Fresh off tonight's final, I have never been more inspired to get back into dance! The amount of talent showcased on that stage tonight was incredible - everything got raised to the next level and beyond! Cheeky duo Duplic8 were crowned this year's champions in the tightest final I think I've ever watched!

(All images from Got To Dance Facebook page)

 Recap and Review

I have to say that every single act brought something new to that stage and absolutely danced their selves to death. It was so inspiring to watch and there were so many goosebump moments. First up were IMD, who were so slick and so polished in their performance. I love big group dynamics and their performance tonight absolutely blasted their semi-final show out the water. Following them came Unity Academy who again brought such a strong presence to the stage. Both these groups are so impressive to be so in sync with each other. They were both sharp and in time with each other and I can't imagine how many times they had to have drilled those routines.

 

Kaine was so good tonight but I think his young age let him get a little bit lost amongst all these big, show stopping groups. In terms of talent and technique and emotion, he is way up there. But where Lukas, last year's winner, was old enough to create a real presence, Kaine just got a bit overshadowed I feel. Which is a real shame because he was so, so good.

 

Boyband brought a real smile to my face. They were so sharp with all of their tricks and they have such a fun vibe going on. They really brought such a new dimension to the stage and I love how they (quite literally) bounce off and over each other. I have an inkling they'll have a good future after this.

 

The same can be said for the Original Kidz. These young boys were so impressive! I've grown up with professional dancers for parents and I've seen a lot of break dancing in my time but these kids had a fresh, new spin on it. I cannot believe how good they were and again, I think they have a long career in dance if they want it.

 

I was so hoping Dan-I and Sia would make it in to the top three because I thought they were so talented and original, and really represented a new branch of dance. I do think they were outstanding in both performances but I think their semi-final performance had a bit more of an edge to it. It was the one I preferred anyway, but these two have such a bright future together - as dance and hopefully as life partners too.

 

The top three

 

Dance Illusion I have to say I did think were going to win. Their performance on the final tonight was everything I love about dance. It had drama, it had astounding dance ability, it told a story, it was creepy, it was breath-taking and it was memorable. As an act, these are probably the ones I would most likely pay to see over and over again (and not so secretly wish I was part of too!) The amount of energy they dedicate to every performance is incredible and as the judges said, the featured soloists are out of this world. Definitely deserving of a top three spot!

 

Bitter Harvest had my heart. I was so happy to see a classical ballet act reach the top three and for it be with such consummate dancers. I actually preferred their semi-final routine so it was an honour to be able to witness them perform it again. These two are so in tune with each other that I never feel nervous watching them dance. They have been flawless from start to finish and has just made my love of ballet eternal.

 

But I have to say Duplic8 turned it up on the final! They were sick and smooth and I am fast falling in love with both boys. I was so happy to see them win because they defied the odds and are such a strange but dynamic duo. I do think in terms of pure dance technique and show stopping performance Dance Illusion could (should?) have nabbed the win but I take my hat off to Duplic8 because they brought the house down with every single performance. It's not easy to be that likable and infectious, so for that reason I do think they are rightful winners.

 

Not forgetting an amazing return from Lukas McFarlane, it is clear that tonight's Got To Dance final was full to the brim of talent. I defy anyone who watched not to feel at least a little bit inspired to slip on a dance shoe of some shape. As for me, I'm off to search for some new dance projects to get my teeth into!

 

In amongst all the reality shows and talent shows and reality talent shows, there's one programme that still gives me goosebumps. Don't get me wrong, I will probably (read: almost definitely) be tuning into X Factor this coming Saturday but it is Sky 1's Got To Dance that has my continued allegiance. And when you look at this year's finalists, is it any wonder why?

 

All of the acts who have made it through to the final and a few of those who didn't (I'm looking at you in particular Marvel) are talented beyond words. Watching performances like the ones we've been privileged enough to see are nothing short of inspiring and Got To Dance has me itching to get back into training myself. But of course there can be only one winner so out the nine remaining, here are my top favourites.

 

1. Dance Illusion.

 

 After being in university competition squads, I'm used to performing in big groups so watching an act like Dance Illusion always appeals to me. These guys were so tight in their performance and technique, and I am so excited to see what they bring to the final. I thought their Grecian-style semi-final piece was off the charts, so I really hope they showcase a performance as inspired as that one was.

 

2. Bitter Harvest.

 

I can't lie - I am a ballet girl at heart. I love everything about ballet and how antithetical it is; its rigidity versus its fluidity, strength versus suppleness, performance versus precision. Never underestimate how hard it is to make ballet look as effortless as Bitter Harvest manage to. Sometimes in a pas de deux it can look as if the man is little more than muscle but his primary role is to make his partner look good which, in Bitter Harvest,  happens with ease. Whether they'll have enough of a presence to compete with the larger groups in the final is yet to be seen, but I hope their performance is as beautiful as always.

 

3. Duplic8

 

These boys have absolutely stolen my heart. I love that they are such a fresh and unusual combination of dancers who clearly work well together. They're cheeky but they can afford to be with the talent they possess. I did think their semi final performance left a little to be desired when you compare it to other routines which focused solely on the dancing and not the gimmicks. But there is no doubt about it, they're amazing to watch and have a great shot if they can just marry their personalities with a high-level performance.

 

4. Dan-I and Sia

 

The final, and possibly my favourite, act worth watching is Dan-I and Sia. Watching these two dance is like watching water flow. It is gentle and it is refreshing and the two of them are always moving, so in sync. I absolutely loved their semi final performance and I hope the power of their ability shines through in the final in amongst the more animated, thematic performances. I can't wait to see what these two bring to the table and it's an absolute pleasure to watch such graceful dancers really commit to each other's performance.

 

All of the finalists are incredible performers so Friday's Got To Dance will be a show stopper no matter what. Bring on Friday night!