Simone Thomalla, a familiar face in the German entertainment scene, is set to dance her way back into the spotlight in the 2025 season of the popular show "Let’s Dance." Aged 59, she approaches this year's competition with both excitement and trepidation as she prepares to showcase her talents alongside professional dancers.
The season kicks off on February 21, 2025, and Thomalla is determined to avoid an early exit. "My goal is to not be eliminated in the first round. I’m not entering to win, but to make it as far as I can and to learn more about dancing," she shared with her fans on Instagram. Her daughter, Sophia Thomalla, previously won the show's third season in 2010, fueling a bit of familial rivalry, or so it seems.
Interestingly, despite the fact that Massimo Sinató, a two-time champion on "Let’s Dance" and a seasoned professional dancer, will also be competing this season, Thomalla has made it clear that she does not wish to partner with him. "I know only Massimo personally. But that would be too close with Sophia because she has danced with him. Then comparisons will always be drawn, and I find that a bit boring," she remarked during an interview with "Closer." Her candidness reflects not just her desire to step out of her daughter's shadow but also shows her enthusiasm towards all other dancers in the competition.
As the competition looms closer, she's all set for a thrilling journey filled with highs and lows. Last season was particularly challenging for Thomalla, who faced a difficult setback during her performance. She expressed deep disappointment over a misstep in her Paso Doble, which resulted in an emotional reaction. "I had a little blackout at the beginning. For me, it was horror. I was really sad because it was truly our dance. I cried a lot," she confided in a recent episode.
Evgeny Vinokurov, her dancing partner, provided much-needed comfort during this tumultuous time, encouraging her that mistakes in life are valuable lessons. They both seem to understand that dance, much like life, is about embracing imperfections and emotions. Reflecting on her experiences—both on and off the dance floor—Thomalla made the momentous decision to join the show this season largely because of the challenging events she faced last year. "After not such pleasant experiences last year, I thought: Okay, now is the time to shake up my life a little," she stated.
Thomalla faced two tragic losses in 2024, which shaped her outlook and motivated her to take part in the competition. Grieving the loss of her best friend, who took his own life, profoundly impacted her. "The person has also voluntarily left life," she said with palpable sorrow. Adding to this heartache was the recent passing of an ex-partner, marking a year of immense loss for her. These events have prompted Thomalla to adopt a new perspective on life, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time. "We should make the best of the time we have—with humility, gratitude, and joy," she expressed, revealing her newfound clarity in light of personal tragedies. This has ultimately become her motivation for joining "Let’s Dance."
As she prepares to take her next steps on the dance floor, the journey promises to be more than just about turning heads with her routines; it symbolizes a form of resilience and self-discovery. Thomalla’s participation will undoubtedly garner attention, but the emotional depth she brings adds a layer of humanity to the competition. Viewers are likely to see beyond the glitz and glamour, realizing this season is just as much about dancing as it is about personal growth.
While it remains to be seen how Thomalla performs in the show, her openness regarding her struggles underscores the show’s emotional core. Perhaps more than mere trophies or titles, her journey may inspire others to face their fears and embrace their vulnerabilities, one dance at a time.
As it stands, it's not just a chance for Thomalla to showcase her dance skills but also an opportunity to heal and reconnect with herself and her passions. Whatever the outcome, the life lessons garnered from this intense experience will likely resonate long after the dance floor lights dim. Thomalla touches upon a reality many face—a reminder that we should seize every moment and infuse meaning into our lives amid adversity.
