Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe is heading to York on his first ever solo tour – and he can’t wait.
Johannes, 34, will take the audience on his personal journey, from growing up in South Africa, to travelling the world, winning titles and starring in Strictly Come Dancing.
Johannes Radebe: Freedom is at the Grand Opera House on Tuesday 12 April. Tickets start from £25.60 and are available via the Grand Opera House website.
The show is a celebration of music and dance, from African fusion to fiery Latin, classic dance arrangements and huge party anthems, with a company of exciting dancers.
It will also chart Johannes’ journey, from a township in South Africa to fame on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Since joining the show in 2018, he has been the professional partner to Catherine Tyldesley, Caroline Quentin and most recently John Whaite – where they reached the final and were the first male same-sex partnership in the history of the UK show.
YorkMix spoke with Johannes to find out more about dancing without shame, community, the power of self-expression and how much he loves York.
Q&A with Johannes Radebe
What is it like being a part of Strictly Come Dancing?
Strictly Come Dancing is one of those shows that has the potential to bring families together. It means a lot to a lot of people.
I didn’t understand the magnitude of Strictly Come Dancing until I got here and I saw the love for the show. The fact that a little bit of dancing between two people can bring somebody that much joy and happiness, I just find that mind-blowing – because when I was growing up, dancing was not cool. Nobody wanted to be associated with it.
Your partnership with John Whaite was iconic – how did it feel to represent yourself on Strictly?
It was very empowering, because the thought of same sex partners had never even crossed my head in that regard. I knew that I would have probably wanted to be a part of it when it did happen but saying that, I had my reservations as a gay man and living my truth in this world because I know what comes with being who we are.
It blows my mind that we live in an age where two men, or two women or anybody for that matter who wants to can do that on prime time television – it just proves once again that there’s an awakening within the society to point out what is wrong and to make right what has been wrong this entire time. So that for me is big and healing – I don’t have to walk around with my head bowed, because this is who I am.
Have you been to York before?
Yes, I’ve been to York with Burn the Floor. The most beautiful place, I remember, it’s gorgeous. I felt like I was in the Mediterranean somewhere. I can see myself living here, I love the cafes along the water – it’s absolute class.
So I’m really looking forward to that, and I just hope that I get a chance to go and sit down for a coffee. York’s hosted so many of my friends throughout the years and we always have fun in York. The last time I was here was heaven.
What can audiences expect from Freedom?
Freedom is going to be a burst of energy, colour and everything fabulous. I’ve got a beautiful diverse cast of 10 dancers, purely cast because of their talent – not so much for what they represent but purely because of their ability.
It represents where I come from in a lot of ways. I think it’s going to capture the moment where I tell the audience about my African influences. But people can also get to see Johannes do a cha cha cha and a samba, alongside a beautiful foxtrot and a waltz.
What has it been like performing for a live audience again?
It’s one of those things that you start realising how important human interaction is. I’m a people person, I thrive when I’m with others. The fact that that has been taken away from us for a very long time – it just said that things will be okay.
I’ve been very blessed to have Strictly Come Dancing and a job to go to during all that. I don’t know what I would do if somebody told me that I can’t dance anymore.
Is there a moment in the show that you’re particularly looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to it all! What I’m also hoping to do with this show is highlight my community, the LGBTQI community – I think there’s going to be a special moment. Though I can’t call it special because we are bringing awareness to the injustices that are happening around the world. We are not free until we are all free.
Just to make people realise that, I live in the United Kingdom where things are very progressive, but where I come from people are still being murdered for their sexual orientation. But the fact that we can be visible and educate, I think that’s the moment that I’m looking forward to the show.
What do you hope the audience will come away from your show feeling?
Joy. The same thing that a lot of them have written to me about and said I bring to them. I hope that that’s the feeling I leave them with. I want us to celebrate. Life is precious and that’s what the past two years has shown us, isn’t it? So I really want to be present and have a joyous evening with people that understand who I am and get it.
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What do you love most about dancing and performing?
I use dance as an expression of whatever it is that I’m going through in my life or I want to overcome or however I feel. When I dance I feel my most authentic self. I don’t know if I can explain that to people but when I dance I honestly feel untouchable – like I can conquer anything.
So, what’s next?
Obviously I will do Strictly Come Dancing for as long as they will have me. I said to them, they’re not going to get rid of me because once I probably hang my dancing shoes I’m still wanting to be a massive part of the show.
I would love to go back to school – I put those plans aside because I needed to make sure that I gave myself truly to my career, and I feel like I’m in the position where I can start venturing into other things.
There’ll definitely be a lot of TV moments because it’s something that I have gained confidence to do now, so I would love to be in front of the camera. The world is my oyster.