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Cape Town – We recently reported that South African dancer Oti Mabuse is heating up the dance floor on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
Season 14 is currently showing on BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174) and now you can see her in action.
This is the Pretoria born dancer's second season on the show and she is paired with former Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac.
We had a quick chat with Oti about her dancing career, the Strictly experience and found out what her favourite dance is.
Can you tell us a bit about your dancing history?
I started dancing at the age of 4 at my moms dance school in Mabopane, Pretoria. My mom and sisters were my trainers and coaches in the beginning of my career and they've always played an important part of my dancing career. When I was 16 years old I started training in contemporary dance with the incredible Lorcia Cooper. I then moved to Germany and three years later I was the German champion, the vice European champion and took third place at the world championships. After all that, life took me in a different direction and I ended up doing German Strictly and now Strictly Come Dancing UK.
Why did you choose Germany to pursue your dancing career?
I moved overseas as dancing in South Africa was not beneficial. I had already won the South Africa title 8 times and had my sights set on a higher goal. My sister Motshegetsi Mabuse also lives there and I wanted to dance in the best countries with the best trainers and dancers.
How did you get gig on the show?
I was discovered on Strictly Come Dancing Germany by a man who I helped order a meal. He couldn't speak German so I ordered for him and he told me he worked for Strictly and would love to see me on the UK version. We exchanged numbers and I ended up casting for the show and getting the job.
This is your second round on the show, what was your strategy this time?
I wasn't going to be complacent, I had the best contestant on any Strictly of all time. My first year didn't go well and I blamed myself for not being a good teacher or creative enough or ambitious enough. So when I was invited back to the show I promised myself that who I get I will work hard and give them the best experience. I was really blessed that Danny had my mentality and ambition. He made me a better trainer and I couldn't be more grateful.
What do you enjoy most about working with a ‘celebrity partner’?
Being creative I love choreographing, teaching and creating a friendship with a person who is already famous and staying in contact with them forever .
What is your favourite dance?
There are so many to choose from, I love all of them but the rumba is my all time favourite.
Catch Strictly Come Dancing Sundays at 18:00 on BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174).
(Photos: BBC)
