after him, I don't blame him. James was full of venom, spitting out malevolently that this "wasn't the John Sergeant show" - no, and I don't think for one moment John Sergeant thought it was either. Unlike James, he clearly has no ego to speak of, and was diplomatically getting out of the way so that other better dancers don't get voted off this week and he has to face the whole barrage of criticism again. I think sometimes the story gets too big for the person (I'm thinking here not just of the recent Brand/Ross nonsense, but also the whole Angus Deayton debacle a few years ago) - and John Sergeant recognising this decided to get out while the going was good. He's done so, as he's done everything in this show, with gravitas, dignity, and not inconsiderable wit. I love him more then ever (and can't wait to do the rewrites to my Christmas book so I can polish up my character into proper John Sergeant twinkly lines).<br /><br />Everyone else (with exception of Claudia Winkelman who was flounderingly trying to get her interviewees to be more positive, and Brucie who just looked confused) who appeared on <em>It Takes Two</em> last night looked small minded, mean spirited and downright pathetic in comparison. For Arlene to say that she was "sad" he'd left and he should have stayed, and for Craig to call him a coward was breathtakingly hypocritical. I believed Len the most, even though he was pictured on Saturday moaning about the result.<br /><br />And let's not forget that Len and Arlene the two oldest judges in the competition have been outrageously rude about John Sergeant's age. We all know it's a competition where the young and beautiful have more hope of winning. This time around John Sergeant gave all the dad dancers hope and Cherie Lunghi had been striking a blow for the older woman (ironic that my favourite older man was responsible for knocking my favourite older woman out), but to hear Len and Arlene go on about John's age you'd think he was practically senile. It's been nasty, obnoxious and makes the idea of having older competitors in this pointless. Why not just say next year, anyone under the age of 35 is banned? You'll have a bland show, but then you won't get to be embarrassed by watching geriatric shuffling either.<br /><br />I'm not yet sure whether I want to carry on watching this year's SCD. Ironically I thought last week produced the best dancing yet, but I don't want to watch great dancing without seeing John Sergeant's cheeky little face cheering me up every week. I'd have accepted him going out in a vote and the judges getting rid of him in the dance off. But this is the worst of all possible worlds.<br /><br />And the only one who's come out of it with any dignity is John Sergeant. I hope when he's back from his cruise, he'll also be back on our screens in some other amusing capacity soon.<br /><br />The nation, deserves a bit of gaiety and it looks like we're not going to get it from SCD anymore.<br /><br />OTOH, as Marie suggested maybe we should all go for Jodie For The Win. Get phoning peeps!Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-33609495246699055042008-11-19T05:36:00.000-08:002008-11-19T07:07:30.253-08:00Oh even MORE crapSo John Sergeant has been pushed out of Strictly for being too old, too rubbish and winning the public's hearts. I appreciate what he's said about it, but bugger it. I think the public should have got to decide who they wanted for the final and the judges should have shut up. Arlene Phillips has been foul this week and I've lost huge amounts of respect for her.<br /><br />Marie has said it all much better then I can <a href="http://womanwhotalkedtoomuch.blogspot.com/2008/11/strictlywatch-2008-news-flash.html">here</a> , but while I sit here steaming, I leave you with my favourite John Sergeant moment of the series.<br /><br />Who's going next do you think? Cos Jodie sure as hell won't be able to jive but the public love her too...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/umEShQ2SXK8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/umEShQ2SXK8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-40965327170764289722008-11-17T00:44:00.000-08:002008-11-17T00:46:05.858-08:00Oh crapI missed last night's dance off because I was out, but I cannot believe Cherie has been voted off and John is still in. There is no justice in the world.<br /><br />There is however, as John sweetly pointed out on Saturday, the power of the electorate...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-19496493146664345832008-11-16T03:50:00.000-08:002008-11-16T03:51:33.893-08:00Sudden Thought...It has just occurred to me that the reason the judges were so nice to John Sergeant last night was because they were still in shock after watching Terry Wogan dance...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-44344529751585157922008-11-16T02:41:00.000-08:002008-11-16T03:01:54.462-08:00How exciting was that?Well knock me down with a feather. Everyone (even John Sergeant) raised their game this week.<br /><br />First up was Jodie and Ian with a wonderful quickstep - she was light and fleet and graceful. I was so pleased for her after last week's dreadful samba. This was definitely her best dance of the series, but as she clearly is never going to get Latin my money's on her going next time she's got to do a latin dance.<br /><br />Then it was Lisa and Brendan (Lisa resplendent in the weirdest orange dress I've ever seen - but much loved by my eldest daughter who adores all things orange) doing a not desperately exciting samba. I thought she looked stiff and awkward and lacked hip movement, but the judges seemed to like it, and only Bruno mentioned the hips.<br /><br />Then Christine and Matthew danced a waltz, and whoopeedodah, I actually liked it. I thought it was charming and graceful and rather lovely. Maybe she's not boring after all. Perhaps she is just very very nice and therefore the waltz is her dance. I;d say that was her best dance of the competition also.