Germany's beloved dance competition, "Let’s Dance," is set to waltz back onto screens with its highly anticipated 18th season, premiering on February 21, 2025. This season promises to be filled with charisma, fiery dances, and captivating personalities, as the contestants gear up to impress judges and audiences alike from the very first episode.
The show will kick off with the traditional Kennenlernshow, where the celebrity contestants are introduced alongside their professional dance partners. This first episode serves not only as a means of introduction but also as a pivotal moment to gauge the chemistry between the pairs, with each couple performing group dances. Judging the performances will be the seasoned trio of Jorge González, Motsi Mabuse, and Joachim Llambi, who have become the familiar faces of the competition.
To start the season with flair, the first episode will showcase group dances among the 14 celebrity participants. The pairings for the group performances this year consist of notable personalities such as Marc Eggers, Fabian Hambüchen, Leyla Lahouar, and Simone Thomalla, who will collaborate with talented professional dancers. For example, Thomalla will dance the Cha-Cha-Cha with partner Sergiu Maruster, demonstrating her commitment to bring her A-game to the show.
It's exciting to note the diversity of dances planned for this season's opener, ranging from Jive to tango tunes. Thomalla expressed her aspirations, stating, "I think it will be fun and exciting to get moving on stage again; it's not just about winning but enjoying the process of learning to dance.” Her enthusiasm reflects the broader spirit of "Let’s Dance," emphasizing the importance of enjoyment over mere competition.
Simone Thomalla, who has been performing for years, is particularly notable this season as she finally makes her debut participation after years of hesitation. Reflecting on her past reluctance, she shared, "For ten years, I turned down participation out of respect and fear, but I decided it was time to push myself out of my comfort zone this year, especially after not having the best year last time." She humorously noted, “No more hesitation, it’s time to dance!”
Adding to her notable appearance, Thomalla had some clear indications about her preferred dance partner. She expressed her affection for professional dancer Massimo Sinató, famously noted for his skills and two-time victory on the show. Thomalla, highlighting her personal friendships, noted, "So much as I like Massimo, I’d prefer not to partner with him. My daughter Sophia danced with him, and I think too many comparisons would be drawn, which could get tedious. I’d like to do my own thing." It's clear she values creating her unique experience on the show.
With feelings of excitement and nervousness swirling, Thomalla’s honesty about her aspirations reveals much about the nature of the competition. Amidst serious training regimens, she and her fellow contestants know the stakes are high; no one wants to be the first to depart the show. “My goal is to stay on for as long as possible; I really want to learn and grow through this experience,” Thomalla mentioned.
Judges will be giving points, but viewers also play a role by voting, adding another layer of unpredictability to the game.Despite the competitive environment, the experience promises personal growth, connection, and celebration of dance. Malika Dzumaev, another seasoned professional dancer returning this season, has formed part of the foundation of the "Let’s Dance" legacy, having won the last season alongside her celebrity partner Gabriel Kelly.
Dzumaev expressed the challenges faced by dance professionals during the show. “We really don’t know who we’ll be paired with until the first show, making it challenging to prepare,” she said. Her partner Zsolt Sandor Cseke echoed this sentiment, indicating it’s challenging to mentally prep without knowing what skills they encompass.
This uncertainty brings both thrill and anxiety, as they will have merely five days to prepare newly choreographed dances for each performance, adding immense pressure to their artistry. “It is exhausting but so rewarding to hear the audience enjoy what we’ve worked on,” Dzumaev stated.
It's the supportive community forged among dancers and contestants, as they thrive on the rush of applause and the satisfaction of entertaining millions of viewers each week. Each contestant strives to achieve their personal best, fully aware of the challenges the dance floor presents.
With "Let’s Dance" set to start this February, audiences eagerly await to see how Thomalla and her fellow contestants navigate through their performances, personal growth, and behind-the-scenes challenges. The dance floor awaits their passion and dedication, fuelling the anticipation leading up to the premiere. Fans can come together, engage, and showcase their support for their favorite stars as they cut the rug.
Expect competition, unexpected choreography, and perhaps even some surprise partnerships, as contestants and professionals alike reveal their skills and personalities week by week. Whether you want to see who might stumble, support your favorite dancer, or just enjoy the music and spectacle, “Let’s Dance” offers something for everyone this season!