Tolu Makay Finds Confidence and Spark Through ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Journey
Nigerian-born Irish singer Tolu Makay is experiencing a resurgence of confidence and passion thanks to her participation in the current season of RTE’s Dancing with the Stars. Despite a recent setback of landing in the bottom two, Makay and her professional dance partner, Maciej Zieba, are determined to reach the season finale next week.
From Zero Dance Experience to Semi-Finals Contender
Makay admitted to having “zero” dance experience prior to joining the competition and initially didn’t envision making it to the semi-finals. Reflecting on the challenges, she recalled being skeptical of complex dance lifts, stating, “When I was watching YouTube clips of people doing all these crazy lifts, I was like: ‘Ha’ You must be having a laugh, that’s not gonna be me!”
Navigating Disappointment and Maintaining Focus
Last week, Makay and Zieba received a perfect score of 40 for their Charleston performance, only to find themselves in the bottom two. Olympian Philip Doyle was ultimately eliminated. Makay described the experience as “a little bit disappointing” but maintained a pragmatic approach to rehearsals, recognizing that audience votes are beyond her control. “The only thing I have some sort of control over is how well I do with my dance,” she explained. She added, drawing on her experience in the entertainment industry, “You just have to acquire over it [and] maintain going.”
A Renewed Spark and Healthier Lifestyle
Participating in Dancing with the Stars has not only boosted Makay’s confidence but has similarly positively impacted her overall well-being. She has described feeling healthier and more energetic and has even begun taking dance classes outside of the show’s rehearsals. Makay credits the experience with giving her “a latest life” and rediscovering her “spark,” as reported by Prime Timer.
Looking Ahead to the Finale
Makay and Zieba will take to the dance floor on Sunday night, hoping to secure a place in the season finale. The singer’s journey demonstrates a remarkable transformation, fueled by dedication, resilience, and a newfound love for dance. Extra.ie reports that Makay is approaching the semi-finals with determination.