A current competitor on a popular dance competition series is making the most of the experience, taking the panel’s critiques to heart and crediting his professional partner for his rapid progress.
The celebrity contestant, who entered the season with no formal dance training, revealed that the judges’ weekly feedback directly shapes his rehearsal process. “Their comments definitely influence how we practice in the following week,” he explained, noting that specific advice about embodying a stronger on-screen presence is consistently applied.
He was effusive in his praise for his professional dance partner, calling their pairing “perfect.” He attributes his development entirely to her dedication, stating she is willing to rearrange her schedule for extra training sessions. “I could have been with a lot of pros, but I wouldn’t be half as good,” he said. “She’s willing to go that extra mile and really put in the time and effort to turn me into a dancer.”
Despite their seamless performances, he humorously admitted that off the dance floor, they are “always disagreeing,” though he quickly clarifies that when it comes to choreography, he defers to her expertise.
Calling the competition “one of the coolest experiences of my life,” the contestant described the challenge as immensely rewarding. He acknowledged that his background as a lifelong, though not elite, athlete has been an asset, but emphasized that his true “superpower” is a relentless work ethic. “I love pushing myself,” he stated. “I’m willing to put in the hours and dedicate my life to this.”
Beyond the ballroom, the competitor is also an advocate for animal welfare, recently partnering with a national pet hospital network to promote the adoption of senior pets. The cause is personal, inspired by his own aging rescue dog.
“A trainer once told me that while everyone loves puppies, an older dog knows it wants a home and has a reason to listen,” he shared. “If you can adopt a senior dog, you’re adopting a best friend for life. That message stuck with me.”
Reflecting on his whirlwind year in the spotlight, he expressed profound gratitude for the journey while looking forward to returning to his normal life. “I’m so thankful for this and enjoying it,” he said. “I know I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
