Strictly professionals share their weird backstage rituals
From downing fizzy pop to wearing lucky socks.
Behind the sequin sparkles of Strictly Come Dancing lies a blood, sweat and tears reality, so how does its squad of professional choreographers like to assert calm before the live weekend shows?
Ahead of the 2024 competition, which officially kicks off next weekend on BBC One, each of the 18 superstars were asked about any weird habits they'd formed over the years.
Carlos Gu will undergo between five and 10 minutes' worth of meditation, while Amy Dowden "literally can't keep still - I'm like a bottle of pop waiting to burst with nerves and energy"; Kai Widdrington always shakes his hands and blows through the gaps in his fingers, and Michelle Tsiakkas soothes herself with some classical music.
However, neither Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nadiya Bychkova, nor Nancy Xu indulge in any superstitions before the Strictly curtain opens, with the latter explaining: "For me, what’s important is being with my dance partner – eye to eye, hand in hand, breathing in and out. No panic. No rush. I want to make sure we're in the same bubble, and I think that’s really important."
These lot, on the other hand...
Aljaž Škorjanec
"I probably talk to my family more on a Saturday than at any other time, just to feel as calm as possible and take my mind somewhere else, like back home. Even if it's just on Zoom, it helps me feel a bit more level-headed about everything.
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"I've noticed that I always give my best performance when I'm tired. So if I'm yawning before a show, I know it's going to be a good night. It used to drive my celebrity partners nuts – they'd ask, 'How can you be tired and then pull off a great performance?' I don't know, but I've learned that being in a calm, almost sleepy state helps me stay zen, and it keeps them calm too."
Dianne Buswell
"I have a couple of little rings that my dad bought me. There's a certain ring that I have on my finger that I'll just touch and it makes me feel like I have good luck. Before I dance, I'll look down at that ring and I know everything's going to be okay because I have my rings."
Gorka Márquez
"I always do the same thing that I do in week one. It's different every year, but whatever I do on the first show I will repeat for the rest of the series. So if before week one I have a coffee and a biscuit I will have a coffee and a biscuit before every show.
"If it goes well, I will not change it. I like to keep the same routine every time."
Johannes Radebe
"Whatever happens, I need to disappear. I hide with a can of fizzy pop, I need that sugar. Just before I go on stage, I always take a minute to ground myself and remind myself why I'm doing this. It's important to take that time off, even if it's just to take my partners with me and get in the zone."
Jowita Przystal
"I think I'm just trying to breathe. And always, before I go on stage, I need to play my favourite song. It depends because sometimes it's a different song; it's never the same song. With each of my partners, I had one song, and if I go alone or do group dances with professionals, I have my own song. I always play it.
"Also, I'm sorry to say this, but I always feel like I need to use the bathroom just before getting on stage! It's horrible because our costumes are sewn in, so it's a challenge to go to the bathroom. It's not like a two-minute job. If you wear tights, it's really difficult, but I manage to sort that out."
Karen Hauer
"I like to hide. I need time because there's so much going on - you're doing makeup, hair, practicing with your celebrity, dealing with costumes. There's a moment where I just need like 10 minutes for myself. I usually just find a corner in the girls' room - there's always a little corner with a sofa, which is always my corner.
"We all pick our little corners, and I put my music on, or I watch something, and I just keep to myself for a bit."
Katya Jones
"I just literally breathe. I imagine that I grow roots into the ground and it grounds me. All I really worry about is my partner, that's where most of my attention goes to make sure they're okay. I love that moment when you hold hands and walk in and have a warm reception from the audience. I think that's really wonderful and it boosts their confidence as well."
Luba Mushtuk
"I always go into my zone. I listen to specific music that I always listen to before any show. I have a very random collection there is some Marc Anthony in there, some songs from my childhood, Russian songs. I also speak to someone who was very, very close to me but passed away.
"Before I do any show I speak to him and tell him I'm doing it for him."
Nikita Kuzmin
"I'm probably the most superstitious out of everyone. I make sure to claim double drains throughout the week and will go out of my way, even in big circles, to collect points by walking over two drains while avoiding three drains at all costs. I go everywhere to collect drain points.
"I also stick to the same jewellery and wear particular socks because I need to be lucky. My 10 minutes of meditation are a must, without them, I won't feel lucky on the night. I also have to do nine jumps – three small, three big, then three small again. And right before a dance, when I'm already on the ballroom floor, I have to say, 'Let's go.'"
Vito Coppola
"I usually touch my shoulders in a cross pattern, which is my way of expressing gratitude. The first shoulder represents my appreciation for life, my experiences, and what's coming next. The second shoulder is for my family, as I always want to feel their presence with me.
"Another thing, which might sound a bit odd but I'm not ashamed of, is that before the show I like to eat very simply, like just white rice and chicken."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
