DIVA CHAT! DWTS Keo Monstepe Takes Us For A Spin!
By Angela Yvonne | November 3, 2014 | Entertainment
TV contributor Angela Yvonne does a side step with Dancing with the Stars’ hottest new professional!
Keo Monstepe danced his way into our lives during the premiere of the 19th season of Dancing with the Stars. Paired with Olympic hurdler LoLo Jones, his fate was sealed early, as the couple were the first to be voted off the season. Of course, I couldnΓÇÖt get him out of my mind.
There is something about Keo: his movement, his smile and the way he lives to dance, that left an impression on me about wanting to know more about this South African wonder. I spoke with the phenomenal Keo about his dancing crush and his favorite dance — and little bit more in between!
LetΓÇÖs start from the beginning: little Keo at age 11. Why dancing and not soccer, football or basketball?
I fell in love with the discipline of dancing and how it made me more respectful of women. I enjoy that because of the influence I saw from my dad. It is a great way to learn the respectfulness of people, but really specific to women. The discipline and the love! (laughs)
And now you’re on Dancing with the Stars! Why did you want to be a pro on the show?
I have been a fan of Dancing with the Stars for as long as I can remember, so to be asked to do it was an honor. I have seen the different versions in London and in South Africa. Teaching has always been a dream of mine. I have a dance studio in South Africa, so I love it.
What is your favorite form of dance to perform and which one would you do for the rest of your life if you had to do just one?
I would say the Rhumba; it is the most romantic dance. It makes you connect, and it requires emotions. ItΓÇÖs very intense.
What has been your most memorable dance experience?
Being in Burn the Floor, which is a stage show thatΓÇÖs traveled the world. I was the opening act. It was the last dance and I was dancing with the lead dancer. We did a number called “The Time Will Be” and we got a standing ovation in Japan. It was huge because itΓÇÖs rare to have a standing ovation in dance during a show. You are used to applause during the beginning and at the end of the show, not the intermission.
And what about on DWTS?
My most memorable Dancing with the StarsΓÇÖ momen was dancing with Karina Smirnoff. She is a world champion in Latin dance and I have looked up to her. We performed to Sam SmithΓÇÖs rendition of ΓÇ£How Will I KnowΓÇ¥ and I got goose bumps. It was amazing to dance with her.
Some of my favorite iconic dancers are Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Who inspired you to dance?
Michael Jackson was the one. He has this thing that made me fall in love with dancing.
I saw you love watching TV now you have moved to LA. What are you favorite shows?
Homeland, Revenge, Criminal Minds, Breaking Bad and CSI Miami. I now have a schedule for Monday and Wednesday TV!
Whose music do you listen to that sets you free?
I love music from my homeland, and I love Michael Bublé. Funny story, I always wanted to see him in concert. I can travel and someone will say Michael Bublé will be here and it seems I always miss him by a day, either he is coming and I am going or vice versa!
You’re playing groupie status with Michael Bublé!
Oh no! I would just be like, ΓÇ£what up, Mike,ΓÇ¥ and then turn away screaming!
Catch Keo and the rest of the Dancing with the Stars crew on Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
photo credit: ABC
