‘Dancing with the Stars’ Live comes to Mayo PAC
The millions of people who regularly tune in to “Dancing with the Stars” on TV may be forgiven for feeling that the professionals on the show are beings come down from a higher plane of existence.
In their grace and seemingly indefatigable energy, these dancers make their (sometimes lead-footed) celebrity partners look good and make themselves look extraordinary.
But Keo Motsepe, for one, insists that he and his fellow dancers are no different than anyone else.
“We’re normal people,” says Motsepe, a South Africa native who joined the program in its 19th season in 2014. “We go to restaurants. We go to stores.”
But Motsepe admits that, on the dance floor, he and the others feel truly at home. “I’m a creative person,” he says. “When there are so many people around you being creative, you work hard and do your best.”
Motsepe will have the chance to show what he can do before a live audience. He is one of 10 professionals participating in “Dancing with the Stars” Live. The Perfect Ten Tour will stop at the Mayo Performance Arts Center on June 16 and 17.
The event will be hosted by hosted by Melissa Rycroft, who won the 15th season (dubbed “Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars”) of the program. VIP tickets for the program include a meet-and-greet session with dancers.
Many of the routines feature the professionals (who also include Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Witney Carson, and Sasha Farber) pairing up for recreations of some of “DWTS” routines. Other segments of the program offer original choreographed works.
The absence of the “Stars” (Alfonso Ribeiro, Rumer Willis, and the like) may seem a drawback. But Motsepe believes that audiences are attracted more to the skill of the dancers more than to any name recognition.
“The audience likes to see what the professionals can do,” he says. “We’re in tune with each other in a special way.”
For his part, Motsepe enjoys the live aspect of the performance. “It takes me back to what I do best,” he says. “I got into this as a competition.”
Motsepe started dancing when he was only five years ago at the suggestion of a friend. Initially, it was only a hobby. “When I was 12 years old, I knew this would be my life,” he says, though he adds that his father wanted him to play soccer.
From 2004 to 2014, Motsepe and his dance partner were named champions in South African’s Latin American Dance Competition. He also represented his country in international tournaments until he joined “DWTS.”
Even though he has only been on the show a year, Motsepe says he has learned a lot, about himself and about dance. “You work hard at rehearsals,” he says. “People don’t realize how hard you have to work.”
“I’ve learned that I can be patient and respectful,” Motsepe adds. “I admire the discipline that the best dancers have.”
He also respects all-around entertainers who are able to sing and dance. “You take Michael Jackson,” Motsepe says. “When you looked at him, so many people could incorporate some of the things he did. But the way he could do everything was unique.”
Motsepe has his own theory about the enduring popularity of “Dancing with the Stars,” both as a TV series and as a live event.
“It’s not just one person dancing. It’s two people – a man and a woman – dancing together, creating chemistry,” he says. “In life, everyone wants a partner. This is something they relate to. Besides the showmanship, they enjoy the chemistry.”
DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE
WHAT: Professional dancers from the popular TV series pair up for a series of routines that recreate memorable moments from the show, as well as original pieces. The evening is hosted by Melissa Rycroft, who won the 15th season (“All-Stars”) of “DWTS.”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17
WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown
TICKETS: $59 to $119 (VIP packages, starting at $249, include premium tickets, meet-and-greet with performers. and exclusive merchandise.)