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Johannesburg – M-Net’s new reality show Dancing with the Stars SA kicked off with a spectacular first episode. (Read our review here)
Live from the rooftop of Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg the first six couples took to the dance floor and showed off their off skills to judging panel Bryan Watson, Debbie Turner, Tebogo Kgobokoe, and Jason Gilkison.
Liesl Laurie and her partner opened the dance floor with a cha-cha, followed by Delron Buckley with a quickstep.
Frank Opperman had the crowd on their feet after his tango and Odessa Swarts did an elegant waltz.
Rounding up the performances was singer Connell Cruise with a fiery cha-cha and actress Zola Nombona closed the show with an energetic jive which put her at the top of the leader board.
Channel24 caught up with the dancers after their first show:
Zola on being at the top of the leaderboard: “It feels great! Hard work pays off. We were at this for three weeks so I had no choice but to excel in it. As soon as I was done I blacked out for a few seconds. It is overwhelming I am happy and it pushes me. I want to go back and rehearse hard because I want to stay at the top.”
Odessa on her first dance of the season: “I am very excited it is over and done with. I am happy with the results. Dylan [my partner] did an amazing job. He motivated me so much over the past few days, they were really tough. I took a bit of a dip after Friday’s practice and he got me into the right space before the dance.”
Liesl on opening the dance floor: “I was very excited to go first. I thought I would just get it done with. When it was actually happening I realised that nobody had danced and I was opening the show and my nerves got the better of me. I had the best time. It was one of those moments that you will always remember.”
Connell on his first dance: “I feel relieved that I don’t have to dance next week and petrified for the following week. It was so much fun. You know what, its kind of like sex as soon as I am done I just want to sleep. I am really excited and glad that all the hard work paid off.”
Frank on his score and what viewers can expect for the rest of the season: “I expected to get way less than 20 points so I am chuffed. I am working hard at it, I put my mind to it and when I decide to do something I give my all. I am having a ball and getting fit which is the best thing about it all.”
Delron on being at the bottom of the leader board: “It is a pity that I got a low score but it is something I can work with. I am looking forward to the next dance now that I have a taste of the show and what the judges expect.”
Scroll through pics here:
Tune in Sunday at 17:00 to see the next celebrity pairs take to the floor!
ALSO READ: Here's how to register to vote for M-Net’s Dancing with the Stars SA
