after seeing Maia and Alex at Rostelecom, I have to say that I am amazed and charmed beyond imagination with their SD - the thought and concept are visible, but they are not overshadowing the easiness and lightness of joy carried by this dance. Prominent, yet subtle in expression Latin ballroom dance references - just on point to give the 'right guess' and to see them actually behind it. The music is just fantastic - very smart from them to stay in one musical genre and convention, but play with rhythms inside this cohesive aesthetic of Perez Prado. Partial step sequence is a gem already - fantastic framing of the dance, detailing in arm movement, edge work and flow going so sublime with cha-cha rhythm. The whole picture was a breezy variation of Latin joy, a celebration of a good music and having fun out there - for me, they really captured the sense of Latin music, this 'authentic'-like side of it, they played with it, played with rhythms AND done it in such natural, effortless way. It was just infectious - the high energy of the performance, vibrancy of their costumes (so perfect in motion), they created a very universal moment of joy, appealing and engaging for a lot of people. That's a great strength - and an asset of a program for me.
If only the FD was equally inspired. I don't think they will hold on to the bronze with that vehicle. If they do I'd be surprised.