<br /><br />Cherie and James then danced a cha cha cha (or is it cha cha?)and while this wasn't her best dance of the series, it was definitely her best latin attempt, though I'd be inclined to agree with the judges she does it a little too neatly. Somehow at the moment her latin lacks fire in its belly, but I hope she's done enough to keep her in as I still want to see her in the final.<br /><br />Austin and Erin's tango was the dance of the night for me - I thought it was superb, and I think having been rather dismissive of Austin I'm finally getting his appeal now. I loved the bit when they showed him going into his daughter's school. Wonderful.<br /><br />I actually also really liked Rachel and Vincent's rumba which seemed rather more tender then sensual in a way. Not sure I agreed with all those tens but she can't possibly be in the dance off this week can she?<br /><br />Then it was John and Kristina who were abysmal as usual (though not as bad as last week) and made me laugh as usual. It really is time that he went though, so I do hope he's voted off tonight while people still like him. (Mind you the children are adamant he should stay as they prefer the entertainment value to the dancing...) I loved the way they scooted off upstairs without waiting to hear what the judges had to say. But they were pleasantly surprised by the judges being NICE to them - Arlene even went so far as to say she got why the public like him (which may actually have been calculated to get the public voting him off, who know?) So, if he does go out this week at least he'll go out on a high...<br /><br />Last but not least was Tom and Camilla. I loved their salsa which was steamy and hot and such a lot of fun. It made me want to get up and bop along with them, and even had the effect of my dance shy husband admitting that maybe he would give it a go (little does HE know what I'm planning to give him for Christmas...)<br /><br />My money is on Lisa and John being in the dance off, but you never know how the public will vote so it will probably be Tom and Rachel.<br /><br />And in the meantime, if you missed Children in Need on Friday, here's Terry Wogan showing that actually, John Sergeant isn't half bad...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JzsYQoj69uc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JzsYQoj69uc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-22292570975369604912008-11-14T00:59:00.001-08:002008-11-14T01:03:05.136-08:00Are they human or are they dancers?Today is Children in Need Day and Tess Daly and Terry Wogan are going to go head to head in a Strictly Come Dancing bonanza. Judging by this, Sir Tel is every bit as bad (if not worse) then John Sergeant, so it should be hilarious, and of course it's all in a great cause. So if you haven't donated yet, what are you waiting for??? <br /><br /><object height="400" width="512"><param name="movie" value="http://www.bbc.co.uk/emp/external/player.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="FlashVars" value="config_settings_suppressCodec=h264&config_settings_skin=black&playlist=http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/media/emp/playlists/week_08/itt_children_121108.xml&config_settings_showFooter=true&"><embed src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/emp/external/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="512" height="400" flashvars="config_settings_suppressCodec=h264&config_settings_skin=black&playlist=http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/media/emp/playlists/week_08/itt_children_121108.xml&config_settings_showFooter=true&"></embed></object>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-43535477260676259902008-11-12T00:50:00.000-08:002008-11-14T09:24:54.131-08:00Strictly Too Serious...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmiUUcbotY0SnZts_gYNUfDFeAVbZrYLCC23x94tex5nJJxb74OehjaDPvjnh2u1EE03zB-d8LjdwJjkUn_Ri9vrnRjA5FLq3kjA87cEnnAjCwPEg0Ia1VFuoCLORd47Fc2GMylyjdVc/s1600-h/John+Sergeant.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268439396989213634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmiUUcbotY0SnZts_gYNUfDFeAVbZrYLCC23x94tex5nJJxb74OehjaDPvjnh2u1EE03zB-d8LjdwJjkUn_Ri9vrnRjA5FLq3kjA87cEnnAjCwPEg0Ia1VFuoCLORd47Fc2GMylyjdVc/s320/John+Sergeant.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I know. I know. I said on Sunday he can't dance and it really is time he went, but I think the judges are getting a bit over excited about things. This is a DANCE competition, yes, but it's not as if anyone on it is really going to get crowned Champion at the World Ballroom Dancing competition is it (unless he's called Anton du Beke, and he did it dancing with, oh yes, a fellow professional...)? Half the fun of Strictly is watching the judges squirm as the public stubbornly and persistently vote the opposite way, and I agree with Alice over at Strictly TV, they should have learnt by now that moaning about it is only going to make things worse. (Have just found two Keep John Sergeant In groups on Facebook where people seem really quite riled that the judges are daring to presume to tell them how to vote.) Mind you, perhaps it's all a big plot and the judges say these things to ensure the public votes the wrong way and therefore interest is kept in the competition.<br /><br />But all in all I think it's just getting a tad silly. And I know he or Jodie should really go now, being the worst two dancers in the competition as that would be fair (but since when was life fair, hmmm?), but it is hard not to be entertained by someone who makes a virtue out of being so bad in such a disarming manner. Here's his dance from Saturday again. I defy you not to smile....<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nv0e7esK8yM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nv0e7esK8yM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-59863919471461867632008-11-10T01:28:00.000-08:002008-11-10T01:40:23.651-08:00Oh dear. Oh dearI think that's what you call a travesty.