Zimba gets in shape for her latest whirl

DENISE Zimba will have to tone down her wacky personality when she puts on her ballet slippers in Germany.

The former V-Entertainment presenter — who once ended a show by walking into a fountain in a designer dress and heels — is going to hone her ballet skills at the Ballettschule Benedict-Manniegel in Munich, Germany.

“I just want to do something different. I love ballet for its discipline,” said 27-year-old Zimba, who played Mary in the soapie Generations in 2014. “I know the basics of ballet, including its poses and language.”

Born and bred in North West, Zimba first caught the eye on TV in 2013 as part of all-female band Fly Chix. The group enjoyed a spin-off into a reality show with singers and dancers including Joy, Zeena and Takkies.

That year she was picked to present celebrity news show V-Entertainment, followed by her role in Generations.

Zimba, known for her imitations of celebrities, had the country talking in October when she starred in the two-part TV documentary Looking for the Loerie with Denise, which chronicled her hilarious journey to the 36th Annual Loerie Awards in Cape Town.

This week she featured on CliffCentral. Speaking about her sudden departure from V-Entertainment last month, she said: “I was bringing in ratings for that company. But when they overlook you‚ at some point you need to acknowledge your worth. Be honest with yourself and, as disappointing as it is, do what you need to.” She liked acting in Generations, though, saying she would love to return. She released her first single, Lunatic, on iTunes two weeks ago and has been getting into shape for a three-year course at the German ballet school. She feels ballet will help her grow. “While in Munich, I will also be working on more music. That’s why I chose the course I did — it allows me to go back and forth between Germany and South Africa,” she said.