On February 7, 2025, Lénie Vacher made her highly anticipated debut on the popular French dance competition, Danse avec les Stars. The former Star Academy contestant, who gained recognition last year, brought heartfelt emotion to the dance floor through her first performance.
Partnering with professional dancer Jordan Mouillerac, Lénie delivered a contemporary piece set to À fleur de toi, the poignant song by Vitaa. This song held deep personal significance for Lénie, who had previously performed it during Star Academy. "It makes me think a lot about my father because it’s an impossible love, honestly. He cut off all ties with me and it hurts," Lénie revealed to her partner during rehearsals. This emotional backdrop transformed her performance from mere choreography to deeply felt expression.
The season 14 premiere showcased not only Lénie's impressive technical skills but also her emotional depth as she confronted her complicated relationship with her father during the performance. The judges noted the technical prowess but pointed out the need for more emotional engagement. "The choreography is there, but for interpretation, there’s clearly nothing yet. I want it to come out," Jordan remarked, emphasizing the challenge Lénie faced.
Despite initial critiques about her emotional interpretation, Lénie took the stage with intense focus. Her performance captivated the judges, leaving them largely speechless. Mel Charlot praised her, stating, "You’re truly an artist. It took courage to share something so real and emotional about your father. It's hard to rate something so beautiful; it’s an 8 tonight!" With similar sentiments, Chris Marques appreciated her technique but questioned her potential to fully express her emotions on stage.
Jean-Marc Généreux echoed those praises, saying, "You danced with great maturity. You revealed yourself. Your story is one many can relate to, and we’re proud of you!" By the end of the evening, Lénie had earned a total of 33 points, which reflected not only her technical abilities but her genuine vulnerability.
During her reflections after the performance, Lénie emotionally recounted, "It’s part of my greatest dreams—beyond music, more than anything—just to have my father acknowledge me. I feel like it may never happen. I have to silence the child within me who holds onto hope because it hurts too much to expect. This is very complicated for me.
Lénie's powerful narrative did not go unnoticed by viewers, some commending her heartfelt performance on social media. The emotional weight of her story, intertwined with her art, struck chords not only with the audience but also with her fellow former contestants from Star Academy, who came to support her. Friends including Malika, Lucie, Axel, and Candice cheered her on from the audience, celebrating her accomplishments and providing encouragement as she faced this new challenge.
Given the high expectations brought by her past performance and the vulnerability displayed, Lénie's initial round on Danse avec les Stars set the tone for the exciting season to come. Much anticipation surrounds her growth as she navigates the competition, battling not only the dance floor but also the personal history she revealed to millions of viewers.
The upcoming episodes are poised to showcase her evolution as both a dancer and individual, and fans are eager to see how Lénie's story will continue to impact her artistry. Her emotionality connected to the performance propels interest around her time on the show, ensuring viewers will be tuning in week after week to support her on this transformative path.