Inès Vandamme and Jungeli Continue to Shine in "Danse Avec Les Stars" Amidst Fierce Competition
The excitement continues to build in the latest season of "Danse avec les Stars" as Inès Vandamme from Saint-Pol and her young partner Jungeli, aged just 16, impress both judges and viewers alike. The competition, which airs on TF1, has seen its share of eliminations, but Vandamme and Jungeli remain strong contenders as they prepare for their next performance.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, the duo will take to the stage again, showcasing their skills in a paso doble to Pascal Obispo's "Fan," accompanied by the Irish Celtic. This performance comes after a week of intense preparation, where Jungeli had to juggle his dance rehearsals with studying for his bac blanc exams.
Jungeli has quickly become one of the standout stars of the season, despite facing challenges early on. In an interview with Purepeople, he revealed that he sustained injuries at the beginning of the competition, suffering from back pain that required him to wear supports during his first two weeks. "I had a lot of pain in my back. My very first dance, the American Smooth, I had lots of supports to help my back. I really hurt myself because I’m not someone who is sporty," he shared. Nevertheless, he has persevered and made it halfway through the season.
Vandamme, who is not only his dance partner but also a mentor, has played a crucial role in Jungeli's journey. "With her, everything goes super well! I thought she would just be a dance partner, but actually, she’s someone who has really entered my life and helps me with everything. There are moments when we dance, moments when we revise the choreographies, and sometimes, when I need to talk, she is there, I can tell her everything and she advises me," Jungeli explained.
The bond between the two has grown beyond the dance floor. Jungeli appreciates Vandamme's experience, noting, "Because she is someone who is twice my age, it means she has more experience than I do. So often, I need her advice, and really, when I need her, she is there." Their relationship reflects a supportive partnership that has flourished in the competitive environment of the show.
As the competition heats up, Jungeli has also formed connections with other contestants, particularly Lénie, who is currently leading in the rankings. Jungeli and Lénie collaborated on a song called "A tes côtés" during a break from the competition, highlighting the friendships that can blossom even in a high-pressure setting. "We started to connect and thought it would be cool to make a piece together, to really highlight this friendship that was born in DALS," he recounted.
Despite the challenges and fierce competition, Jungeli has maintained a positive outlook. The young artist balances his school life with the demands of the show, attending classes in the morning and rehearsing in the afternoons. He shares that his daily routine is intense, stating, "I have classes from 8 AM to noon, then rehearsals from 1 PM to 4 or 5 PM. Sometimes I ask to stay later because there are things I don’t master and want to improve. Then in the evening, I go to the studio from 8 PM until 11 PM, so I don't lose the thread, and then it's back to the next day."
Jungeli's commitment to his education remains strong, as he recognizes the importance of having a fallback plan. "I’m in 1re STMG. I tell myself that this can be a hit today and not produce anything later. So it’s best to have a plan B… My parents want me to get my bac at all costs. And even I, personally, it helps keep my feet on the ground while I’m living through amazing things," he explained.
As the competition progresses, Jungeli continues to face the pressures of fame, including some jealousy from classmates. However, he feels supported by his peers, stating, "There’s sure to be some jealousy because of my success, but I don’t feel it too much for now. It’s very positive; they are all behind me."
With the finale of season 14 set for Friday, April 25, 2025, the stakes are high for Jungeli and Vandamme. As they prepare for their next performance, the duo remains focused on their goal of winning the competition. "It’s very intense," Jungeli admitted, but he draws motivation from Vandamme's energy and positivity. "Sometimes, I arrive at rehearsals and I’m exhausted, but when I see Inès, who is radiant and gives off energy, I just want to do well."
As fans eagerly await the next episode of "Danse avec les Stars," it’s clear that Jungeli and Inès Vandamme's partnership is one to watch. With their dedication, talent, and growing friendship, they are making their mark in the world of dance and entertainment.
