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Q and A with Tristan - August 15, 2015

8/16/2015

17 Comments

 
Picture
Photo Courtesy of Janette Manrara Twitter
First, how is it being back in London?

It’s great.  I love London.  The weather is what I thought it was gonna be but that’s fine when you are stuck in rehearsals for so long each day.  We have been lucky that our days off we have had a little sunshine so no complaints. Football season just started back as well so it’s great to not have to get up so early to watch it like in LA. 

How did the first couple of weeks of rehearsals go?

Rehearsals are tough.  We got straight into it HARD when we came back but it’s been great fun.  I missed the first two weeks last year and this year we have an extra week of rehearsals as well so it’s been great and equally as tough.  We generally do 10-5 each day and that will depend on how many numbers we need to learn and then record for the production team.  Each week the show is on then we will refresh at the start of the week and the day before we record.

We’ve heard that this year the pros will have different partners most weeks instead of dancing with the same pro throughout the series.  Have you already rehearsed with several different partners?

Yeah, last year we started with someone more than others and then as the competition went on we switched up more.  I think myself and Trent switched partners more last season as himself and Kristina stayed in the comp longer so myself and Aliona danced more together and I thought it would stay that way this year but they have switched it up a bit more this year.  So far I think I’ve danced with almost all the girls at least for a few bars in certain numbers which is great.  I don't think I’ve danced with Natalie yet but I’m sure at some stage I will do.  They tend to use the same people for the ballroom sections.

You left dance for a while many years ago but then you got back into it.  What ultimately made you decide that you wanted to dance again?

I go through phases in dance when I like it and I don't to be honest.  Sometimes it’s the people and sometimes it’s just that I lose interest in what importance is put on certain things.  I left the first time because granted I was at an age where I just wanted to do the same as everyone else and have fun but I just had no interest in wearing makeup and sparkles.  I felt uncomfortable and looking back now at pictures of me as Oompa Loompa in spandex looking outfits is a jokeshop.  I always liked the dancing and training but I didn't like the competing.  I went back because I wanted to do shows and I missed working with a team.  Stage shows seemed the way to go so I did that and then I found a show that was Ballroom and Latin but it seemed to be cooler and everyone doing it was quite different which is always the main thing.  I hate doing stuff that alienates people.  Whether I’m right or wrong I believed that’s what dancing at the time was doing. The good dancers only talked to the good dancers and dancing was all everyone talked about and if you didn't take lessons with such and such you weren't gonna get anywhere.  It was all bull to me! I have been very lucky since I’ve come back to it with what I have been able to achieve. 

You said that due to scheduling and travel issues, you couldn't compete in the Dublin triathlon, but are you still training or planning to train for future triathlons?

Yeah, I’m really disappointed to have missed this triathlon.  Unfortunately with the heavy schedule of the first week my body was shattered anyway but for those races you need to be in the country and set up for the registration and all the safety and orientation meetings which is something I couldn't have made it back for.  In hindsight physically it would have been too demanding for me to do right as it was an important time in rehearsals but I absolutely love it so I will for sure do more in the future.  I still train now but it’s tougher because of the rehearsals.  I still cycle and run when I can.  Swimming is tougher to fit in but I have found a pool close to where I stay in London so I mainly do that on the days off.

You have performed with lots of recording artists during your career as a professional dancer, but is there one in particular that you would like to perform with?

Not really.  Performing with the guest artists is cool I suppose but not too many of them stick around and hang out or anything so it’s much of a muchness for me! I like doing the numbers and when The Script came to DWTS they asked me to hang out after which was pretty cool but generally you shake their hand at the start, say hello, and then they are gone! I’d love Bowie to come in just to meet him but if that would happen I’d just wanna sit and listen to him - no dancing.

You do a lot of different stage shows and every audience reacts differently.  Have you ever done a show that fell completely flat?

Oh, yeah, for sure hahaha!  It’s horrible but that’s just the way it is.  Sometimes it’s because the audience doesn’t get what you are trying to do and then other times it’s just not good – haha.  I can't remember particular things but you will always have numbers when people don't feel like clapping at the end or you do something you think is impressive but they don't agree - haha.  I think when it’s the tv show the audience in studio are all gonna clap regardless and then if they like it or more importantly they like you then they will clap and scream whether it was good or bad so we are saved a little there.  Sometimes at shows even if people loved it they are quiet or subdued so you have to expect that.   It’s harder when you are on the mic and you make a joke and they are having none of it – hahahaha.  I’ve had that a few times.

