Last week Thursday the fourth season of SABC2's reality dance competition Strictly Come Dancing was officially launched to the press at a "high tea" in Jozi in preparation for the premiere coming up this Thursday (31 Jan.) at 19h30.
The eight participating celeb dancers have spent the past weeks fiercely strutting in their stuff in rehearsals to get ready for the show and had to this say about how they're feeling about the showdown that's coming up:Emmanuel Castis
Expectations: I entered because of the fun aspect. Learning a new skill is always fascinating. I actually prefer to call it a discipline. The show also offers me great exposure as a performer.
Preparations: It has been hard but I am trying my best and giving it my all …
Challenges: The posture and nothing else! I just don’t have the correct posture for dancing. As a performer I am used to being judged on my performance but in this instance the judges get to criticise me on national television with everybody and their cousins watching. I have to prepare myself for being told by a judge that my performance sucks.
My partner Lindsey: She is a hard worker and really good at what she does. I respect her commitment to dancing - she has over a decade of experience in dancing. It’s amazing to see how dedicated she is. She isn’t fooling around.
I am looking forward to… I think it’s important to know that it’s not only how good you are that matters but what the audience feels about you and your performance. The most interesting aspect will be how to get audience buy-in. I am looking forward to the excitement, the energy and the drama. Ashley Hayden
Expectations: As a person I am afraid of change. I seldom try anything new so I knew this would be a challenge but I honestly did not expect it to be so exhausting. I have seen dancers perform and thought ‘wow’ but never really thought about what it takes to be one. Now I bow to all dancers.
Preparations: Juggling family, my job and dance has really made my rehearsals hard, there are so many hours needed for training. I know that what I give is exactly what I will get and am working very hard at preparing myself for this.
Challenges: Every single aspect of the rehearsals has been challenging. I was not physically prepared although I do exercise. It has also been hard preparing myself mentally.
My partner Muntu: He is the most amazing creature, he never looses his cool. He is always mentally encouraging and never makes me feel like an idiot even when I appear clueless about dance. No matter how long it takes me to learn a routine, he still remains humble and professional.
I am looking forward to… I know that the show will take up a lot of my time. I expect that once we hit the 31st time will fly. I have enjoyed the rehearsal process but now that Muntu and I will be facing other contestants the real excitement and drama will start.
Uyanda Mbuli
Expectations: As a communicator I always seek to bring a certain message across in every project. As a person who loves fashion I will use my outfits to do the talking.
I hope to use dance to hype up issues that need attention such as breast cancer, women and child abuse as well as HIV/Aids. Each dance is dedicated to a certain subject.
Preparations: I am excited but to be honest I am socially not a dancer. For me this type of dance is advanced and thorough. I have found everything overwhelming. It has taught me to tap into a world I never knew existed. Taking on this challenge is a completely new environment which is thrilling.
Challenges: I like to call the shots in everything I do. I have always been a leader and in this role I am a follower so this is definitely a challenge.
My partner Ryan: He is a magnificent character. The one thing I respect about him as a dancer is that he comes out differently every season so my combination with him will be interesting to watch.
I am looking forward to… This is a competition, the best wins so all I can do right now is give it my best. I am looking forward to bringing out the best in Tyrone. People regard him as one of the meanest judges but I vow to knock his socks off. I want to leave him smiling!
Mutodi Nushehe
Expectations: I have always wanted to learn to dance. I went to many live recordings for Strictly Come Dancing last year to support my colleague and friend Dingaan Mokebe and was very inspired.
Preparations: I love performing and learning new skills and I have thrown myself into training. I am giving it my all.
Challenges: This has added to my already hectic schedule and I find that many things are on hold. I am currently juggling four projects - my business, Muvhango, Strictly Come Dancing and trying to write books. I feel like I have neglected a lot of things.
My partner Tebogo: I have great respect for how she combines being a dancer with her job. I know a lot of people who don’t pursue their passions and use being trapped in a job as an excuse but Tebogo manages to do both. Her on-going passion for dance is truly admirable.
I am looking forward to… I am looking forward to every drama, all the emotions, everything. I understand that this is a competition and once everything starts there will be a lot more pressure but this is part of the game. Bring it on…
Brenda Ngxoli
Expectations: This is an opportunity to attend the university of dance. I always wanted to dance but could never afford it so this is a fabulous opportunity for me to dance and get exposure. For me it’s like getting paid to go to school. I will be enhancing my skills and next time I am called on for a role which requires some dancing, I don’t have to worry.
Preparations: It’s definitely been a challenge, I never thought dance could be so complicated! It has been demanding on my physical stamina and my emotions.
Challenges: Everything about this competition is a challenge. Right now the task is to get into shape and prepare my body for the performance. Once the show starts the new challenge will the to act the professional and be humble with a camera in my face.
My partner Quintus: My partner is personal trainer. He has big dreams. He is spiritually firm and is generous in sharing his knowledge about dance.
I am looking forward to… One thing I know is that even if I am not the one, I would have entertained South Africa, which is what I have dedicated my life to. I have chosen to focus on thoroughly preparing for the show as opposed to caring about what the other contestants are doing.
Trevor Noah
Expectations: HHP made it look very easy and exciting so I thought I should also give it a bash. Dance is truly an exciting form of escapism and I look forward to disappearing into a new world.
Preparations: I have loved every minute of the training, it has been great so far.
Challenges: The learning hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be. It is seriously demanding and I always have to tune my mind into it. That can get quite hectic.
My partner Hayley: I don’t think I would have continued this had I had another partner, she is truly a great teacher. It has been easy humbling myself and learning all I can from her and I am blessed to have her as a dance partner.
I am looking forward to… Although I am not looking forward to all the nerves, I have a feeling that this is going to be entertaining. I am just going to take it easy, ignore all else and concentrate on giving my best performance.
Tanya van Graan
Expectations: It was very exciting giving up my normal routine. I like to go all out in everything I do and this has definitely given me a great new world to disappear into.
Preparations: The pressure has been severe but at the same time my partner and I always make sure we have fun while rehearsing.
Challenges: I have never danced before in my life so I have had to follow a very strict fitness programme. No one dances for eight hours a day non stop. Moving out of my comfort zone and away from the things I am used to doing has brought about different challenges. I now work out more than I did before.
My partner Brandon: My partner is dynamic, we complement each other. Our energies are amazing together, he is tough but not a dictator.
I am looking forward to… I will definitely give it my best but regardless of anything, I aim to have fun.
Mark Williams
Expectations: I have all the qualities needed to be a dancer - I come from Cape Town and am used to dancing on a social level. I grew up exposed to jazz and nothing about dance is unfamiliar to me.
Preparations: As a soccer player, I have used my feet all my life to make a living. I am giving it all in the build up.
Challenges: There are too many hours allocated to training in a day, a maximum of three hours is intense and with all dynamics brought about by power cuts and load shedding my time to move on with the rest of my tasks has been reduced.
My partner Kabelo: I was relieved to find out that like me she is a very competitive person and always strives to be the best at what she does . She is a good dancer, a good teacher. The one thing I like is that she takes the time to understand and implement my opinions.
I am looking forward to… As someone with a background in soccer, I think I have seen all the drama I can see in my life! It will be a challenge once the show starts and all I can do is enjoy every moment. The other contestants will probably be nervous about my performance. I have already mentioned that I am not here to make friends with anybody!
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