Dancing on wheels

With the final over, and James and Caroline off the European Championships, I felt now would be a good time to cast a look over the series as a whole.

The initial idea of the show, I will admit was alien to me. I had never seen or heard about wheelchair dance so was interested to learn more about how the concept would unfold, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. You cant help but admire these people and what they have achieved ... and I feel proud to finally have a UK representitive in the competition.

However the series did arise the question of why now? and also why not? Why introduce this now? and why had it not happened before? why were the UK behind the rest of the world, when living in a diverse society such as ours surely we were not lacking in able contenders? Were we shying away from the idea ... or simply unaware?

So Dancing on Wheels graced our screens. Drawing in the Strictly fans with our judges ... the wonder that is James and Ola Jordan ... and of course the wonderful Adi Adepitan, parolympian and tv presenter. Not forgetting the hard working choreographers Brian and Kristina, who clearly dedicated a lot of time and passion ( Brian especially) to the show and its development.

Now ... I must admit, with their choice of celebrities, I was a little surprised. Mark Foster and Heather Small, not Strictlys best offerings, yet again I was presently surprised. By Mark at least. Heather not so much ... timing issues and awkward movements ... not a million miles away from how she was on SCD, but ... I admire her for taking part and getting involved.

Well on with the show. Week one. I really didnt know what to expect. To be perfectly honest I was watching purely based on my love for Strictly ... but the show changed my idea and made me watch it for what it actually was.

Cha Cha Cha and Tango ... poles apart. Hard to compare. But this isnt about comparisons. Its about ablility. I cant comment massively on the dances as I have no experience in Wheel chair dance, but I can still appreciate technicalities. My favourite dance of the night? ... Di and Mark ... which surprised me actually, as I was a little presumptious about Marks ability. Di however, was fantastic, she appeared to have such control in her chair and showed real conviction and passion in the routene.

Week two ... after seeing the departure of Martin and Carolyn, the couples now faced the Rumba and foxtrot. Again both very different dances, one slow and sexy, the other smooth and classy. So how would they fair up? ... For me ... Ballroom out shone the latin ... he rumbas were quite messy in comparison. Simone and Kevin however, really connected and created a gorgeous performance. I have now also developed a soft spot for Harry ... I so admire him, he is so corageous, and I love watching him dance. Also Michelle is wearing Karen Hardys dress from "The land of 1000 dances" Jive a few series back on Strictly. BBC wardrobe recycling ... this is not the first example.

Week three ... No more Paul and Heather, deservedly I think ... they had issues with timing and I didnt enjoy watching them. So new week, new dances, Paso Doble ... aggression and strength, and Vienesse Waltz ... gorgeous and elegant. The most opposing of the dances picked so far. Favourite routine of the week, with out a doubt ... Harry and Michelle ... so elegant and gorgeous. More examples of BBC wardrobe recycling ... Di is in Erin Boags dress from series 6, I loved their " trick step James ... TRICK STEP!" I thought it was effective.

Week four ... 3 couples left ... Harry and Michelle, James and Caroline, Mark and Di. 3 different dances. Salsa, samba and waltz. May I just say WOW ... James and Caroline's salsa was amazing! Di and Mark, another ballroom ... to be honest ... comfort zone. They need to get out of it, do some more latin ... show some diversity. But then again ... the other couples continuous latin routines are getting boring. Was sad to see Harry and Michelle go though, the weakest couple yes, but they were so endearing to watch.

So final week ... I honestly didnt have favourite ... Di and Marks quickstep was amazing ... she really sold it to me! But James and Caroline really surprised me in their Jive ( Caroline in Olas dress from the same routine as Karen in which Michelle had the dress.). So it was tough. If im honest ... I warmed more to Mark and Di so would have liked them to win it ... but am proud to see James and Caroline representing us. The dance well when they commit, so lets hope that they do so and do us all proud!