'Dancing' crash and burn

"The fastest brother in Africa", race-car driver Gugu Zulu, last night became the fifth fatality of 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The man might know what to do with a break pedal and accellerator, but when it comes to heels, toes and ankles, his skills fall short.

When the judges' scores and viewer votes were tallied, Zulu and partner Sarah Cooper came head-to-head with 5FM’s Anele Mdoda and partner Brandon Eilers le Riche in the feared and dreaded dance-off.

After the dance-off, the judges chose to keep the following of the two celebs in the competition:
Tyrone Watkins: Anele Mdoda (with a warning to pull up her socks next week)
Salome Sechele: Anele Mdoda ("for understanding dancing and the potential to be in the final")
Dave Campbell: Anele Mdoda.

With the decision unanimous, head adjudicator, Lillian Phororo, did not have to exercise her deciding vote.

Viewers' votes account for 50 percent of the final scores. As per usual, when judges' scores and viewer votes were tallied, the two couples with the lowest combined scores had to perform their routines again during a dance-off.

The judges' scores (before viewer votes were added) were as follows:
Tessa van Duuren & Grant Esterhuizen: 30
Rob van Vuuren & Mary Martin: 29
Cindy Nell & Jonathan Broadway: 28
Garth Collins & Hayley Bennett: 27
Anele Mdoda & Brandon Eilers Le Riche: 26
Gugu Zulu & Sarah Cooper: 20

Apart from the dancing, this week's show included a tribute to Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba, who passed away on Sunday. This striking tribute was performed by Judith Sephuma, who returned to the 'Strictly' stage after she was voted off the show a few weeks back.

It was a night for elegance, with all couples performing the (deceptively simple) Viennese Waltz, a style characterised by multiple rotations, couples dancing the 1-2-3 swings closely together, and, of course, the rises and falls.

First up was 5FM's Anele Mdoda, a committed participant who believes that practice makes perfect. Dressed in a feminine, beautiful brown corset, Mdoda and dance partner Brandon Eilers le Riche interpreted the style creatively to deliver a performance that succeeded to delight and entertain.

Head judge Lillian Phororo thought they started well and that Mdoda needs work on her shoulder line and neck that seems way too tense. Dave Campbell was less impressed and remarked that she seemed to be "hanging on to a merry-go-round that was spinning out of control". In her typical quirky way Salome Sechele suggested Mdoda "keep her ears away from her shoulders". Tyrone Watkins suggested bigger strides.

After performing in the dance-off last week (much to everyne's surprise, considering their flawless track record), Tessa van Duuren and Grant Esterhuizen were back in top form, once again scoring the night’s highest points. Dressed in a romantic wide sleeved turquoise gown, and for the first time with the hair down, their dance got a mixed response. It left Campbell "stone cold", although he did acknowledge the fluidity and grace. Watkins noticed good technique and thought that the chosen theme was in line with the character of the dance.

Gugu Zulu and his partner, Sarah Cooper, bravely attempted something different, sending him out on his own for the opening steps of their rendition. The couple seemed hesitant, however, and Sechele had to remind him that this competition was about showcasing what you have learnt in a short time... so do try and bring something to show! She "felt uncomfortable on his behalf". Campbell called it the worst waltz he had seen in his entire life. Ouch! And to then get a total score of 20 at this stage of the competition is both shocking and unheard of.

Garth Collins and Hayley Bennett delivered a delightful performance inspired by Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'. The crowd went bonkers as they swerved across the dance floor in character. All judges simply loved the way he settled into the challenge this show poses, and commended "the King of Perseverance" for his commitment. This has to be the comeback performance of the series.

Cindy Nell graced the floor in a dashing red gown and strategically chose an Afrikaans number (Randall Wicomb's 'Dans met die Rooi Rok') to accompany her competent effort. This has to be the most hardworking of all beauty queens on previous series, to the degree that she often seems to be the professional dancer in her partnership with Jonathan Broadway. Phororo liked her beautiful posture and it was an overall successful dance, also considering her nerves were shot before entering the Ballroom.

Rob van Vuuren, despite leaning more towards the Latin dances and finding the waltz quite boring, once again succeeded in bringing a star performance to the floor. Him and dance partner Mary Martin made the most of the limited moves the style offers and Campbell went as far as saying they've now got the title in sight. This dancer really seems to be proficient in all styles of performance.

The group number was, wait for it... a gumboot dance. Watkins thought that nobody delivered an impressive performance, although Phororo did indicate that Mdoda was her favourite from the group; and Sechele almost saw potential in Van Vuuren's effort.

Guest performers The Parlotones got the party started, but the night's showstopper was Judith Sephuma peforming Miriam Makeba's 'Pata Pata'.