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Interview with Giselle Peacock

published

8 November 2017

Giselle Peacock is a former United States Dance Champion and Dancing with the Stars pro. In this interview, she discusses her love of Latin dance, career highlights and what students can expect from her Latin short course starting Sun 12 Nov.

1. How and when did you start dancing?

I started Latin dancing when I was about 10 and started competing worldwide when I was 14 years old. My parents started ballroom lessons and I saw another girl my age there who was wearing high heel shoes. So I knew that if I started lessons my parents would buy me the high heels. It didn’t really have anything to do with dancing at all

2. What's your favourite style of Latin dance?

I like all the Latin dance styles, but if I had to choose one it would be Samba. I like that it is the fastest and most energetic of the Latin dances.

3. What are some of the highlights from your professional dancing career?

I have many highlights from my career. My top three would be winning the United States Championships, dancing with John Paul Young on Dancing with the Stars, and performing on Broadway with Burn the Floor. We did a performance in Time Square once and I remember looking out at all the thousands of people cheering and it was magical. It felt like being on stage during New Years Eve in Times Square. Not many people in the world can say they did that.

4. What will students learn in your Latin short course? Do they need a partner?

Students will learn the basic fundamentals of dances such as Salsa, Cha Cha, Samba and Bachata. I will go over the different timing and rhythms in each dance along with body movement and some fancy footwork. I will end each class with a mini routine that could be used out on the town at your favourite Latin club . No partner work so you do not need a partner.