Dancing with the Stars VS Strictly Come Dancing
Round One: Dancing Styles
Top 10 Most Insane Lifts & Tricks on Dancing with the Stars
In addition to what’s known in the competitive world as the “Ten Dance,” “Dancing with the Stars” has enticed wider audiences with a variety of additional dance styles. Sure, we get our Ballroom and Latin. But over the years, we’ve also seen Charlestons, Lindy Hops, Jitterbugs, Mambos and of course, the staple contemporary and jazz routines, too. And who doesn’t look forward to seeing the pairings bring out their A-game during their freestyle dances? There really is something for everyone, whether you prefer the elegance of a waltz, the high energy of a jive, or the flow of the more modern contemporary dance. Like its American counterpart, the foundation of “Strictly Come Dancing” also centers around the “Ten Dance.” Until recently, the most they deviated was through styles like the American Smooth, Argentine Tango, Charleston, and salsa. However, in 2018 they added the “Couple’s Choice” category, which allowed pairs to choose between street/commercial, theater jazz, or Contemporary for one of their performances. That limitation has since been removed, and now couples can dance to any genre they desire. Like the Freestyle in the U.S version, “Strictly” finalists perform a Showdance during the finals. This is where they tear up the rule book and give audiences a showstopper. For having more variety throughout its run, the mirrorball goes to “Dancing with the Stars” for this one. Winner: Dancing with the Stars
Round Two: Themed Weeks
Top 10 Christmas Themed episodes
There’s no denying that US audiences love a good-themed week. In fact, it feels like practically every week there’s a new one to look forward to. Whether that be Halloween, Disney, Most Memorable Year, artist-focused, or really anything. There’s just something about getting into a theme or a character that brings an extra dynamic to the performances. In season 30 alone, we’ve seen “Britney Night,” “Grease Night,” and “Queen Night,” just to name a few. It’s often the case that these themed performances give us some of the most memorable dances of all time. It really helps to keep things fun and fresh. That isn’t to say that there’s anything wrong with a classic either and “Strictly” has far fewer themed weeks. In a single season, you’re all but guaranteed to get a “Movie Week,” “Halloween Week,” and a “Musicals Week.” There have been other themes like “Love Week” or “Around the World” but they didn’t stick. For “Strictly” contestants, it’s really all about making it to the famous Blackpool Tower, where countless professional competitions have taken place. Occasionally couples will choose a song, dance, or concept that tells more of a story but for most weeks, there’s no running theme linking it all together. So staying on theme, that’s another mirrorball for “Dancing with the Stars” Winner: Dancing with the Stars
Round Three: Voting & Elimination
So, everyone’s danced and received their scores and now we know what comes next. After the audience votes are combined with the judges’ scores, it’s time for the dreaded elimination. This comes at the end of the show and is filmed live, so things can go wrong, and indeed they have. Once the bottom two are announced, the judges are asked to choose who they want to eliminate based on their dance earlier that night. If the judges are divided, it’s head judge Len who gets the final say. It’s a no-mess, no-fuss end to a night of highs and lows. Things are done a little differently across the pond. For starters, while the main show takes place live on a Saturday night, they pre-record the results and air it the following evening. There are also guest and pro-dancer performances among other additional features. Like DWTS, the audience and judges’ scores are combined. However, where it differs is that the bottom two couples are given a second chance in a dance-off. They reprise their routine but hopefully better and with fewer mistakes. Then the judges make their decision based on the dance-off alone. Again, if the vote is split, head judge Shirley Ballas gets the final say. Winner: Strictly Come Dancing.
Round Four: Contestants
Top 10 Dancing with the Stars Contestants That Should've Won
From singers, actors, and athletes to reality stars and politicians, there’s really no field left unturned when it comes to finding celebs who want to learn how to dance. While some of them are probably more famous in the U.S., there have been many international stars throughout the series too. In fact, fans around the globe would know of numerous contestants across the many seasons of the show. In spite of the popularity of “Strictly Come Dancing,” there have even been some British stars who appeared on the American counterpart. Overall, no matter where in the world you watch from, you’re likely to recognize at least one dancing celebrity per season. To be fair, “Strictly” has also had some pretty impressive bookings too. They include Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams, singer Anastacia, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, and “Drag Race” judge Michelle Visage. Like the U.S. version, the show features famous faces from a plethora of fields but most of them tend to be better known within the U.K. That isn’t to say that audiences elsewhere won’t recognize the odd celeb either. Put it this way, if you want to get well acquainted with British popular culture then this is a good place to start. Otherwise, you’ll spend the entire show looking them up online. As the A-Listers in this round, we’re giving the mirrorball to Dancing with the Stars. Winner: Dancing with the Stars
Round Five: The Judges
Top 10 Craziest Dancing with the Stars Moments
As any DWTS fan knows, the core judging team consists of three stalwart faces behind the table. With the rare exception, they’ve pretty much been a key staple on the show since day one. They were joined by Julianne Hough for seasons 23 and 24. And Derek Hough stepped in when Len was unable to fly out to Los Angeles due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions. Guest judges are a common feature too, ranging from previous contestants like Mel B, Alfonso Riberio, and Zendaya, to dance icons like Paula Abdul and Kenny Ortega. They even got Cher, need we say more? The “Strictly” judging panel has evolved since its first season in 2004. Back then the judges included Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips, head judge Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli. Singer and previous winner Alesha Dixon replaced Phillips in season six. Then when she left two seasons later, they brought in ballerina Darcey Bussell. Today the judges include previous “Strictly” pro-Anton Du Beke, professional dancer Motsi Mabuse, Mr. Nasty, Craig Revel Horwood, and head judge and “Queen of Latin” Shirley Ballas. Occasionally guest judges have been invited too such as Jennifer Grey, Donny Osmond, and Alfonso Riberio. Needless to say, the panel has certainly been varied. Since “Strictly” was so kind as to share their judges with “Dancing with the Stars,” we’re giving them the glitterball. Winner: “Strictly Come Dancing” Well, there was more passion than a Paso, it was more Fab-U-Lous than a Foxtrot and there was more tension than a tango. But the final winner of our glitterball vs. mirrorball is “Dancing with the Stars.”