<br /><br />I missed Saturday's show because we had far too many children running around in the back garden in the rain and wind while my husband manfully tried to light soggy fireworks, but I caught up via the SCD website and Marie's blog.<br /><br />The dances I loved were Tom's (hilarious hilarious but so fleet of foot), Cherie's (way to go Cherie, but you need to crack Latin if you're going to get into the final), surprisingly Lisa's as I haven't been that fond of her up until now, and Rachel's.<br /><br />Heather's tango was by far the best dance she's done all series, and Christine's jive was just ... dull. I cannot understand at all Christine's appeal. I can only imagine she has a lot of fans on The One Show (which I have never ever watched so don't get at all why she's so popular).<br /><br />My two personal favourites in the competition John and Jodie were both rubbish this week (although John just makes me laugh out loud, the way he hams up his crap dancing), and I have to reluctantly concede that it isn't actually fair any more if either of them stay in because they can't really dance and all the others (including boring Christine) can.<br /><br />So I was convinced the dance off was going to be between those two and that John would be kicked off because you can just SEE the judges are desperate to get rid of him (1 from Craig for entertainment? C'me on I get the 1 for the lack of dancing ability but John certainly entertains, if not necessarily for the right reasons).<br /><br />But then blow me down with a feather the great British Public voted (if ever there was a reason for not giving the masses the vote its watching how they behave on competitions like this) so Heather and Brian were in the dance off with ... Rachel and Vincent. Neither of them deserved to be there, though Rachel is definitely the best dancer so the best woman won, but still...<br /><br />Any more of this and I might have to boycott the programme.<br /><br />Surely next week we have to see John in the dance off? Much as I love him it is time for him to go. (Besides I've finished the book on which I've modelled his character, so I don't need him anymore...)<br /><br />But with the great BP in control of the voting, who can tell what the outcome will be? We'll probably end up with Austin and Tom in the dance off when really they should be both be twinkling their way to the final...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-83339328147144021582008-11-03T02:31:00.000-08:002008-11-03T02:45:42.313-08:00Halfway HouseSo we're at the halfway point in Strictly and the competition is certainly hotting up.<br /><br />I much preferred this week's episode, which felt a lot more fun then last week's.<br /><br />I loved Jodie's waltz. Really lovely, even if she was dressed as Cinderella (she reminded me of the people who dress up in Disneyland. Odd to do that when you're not four). She definitely does better in the ballroom dances as she's so graceful, but though I do do love her, I can't see her making the final three. She's working hard at it, but I wouldn't say she has much natural talent.<br /><br />Christina looked lovely, and was tremendously graceful, but I still find her a bit of a nonentity personality and dancing wise. I'm sure she'll be in a dance off soon.<br /><br />Lisa and Brendan's tango was great. I love the tango, so stylish and sexy, and I think they pulled it off. Lisa has improved hugely. I'm still not convinced she's going to be in the top three, but she's biting at the heels of Cherie and Rachel in a way I wouldn't have predicted a few weeks ago.<br /><br />Cherie's salsa was sadly disastrous. I was hugely relieved she didn't end up in the dance off, as I feared she might. Hopefully, she'll get a dance more suited to her again. I still want her in the final, but am coming to the conclusion she won't win because she can't do the latin dances.<br /><br />Heather was also a disaster, which was a shame after last week. And she always looks so much better in training. Though she survived this week, I can't see her getting through next time (except if she has to dance against John Sergeant, whom the judges are no doubt going to vote off without even watching him.)<br /><br />John was as ever hilarious to watch. I still love him to pieces, but it is getting to the stage in the competition when he is going to have to go because the only people remaining are the people who can dance, so it wouldn't be fair to keep him (even for my research purposes).<br /><br />I missed Tom's cape action, and Rachel's jive, but I think both are still demonstrating they are top contenders. Have a feeling if Cherie has another slip up Rachel will bag that place in the final.<br /><br />Austin and Erin were simply the best this week. I think they are the clear front runners. Everyone else has a lot of catching up to do.<br /><br />Which just leaves Andrew. Finally, finally. He got voted off. And rightly too. We were in stitches watching him dance, those hand movements. That bottom sticking out like a pregnant duck (though I suppose it kind of matched Ola's weird flamingo costume). But, he was utterly charming in defeat, and I thought his thank you speech was lovely and well meant. So hurrah for Andrew. (And also hurrah for not crying. Am getting very fed up with seeing people crying on TV, particularly men).<br /><br />I predict Heather and John will be in next week's dance off, with John to go, and Christina and Jodie to be following soon. I'd still really love Jodie to suddenly develop into a dancing queen, but I can't quite see it not really. (She has given me an idea for a character for my next book though. I had no idea when I started watching Strictly what a good research tool it was going to be.)<br /><br />The results show was as weird as ever apart from Anton and Flavia's hilarious dance. I thought that was brilliant, and made me wish I'd had more time learning from the master...