The popular dance show 'Let's Dance' is currently captivating audiences as it airs its 18th season. However, one of its contestants, professional dancer Patricija Ionel, is facing mounting criticism regarding her coaching of Para-swimmer Taliso Engel, whose recent performances have fallen short of expectations.
Since its premiere on February 21, 2025, 'Let's Dance' reintroduces fan favorites and new talents alike, with each episode airing on Fridays at 20:15 on RTL. Amidst the competitive atmosphere, Ionel, who made her debut in the show in 2021, is currently dancing with Engel. This pairing, however, has turned tumultuous as viewers speculate that her coaching style may be hindering his potential.
Engel, who is only 22 years old, has struggled to make significant headway on the dance floor, and many fans now believe Ionel is at least partly to blame. After a recent performance, one user pointedly remarked, "Patricija ist keine gute Lehrerin. Sie ist mit seinem Handicap mit Sicherheit überfordert," suggesting that Ionel might be overwhelmed by Engel's unique needs as a visually impaired performer.
Ionel's approach to coaching has been brought under scrutiny, particularly after the pair struggled during their performances. "Ich vergesse ab und zu, dass du nicht sehen kannst," Ionel revealed to Engel, indicating that she must often think creatively about how to communicate techniques suitable for a dancer with Engel’s challenges. Many viewers are not convinced, stating that her methods are inadequate. "Sorry, aber Taliso hatte nicht wenig Potenzial. Er hat mit Patricija nicht die Lehrerin, die er bräuchte," lamented another social media user highlighting their concerns.
As the competition progresses, the stakes are high, and while Ionel has had some success in previous seasons, with her best result being a third-place finish alongside Olympian Philipp Boy, current sensations could lead her down a different path. Engel’s wavering performances have placed them in the spotlight, and they could potentially follow other eliminated contestants like Leyla, Roland, and Osan.
On the personal side, Engel's heart lies with his long-time girlfriend, Kim Mößner. The pair, who have been together since childhood, share a deep bond. Mößner, a passionate triathlete, has been a constant source of support for Engel, celebrating his successes during events like the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Engel has praised her unwavering role in his life, emphasizing how she comprehensively supports him not only as a partner but also as a fellow athlete.
"Sie ist eine super Unterstützung an meiner Seite, versucht mir so gut es geht, bei allen möglichen Sachen zu helfen," Engel expressed regarding Mößner in a previous interview with RTL. The couple's synergy extends beyond their personal lives, revealing a dynamic that exemplifies teamwork. Engel appreciates her help balancing competitive and personal responsibilities, noting, "Wir sind einfach ein tolles Team."
As 'Let's Dance' continues to unfold, the spotlight on Ionel and Engel's pairing demonstrates how challenging it can be to blend personal relationships with professional demands. Viewers are poised to see whether Ionel can adapt her teaching strategies to better support Engel and, ultimately, keep their place in the competition.
Despite the challenges faced by the duo, there's speculation that Ionel’s tenure on 'Let's Dance' may not come to an end after this season. However, should they not improve in upcoming weeks, it could mark a tough goodbye for the partnered contestants who have connected with the audience on various emotional levels.
