How much does having your own show free you from the constraints of the ballroom? Karen: I think the nice thing is that we’ve trained in so many different styles, that being able to utilise that is really special. Obviously we can do all the waltzes and tangoes etc, which we do in our own way and we do enjoy putting things in there that we know people really like to see, but there’s still dances we actually don’t like. Every dancer has some, so it’s great to have the freedom to just do the things we love and I think that comes over in the performances. We like the fire dances, we like the strong, rhythmical dances that have power behind them. At the same time though, we do have some very simple, beautiful and understated numbers that people love to see, so there’s a good mix in there, but it’s all the things we love. The fact we have a background in different styles is a good thing, so why not put it out there and show ourselves in a different light?
Gorka: I think people can be used to seeing us doing ballroom dancing on TV, but that is also a style that is meant to let us showcase ourselves, to express things and to interpret the way we feel things, not just the music, but whatever has happened to us throughout the year, we channel that into the dancing. That’s what makes dancing unique, as everyone can do the same dance, but it’s how you interpret it that makes it your own.
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One of the biggest things that people loved at the previous shows was the huge production and in particular the massive amounts of fire you have onstage. Like the rest of the show, is that another element that you will be taking to the next level this time around? Gorka: I think it’s going to be even more epic than it was before to be honest. The production and the fire in particular was always hugely important to us, so like the music and the dancing, we really wanted to make sure that the other aspects of the show like that were stepped up another gear too. It all has to complement each other, so what we have in store this time around is just incredible. I think people would be blown away by it even if there was nothing else happening on the stage, to be honest! We’re already planning on stepping it up even more for next year’s show too!
If you had to pick one thing, what would be your favourite part of the show? Gorka: I love every part of it, but in a funny way, I love the last number that we used to do as it was so fun and upbeat, we’d always end up getting the giggles, as we don’t take ourselves too seriously and just have a laugh with it. I’m sure that will be the same with the new one.
Karen: I agree. The fact that we get to be so creative and do something that allows us to be so proud of ourselves and our team really means so much to us, so that moment at the end of the night is always just really special. It doesn’t feel like a job, it’s more like a gig that we just happen to be at. It doesn’t feel choreographed in a way, as there’s so much freedom in it, which is what we want the audience to feel too. It’s just such a liberating feeling to be up there with everyone.
Over all the years you both have been on Strictly, you have inspired so many young people to take up dancing, either for fun or as a career. What advice would you like to give them?
Gorka: I would just say that if it’s something you love, just do it. If you are a dancer and are passionate about it, put all your effort into it 24/7, as nothing is easy in life, but if you really want it, don’t let anyone try and take that passion away from you. Work hard and love it every day, as standards are high, so if you don’t love it, you’ll quit, but if you do…just do it.
Karen: I couldn’t agree more with that. It’s all about discipline. You have to be so disciplined with yourself and be very aware of all the ups and downs, as there are many. The ups are going to feel amazing though, as the downs are the things that will push you harder to feel the ups when they happen! You have to be always listening and learning, as you’re always a beginner in a way. That’s why I’m always ready to be watching and learning from anyone in front of me, whether they have just started or have been doing it for a long time. Always be learning and get ready to work hard, as it never stops. It’s not to scare anybody, but no matter how far you go or how much success you have, in order to keep that success, you need to keep working hard. But it’s worth it!
Do you think about the future and if so, what do you think it holds for you? Karen: I’m not ready to hang up my shoes yet, put it that way! In fact, I can’t see my drive ever retiring as once you do, what’s left? It’s lovely for people who do enjoy retirement, but I don’t ever want this to end, so I’ll always want to be involved in the arts and in dancing. It’ll always be a part of my life, so I’ll go as far as I can and for as long as I can, that’s for sure!
Catch FIREDANCE at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on March 31. For tickets visit
www.firedancelive.com
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
CE L EBRIT Y INTERVI EW KAREN HAUER & GORKA MARQUEZ
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