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-73740554712015415482008-10-26T03:47:00.000-07:002008-10-26T04:20:48.340-07:00Freckles and bullfights.Last night watching Strictly Come Dancing was a hugely educational experience. I learnt that Paso Doble (which is a dance I've managed to miss seeing before somehow) is about bull fighting and to dance the Viennese Waltz properly you apparently need freckles...<br /><br />It was also quite hard work watching it in our house as the eight year old had a friend for a sleepover, so whereas normally it's just the six year old squealing her way through SCD, last night we had three small girls screeching their heads off. So if I've badly misinterpreted all the dancing you'll have to forgive me...<br /><br />I decided watching Lisa and Brendan I could really get into the Paso Doble. I totally "get" that dance is also about story, and you could do a great story with that. I did like their dance, but wasn't totally wowed by it, although overall they probably made the best fist of it.<br /><br />Cherie and James had their worst score, because Cherie unfortunately tripped at the beginning and was so put off she forgot to act the story. I kind of agreed with Arlene that it would have been great to see her do it again. Am sure if she hadn't tripped it would have been the best one of the night. (Though what DID they give her to wear? I liked the swirling skirt, but not in gold...)<br /><br />Mark Foster (thankfully minus the seethrough top), probably did his best dance so far. He's trying so hard, poor love. It's just a shame he was so completely out of time the music stopped before he did. I was in hysterics with Arlene's puzzled bewilderment about how he must be in time in swimming but can't seem to get it in dancing. (I swim a bit, and I can completely see that the rhythm you get into for swimming is a totally different thing - like he says you're going one way, and it doesn't matter how you look!).<br /><br />Christine's dancing is always enthusiastic, but somehow unmemorable. This was so unmemorable I had to think quite hard to remember if she'd done Paso Doble or Viennese Waltz. Oh dear.<br /><br />As usual I loved Jodie, even though the judges didn't. It probably wasn't as good as last week's, but there's something about Jodie which I just find irresistible (it is probably because, judging by my five minutes with Anton, I would be just as useless as her if I were doing it.)<br /><br />The funniest though, had to be John Sergeant's. It's becoming more and more clear that he can't dance at all, but I just love the interpretations he puts on things. He was just hilarious stamping his little feet and trying to look serious. And I loved his comment about being in the position of the favourite runner up in a bye election. I do hope he's still in next week...<br /><br />The waltzes were better, I thought. Even Andrew Castle didn't do too badly - and thanks to Ola having had him strapped to her waist all week (how DO these dancers manage to keep a straight face when they do things like that?) his bum didn't even stick out. But PLEASE Great British Public, it's time he went. He can't dance for toffee.<br /><br />I loved loved Heather's waltz. All the way through this we've watched Heather sing and thought, there's a show woman, but she hasn't seemed to be able to translate it to the dance floor. And last night she did, in a dress, which my ten year old pronounced a perfect princess dress (it was very pink). I really really hope she's saved the dance off this week.<br /><br />Austin and Orla were predictably good, but I didn't think they quite deserved the nines they got.<br /><br />Rachel and Vincent's waltz was charming if a little unexciting. Rachel also got a great dress (but very very weird gloves).<br /><br />The hero for me this week had to be Tom though. I didn't think there was anyone to fancy on SCD this year, but I have changed my mind. Tom is utterly my new hero and I don't even watch Holby. He was soooo sweet talking about his wife (who must be very very longsuffering to put up with Camilla on her honeymoon) and then danced a lovely romantic waltz and dedicated it to her. Ah bless... For me it was the dance of the night, and I think I may have a problem now choosing between him and Cherie.<br /><br />And as a measure of how much more relaxing it is to dance in your own lounge after a glass of red, then in a huge loft surrounded by strangers, I boogied round the lounge with the two big girls for hours... IF only I could have been <em>that </em>relaxed on Thursday....Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-57078397855150662752008-10-24T01:19:00.000-07:002008-10-24T04:48:52.085-07:00Dancing with the StarsWell, one, specifically...<br /><br />Several weeks ago I was interviewed for the Express about my experiences learning to dance (such as they are). As I'd talked about dancing in the kitchen with my husband (actually I do it without my husband too - Friday nights usually finds me boogying to Chris Evans' All Request Friday, it's a great stress buster I can tell you), they were going to send a photographer down to take a picture of me in the kitchen complete with pinny and marigolds.<br /><br />I'm very glad they didn't.<br /><br />Last week I got a phone call asking me if I'd like to come up to London for a photoshoot. Would I ever? When the most exciting thing that generally happens to me in the week is the Sainbsbury's shop, I didn't need much persuading. Particularly when I found out that I was going to get a makeover, have my hair styled and wear some fabulous dresses. No girl could say no to that...<br /><br />And even if I was mad enough to turn such a fabulous opportunity down, when they told me I was going to be photographed with Anton du Beke, you could have heard me squeeing from here to Timbuctu. I didn't stop giggling for a week.