Onstage magic, private pain on Strictly

Published Sep 11, 2014

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GOSH, the finale is only two episodes away. And the remaining celebrities on SABC3’s Strictly Come Dancing are proving that they are in – all the way. While some retained their consistency on the dance floor, others like Ashish Gangapersad and Leandie du Randt were a bit of a hit-and-miss affair. Nonetheless, they were all entertaining in their respective themes, costumes and song choices.

Although, I’m not so sure about that wig, John Mametsa. But I salute you for putting the performance before your ego on national TV. That does take some seriously big kahunas.

 

TURNING UP THE HEAT

 

Hats off to Jonathan Boynton-Lee for sticking to his promise – he did look good in that pink Speedo. And the ladies are loving the open shirt and shirtless look every week.

And he is also proving to be far more than just eye candy. He has taken to dance… and I mean really taken to it. There was no mistaking that passion in his rumba and his absolutely mesmerising Viennese waltz.

On the former performance, Tebogo Kgobokoe pointed out: “I think what you are experiencing is the magic of dance. I don’t know if it’s whirlwind, but it’s the magic of dance and it’s wonderful to see that.

“Hayley, you have outdone yourself. The choreography was really well-crafted. It made him look really, really good. You get to see a lot of body action, a lot of hip action, a lot of foot action. It was so cleverly done.”

Even Michael Wentink was impressed, especially after his “diabolic” run last week. He called it “super classy”.

As for the couple’s second dance, let’s just say Samantha Peo was romanced by it.

She praised: “That was a moment when all the stars aligned. And it was a moment of pure magic. It really was spectacular. I think the connection and the chemistry you have is so magical and you don’t really find that.”

 

TAKING THE LEAD

 

Every week, you know that LeAnne Dlamini is going to deliver another hypnotic performance, such has been her track record. What I also love about her and partner Tsholo Mohohlwane is the home-grown flavour they bring to their performances.

It was also poignant to learn that despite her father’s passing, she didn’t pull out of Strictly. Instead, every performance is in his memory.

And she struck gold with her Viennese waltz and jive.

Kgobokoe praised: “I’m very impressed. It was a very confident Viennese waltz. Very strong leads, which allowed you to move comfortably across the floor. Fantastic to watch…”

For her jive, Wentink noted: “Your jive was quality and classy. You were in character, I think you were fantastic.”

Well, she is certainly everything they have said, which explains why she is at the top of the leader board.

But Du Randt is still hot on her heels!

 

JIVING OFF

 

Honestly, I am still gutted. John Mametsa has been one of my favourites in the competition from day one.

This time, it was Gangapersad who survived the dance-off.

Nevertheless, the lovable rugby player says: “Most of the time I do not compare myself to other people, I just give my best. I respect the judges’ decision because they judge the performance at the dance-off and previous performances are not taken into consideration.”

On bowing out of the competition at this stage, he says: “I find it funny and also humbling because it means I entertained South Africa, which is what I wanted to do, and that is also what SCD is all about.”

And he walks away with a new skill, which his wife is looking forward to testing when they go out one evening.

He reflects: “My best (moment) has been the actual dancing; I never thought I could do it and make it to the Top 5. Also, getting a standing ovation after performing, it humbled me. The worst was losing my mother during the competition. I would have loved for her to have seen me until I was eliminated.”

Right now, he says: “It’s back to my reality, my family and my business.”

 

• Strictly Come Dancing airs on Friday at 8pm on SABC3. And the result show is on Saturday at 7pm.

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