Christine Neubauer, the 62-year-old actress, has taken to the dance floor in RTL's "Let’s Dance" with her professional partner Valentin Lusin, 38, since the show's start on February 21, 2025. With her eyes set on being the oldest winner in the competition's history, Neubauer remains calm in the face of critiques from the often-harsh judge Joachim Llambi, 60. In fact, she translates feedback into motivation, seeing criticism as a "gift" to help her improve.
During a recent episode of the podcast "Waffeln einer Frau," she shared with host Barbara Schöneberger that she is well-prepared for the evaluations that come from the judges. Despite Llambi's tough critiques, Neubauer expresses confidence in her ability to handle judgment due to her extensive acting career, which has made her "critique- and suffering-capable."
Neubauer recently opened up about her early nerves performing her first dance. On social media, she admitted to feeling anxious but was met with high praise from her partner Lusin, who remarked that she performed greatly in their initial encounter on stage.
The competitive environment is fierce this season with 14 notable contestants, including musician Ben Zucker, YouTube star Marc Eggers, and influencer Paola Maria, who is paired with dance legend Massimo Sinató. Every participant, including Neubauer, is aiming to secure victory, exacerbating the pressure all have to perform at their best.
A pivotal moment in Neubauer's journey came when she recalled being labeled "adipös," an experience that added depth to her motivations. "It has fueled my determination to excel, not just for myself but as a role model for others," she shared.
In the latest show, Neubauer's performance during the Charleston left judges and audiences buzzing. Llambi, known for his critical stance, was notably impressed. After her routine, he remarked, "You outdance all the young ones, that’s so cool!" His enthusiasm was echoed by fellow judges Jorge González, who called her performance "Ekstase pur," and Motsi Mabuse, who declared, "You are a role model."
With the judges' scores reflecting her performance, Neubauer achieved an impressive 27 points. This included the first perfect ten awarded this season by González, highlighting a clear acknowledgment of her remarkable effort. While other contestants, like Olympian Fabian Hambüchen, showcased strong routines, none reached Neubauer's scoring heights.
Besides her remarkable performances, Neubauer has been candid about the challenges of practice sessions. There have been moments of tension during training with her partner, Lusin. In a recent post, she humorously indicated some playful disagreements, even admitting to covering his mouth while he attempted to express his thoughts during dance practice. Such dynamics do provide entertainment and connection, reflecting her vivacious spirit.
As the competition progresses, Neubauer's journey on "Let’s Dance" illuminates both her grace on the dance floor and her determination to shatter age-related stereotypes. In an industry where aging can sometimes be viewed negatively, she stands as a testament to resilience, embodying the notion that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s dreams.
Overall, Neubauer is not only a contender for the title but also an inspiration to many, proving that with passion and persistence, one can continue to achieve great things, regardless of age. Her blossoming relationship with her partner, the judges' appreciation, and her positive outlook on criticism are powerful messages to contestants and viewers alike. With the upcoming episodes promising more surprises, the excitement surrounding "Let’s Dance" remains palpable.