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaagEfa1x_WhJy25fKmShiZObC-KAxIVt-GD5m4o6Gl63YBBjQNM5ido9pNEazaQS5Y2CFWbj7YzVghmyDSHzCZG9OCZ8Sel3BTzQ42QEBfWfrC3sBl8UTmc_JSZOAOWiO62-lCK-A5U/s1600-h/anton_du_beke02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260637055547130466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaagEfa1x_WhJy25fKmShiZObC-KAxIVt-GD5m4o6Gl63YBBjQNM5ido9pNEazaQS5Y2CFWbj7YzVghmyDSHzCZG9OCZ8Sel3BTzQ42QEBfWfrC3sBl8UTmc_JSZOAOWiO62-lCK-A5U/s400/anton_du_beke02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I was however very nervous. I've never done anything like this before, though I have done a fair few radio interviews, which I quite enjoy because NO ONE CAN SEE YOU.<br /><br />I realise I should have taken my own mantra from the book and just pretended no one was looking but it was quite strange to go from the normal domestic routine to joining the commuter crowd (which I haven't done for years) and end up in a lofty studio close to London Bridge surrounded by people measuring me up like a kind of prize cow.<br /><br />As I was the first to arrive (I was being photographed with a wonderful lady who also happens to be the receptionist at my publishers and a fabulous dancer who gave me lots of great info for the book), the lovely make up girl started doing my make up. I was suddenly terribly self conscious about my hair which needs a damn good cut, but somehow in my busy life I haven't found time for that recently. However she did a great job of making it look curly and natural, and I wish I knew what she'd done as I've decided this is a Look I must keep forever. Apart from anything else she made me look twenty again, which is no mean feat...<br /><br />I also (shamefully at the great age of 43) had my eyebrows plucked and my lashes curled for the first time ever. But probably not the last now (I realise in my middle age I have inherited my father's bushy eyebrows. NOT a good look.)<br /><br />While I was being made up Anton arrived. He was charm itself, introducing himself to us straight away and promptly chiming in with comments about what we were going to be wearing. He sat down next to me and once he'd found out I'd written a book was polite enough to appear to want to know what it was about. He also read out his own hilarious interpretation of the story (wasted as a dancer, that man I tell you), before pointing out that (ouch!) in the beautiful picture of the couple dancing on the front the man's arm is in the wrong position. I should have known that, but didn't even think about it when I saw the cover as it is soooo beautiful. So to all you dancing fans out there who've noticed, mea culpa. Should have spotted that one!<br /><br />I then went to try dresses on while everyone else got made up, which was fantastic quite frankly. I tried on two lovely turquoise dresses (one strapless one made me feel like a million dollars but I didn't get to wear it in the end because it didn't have a swirly enough skirt), a purple dress I wasn't so keen on and a fantastic red dress from John Lewis which I absolutely HAVE to own...<br /><br />By now Anton was dancing with my friend. I watched in envy as they made it look so easy, and in fact their photos together are going to be amazing as she was natural and funny, and gorgeous.<br /><br />I on the other hand felt like a total dork. The photographer kept trying to get me to relax, but I think the first pictures he took just showed me looking like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He kept telling me not to look so scared, but I was absolutely terrified. Anton like the true pro he is made me laugh by taking the piss out of my inhibitions. Well frankly, I was waaaaaayyyy out of my comfort zone (telling me to put my hand on a man who isn't my husband's thigh in the middle of the morning was slightly disconcerting to say the least). At the risk of sounding like a total alcy I could have really really used a drink at that point.<br /><br />More disconcerting for poor Anton probably was the number of times I trod on his toes, but he seemed to cope with it manfully. In the space of half an hour I had the experience of simultaneously being Katie (who is supremely unconfident at the start of the book) and Emily (who steps on toes all the time). Oh dear. That wasn't how my vision of the day went...<br /><br />Luckily it did get better, and after discovering that to make the muscles in your face relax you have to blow your cheeks out, I ended up giggling my way through the rest of the shoot. But jeez it's hard. My chin always seemed to be in the wrong place, or I wasn't looking at the camera, or my shoulders were out. Who'd be a model, hey? Not me, that's for sure. (Not that anyone would be asking me ever, after yesterday's performance!)<br /><br />I would have LOVED to have had the opportunity to get a proper dancing lesson from Anton, because he was quite brilliant at choreographing the photo so we got the right poses, and it was enormous fun. I suspect he wouldn't like me all that much as a pupil though, thanks to the stepping on toes thing, though he was kind enough to say at one point that I had shown a smidgeon of natural ability.<br /><br />The session ended all too quickly, Anton keeping up his very witty repartee till the very last moment.<br /><br />And then it was back home on the train, to sort out the kids' stuff for their tennis lessons, and then go and stand in a windy playground which played havoc with my wonderful hairstyle.<br /><br />At one point Anton was teasing me that I probably spent my life in jeans and teeshirts - well er yes. Much as I love to dress up, that gorgeous red dress, and those lovely red shoes wouldn't be at all practical in the playground...<br /><br />You can see the results of my day in the Express on Monday, but I hope to get some pictures up here at some point if allowed.<br /><br />In the meantime, as Tess and Brucie would say, Keep Dancing!Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-2929939517417279082008-10-20T02:06:00.001-07:002008-10-20T02:19:54.296-07:00Strictly the BestUnfortunately I was away for the weekend (again - I know, I know. It's a wild life I lead), so missed Saturday's show.