Ellie and Vito’s jive on Strictly Come Dancing captured attention from the very first week, delivering high-energy performance, charisma, and remarkable chemistry. Their jive became an instant standout and solidified them as early frontrunners in the competition, setting the tone for a thrilling season and ultimately contributing to their journey toward winning. This iconic routine showcased not just technical skill, but also the connection between a celebrity and pro dancer making their debut together, creating a memorable moment in Strictly history.
First Impressions: A Show-Stopping Debut
During their opening week performance, Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola danced the jive to Can’t Tame Her by Zara Larsson. It was Ellie’s first-ever public dance, yet she delivered it with impressive control and confidence. Judges praised the duo, with Janette Manrara calling it an amazing dance and what a way to kick off your Strictly journey. They scored 29 points, placing joint second on the leaderboard in their first appearance. The performance immediately caught viewers’ attention for its energy and stage presence
Technical Brilliance and Stage Chemistry
Despite being new to dance, Ellie executed clean footwork, sharp kicks, and lively body control all signature moves of the jive style. Vito’s professional guidance helped elevate the routine into something beyond a debut act. Their chemistry felt genuine and effortless, generating praise from fans and judges alike. Social media buzzed with audience reactions calling it dance of the night and highlighting their perfect team dynamics
Judges’ Reactions
- Janette Manrara praised their debut performance as a strong way to begin the competition.
- She and viewer chat highlighted Ellie’s composure and confidence despite nerves.
- Fans and forums echoed admiration, calling them a standout pairing from day one.
Why the Jive Was a Turning Point
This jive was more than just a dance; it was a defining moment in their Strictly journey. For Ellie, overcoming nerves and embracing the performance so quickly showed immense growth. For Vito, partnering a complete novice and helping her shine validated his teaching and choreography skills. Their jive laid the foundation for how they would progress balancing technical improvement with emotional storytelling through dance.
Progression After Week 1
After their jive debut, Ellie and Vito continued to deliver consistent improvement. As the weeks progressed, their routines grew more complex, and they began receiving higher scores across different styles. They topped the leaderboard during Musical Week and performed memorable dances like the American Smooth and a powerful Paso Doble, earning perfect or near-perfect scores from judges
The Role of Jive in Their Victory
Winning a high-intensity dance like the jive set the tone for Ellie and Vito’s season. It sparked confidence in Ellie’s ability to handle fast-paced choreography and gave judges and viewers early reasons to invest in their story. Their success in the jive foreshadowed their ability to adapt and excel across multiple dance styles, ultimately leading to their crowning as winners of the 2023 Strictly season. Ellie became the youngest-ever winner of the show, a milestone amplified by their standout jive debut
Exploring the Jive Technique
The jive is one of the most demanding ballroom styles in terms of stamina, timing, and precision. It is characterized by fast kicks, flicks, and light bounce movements in duple time. Executing the jive effectively requires coordination, speed, and a strong sense of rhythm all of which Ellie and Vito demonstrated, even in their first attempt.
Essential Elements in Their Routine
- Sharp kicks and flicks timed with the music’s accents.
- Clear and controlled footwork with bounce from kneecaps.
- Strong posture and frame to maintain clarity at high speed.
Fan Engagement and Public Reaction
Ellie and Vito’s partnership quickly garnered a strong fan following. Social media was filled with admiration for their jive. Comments praised not only the technical performance but also the visible rapport and warmth between them, creating excitement for what was to come. One forum declared: I loved Ellie and Vito’s jive. Dance of the night for me. Their chemistry became a key part of their appeal from week one
Beyond the Jive: Their Journey to the Finale
The momentum from their jive carried Ellie and Vito through increasingly complex routines. They delivered standout performances in the American Smooth, Paso Doble, and ultimately a showdance finale. Each week reflected artistic growth and technical polish built upon their jive debut. Their ability to take risks and innovate such as bold lifts and stylistic choices helped them stand out in a highly competitive field
Lessons from Their Jive Routine
The success of Ellie and Vito’s jive offers several insights for dance enthusiasts and aspiring performers:
- Starting strong matters a confident opening can set expectations high.
- Technical guidelines combined with emotional expression make routines memorable.
- Trust and connection between dancers enhances performance quality.
- Even beginners can shine with proper guidance and practice.
Ellie and Vito’s jive marks one of the most memorable debut performances in recent Strictly history. With high energy, precise technique, and evident chemistry, they won over judges and fans right from the start. That jive established their story, showcased Ellie’s unexpected aptitude, and confirmed Vito’s skill as a teacher and choreographer. The routine remains a highlight of their journey to winning the Glitterball trophy, and a testament to the power of passion, partnership, and performance in dance.