Tolü Makay on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: “It Has Given Me a New Life”

Singer Tolü Makay says her experience on RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars has sparked a creative resurgence, as she prepares for this Sunday’s semi-final performance. Makay, partnered with professional dancer Maciej Zięba, initially joined the competition with no prior dance experience.

“Coming into the competition, I definitely knew that I was seeking some sort of, like, joy,” Makay explained in an interview with RTÉ Entertainment. “The best way I can put it is Dancing with the Stars has given me a new life. I feel like my creative spark has reach back. In the sense of, I feel I’m much more confident in pursuing anything creatively, moving forward, instead of doubting myself.”

From Zero Experience to Semi-Finalist

Makay described herself as a “complete student” to the world of dance, consistently surprising herself each week with her progress. This unexpected success has unlocked a newfound confidence, extending beyond the dance floor and into her broader creative pursuits.

Dancing Through the Decades

Having already reached Orchestra Night, Makay and Zięba will perform a Paso Doble inspired by Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” and a Jive to Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” this Sunday. For the Jive, they will be joined by eliminated pro dancer Stephen Vincent.

“Stephen will be joining us. He’s amazing, he’s so fun, and I feel like we kind of necessitate that kind of personality for a Jive. You just need to be on – ‘Travel, go go!’” Makay said.

Looking Ahead

Despite receiving a perfect score of 40 for their Charleston on Orchestra Night, Makay and Zięba found themselves in the dance-off the following week, ultimately advancing to the semi-finals according to the Irish Mirror. Makay expressed a willingness to embrace whatever challenges lie ahead, both on and off the show.

“I’m literally just like, ‘Ok, throw anything at me! Let’s see where it goes!’” she added.

Dancing with the Stars airs Sundays at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.