Strictly-shaped hole; and Spirit of Harry

My dancing shoes. Moab, Utah.

Ever since last weekend there has been a Strictly Come Dancing-shaped hole in my life.  I genuinely felt a bit depressed on Monday morning knowing that I had seen Harry Judd's Quickstep, Vienese Waltz and Tango for the last time.  And of course, I am missing the sight of the lovely Aliona gracing my TV screen, with her outrageous hair and her outrageous outfits.  I can confirm that Aliona has replaced Natalie as my favourite Strictly professional - purely on the grounds of her choreography and dancing abilities you understand.  


Some scientific (google) research reveals that Aliona has been dancing since the age of 5, so it is a fair bet that she has accumulated the required 10,000 hours of practice.  By contrast, Harry - even assuming he managed 8 hours a day for every day of his time on Strictly - has amassed a paltry 800.  To my mind this makes his performances all the more remarkable; the ability to master so many dances to such a high standard in such a short period of time is staggering.  There must be some underlying talent, but I think much more than that it is a testament to the power of trying real, really hard.  I call this the spirit of Harry


It has been five days since Strictly ended, and I feel it is time to move on with life.  Contemplating this year's series brings two thoughts to mind. First, I wish I could do a good Argentine Tango. And a decent Quickstep, come to think of it.  At some stage I will have to do something about that.  Second, if I want to get better at climbing, I probably just need to try really really hard.  As Kanye West said, "determination, dedication, motivation". The spirit of Harry lives on!