Giovanni: Rose is an inspiration
GIOVANNI Pernice says his Strictly dance partner Rose Ayling-ellis is an “absolute inspiration”.
The professional dancer told how the deaf actress had “really opened” his eyes on the show.
The 31-year-old Italian also revealed that he intends to continue learning sign language.
He said: “Working with
Rose on Strictly has been just incredible.
“She’s an absolute inspiration to me, but also for so many in the deaf community and beyond. She’s making history as the first deaf person to compete on Strictly.
“What an achievement. What a brave thing to do.
“Of course, it’s about the dancing, but the show is about so much more, and that’s what Rose represents.”
Giovanni added: “Yes, the hearing is a difference but we are not letting it stop us from progressing each week and Rose is determined to keep pushing herself.”
Viewers saw Giovanni demonstrate his beginner’s sign language skills on the BBC programme last weekend.
But he revealed that his accent has been causing some issues.
The Sicilian dancer added:
“Being Italian and having different pronunciation can be tricky, but we have a laugh.
Rose’s interpreter has been
LEARNING TOO Dancer Giovanni amazing too and between us we make a great team. This process and partnership has really opened my eyes into Rose’s world and the deaf community.”
On learning sign language, Giovanni said: “It’s early days, but it’s important for me to put in that effort for Rose – the same way she is putting in effort for me.
“Learning the sign for ‘again, again’ as she practises the steps over and over has been very useful... and pretty funny.”
Rose told the Mirror that Giovanni is “an amazing teacher”.
She said: “It’s a credit to him and his professionalism, watching him adapt his teaching style to teach me.” The 26-year-old added: “It’s been great that Gio has embraced learning sign language and I’ve loved teaching him. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
Rose has previously told how she was “proud to be smashing the stigma around deaf people”. She added that she hoped viewers realised “it’s a normal thing” for deaf people to enjoy music.
Speaking last week, Rose said: ”What I really want to happen while I’m in this show is the conversation around deaf people with music will move on.”
Giovanni agreed and said it is an “honour to be Rose’s partner” as she breaks down barriers.
He added: “She’s a great role model, a hard worker and a true professional. She’s a real fighter in life and this is what
creates magic.”