Get to know our brave dancers.
This week we asked one half of the group if they had any previous experience when it comes to dancing, what are they most nervous about, gossip from the rehearsals and how they describe their partners.
BRENDA:
Do you have any previous dancing experience?
Yes, dance has always been a huge passion of mine. I danced ballroom and Latin up until the age of 17. I also have experience in ballet, commercial and contemporary.
What are you most nervous about on the night?
I am most nervous about falling onstage or forgetting the routine half way through!
Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?
None specifically. We are having great craic every week in our lesson. June is a brilliant teacher and great fun to work with too.
Describe your partner in three words.
Gary is hard working, fun and enthusiastic.
JANINA:
Do you have any previous dancing experience?
I first started learning ballroom dancing when I was 14, but had to stop after a year due to moving to another country. I only picked it back up early last year, so I guess you could say I’ve got 2 years of experience in Ballroom and Latin dancing.
What are you most nervous about on the night?
What I’m most nervous about are the other couples, to be honest. I sometimes see them practicing and they all just look so amazing! I’m afraid that I’ll see them on stage and will be so blown away that I’ll lose my confidence and forget my own steps.
Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?
This is a really difficult question. Generally our practice sessions with June are so short that there is very little time for anything except the dancing to happen. Although there was one time when Peter and I had practiced really hard the entire week and we knew the steps perfectly to the music, but when we tried to show our progress to June, everything fell apart and we did so many simple mistakes. It sounds embarrassing, but it was actually just funny trying to explain to June that we did actually know the steps, we just…. well… didn’t do them when we tried to prove it.
Describe your partner in three words.
Reliable, Sweet, Intelligent
PETER:
Do you have any previous dancing experience?
Not really! I started taking some ballroom dance classes just a few weeks before joining Ozanam Come Dancing, so I’m essentially a complete beginner. I’ve really had to learn fast!
What are you most nervous about on the night?
I’m trying to keep a positive outlook on everything, and only think about the positives, and how much fun I’m having. However… Our dance does include a few parts where I lift Janina into the air. The entire routine could fall apart, we could make complete fools of ourselves, but as long as I don’t drop her, I will consider the whole thing a success. So that’s really the only thing I’m worried about – at least that’s what I’m telling myself!
Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?
Maybe a different kind of funny, but there have been plenty of times where I was amazed that we were able to really quickly pick up complicated moves, getting them right after three or four repetitions, but then needed to spend almost our entire lesson practicing basic steps because
Describe your partner in three words.
Dedicated, talented, and fun!
CELENE:
Do you have any previous dancing experience?
I did a tap dancing when I was a child, but gave it up 30 years ago! Now I feel old .
What are you most nervous about on the night?
Making a mess of some of the really tricky moves we have, that or falling flat on my face!! Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?
Each rehearsal has been funny as my partner Ronan is great fun!
Describe your partner in three words.
Mad, Funny, Stylish.
CAITRIONA:
Do you have any previous dancing experience?
No, I have no previous dancing experience. So I am a complete beginner, so for me I have to constantly think of what comes next in the dance because it is not natural for me but I am really enjoying it and I think I might try keep it up after the event.
What are you most nervous about on the night?
I am worried about making a mistake or forgetting a step. I just want to give it my best shot and feel proud after I finish on the stage. I will have my little girl cheering me on in Liberty Hall so I want to make her proud too.
Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?
Yes, for me the main one is getting stuck going underneath Franco’s legs but we just laughed and laughed and that is what it is all about enjoying it along the way.
Describe your partner in three words.
Fun, patient and motivated.
DEREK:
Do you have any previous dancing experience?
I’m not exactly a national champion like my partner, Maria, but I have…you know….no experience dancing at all.
What are you most nervous about on the night?
Messing up, kicking Maria in the knee, my pants ripping…the usual.
Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?
During a recent practice, Maria kicked a press and her toe started bleeding. She’ll decry a lack of space, but it was a typical violent outburst 🙂
Describe your partner in three words.
Talented, sound, violent 🙂
FABRIZIO:
Do you have any previous dancing experience?
Yes, it is being 2 years that I’m enjoying dancing what generally is called swing, but which comprehend different styles.
His origins track back 1920, from Charleston, developed in lindy hop, and in other funny styles and variation, gathered all together under the tree of Jazz dance.
What are you most nervous about on the night?
Mmmm being on the stage will be quite terrifying, but I will try to be as cool as I can, and pretend to be in my leaving room.
Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?
The whole rehearsal it was fun.
Describe your partner in three words.
Smiley, positive, and fearless!