There Is Nothing Like a DAME

There is nothing like a DAME Marianka Swain reflects We gradually, however, began more random, untethered from her on departing Strictly judge to see some constructive feedback, comments, her colleagues’ scoring, Darcey Bussell’s legacy – and often focusing on core strength and the actual dances, and indeed any posture, or elements like finishing sort of recognisable reality. She was wonders who will replace her lines – arguably drawn as much from ahead of her time there; now, you’d a ballet background, but nevertheless be hard placed to find logic in any useful for the contestants. Some of of the Strictly scoring, so good for t’s all change again on Strictly Come the meandering metaphors recalled you, Darce, you trailblazing eight! Dancing, with former ballerina the dark days of Arlene’s alliterative One thoroughly enjoyable aspect of I Darcey Bussell hanging up her allegories (so many “imaginary “Classy” Darcey’s critiques was the judge’s paddle after seven series. necklaces” to fix celebs’ toplines), prevalence of backhanded compliments Her leaving statement emphasised but it was a definite improvement and accidental burns – such as noting that this was a mutually amicable on previous judge Alesha Dixon. Louis Smith’s use of “tacky tricks”, parting, rather than “because of any Though Bussell’s tag was “Classy or suggesting Victoria Pendleton find upset or disagreement” – perhaps Darcey”, a more mischievous a point of focus, like “the exit signs”. to differentiate from other, more personality soon emerged. She clearly Ouch! Sometimes she would honestly acrimonious Strictly exits, such as enjoyed the muscular charms of certain admit she was as stuck as the rest of us professional dancer Brendan Cole’s or contestants – Louis Smith, in particular, when confronted with the truly bizarre. original female judge Arlene Phillips’ plus the “impressive” upper body That sort of candour was endearing, – with Bussell wanting to focus on of Ben Cohen and Steve Backshall’s as was her real effort to encourage her “other commitments in dance”. “guns” – and often demanded more heat the dancers along their “J words”. Still, fans will no doubt speculate on (while not quite rivalling Phillips’ “I Perhaps most important is that she what prompted her to give up such a just want raw sex”). Though arguably a helped maintain the Strictly panel’s plum primetime role, particularly since rather limited interpretation of both the precarious ecosystem. Bussell’s warmth her recent bonding with new head ballroom leader role and masculinity, was a nice contrast with Craig Revel judge Shirley Ballas has so endeared you can’t go too macho for Bussell. Horwood’s acidity; she could be the her to audiences. It’s been quite the She also relaxed into more of a hippy- emotive counterpoint to Len Goodman’s (Strictly cliché alert) journey for Bussell, dippy critique at times, bigging up common sense, or the more grounded from those early, bumpy days; who good vibes and believing in yourself one to Bruno Tonioli’s flights of fancy; can forget the nervous vocal tic that and painting with all the colours of and she became a giggly ally to the blighted her initial critiques – YAH? – the rainbow – climaxing with the fully occasionally argumentative Ballas. and strange clinging to her six paddle? Paula Abdul “You have a beautiful It would be a real shame to lose Those concerned with maintaining the aura in hold”. Oh god, and let’s not the gender balance on the judging show’s ballroom integrity questioned forget the time she tried to use the panel, and if new executive producer the relevance of Bussell’s dance word “cool” and we all died of second- Sarah James goes after the younger knowledge – not helped by her eagerly hand embarrassment. Then died again demographic, I hope she doesn’t praising, and highly scoring, any when she had a go at twerking. sacrifice dance expertise in the balletic step she could spot amongst There was also the weird process, nor cast someone who the ballroom. The aggravating refrain assigning of adjectives to scores (“A can’t fully embrace the show. As “The boys are right” also suggested a whopping nine!”, “A waggish five!”, the success of Ballas has shown, lack of confidence about straying too “A transcendental seven!”) – and Above: Darceythe BBC Bussell. doesn’t need to court a far from her colleagues’ opinions. those scores becoming more and Inset: as starCinderella – they in can199? make their own. ➣ 68 • DANCING TIMES Photographs: Main RAY BURMISTON courtesy of the BBC. WWW.DANCING-TIMES.CO.UK • JUNE 2019 • 69 Inset ANGELA TAYLOR. There is nothing like a dame Who will be the next Strictly judge? Darcey Bussell with the current Strictly Come Dancing judges Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas. Former pros demonstrated, association with the brand and Karen Hardy was heavily rumoured as Len Goodman’s general entertainment experience will only get successor thanks to her frequent appearances on Strictly you so far when it comes to Strictly judging. sister show It Takes Two, demonstrating technical knowledge and an animated on-screen presence. Others, including Erin Industry experts Boag, Joanne Clifton, Natalie Lowe and regular contributor It would be fantastic to see another ballroom veteran join Ian Waite, have also impressed on the programme. Ballas on the panel, and there’s no shortage of options. Oti Mabuse enjoyed a massive profile boost from the Gary Edwards, Goodman’s childhood pal, has appeared on BBC’s The Greatest Dancer, and is branching out into new Dancing with the Stars in the US, while Helen Richey swapped areas like musical theatre choreography (see the April a competitive career for judging on the Australian version. issue of Dancing Times), but she’s confirmed as a pro Leading coach Carolyn Smith has done well on the Italian dancer for this year at least. Anton du Beke has been open edition, as has Lorraine Barry on the US and Irish versions. about his ambitions to move into a presenter or judging One dark horse is contemporary dance revolutionary and role, though likewise looks set to stay put for now. Strictly superfan Matthew Bourne, while other rumoured Brendon Cole judged on the New Zealand version, while names include La La Land and So You Think You Can Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova have shaped several Dance choreographer Mandy Moore, ballet star Carlos international editions, but producers would have to Acosta – Bussell’s former partner – and street dancer consider whether any of them could impartially judge their Ashley Banjo, judge on Got to Dance and Dancing on Ice. former colleagues, rivals, partners, and/or siblings… Wild cards Former contestants As the appointment of Rylan Clark-Neal to co-host It Takes Might we see another Alesha Dixon-style promotion? The Two with Zoe Ball proves, Strictly can spring surprises. So, so-called “ringers” could find their dance experience is the BBC might look to big names like pop star X Factor now an asset – such as Debbie McGee, Ashley Roberts, panellists Cheryl or Nicole Scherzinger (respectively, Danny Mac, Jill Halfpenny or Denise van Outen – Greatest Dancer judge and Dancing with the Stars winner) – and/or those in the entertainment world, like Emma or perhaps go in a completely new direction, like casting Bunton, Tom Chambers, Kimberley Wyatt, Caroline a comedian, or trialling a series of guest panellists. Flack, or It Takes Two contributor Gethin Jones. The key thing will be ensuring that the decision However, Dixon was often criticised for her lack works for the whole series. “Ironic” casting might be of serious dance knowledge. As guest judges like fun initially, but it’s real commitment, expertise and Donny “10” Osmond and Alfonso Ribeiro have authenticity across the series that the audience values. ■ Photograph: CHRIS HILL courtesy of BBC PICTURES. WWW.DANCING-TIMES.CO.UK • JUNE 2019 • 71.

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