<br /><br />However, I read Marie's brilliant round up <a href="http://womanwhotalkedtoomuch.blogspot.com/2008/10/strictlywatch-2008-week-5.html">here</a>, so I didn't feel I'd missed too much. And I did go and look at the dances online to get back up to speed.<br /><br />I think my favourite dances this week were Tom and Camilla's American Smooth which just glided across the floor and Rachel and Vince's samba which was very energetc and raunchy. Tom and Camilla were fabulous. I think if I were his new wife, I might think that was worth having my wedding postponed for, so long as he danced with me like that. I also really liked Jodie who IS graceful and not at all storklike when she's doing ballroom. I was sooooo pleased she didn't end up in the dance off again. I watched the results show with the ten and twelve year olds and the ten year old and I whooped like crazy people when she was saved. (The twelve year old is far too dignified to act like a crazy person). We whooped even more when John and Kristina were saved. I love John. He is like a great cuddly bear, and he is so so charming. He didn't dance at all on Saturday, but carried it off with such aplomb.<br /><br />I was very sorry to see Heather and Don in the dance off, as I thought that spot should have gone to Andrew Castle (who is dreadful, but clearly has a lot of support from GMTV viewers) and Mark Foster who's samba was nearly as astonishing as Gary Rhodes' first effort.<br /><br />I think Heather did have the slight edge, so Don probably should have gone (mainly for pulling such terrible faces when he danced), but will miss those velvet tones. Now if he could only dance the way he speaks...<br /><br />The competition is definitely hotting up now. Cherie, Austin, Mark and Rachel are all in with a chance I'd say, and Christine and Lisa were much better this week. I just find them a bit bland (and Rachel too, if I'm honest).<br /><br />If it was on character alone, I'd be saying John or Jodie FTW, and until they're knocked out, I'm still hoping...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-22003541548404327202008-10-15T11:58:00.001-07:002008-10-15T12:00:16.024-07:00Hurrah, Hurrah.Jodie's still in! And surely with the likes of Andrew Castle and Mark Foster about she's got a chance to stay for a little while longer... I did feel sorry for Jessie though.<br /><br />In case you're interested, I have an interview up at Trashionista. You can read it<br /><a href="http://www.trashionista.com/2008/10/author-interv-1.html">here</a>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-61499486344899028772008-10-12T01:55:00.000-07:002008-10-12T02:24:29.939-07:00It's Ladies Night...Or rather it was, last night, but I got a bit distracted by The X Factor followed by 50 years of Blue Peter. It's all go in my house I tell you...<br /><br />So this week it was the girls turn to show us what they're made of, and as with the boys, there are two clear leaders, who make the others look distinctly banal.<br /><br />First up it was Christine and Matthew who performed an unremarkable quickstep, although Christine at least looked like she was having fun.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiz0HoqGx_xo8zOv1S-b8MAMtgRaVsK8_hw9dP56Jn5ULz2u_I03hB8ZwYXrz-NLKXuWV0pfmcxDVVF3ox-EVoJKfdCON4EFDm7e1sl5H_WotbTfrtpmzUcwmrkyOGurm67LMdWpTAcw/s1600-h/446x251-christine.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256190239019412194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiz0HoqGx_xo8zOv1S-b8MAMtgRaVsK8_hw9dP56Jn5ULz2u_I03hB8ZwYXrz-NLKXuWV0pfmcxDVVF3ox-EVoJKfdCON4EFDm7e1sl5H_WotbTfrtpmzUcwmrkyOGurm67LMdWpTAcw/s400/446x251-christine.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Then it was Jodie and Ian. I love Jodie. I think she's fab. But oh dear god was she out of her comfort zone. Not surprising really. Rumba to me is a dance you should do with someone you're very very intimate with. With anyone else it just looks pervy. Jodie was clearly trying to find her inner sensualist, but sadly, despite her best efforts she failed. Sadly, I think this means she's in the dance off again. Which is a shame because I think she is great fun and she tries so very very hard...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgzzo704_HHG9318ux7KHIPkM7QOFvywiGlZBxDGZTxU_ovVWTIj32SHB1BgjEpKB4ehs0P20wrl-qNNbJTLZz2DAvPd2DZO0_y4ga425c9XXjtabE4vVc4lJA40opx1uUQO3qE51-rg/s1600-h/446x251-jodie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256189391690376594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgzzo704_HHG9318ux7KHIPkM7QOFvywiGlZBxDGZTxU_ovVWTIj32SHB1BgjEpKB4ehs0P20wrl-qNNbJTLZz2DAvPd2DZO0_y4ga425c9XXjtabE4vVc4lJA40opx1uUQO3qE51-rg/s400/446x251-jodie.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then it was Heather and Brian. Great choreography, but Heather didn't exactly inspire. It all feels a little inspid I have to say. Mind you, it's easy for me to talk, just remembering those steps must be a nightmare, let alone putting some energy into it. But still, it didn't stand out, despite her best efforts.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLcaAjOMP7p5gY6e1UZNU1cc6Det52EZDyVduyYO1KShrRlMZXueK6XrJfl4J-LYRpT7uk9QkAqvWNHL4iU-LBEZ1JhH213anfsATu1k-l6HPVZzLO_5OrtpO4h3OdC1a4l7s04eLw_U/s1600-h/446x251-heather2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256191742954010034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLcaAjOMP7p5gY6e1UZNU1cc6Det52EZDyVduyYO1KShrRlMZXueK6XrJfl4J-LYRpT7uk9QkAqvWNHL4iU-LBEZ1JhH213anfsATu1k-l6HPVZzLO_5OrtpO4h3OdC1a4l7s04eLw_U/s400/446x251-heather2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then it was Cherie and James. Once again Cherie pulled it out of the bag and delivered an AMAZING rumba. Amazing. Being an actress has got to help with getting into character and demonstrating the story of the dance, but that aside, she's graceful, she's fluid and a complete joy to watch. I also LOVE how driven and competitive she is. I really really want her to win because I think it would be a great boost for older women everywhere (and sadly I am beginning to include myself in that category). So hurrah for Cherie. Top that boys!