Chris McCausland, the first blind contestant on the popular dancing show Strictly Come Dancing, has sparked conversations and admiration with his unique approach to challenging perceptions about disabilities. McCausland, who lost his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, took center stage during his latest performance, showcasing not only his dancing skills but also pushing the boundaries of what audiences expect from someone with his condition.
Drawing attention from the media and viewers alike, McCausland expressed his desire to reshape how people view disabilities. He stated on BBC Radio 4's Today program, "I think there are low expectations of people with disabilities." For McCausland, participating in Strictly Come Dancing is more than just competition; it’s about breaking down the outdated notions surrounding disability. He hopes his involvement will help broaden public perception of what those with disabilities can achieve.
Saturday’s performance included what has been dubbed his 'blackout' routine. At one point, McCausland placed his hands over his dance partner Dianne Buswell's eyes just as the stage went dark. When the lights returned, he was seen spinning Buswell around his shoulders, creating a visually stunning moment, albeit under the cover of darkness. His choice to incorporate such elements was intentional, as he sought to offer audiences insight about the experience of blindness, highlighting the contrasts and challenges faced by those living with visual impairments.
Following his routine, McCausland received rave reviews from the judges, who called his performance "poignant" and "spectacular." They acknowledged it not only as excellent entertainment but also as a powerful statement about the capabilities of blind individuals. McCausland remarked, "I pitched this idea to Dianne to have a moment of darkness instead of something gimmicky." This innovative approach has captured the attention of audiences and served as an educational moment about the realities of living without sight.
McCausland's participation marks significant progress, especially following 2021's touching performance by Former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who danced for part of her routine without sound, paying tribute to the deaf community. Ayling-Ellis's efforts were recognized with the Bafta for Best Must-See TV Moment. Similarly, McCausland feels he is on his path to inspire with every dance.
Despite facing the challenges of live performance, McCausland admits to experiencing both confidence and fear. Even though he has performed stand-up comedy and acted, dancing on live television has been markedly different. "It's terrifying to do this on live TV without any previous experience," he shared, demonstrating the very authentic feelings many would have when facing the spotlight.
McCausland's story resonates especially with students from the Royal National College for the Blind where he studied. Many expressed their admiration and noted how he is defying expectations related to what blind individuals can do. One student pointed out, "Some people think people with visual impairments can't really do anything... He's doing so well now, it's surreal but it's really good, especially for those who don't know anything about the eye." Another emphasized how great it would be if someone who is visually impaired were to win the competition, embodying hopes for greater representation.
The influence of McCausland's presence on Strictly Come Dancing has also been highlighted by advocates for the disabled community. Dave Kelly, chief executive of Daisy UK—a charity supporting disabled individuals—heralded McCausland as a role model. He stated, "You need people like this who are in the public eye to show people it can be done. People assume we can't do anything but there's nothing Chris can't do." His words reflect not only appreciation but also the broader aspiration for inclusion and visibility of disabled people across all spheres of life.
Salim Patel, also visually impaired, pointed out the importance of McCausland's participation, emphasizing the message it sends about expectations for blind individuals: "With the right attitude and with people around you who share the same positive mindset, anything is possible." Patel’s sentiment summarizes the potential for change ignited by visible role models.
Moving beyond the dance floor, McCausland's performance serves as both entertainment and social commentary. His innovative 'blackout' presentation during Strictly Come Dancing not only entertains but also challenges stereotypes and inspires change. Advocates believe showcasing talents like McCausland’s helps dismantle social barriers and pushes society to rethink the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Debbie Miller from the RNIB described the emotional impact of McCausland's routine, stating, "It helped draw people’s attention to what it can be like to not be able to see, and underlined what Chris has said about the need to go beyond our comfort zones." Through his art, McCausland is championing the notion of possibility where limits were previously assumed to exist.
With each performance, McCausland not only dances but also reshapes societal narratives about disability culture. His participation signals to the world, echoing his words—"it’s completely unknown—what the dances were..." And still, he continues to meet and exceed expectations, encouraging everyone to reconsider their views about what individuals with disabilities are capable of achieving.
