Tasha Ghouri opens up on ableism, scrutiny and why she’s doing Strictly

As a seasoned moviegoer and lifelong admirer of resilience and determination, I find myself captivated by the inspiring journey of Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec on Strictly Come Dancing.

Tasha Ghouri didn’t win Love Island, but she aims to make it to the end with her latest screen partner, Strictly Come Dancing star Aljaž Škorjanec, who is back on the show after a three-year hiatus from dancing.

But what brought him back – and is Tasha the partner to make this returning year one to remember?

“Tasha, since your birth, you’ve relied on a cochlear implant to assist with hearing. Last year on ‘Strictly’, Rose-Ayling Ellis, the first deaf contestant, had a profound silent dance performance. Did that moment inspire you to understand what can be achieved?”

Tasha affirmed it wholeheartedly. Rose has long been an inspiration for her. She was the first on screen character who she felt a strong connection to, truly embodying the deaf community, and she remains eternally thankful. The silent moment shared between Rose and Giovanni [Pernice] beautifully encapsulated the unique charm of being deaf.

I’m just following in her footsteps. I asked her for tips, and she said, “Enjoy every moment.”

We’ve got different experiences with our deafness, so I can bring my own experiences into it as well, and hopefully inspire many other people.

In the context of Love Island, since you’re known as a dancer, could your skills potentially give you an edge in this year’s contest?

Tasha Ghouri: My background is in commercial dance, which contrasts sharply with ballroom dancing. To be honest, I’ve never had the experience of dancing with a partner before, and it’s been roughly three or four years since I last danced at all. However, I’m eager to broaden my horizons and explore this new dance form.

Hi Aljaz! It’s been three years since you were last on Strictly. How has your dancing style evolved or changed since then compared to when you were competing before?

Aljaž Škorjanec: After taking a step back and then returning, I find myself viewing it from a fresh perspective. The instant I set foot on the floor again, I was transported back to 2013, feeling like I was embarking on it for the first time, yet aware of its intricacies. It fills me with admiration, and my appreciation for it has grown even stronger, particularly the individuals I collaborate with. Each encounter is a profoundly humbling experience.

I’m incredibly fortunate as I’m the first one to have this chance to return, and I’m thrilled about it! For the past year, most of my dancing has been with my dear little girl, Lyra. She’s a tough critic, though – she’s only 13 months old!

Tasha, what made you so joyful upon finding out that you’d team up with Aljaž? Could you share the reason behind your enthusiasm?

Tasha: Ever since our initial encounter with everyone, I expressed my hope that I would end up with Aljaž. I’m overjoyed that it happened. There was an instant connection between us, which was wonderful. And his wife, Janette, has been incredibly gracious towards me too. Just the other day, she surprised me with a gift bag filled with chocolates and candles. I feel like I’ve already become a part of their family.

I’m going to put you on the spot now. How far are you going to get?

Aljaž: First of all, the goal is week two. Do you know what I mean? To week two. Start small.

Tasha: I plan on savoring each week as they come along, living in the present since time flies. I don’t wish to have any regrets later on. Of course, reaching the finale would be an ideal scenario, a true aspiration of mine.

Which week among the ones like Movies Week, Musicals Week, or Halloween-themed week is your personal favorite so far?

Aljaž: Movie Week has always been my favorite. It’s incredible to see so many celebrities and couples participating in it. Walking through the hallways and witnessing the intricate hairstyles, makeup, and costumes can sometimes feel like stepping into a dream-like world.

During Halloween Week each year, it feels like I’m on a movie set in the studio all day long. The contact lenses and makeup can occasionally overwhelm me due to their intensity. In truth, I’m quite sensitive at heart. Why subject yourself to fear when we could just as well laugh?

There’s a lot of attention being paid to the situation. Tasha, given your experience on Love Island, what strategies have you found helpful in dealing with this kind of spotlight?

Tasha: You recognize that’s background noise. After leaving Love Island, I faced some of the toughest challenges, including ableism, which is quite prevalent. It shaped me significantly, leading me to my current position. I intend to emphasize the benefits moving forward.

I’ve got myself, my loved ones, and a larger community in mind. I’m embarking on this journey primarily for personal growth, but also to inspire others who may be grappling with self-confidence issues, like young Tashas out there. This will serve as my driving force throughout the process.

Do you have a favourite judge, Aljaž, that you like to catch the eye of and impress?

Aljaž has consistently admired one particular judge throughout his career. That judge is Len Goodman, and this unwavering preference won’t shift anytime soon. Whether he’s present or watching from afar, Aljaž endeavors to impress him and make him feel proud of his performance.

A condensed version of this interview appears in last week’s issue of TopMob magazine.

Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6:15pm this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.

Have you heard that we’ve introduced a new service for ordering past editions of TopMob magazine through us?

2024-09-25 12:04

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