Strictly Come Dancing‘s ‘Instant Dance’ Challenge: Chaos and Delight

Ever since it was announced earlier this month that Strictly Come Dancing would be introducing a brand new dance challenge, fans have been eager to see how it would unfold.

Now, we’ve finally seen the frist iteration of Instant Dance – and it was pretty chaotic! It definitely delivered on the excitement.

The challenge began with the couples in dressing gowns. Each couple then received an envelope revealing their dance style. A short snippet of their song played, and they rushed to a clothing rack to choose their outfits.

A rapid change backstage – complete with some strange moments and a very eager Nikita Kuzmin – led to the couples taking their places on the stairs. They had just ten seconds to plan a 40-second routine.

Alex and Johannes kicked things off with a Rumba to maria McKee’s “Show Me Heaven.” They were followed by george and Alexis performing a Tango to Prince’s “When Doves Cry,” and Lewis and Katya’s jive to Wham!’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.”

Balvinder and Julian then took on a Paso Doble to The Animals’ “Don’t Let me Be Misunderstood.” Karen and Carlos danced a Cha Cha Cha to The Four Seasons’ “beggin’,” and Amber and Nikita closed the challenge with a Samba to Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever.”

The studio audience clearly loved it, with Claudia noting that “everyone has goosebumps.”

The judges were equally impressed. A delighted Anton Du Beke said he wanted to see the challenge every week, adding that some of the celebrities danced better during the challenge than in their previous routines.

After a quick discussion, Craig Revel Horwood announced the judges’ scores: Karen and Carlos received 1 point, and…