Angela Rippon

I’m sorry I sounded bossy. I didn’t mean to but it has opened up a lively discussion! I agree her dress wasn’t very flattering on the first night but she looked and moved very elegantly last night. She was careful re the leg lift and let Kai do it for her- amazing however for her age. I thought her back posture wasn’t upright back on the Morecambe and Wise show so it’s not an age thing. I admire her spirit but think unwise.

I assume she's being paid a bundle so has offset any risks against that.

Let’s agree that Angela will do very well for her age.🤣🤣🤣

I don’t watch Strictly Come Dancing, but I did look at the clip, and couldn’t see the ‘high kicks’! I did see her partner holding her leg up though.
She is obviously supple, but I’m not sure she’ll be able to sustain energetic dancing. That said, I felt tired just watching her.

It's one thing to have a leg that someone else can lift - but sadly I thought she wasn't very good. I wanted her to be better.
The judges seemed impressed though - so what do I know?

Good for her, the programme doeas include older competitors usually and Angqela doae4s seem to be about the fittest they've had so far. Can't make up my mind if she is hard of hearing or has a "dowager's' hump as she always seems to be leaning forward.

I find it uncomfortable to watch and slightly embarrassing. Good luck though.

JaneJudge

I must be the only person in the country that doesn't watch strictly but don;t see why she shouldn;t compete

I don’t watch it, not really interested in that type of dancing.
. I may have a look at Angela, though, and see whether her ballet training shows.

Many professional ballet dancers end up with bad arthritis. They aren’t all supple in their seventies!

I always liked and admired Angela, but recently I saw her on a chat show that was discussing loneliness in old age. She was very out of touch and superior - ‘they should just ring their friends and go to the pub or to the football, not mope about’ If people have friends, money and the health to go to the pub then they’re probably not going to be lonely! I do wish her luck though. And she does have spectacular legs!

don't remember a thread when ann widdecombe done strictly at age 63 back then and not fit

I so agree with Shelflife ……she may start out energized and ready to take on the challenge irregardless of her age and ability. But honestly, is she being ‘respectful’ to her body that has served her so well up to this point in her life? To say it’s a gruelling regime is an understatement. I admire her for taking on the challenge, but really if she does get injured it will take a long time to heal completely because her bones, her joints, her ligaments etc., have aged accordingly and there’s nothing can change that will alter the healing process! It’s just a fact of life!

I think Angela is a terrific example of how you can age but keep fit. Amazing lady.

I don't think she'll go far but I'm very happy she entered. Good luck to her. The one who caught my eye was Annabel Croft. Think her competitive instinct may prove to be a great asset.

JaneJudge

I must be the only person in the country that doesn't watch strictly but don;t see why she shouldn;t compete

I’m unusual in my family and friends, I don’t watch either.
I have seen pics of Angela Rippon and I know my family and friends are all rooting for her.
Go foxie48- I had to stop riding after 60 when RA made it difficult. I wish I was as flexible as Angela Rippon.
If Angela wears short frocks and ‘has a tummy’, that in no way detracts from her abilities.

She is certainly very fit and attractive but it’s not truly reflective of others her age, due a lot to genes and your health and attitude. Don't think she chooses her clothes on the show as although she’s lovely but she has got a tummy and the dress didn't do her justice.

I hope her partner takes the opportunity to choreograph a recreation of the Morcambe and Wise show we all loved!
She’s kept herself in good nick :-)

SkyBird

I agree that she was incredibly good for her age. However I thought the reaction of the judges especially Shirley was OTT. Yes she could stretch her leg. But dance? I also thought that Angela had a rather superior attitude towards the other performers. The dancers should be awarded points on their merit not their age.

Absolutely, but how do you define merit?
Good, despite their age
or good despite their disability,
or good despite the fact that they’ve had no previous dance training,
or good despite the fact that they’ve spent their lives learning dance routines and postures
IMO it gets more difficult each time.

Good for Angela.

Agree SkyBird she must be judged as the other competitors are judged not her age

I agree that she was incredibly good for her age. However I thought the reaction of the judges especially Shirley was OTT. Yes she could stretch her leg. But dance? I also thought that Angela had a rather superior attitude towards the other performers. The dancers should be awarded points on their merit not their age.

Absolutely Foxie 48. I’ve no intention of becoming sofa shaped in my 70 s

Well done her, I wish I was as supple and coordinated. No reason at all why she shouldn't enter the competition. Good luck Angela.

Callistemon21

Baggs

MerylStreep

I don’t like to be instructed to - discuss
If it was a request, ie would you like to discuss, can we discuss, then yes, I would but not - discuss.

Don't be silly, MS. Posing a question and then adding "Discuss" is perfectly normal. Acadmics and teachers do it all the time.

It means discuss in a philosophical way and gransnetters have responded in kind.

Acadmics and teachers do it all the time.

But that is exactly what I thought, it sounds like an instruction from a lecturer!
This is a chat forum not the lecture hall or classroom (although sometimes it does feel like it).

That’s the problem, it took me back to those days and those teachers and academics. I’m not their biggest fan.

AGAA4

I now wish I had gone to ballet classes like Angela and I too may have been able to do a high kick instead of struggling to climb over a stile.

No chance of dance lessons when I was a child but I did take tap lessons when I was an adult (in my 40s).
That's when I realised I had no co-ordination whatsoever.

I must be the only person in the country that doesn't watch strictly but don;t see why she shouldn;t compete