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGSMv5KfLDd9DNuPvDAVHtgf0teUOBVO5QJAhDA19FEaD79OCtx8T0Rk_dMeJHLVoaTZIhRnQCQ0rM0iePt0OuUmgA-sINOyEA6JO9e4Olk8X-p2kodx2gwz3dUhVI71BBpW7p-9J954/s1600-h/446x251-cherie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256189199585880994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGSMv5KfLDd9DNuPvDAVHtgf0teUOBVO5QJAhDA19FEaD79OCtx8T0Rk_dMeJHLVoaTZIhRnQCQ0rM0iePt0OuUmgA-sINOyEA6JO9e4Olk8X-p2kodx2gwz3dUhVI71BBpW7p-9J954/s400/446x251-cherie.jpg" border="0" /></a> From the sublime to the ridiculous. Poor old Jessie Wallace. She looked completely out of her depth (again.) I must have been going bonkers to even consider her as a contender (which I briefly did from the first show). She seems to lack rhythm and plods around the stage like a carthorse, but she was clearly devastated by the judges' comments so maybe she'll get a sympathy vote. On the performance though, she should be in the dance off with Jodie. But we all know <em>Strictly </em>isn't always about how people perform otherwise Kate Garroway would have never been in it so long...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ks3cRK82rHesP0UZkykPj2klmVTED91Yww92saYxKQU5OcLn0Cv68kMWvNr4HcrARAzCgQiORIKHta7gq0KlgxGNfXy3zczQBMnjB832Y1oVsVYx4q7HefC9kAUAEnB01hEPoQjj4hk/s1600-h/446x251-jessie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256189126190641378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ks3cRK82rHesP0UZkykPj2klmVTED91Yww92saYxKQU5OcLn0Cv68kMWvNr4HcrARAzCgQiORIKHta7gq0KlgxGNfXy3zczQBMnjB832Y1oVsVYx4q7HefC9kAUAEnB01hEPoQjj4hk/s400/446x251-jessie.jpg" border="0" /></a> Then it was Lisa and Brenda with another rumba, and they made a pretty good fist of it. Lisa is definitely chasing third place among the ladies, and this was a huge improvement from last time, but not up to Cherie's standard.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy6wsQQBp_DvvmMC6sNhju5y1pWBHnKGS6RePGAYTaPM9hO9oVALk123ZzyKNdjpAj0DRFSkm_w2IPX5CZi9M1P0WASxbhLo2CneMNjBD1V1s6eJJdK2SzlheFOvfcQ91w3VnBUKZaqY/s1600-h/446x251-lisa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256189057490443778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy6wsQQBp_DvvmMC6sNhju5y1pWBHnKGS6RePGAYTaPM9hO9oVALk123ZzyKNdjpAj0DRFSkm_w2IPX5CZi9M1P0WASxbhLo2CneMNjBD1V1s6eJJdK2SzlheFOvfcQ91w3VnBUKZaqY/s400/446x251-lisa.jpg" border="0" /></a> And finally it was Rachel and Vincent. I loved this quickstep. I thought Rachel looked elegant and energetic. She moves beautifully and has great timing. Like Cherie she is incredibly focussed and driven and I think she's going to go a long way. Though the judges awarded this dance second place, I have to say I was a bit torn between her and Cherie, and I think I'd give this the slight edge. The public will probably end up voting for the young and beautiful so no doubt she will make it to the final along with Tom and Austin, but I think it will be close between her and Cherie. Very very close.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw0LX2Nu-F1sEWDZCa-rvfzuCbAJG5pfamM78EN5PiIb9jG7t6hRN2EuOZWZD7XCo9M3a-axzp340YTJq_TK7kxyro8StkaBjJnlxQ7WgWEIj_wikTYYbxV1LyzbPjtZmevRXJn_z3-g/s1600-h/446x251-rachel2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256188602243960802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw0LX2Nu-F1sEWDZCa-rvfzuCbAJG5pfamM78EN5PiIb9jG7t6hRN2EuOZWZD7XCo9M3a-axzp340YTJq_TK7kxyro8StkaBjJnlxQ7WgWEIj_wikTYYbxV1LyzbPjtZmevRXJn_z3-g/s400/446x251-rachel2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p>For the dance off, it should by rights be Jodie and Jessie, but the fickleness of the British public is renowned (never is the argument against the people having the vote more amply demonstrated then by their responses to TV competitions), so who's to say who'll end up there. If Jessie gets the sympathy vote, it will probably be Heather or Christine with Jodie, and sadly I think we'll be saying goodbye to her.</p><p>Though I do hope not.<br /></p>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-80629213774747320402008-10-08T04:56:00.000-07:002008-10-08T04:57:18.107-07:00Strictly Love CompetitionI have been immensely neglectful and ommitted to mention that the competition winners have been posted on Rob's blog<br /><br />http://www.the-word-is-not-enough.com/blog/rob/2008/10/strictly_love_competition_winners.php<br /><br />My thanks to all who entered and to Rob for kindly hosting it.Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-27020680483237112162008-10-06T00:29:00.001-07:002008-10-06T00:36:28.989-07:00Still playing catch up....From my weekend away (for more of which, see the other blog), but I did manage to see the dance off last night. Gosh they pad that programme out, it could all be over in half an hour.<br /><br />Still it did allow me an opportunity to glimpse the extraordinary headbanging tango of Andrew and Ola of which I had heard tell on Marie's blog, and from the little I saw of John Sergeant's I am more in love then ever. John Sergeant for the final. The campaign starts now...<br /><br />Gary was awful. So was Mark Foster - must be something to do with being tall but he and Andrew Castle were both so stiff.<br /><br />Don was fabulous this week though, which I'm quite pleased about as I do love to hear him speak, and it was nice to see he can also dance.<br /><br />Without a doubt the two best boys are Austin and Mark, who jived their way comfortable to the top of the leader board. My money is on Austin for the final though (if by any chance John doesn't get there)- I think he has the slight edge.<br /><br />I watched the girls group dance and apart from seeing Jodie bobbing about like an ungainly stork again (I think the more graceful dances are going to be her thing) and Jessie looking desperately ungainly, I couldn't really make head or tail of who was doing what, though Cherie stood out. I'd love to see her in the final too, but it'll probably be the youngsters.