What is the most unusual question you have been asked (or perhaps someone has asked one of the other pros) during a live show such as BWAT?

You always get some who ask about our wages and they won't give up until they get an answer.  It’s really weird.  Or they ask some pros why they 'broke up' with someone in front of their girlfriend or new partner.  Just strange stuff, you know.  I actually don't mind when people ask me that stuff but the problem is I try make them feel as uncomfortable as I do in those situations and sometimes that doesn’t go down well – haha.  Sometimes people just wanna point out stuff about you so you don't get ahead of yourself, you know.  Some people have a very biased and also a very skewed perception of people on tv and so maybe it’s justified in most cases. 

Finally, you worked with Gleb previously on DWTS but had you ever worked with (or met) the new pros Otlile and Giovanni before?

Yeah, I worked with Gleb before.  He is great and I hadn't met or worked with Gio or Oti before but they are really nice and have fitted in really well.  Everyone gets on great here and I really like all the new pros.  I’m sure once you see them on the show you will too.  Gio couldn't be any more Italian and he is very funny.  I like that guy and Oti is hilarious.  I had never met her but I heard about her through Keo and she is very much straight in the conversation with people - very confident and a great dancer so I think people will love them and I look forward to seeing them all on the show.

Picture
Photo Courtesy of Janette Manrara Twitter
17 Comments
ChaCha
8/15/2015 02:25:43 pm

Best line ever - - "Oompa Loompa in Spandex". Still laughing about that.

Reply
Abby
8/15/2015 02:41:08 pm

Nice interview. Thanks!

Reply
Gary Sprague
8/15/2015 06:36:35 pm

Liked the honesty in this interview. Can respect his point of views. Also nice to know you obviously not a snob

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Lori
8/15/2015 10:54:53 pm

Fabulous interview. Tristan is as down to earth as it gets and I have enormous respect for him because of that. He always gives time to is supporters and I guess that's why we remain so loyal to him. Well done, Tristan.

Reply
Matt
8/15/2015 11:05:13 pm

Tristan is the best. Thanks for the interview. He's the best around about giving information without giving too much info, if that makes sense. He gives of is time and that is much appreciated.

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Chris K.
8/16/2015 01:32:06 am

Thanks Tristan for another fine interview. It is nice that you make time for your fans even when you have a very busy schedule. Sorry about the triathlon but I'm sure you be competing at the first opportunity. Well done on keeping up with some training.

Reply
Emma
8/16/2015 02:22:09 am

Thanks, Tristan and everybody here on the website who make these interviews happen. I love each one.

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Em33
8/16/2015 02:51:33 am

Thank you for doing these Q and As. They are always fun and informative. I guess that's another reason why Tristan's supporters are extremely loyal.

Reply
Elsa
8/16/2015 04:36:20 am

I'll miss Trent and Iveta but I'm delighted Tristan is back, along with Gleb, Giovanni and Otlile, and I can't wait to see the show! Break a leg!

Reply
Lucy-Rowan
8/16/2015 05:04:35 am

Can't wait for Strictly to start! Tristan's interviews have kept the "magic" going all year long and for that we all thank him. He's a unique pro.

Reply
Lola
8/16/2015 11:55:35 am

Great answers, especially the one about why he got out of dance in the first place.

Reply
Jane Ann
8/17/2015 12:11:31 am

Thanks, Tristan, for taking time to answer our questions. You are a gem!

Reply
EJ
8/17/2015 02:37:59 am

Loved the interview. Tristan is refreshingly "real" without the huge ego we see so often these days.

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TWL
8/19/2015 03:47:11 am

Thank you, Tristan.

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Shannon
8/21/2015 01:58:59 am

Thank you for this. Tristan's positive attitude and approach to his work are why I am now a big fan. I look forward to Strictly and to voting for him and his partner and supporting them any way I can.

Reply
Michelle
8/24/2015 01:59:26 am

I'm thrilled that Tristan will be back on Strictly. I took a couple of lessons with him and I'm astounded by his ability to teach. He's very professional and very patient. The celebrity that gets to dance with Tristan is getting a true gem.

Reply
Lilah
9/17/2015 10:38:07 am

Terrific interview. Each one is packed with info.

Reply



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