Kym Johnson, a dance champion of Dancing with the Stars, is gorgeous, motivated and focused... which make her a perfect candidate to pass on her tips to help us all excel in our exclusive interview together. Ok, and to get some behind-the-scenes inside information on my favorite show, Dancing with the Stars.
The Global Townhall is thrilled to welcome Kym Johnson.
Gabrielle Reilly: Do you ever get nervous or have butterflies before a performance and, if so, how do you mentally process that to perform so well?
Kym Johnson: I always get nervous, usually I am the one to calm down my partner - but on Monday, the first show of season 16, I was so much more nervous that Ingo and I felt like he was so calm and he ended calming me down a little. Ingo is so gentle and has such a great chill vibe - he is a perfect complement of a partner!
Gabrielle Reilly: Does your teaching strategy change with each celebrity?
Kym Johnson: Yes, my teaching strategy varies for each celebrity. It has to. Nobody is the same as the next.
Gabrielle Reilly: What do you attribute your success to?
Kym Johnson: Hard work and complete dedication!
Gabrielle Reilly: What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Kym Johnson: Believe in yourself, the rest will follow.
Gabrielle Reilly: How many hours a day do you typically dance since you have been on DWTS and prior to DWTS?
Kym Johnson: DWTS consumes your life when you are on the show! In a good way! Literally you wake up and dance until it's time to go to sleep! We also have to fit lots of other things in like media commitments and filming components!
Gabrielle Reilly: How did you get your break?
Kym Johnson: I started learning dance at the age of three, training in all aspects of the performing arts including, singing, ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics. At 13, I knew that dance was for me and then I decided that I wanted to concentrate my talent in the field of competitive ballroom dance. Not sure I had 1 particular break, but I am sure that I have been very blessed by opportunities that I have worked very hard to eventuate into possibilities!
Gabrielle Reilly: What is your daily skin care regime?
Kym Johnson: I wash my face and make sure I take off my eye make up every night, before bed - on the show you wear so much make up, it is crucial to make sure you cleanse your face even if you're so exhausted and can't be bothered, your skin will thank you the next day if you actually do!
Gabrielle Reilly: You look so toned, do you lift weights as well or do you achieve your physic purely from dance? Btw, I LOVE your DWTS dance DVDs which help me keep in shape. Particularly the latest Mambo one you did combined with the Jive and Foxtrot; it's a great high intensity work out. I see why you have a tiny waist after doing that!
Kym Johnson: Hahaha thank you. I actually do boot camp, Pilates, but I really love getting outside and hiking with friends or my puppy, Lola. I host a fitness show called STAR FIT on You Tube, which is also a great work out for me - it is also so great for people, as you can do it from anywhere in the world.
Gabrielle Reilly: What do you miss about Australian food (I learnt how to make meat pies, sausage rolls and found a place to order Flakes and Wagon Wheels?)
Kym Johnson: WOW! You know your Aussie food! I make pavlova (for American's it's like a meringue dessert) for friends, I really do miss some of my favorite Australian snacks, but I do miss most of all - my mum's cooking! I found a great Australian café here in Hollywood called Coffee + Food which is on Melrose and you can get lamingtons, vegemite, Turkish Bread and meat pies there - so check it out!