<br /><br />Looking forward to next week, and on last night's showing would predict Jessie and Jodie for the dance off. Though I rather hope Jodie lives to fight another day...Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-59678520710445549622008-10-03T12:35:00.001-07:002008-10-03T12:50:30.896-07:00Let's Hear it for the BoysUnfortunately I am going to be away for the weekend so will be missing my weekly dancing fix. On the plus side, here's the reason.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY0eTaZm6ia7sAa3ZvY-MeHkiucc5MlyBbR0d5gMuSghYXgWy9w6zkH6yB6xA4Q6_fEYKb2EnV8NzhkB2kJowAdwMqbpKYez49OUrGaNnuxQbPH5LIfbOSZqZdJ0_kaFUXt8PG5WJTBU/s1600-h/hamlet_2008_3741621.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253014433418965490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY0eTaZm6ia7sAa3ZvY-MeHkiucc5MlyBbR0d5gMuSghYXgWy9w6zkH6yB6xA4Q6_fEYKb2EnV8NzhkB2kJowAdwMqbpKYez49OUrGaNnuxQbPH5LIfbOSZqZdJ0_kaFUXt8PG5WJTBU/s400/hamlet_2008_3741621.jpg" border="0" /></a> Although to be completely honest... I'm seeing the divine Mr Tennant in <em>Love's Labour's Lost</em>, I'm going to have to wait for December for <em>Hamlet</em>.<br /><br />Having briefly watched the boys practising on <em>It Takes Two</em>, my money is on either him...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL92DcM5phZ60YNusnZqKNrl03sS8yuQD_A5cZ71raB4Mqw2DA-iburugv41BqlvfO9ZGJpzxaRgXnZnLHXNHh58lSFX3zACEGAV4TfXuzcbNLw8sjiiP6NmPoOSfAPIFkdAFa0IO_NxU/s1600-h/andrew.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253014939238374002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL92DcM5phZ60YNusnZqKNrl03sS8yuQD_A5cZ71raB4Mqw2DA-iburugv41BqlvfO9ZGJpzxaRgXnZnLHXNHh58lSFX3zACEGAV4TfXuzcbNLw8sjiiP6NmPoOSfAPIFkdAFa0IO_NxU/s400/andrew.jpg" border="0" /></a>or him going<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOptsyRm01mVZ0UnKpsMS4vaYnqPvJMEHcdEeqlxnjO1L-o0Jj8ngr1PjUlYaE7FczISEtJW0fy1uJ7tbdTOuvr2FEjXv7nI4Nh0yJWwBUXsT-2lh0CVO4xywFWnv2LW_j7oNI3_06UVQ/s1600-h/gary.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253015200928798322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOptsyRm01mVZ0UnKpsMS4vaYnqPvJMEHcdEeqlxnjO1L-o0Jj8ngr1PjUlYaE7FczISEtJW0fy1uJ7tbdTOuvr2FEjXv7nI4Nh0yJWwBUXsT-2lh0CVO4xywFWnv2LW_j7oNI3_06UVQ/s400/gary.jpg" border="0" /></a> From the little I observed it is a toss up as to who is the most stiff and least natural dancer. Although I'd say Mark Foster was running a close third.</p><p>My eldest daughter was in convulsions about the fact that Craig kept mentioning how Andrew's bottom was sticking out. And once he'd pointed it out, it was hard not to agree. </p><p>I missed seeing John Sergeant, whom I presume is going to tango. I do hope so as I think he will be loads better then wet fish Mark.</p><p>However, I did think the little glimpse of Philip I mean Don looked alot better, Mark looked hot to trot comme toujours, and as for Austin. Well blow me down with a feather. On the strength of that jive I'd put him in the final. He was amazing. It'll be fascinating to see if he keeps it up.</p><p>I've also discovered an even more burning reason to go on <em>Strictly Come Dancing</em>. Apparently Austin's lost two stone. TWO stone. I could do with some of that...</p><p></p>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-44379279512052484852008-10-02T05:49:00.000-07:002008-10-02T05:50:38.165-07:00Strictly Love Competition!Tomorrow is the last day of entries for the Strictly Love Competition, so don't forget to enter!<br /><br />You've got to be in it, to win it!<br /><br />Details are <a href="http://www.the-word-is-not-enough.com/blog/rob/2008/09/competition_time_strictly_love.php">here</a>Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-53827669795402551402008-09-26T11:07:00.000-07:002008-09-27T05:03:26.993-07:00Welcome to the party...Thanks for dropping by and celebrating the launch of <em>Strictly Love</em> with me.<br /><br />And to get you in the mood here are the incomparable Fred and Ginger dancing to <em>Smoke Gets in Your Eyes</em>. To dance like that...sigh. Well I guess we can all dream.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OMOBdQykKQY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OMOBdQykKQY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Of course it being Saturday, it's <em>Strictly Come Dancing</em> night. Hurrah!<br /><br />So while you're here let me know who tops your poll as the most likely candidate to lift that trophy this year. Judging by last week, it's unlikely to be a girl I'd say...<br /><br />You can also share your most romantic dancing moment, play an SCD Wed em, Bed em and Dead em special, AND you still have time to enter the competition over on Medium Rob's blog.<br /><br />And if that isn't enough do pop over to Marie's hilarious blog to read her take on this week's SCD action. I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.<br /><br />So get on your glad rags, put on your dancing shoes, and take to the floor!Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348116718174045868.post-46323307722801618572008-09-26T11:06:00.000-07:002008-09-27T05:11:16.624-07:00Don't forget...Don't forget, Rob's fabulous dancing competition. To win copies of<em> Strictly Love</em><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp9Cb09entEQDZlCs8t4vfhC7RRgs17R29hy47IJU0_0MnRblzJWMzxAGd4T16e01PS4PUtuShiM2isXZe0QHQSbd4amKSBrRX7s1Cx1whVkQ9b3D3JCe_pxTLnKiyOW92_EQ_oVPLdQ/s1600-h/Strictly+love+cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250670822916018914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp9Cb09entEQDZlCs8t4vfhC7RRgs17R29hy47IJU0_0MnRblzJWMzxAGd4T16e01PS4PUtuShiM2isXZe0QHQSbd4amKSBrRX7s1Cx1whVkQ9b3D3JCe_pxTLnKiyOW92_EQ_oVPLdQ/s400/Strictly+love+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />More details <a href="http://www.the-word-is-not-enough.com/blog/rob/2008/09/competition_time_strictly_love.php">here</a>.<br /><br />So dance on over there and enter right now!Jane Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514534117777707886noreply@blogger.com3