Comments on the music played during the second part of Strictly Come Dancing Show Week 1:-

Jamelia and Tristan McManus – Waltz to ‘Do Right Woman, Do Right Man’. The original by Aretha Franklin (45bpm)* has the rhythm and tempo for a Fast Waltz. Cover versions have been recorded by a number of artists, some of which have a Waltz rhythm but are also a little fast including The Commitments (45bpm) and Martina McBride (41bpm). The version recorded by Elkie Brooks (34bpm) has both the rhythm and tempo more appropriate for a Slow Waltz

Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe – International Tango to Voulez Vous. The original by ABBA (32bpm) is a very popular disco Hustle track.

Georgia May Foote and Gionvanni Pernice – Jive to ‘Dear Future Husband’. The original by Meghan Trainor (40bpm) is a great choice for a fun jive.

Iwan Thomas and Ola Jordan – International Tango to ‘Keep on Running’. This was originally written and recorded by Jamaican singer-songwriter Jackie Edwards. The version played on Strictly Come Dancing was based on a later version released by The Spencer Davis Group (34bpm) for whom this was a UK No1 hit in 1966. This is one of the best workout and running songs and Iwan Thomas is an accomplished runner with a number of awards (including an Olympic silver medal) but they could have chosen a better track for tango. How about “La Huída” (The Runaway) – Tanghetto & Black Market (30bpm)

Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani Cha Cha to ‘Reach Out, I’ll Be There’. This has been covered by a number of artists including Boyzone and Human Nature; the original by The Four Tops (30bpm) can be played for a Cha cha or Swing.

Jeremy Vine and Karen Clifton – Cha Cha to ‘September’. This disco classic originally by Earth, Wind & Fire (32bpm) is a great choice for a party cha cha.

Katie Derham and Anton Du Beke – Jive to ‘Roll Over Beethoven’. This is a rock ‘n’ roll classic originally by Chuck Berry; most recordings by Chuck are @46bpm. This song about very different music styles has been covered by many artists.

Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole – Waltz to ‘Vincent’. The original version of this beautiful song, referring to Vincent Van Gogh, by Don McLean is not really suitable for a standard Waltz. However, cover versions have been recorded specially for dancing but most of these are for the Foxtrot.

Peter Andre and Janette Manrara – Cha Cha to ‘Aint No Other Man’. The original by Christina Aguilera (32bpm) is a good tempo for Cha cha but also very popular for West Coast Swing.

(*bpm = bars per minute)