After last week’s selection process, this week’s DanceX got down to the nitty-gritty of slimming down the hopefuls. From now on, public votes will decide which troupe, managed by either Arlene Phillips or Bruno Tonioli, is the more popular — and the losing team must drop a member.
Each week’s show is to have a different theme, with Saturday being dedicated to Latin style. After the initial opening number showcasing all fourteen contestants, it was Team Arlene’s job to show what they could do. And, despite a few rough edges, they showed that they were already gelling as a good team. I must admit I don’t share Arlene’s enthusiasm for Emanuel, who has been built up as a ‘leading man’ around which the rest of the troupe revolves. Together, he and Daniel are clearly being built up as the principal dancers, the latter’s street style being showcased by Ashley Wallen’s tightly choreographed routine. The use of seven chair props gave the opportunity of what Bruno termed a “diva moment”, which didn’t quite come off. I do feel sorry for Kalvin, who (based on my limited knowledge) comes across as one of the strongest dancers technically, but who is overshadowed by the showmanship of his two male teammates.
In contrast, Team Bruno’s choreographer, Derek Hough, devised a slower, more sensual piece that suffered because of the odd numbers of dancers, poor Marcquelle having to accompany both Marie and Becky (making all three’s choreography suffer as a result) . But everybody seemed to be having problems with it, with a sense of hesitancy hanging over all seven dancers. Maybe it’s just that being ill at ease with a routine is harder to cover up in a slower dance setting, but even if all the dancers had been on top form I’m not sure that I would have found Team Bruno’s routine as interesting as their competitors’.
On to the songs, and a rendition of Balamores by Team Arlene kicked off with a horrible sound emanating from Emanuel. CeCe Sammy picked up quite correctly that he started badly, noting also that he fared better as soon as Kalvin and Daniel were able to join in. Conversely, Claire’s lead vocal of La Isla Bonita for Team Bruno was nearly scuppered by one of her male teammates on their first line of backing, which was horrendous. Both teams recovered well, though.
Come the final performances, and Bruno’s team began to pull something back in the dancing. Whatever issues Phoenix and Daniele may have off-camera (and there are clearly some, despite their public protestations on stage), they complement each other quite nicely. Too nicely, perhaps — are they each vying for a spot as the team’s sole alpha male?
As it is, the phone vote went in Team Arlene’s favour, so it was up to Bruno to throw out a team member. Daniele was visibly shaken to be left in the bottom two, but as soon as the phone result was called I think it was fairly obvious that he would lose (a) a girl (leaving three girls to three boys), and (b) Becky, as the other girls each stand out more. Somehow, I suspect Bruno’s mind was made up before the rather ineffectual dance-off.
So, Arlene keeps hold of her team of seven and Bruno must rally his reduced troupe for next week’s programme. Latest reports indicate that DanceX is not doing too well in the ratings, producing a lower than average share for BBC1 in its Saturday slot. I think it’s a shame, as the programme is producing some good old-fashioned light entertainment.
Don’t forget that CeCe Sammy, Bruno’s vocal coach, continues her regular column only in The Stage print edition, on sale every Thursday.
I was surprised to find that the format actually works, which is good seeing as though it's the one we're stuck with from now on, I guess.
It seems that the quality of the groups is split down gender lines -Arlene's got more decent guys and Bruno's got more decent girls. But Arlene's group certainly look better together - and seem to be working better during rehearsals - so I reckon the phone vote got it right.
I know I'm a bit biased, knowing her personally - but you seem to have all the dancers/singers tagged, except Ashley Shaw, the strongest singer on Arlene's team
Oops, you were quite right, Steve! Happy to correct that.
I'm biased I know being Ashley's mother but hey why does she not have a tag. I know all the Dance X team personally and I love everyone of them. But hey Ashley has such enormous talent and came into Dance X with no experience of either singing or dancing but managed to last week have all the judges jumping out of their seats after her performance. If you read week 2 of stage you will see Scott Mathewman commenting on the show. He quoted "Ashley wowed the audience into a justly deserved standing ovation" and he tells it how it is. Then again this week (week 3) getting praise from Arlene and seeing Joshua punching the air in delight after the groups singing performance with Ashley as lead. Ashley was unwell on Saturday but showed she was a true professional by performing and did what she needed to do for the group. I dont believe without her the group would have won and would have lost a important member of the team. So come on folks show her the recognition she so truely deserves. Arlene's team deserve to win. Sorry Bruno's team.
I quite agree with Joy about Ashley. My son is there too Emanuel. Until I read this, I thought Ashley was a professional singer.All of us here don't have the privilage to watch the program.Even the small video clips on Dancex Website, we cannot see over here in Malta. What we saw till now is what we found on Youtube. I was with my daughters when we saw them and all said what a strong and beatiful voice Ashley has as a solo. Stop all this nonsence and please give them a chance to learn and perform. I am happy for my son, but our wish is that they will stay as they are together all seven and be the Winning team. Joy you are lucky that you know them all.Good Luck Team Arlene.To the team all I can say is stay as you are always with each other even if you win. You look very strong together.To Arlene and Bruno all I can say is , You don't know how big it is to give These youngsters chances for a good future. Thanks to both of you, and keep doing this.
Let's wish ARLENE'S TEAM the best of luck. I'll be there screaming very loudly in the background. I honestly dont want to see any of them leave as I would find it extremely painful as I have bonded to everyone of them.... they have all worked so hard to get to where they are today and have have many sacrifices, as so have their families. I am writing this at .00.38 and cant wait to get to london tomorrow to see what they are going to do this week.
Thank you for your comments Doris Tabone.
I think that Bruno's team has far better choreography. It just seems much classier. This is not a reflection on the dancers on Arlene's team, who do well with inferior choreography.
I was amazed that Ashley was in the bottom 2 tonight. To me she is the most talented of them all, the best singer and her dancing and movement has a real edge to it, she is a natural. My top 3 from the whole dancex over all the shows are Ashley, Chelsey and Marquelle, but they are all fantastic, good luck to them all and I hope they all achieve great things
Dear Ben
What a silly comment about A Levels you made on Saturday. Think of the young people currently celebrating their achievements probably watching you and feeling diminshed. Incidentially I am speaking on behalf of others because I am 57! Enjoy your host thing usually but bad move. Jenny