Strictly Dancing
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television entertainment |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Fate | Ended |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
Key people | Paul McDermott (presenter) |
| Products | Dance competition television program |
| Parent | Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Endemol Southern Star |
Strictly Dancing was an Australian dance competition television series broadcast on ABC TV between 2004 and 2005. Produced collaboratively by Endemol Southern Star and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the program was presented by Paul McDermott. Each installment showcased four dance pairs from Australia and New Zealand competing through three stages, performing styles ranging from classic ballroom dances such as Cha-Cha and Rumba to contemporary forms including Hip-Hop and innovative fusion styles.
Contestants were chosen via nationwide auditions and were given a three-week timeframe to prepare for their routines and scheduled performances, ensuring fairness in preparation. Although the episodes lasted 30 minutes and were broadcast as if live, the filming process extended beyond eight hours, with participants required to sign agreements prohibiting disclosure of final results prior to airing.
The judging panel consisted of three judges who evaluated each performance on a scale up to 10 points, including decimal fractions; these scores were averaged to produce a final mark. An additional X-Factor rating measured aspects beyond technical proficiency—such as chemistry and stage presence—introducing an element of unpredictability into the scoring. Winners of each round progressed to the semi-finals, with the ultimate champions receiving a monetary award and a bouquet, while runners-up were granted half of the cash prize.
Reception was varied: purists expressed disapproval of the show's unconventional dance partnerships, whereas others commended its focus on adaptability. The series is acknowledged for revitalizing interest in competitive dance, contributing to the inception of Seven Network's Dancing with the Stars, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers.
A live house band performed music spanning multiple genres, accompanied by voice-over narration from Angela Gilltrap and actor Lex Marinos, enhancing audience involvement in a manner akin to sports commentary. Each episode concluded by inviting the studio audience onto the dance floor. The show aired across three seasons: two in 2004 and one in 2005.
The Grand Final of Season Two was broadcast as a one-hour special on 26 November 2004, featuring four teams representing New South Wales: Team 034 Nikki and Gabriel; Team 053 Masha and Matthew; Team 102 Luba and Csaba; and Team 161 Kelly and Ron. The final scores were as follows:
| Ranking | Team | Dance Score | X Factor Score | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 102 Luba and Csaba | 50.7 | 17.7 | 68.4 |
| 2 | 034 Nikki and Gabriel | 49.8 | 17.3 | 67.1 |
| 3 | 053 Masha and Matthew | 49.5 | 17.3 | 66.8 |
| 4 | 161 Kelly and Ron | 46.5 | 16.0 | 62.5 |