Jane McGowan finds Karen Hauer ready to reignite the dancefloor...
This time of year has a flat and faded feel. But for two hours on a Saturday night, the nation can forget its woes and immerse itself in the sparkles and sequins of Strictly Come Dancing.
For 15 years, the BBC show has been the mainstay of the channel’s winter schedule. Its simple format – professional dancers endeavour to teach celebrities to dance in order to avoid the weekly public vote-off – has been sold to more than 42 countries and made household names of a legion of professional hoofers.
One such is Wimbledon-based Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female pro dancer, who – at the time of writing – is partnering comedian Chris Ramsey.
“For the pros, the start of each series is like being on a rollercoaster as it edges its way up,” says the 37-year-old. “You wait for it to come around, get on and reach the top. Then they announce your partner – and you’re off and running.
“There are so many butterflies in your stomach. It’s so exhilarating and each year feels like the first time. It’s certainly nice to be back and still to be standing.”
And Karen’s long stint on the show has certainly been eventful since she joined in 2012. Her romance with fellow pro and dance partner Kevin Clifton hit the headlines the following year when he too won a place on the show. The pair were married in 2015, but just three years later the fairy tale was over: Karen and Kevin split amid talk of busy schedules and the Strictly ‘curse’.Yet the public scrutiny has failed to dim Karen’s enthusiasm.
“Every year the show is bigger and better,” she insists.
Born in Venezuela in 1982, Karen moved to New York with her family at the age of 10. Throughout her childhood, dancing played a major part.
“My mum would always dance round the kitchen – we’re Latino, come on!” she quips.
But her talent was clear, winning her a scholarship to the city’s Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, and then a place at the prestigious former High School of Performing Arts, familiar through the movie and TV series Fame.
However, despite her being crowned World Mambo Champion in 2008 and taking part in So You Think You Can Dance in the US, it wasn’t until she hit the UK that Karen knew for sure that dancing was her life’s vocation.
“I got here, and I was like: ‘Wow, I am actually doing this and getting paid for it!’ Dancing is a very competitive environment with constant rejection, which is hard. But it’s how you cope with that rejection that’s important. I see it as a chance to grow .”
While her divorce has been amicable, and both parties have moved on, it left Karen needing a dance partner. In pursuit of which she turned to a friend and “kindred spirit” Gorka Marquez.
“It just sort of happened – we had danced on Strictly, but not enough to build a partnership. Then we did a couple of other shows together and we were like: ‘This feels really nice. We connect really well.’”
The pair are due to start a nationwide tour, Firedance, in March. Embracing their shared “Spanish” backgrounds – Gorka is from Bilbao – it promises to be full of passion and Latin heat. Good news for Gorka’s many female fans.
“He’s an amazing dancer, and yes, he looks incredible,” laughs Karen. “But he is also a lovely person and incredibly kind.”
For now, though, Karen is concentrating on Strictly. The long hours needed for rehearsals can often take their toll, but Karen – who shares her tips on keeping in shape on social media – is ready for the protracted days to come.
“It’s hard on my body, though it is even harder for the celebs,” she admits. “I’m careful to avoid injuries, but more importantly, I have to ensure that I am mentally fit and healthy.”
Her celebrity partners may have ranged in ability – from finalist DJ/TV personality Mark Wright to the more modestly talented Hairy Biker Dave Myers and broadcaster Jeremy Vine – but Karen relishes the role of teacher. A patron of Para Dance UK – a charity that promotes inclusive dance – she also opened a chain of schools in Wimbledon, Putney and Chiswick with her then-husband, Kevin. Following the split, the schools have now closed. Imparting knowledge, however, is something to which Karen is keen to return.
“I love teaching kids and seeing these little smiling angels jumping around. But it’s all about timing. I always like to give it 100%, and with Strictly and then the tour, it’s just not possible right now.”
It is with discernible pride that she reflects on the impact made by Strictly on the land she now calls home.
“Dancing is now part of the lifestyle here and it’s lovely to see so many kids so interested. Not only will it keep you physically fit, but it teaches you to let your feelings out through music and movement and to communicate with people in a different way. Everyone can have a go – and they really should.”
What are you waiting for?
Karen Hauer can be seen on Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday evenings on BBC. Tickets are now on sale for the Firedance tour. Visit: firedancelive.co.uk