René Casselly, the circus artist, has once again dazzled fans as he was crowned the winner of the 2024 Christmas edition of "Let's Dance - Die große Weihnachtsshow" on December 20. Partnering with Kathrin Menzinger, the duo captivated audiences and judges alike with their spectacular performances, claiming the title of "Christmas Dancing Star 2024" and earning €10,000 for charity.
This year's festive special featured six popular couples from previous seasons, each vying for the coveted title. Casselly, known for his exceptional talent, showcased impressive dance routines, including Jive and Contemporary styles, during the high-energy competition.
Casselly and Menzinger performed what critics described as a "Irrsinnsshow" (insane show), which combined exhilarating choreography with elements of fire and acrobatics. Their Contemporary dance to "Carol of The Bells" left the audience enthralled. Judge Motsi Mabuse couldn't contain her excitement, stating, "I want to see you both never leave 'Let's Dance' again!" This sentiment echoed throughout the studio, highlighting the significant impact of their performance.
Joining Casselly and Menzinger were other fan-favorite competitors, including Gabriel Kelly, Evelyn Burdecki, Amira Aly, Tony Bauer, and Julia Beautx, each exhibiting their dance prowess. While the show had been pre-recorded, it engaged viewers with exciting performances and enthusiastic voting.
The jury, comprising of Mabuse, Joachim Llambi, and Jorge González, delivered praises and feedback, showcasing how the participants excelled. Llambi particularly remarked on Casselly and Menzinger's dance, labeling it as the "Vanillekipferl on the Christmas cake," capturing the essence of their artistic delivery.
Meanwhile, audiences reacted passionately to the performances. On social media, Casselly and Menzinger received accolades such as, "Völlig verdient! Für mich seid ihr das krasseste Tanzpaar jemals!" (Absolutely deserved! You are the best dance couple ever!) While many celebrated their acrobatics, not all viewers were impressed. Some viewers expressed their concerns, with comments like, "Wenn ich Akrobatik sehen will, gehe ich in den Zirkus." (If I want to see acrobatics, I’ll go to the circus.)
Despite the polarized reactions, the celebrations for Casselly and Menzinger remained high. Their social media posts overflowed with congratulations, demonstrating the gratitude and support from fans across platforms. Casselly's remarkable achievements didn’t end at this dance success; he also secured victory at "Ninja Warrior Germany" this year, earning him the title of "Last Man Standing."
The competition and its festive ambiance attracted not only the viewers but also created bonds between celebrities and their fans, engaging the audience long after the show concluded. With Casselly’s repeated triumph, he not only demonstrated his skill but also transported the viewers to realms of creativity.
Although there were mixed feelings on the styles presented, the judges, especially Mabuse, urged the public to maintain respectful dialogues, stating, "Lasst uns diskutieren, nicht herabsetzen." (Let's discuss, not belittle.) This call for thoughtful discourse exemplifies the spirit of competition and creativity.
The 2024 Christmas edition of "Let's Dance" was infused with emotion, athleticism, and shimmering talent. With René Casselly achieving the honor of Christmas Dancing Star for the second time, the event not only uplifted spirits during the festive season but also set the stage for future installments of this beloved dance show.
