The 18th season of 'Let's Dance' kicked off on February 21, 2025, igniting sparks of excitement as celebrities take to the dance floor each week. Among the contestants is 21-year-old San Diego Pooth, who has been navigating the ups and downs of the competition alongside his partner, 37-year-old Ekaterina Leonova. As the weeks roll on, Pooth's journey has taken center stage, garnering both praise and critique from judges and fans alike.
As more people tune in, San Diego’s evolving experience has sparked a conversation about growth and performance challenges. By March 24, in a moment of candidness, Pooth shared his struggles with the training process. “Sunday is always a bit problematic, Monday too. Tuesday is actually also a challenge. Basically, it's always problematic,” he candidly reflected in an Instagram story shared by Leonova. Despite his concerns, he continues to receive encouragement from his dance partner, who reassured him: “But on Tuesdays, we always see the light at the end of the tunnel,” indicating her belief in his potential progress.
The dynamic between these two stars has made for intriguing content, particularly as Leonova has been openly critical about their training sessions. Just a day into their latest round of dance practice, she undeniably labeled their first training day as a “katastrophe,” signaling that the week ahead would require intense effort and dedication. “It's going to be a tough week; it already started hard,” she communicated, setting the tone for an intense training environment.
As frustration mounted, Leonova remained focused on improvement and shared a more optimistic outlook as the days progressed. Day three of their training brought her to declare, “There is light at the end of the tunnel,” suggesting a glimmer of hope for their performance together on the show. Encouragingly, they worked on dancing to music, which they felt “almost worked” during their efforts.
This development culminated in their highly anticipated performance during the fourth Liveshow, themed “Summer Vibes,” which featured a lively Quickstep routine set to the tune of “Coco Jambo.” The judges were impressed; Motsi Mabuse even noted, “For me personally, that was your best dance.” With a total of 23 points garnered, the joy of their successful performance somewhat masked the earlier training struggles they had faced.
However, it was their post-performance interview that became the highlight of the evening, showcasing the playful yet awkward exchanges between Diego and Ekaterina. When asked by host Victoria Swarovski, “If Ekaterina was a cocktail, what would be in it?”, Diego humorously responded with inquiries about a “Bloody Mary,” prompting laughter from the audience and confusion from Leonova. “Wodka, Wodka, Wodka probably,” she quipped, adding to the banter of the moment.
The lighthearted moment took a twist when Diego, while looking at Ekaterina, mentioned wanting to go to Thailand with his girlfriend after the show ended. His comment, arguably ill-timed, drew a surprised reaction from Leonova, who replied, “Why are you asking me?” Before the playful tension escalated, she added, “Maybe we’ll fly together. So his girlfriend, me and my boyfriend.” The exchange left the audience entertained and punctuated Diego's personality throughout the competition.
This episode encapsulates the enchanting blend of hard work, humor, and heartfelt moments that define 'Let's Dance.' As viewers continue to root for their favorites, Diego and Ekaterina's rollercoaster of experiences resonates with many, showcasing their resilience despite the pressures of live performances and competitive stakes. Enhancing the storyline are fans who have come to regard Diego as somewhat of “the son of the nation,” supporting him through each performance.
As the season continues, the evolving relationship dynamics between participants and their professional dancers remain thrilling and captivating to witness. With Ekaterina’s perceptive coaching style and Diego's continuing determination, the audience remains eager to see how their journey unfolds in the weeks to come.
