Hot talent step up for SA dance show

M-NET is pulling out all the stops for its new Sunday night Dancing WithThe Stars SA.

Having secured the participation of a variety of celebrities, it has added an international judge. Internationally acclaimed choreographer and creative director Jason Gilkison will bring his expertise to the opening season.

Apart from sharing his opinion about the competing couples’ interpretation of different dancing styles, he will function as creative director, overseeing the couples and group choreography and its creative execution.

Gilkison has appeared as a judge and choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance, both in Australia and the US, and has choreographed over 80 routines for the franchise.

He was also creative director of choreography on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing and contributed to Dancing with the Stars in the US.

Among contestants signed up for the SA show are TV presenter Thembisa Mdoda, actor Frank Opperman, young actress Juanita du Plessis, former Miss SA and radio presenter Liesl Laurie, athlete Wayde van Niekerk’s super-fit mom Odessa Swarts, film and TV starlet Zola Nombona, music star Connell Cruise, Bafana Bafana legend Delron Buckley, ex-Springbok rugby player Thando Manana and netball player Vanes-Mari du Toit. – Staff Reporter

● Dancing With The Stars SA will premiere on M-Net channel 101 on Sunday, February 4, at 5pm. The series is produced by multi-award winning Rapid Blue. – Staff Reporter

Former Miss SA Liesl Laurie.

Actor Frank Opperman.