DECISIONS, decisions. Was it Laila Rouass's stunning scarlet fishtail Tango design, Jo Wood's fluttering feathered silver gown or Jade Johnson's blush ballerina number that is top of the frocks so far?
DECISIONS, decisions. Was it Laila Rouass's stunning scarlet fishtail Tango design, Jo Wood's fluttering feathered silver gown or Jade Johnson's blush ballerina number that is top of the frocks so far?
Strictly Come Dancing may be losing out in the battle for television ratings to The X Factor, but nothing comes close to its visual appeal.
Since it first stepped on to our screens five years ago, the celebrity dance series has offered up a glittering galaxy of Swarovski-encrusted frocks to transport viewers to couture heaven.
Last weekend, the impact of burlesque corsetry was clear to see on Jade Johnson's black and white Foxtrot dress. The overblown, statement puffs of Ola Jordan's Quickstep dress borrowed from the popularity of power shoulders, whilst there was almost a bondage feel to Flavia Cacace's monochrome Tango dress.
The costume team, led by Su Judd, have had their work cut out since July, designing up to 30 dresses for each of the femaleparticipants. The one-off, custom-made designs can sell afterwards for £2000 each.
They also create signature themes for the stars, including a Grace Kelly-esque neckscarf for Zoe Lucker, or the 50s-style Marilyn Monroe glamour of Kristina Rihanoff's costumes.
But there has also been criticism for revealing Latin designs, typified by Ola's revealing Rumba ensemble that resembled a glitter-encrusted loin cloth.
The inspiration of the Fame and Wicked musicals have created a more 80s, disco edge to the Latin costumes. The shimmering movement of Katya Virshilis's gold fringe dress and the vibrant colour of Jade's yellow cha-cha dress were a class above Ali Bastian's flesh-pressing salsa effort or Flavia's sequinned hotpant two-piece.
Tomorrow, the vintage, silver screen glamour of the American Smooth goes up against the frenetic passion of the Samba. Will ballroom style triumph over Latin lasciviousness again?
 Laila Rouass is the lady in red as she steps out with partner Anton Du Beke |  Ola Jordan seemed to be powerdressing for this dance with Chris Hollins |  Jo Wood preferred silver for her routine with Brendan Cole | ||
 Katya Virshilas had the golden touch as she danced with Phil Tufnell |  Ali Bastian in her silver dress, with dance partner Brian Fortuna |  Flavia Cacace had plenty of flesh on show for her dance with Craig Kelly |
WIN A TABLE FOR YOU AND 7 FRIENDS AT ALEA'S DINNER DANCE
INSPIRED by Strictly Come Dancing to show you've got all the right moves? We've teamed up with Alea Casino on Springfield Quay to give away a fantastic night of dinner and dancing.
To enter, simply answer the question below:
Q. Where in Glasgow is Alea Casino situated?Send your answer on an email to:great.giveaways@heraldandtimes.co.uk along with your name, daytime telephone number, age and full address putting ALEA in the subject line. Entries must be received by Friday, October 30, 2009, at 5pm.
Entrants must be aged 18 or older and may be asked for proof of ID on arrival at Alea. Prize valid on the evening of November 28, 2009, only. Prize non-exchangeable and there is no cash alternative. Usual Evening Times rules apply.
