Talk about a turn of events!!!!!! Last weeks episode saw my dear friend and fellow competitor Hlubi Mboyo getting booted out of SCD.
One part of me was excited, the other was bemused, after all, I thought I was the one going home that evening.
Anyway, as everyone knows, we danced the Samba, but unfortunately for Sarah and I, did not score well with the judges. We scored a pathetic 23 points which I feel was unjust.
1st, let me explain what happens off camera. On Thursday morning we all assemble at the Carlton Centre and do a number of runs on the actual SCD dance floor. Each couple gets to practice their dance routine at least 4 times during the course of the day. At about 16:30 - we start with a full dress rehearsal with Ian and Sandy including the band.
Now during our dress rehearsal, JB Arthur and his merry band unfortunately made a mistake during our number, the vocals started too early in the music therefore rendering us having to rush a little and even finish our routine with a full two bar counts still left in the music - hence it looked rather unrehearsed and pretty much a mess. We requested to do the beginning part of the song again and this time round, they got it right …
During the actual live show, our routine was not bad; actually we were on time and by far were not the worst couple for the evening. Something tells me that the judges are after my blood and this became more apparent after the bottom two couples were chosen.
In the morning when we all arrived at Carlton Centre for rehearsal, everyone looked at me with GOODBYE eyes, as though to say “Hate to say goodbye, but love to see you GO’!
Even I was content with the fact that couple #6 could be going home, I even started working on my last words on the show and even wondering what song the band would play, perhaps BOYZ2MEN - END OF THE ROAD. Little did I know that the wonderful public, members of TVSA - TV AUTHORITY OF SA would save my rather large ass (only on TV) and vote for couple #6.
Even as we headed to the elimination process that evening, I recall fellow cast members patting me on my back and saying “you have been in the dance off twice before, should be a walk in the park for you, just bring it on like the previous times.”
I guess as they say, it ain't over till the fat lady sings and by george it was not!
When it was three couples left, I thought for sure I was going home, after all, it was Hlubi, Tessa and I left and we all know that I am probably the worst.
But when my name was announced, my jaw dropped to the ground and I swear I could hear my old man shouting for joy 22km away from the Calrton.
Looking at the recording of the show, Hlubi was not even aware that she was in the dance off until the lights were put up. It was a complete shock to everybody let alone me and Sarah. Going off stage, Cindy Nel jumped on me with excitement and Sarah giggled uncontrollably.
Garth mentioned that the viewer’s votes go a long way and also recalled how he too was saved when they scored 17 points during their jive. But I think the excitement quickly dwindled when everyone realized who was in the dance off. What was once was excitement and joy turned quickly into dagger eyes from some members of the cast and boy did I feel it.
After their performances (Hlubi and Tessa), Tyrone mentioned that he was embarrassed to be make a call at the turn of events. The rest of the judges were in absolutely in shock, even Lillian’s lips shocked uncontrollably and Ian and Sandy just could not hide they’re disbelief.
In the end we all ended up dancing to the tunes of “BYE BYE BABY, BABY DON’T CRY” played by the band as we all hugged Hlubi and Khutso as we bid farewell to the couple.
The crying game continued upstairs in the change rooms and I guess to a certain extent I was made to feel bad about the situation, intentionally or unintentionally.
On Friday, we did the group gumboots rehearsal ... again the huge debate on the previous nights happening continued. I even recall a fellow cast member asking fellow competitors about the auditors of the show. They further went on to say that it was unfair to kick Hlubi out of the show and that she did not deserve to booted.
What they forget though is that at some point in time, we all have to walk down that line, we are all going to get booted off the show sooner or later and in the end there can only be one. After all, this is a reality game.
Last weeks show certainly turned the competition on its head, even Rob the man was worried after realizing that no one is safe. He had a great run and was the top scoring duo for the evening. The guy is like a cartoon character, he reminds me of Jim Carrey in The MASK
Garth and Hayley, again pulled a fast one on the judges, I believe with HHP singing their song, certainly helped them, but I wonder how the judges missed Garths speed wobble during his numerous spins. Guess his Twalatsa (not sure if that’s the right name for the move) was a trump card in their routine.
Tessa and Grant played Cowboys at a Rio Carnival - did not score well and hence they were in the bottom 2.
Anele and Brandon - Anele’s hips don’t lie - she embodied the carnival spirit but am not sure about choice in song.
Hlubi and Khusto danced for the last time. I guess her sister’s comments as well as the way she was portrayed in their videos got the voters irate and hence were booted out. I guess we will all miss her air kisses and hugs.
As for Khutso, brother man danced like the National SA Champ he is, especially during his last dance, best wishes at the World Finals.
Cindy and Jonathan - I missed their routine, but I will say this though, watch out for her next week. Cindy makes Gumboot Dancing look BLOODY sexy.
To round up things, there are times that I feel like we are puppets on a string on SCD. Needless to say, I will play the game as best as I can. I am however eternally thankful to all for the great support that Sarah and I have gotten this far.
This week we are doing the Viennese Waltz - Sarah is finalizing the finishing touches to the dance and I can’t wait to showcase it to you all. I hope whatever she comes out with will wow the public and swing the judges our way.
Predictions for this week - hmmmm I have been so right all along, it scares me.
This weeks dance suits Garth, not sure though how Anele and Cindy will fare though, but we know 5fm will do anything to keep Anele in. As for Tessa and Rob - we know they are the judges’ pets, so I guess this week I will have to go with Garth and Cindy, unless of course the judges want me out!