Dance Pro Emma Slater tells the Niagara Gazette that her work on Dancing With The Stars is like a “paid holiday” since she loves it so much. She says they all feel like that and going on tour with her friends and seeing the country makes it even more special. Hayes Grier has now joined the tour as well. More below….
“I don’t see my work as anything other than a paid holiday because I love it so much,” Slater said. We all feel like that, going on tour is a great opportunity to see the country and I am fortunate to be with my colleagues, who happen to be my friends, and doing something I love.”
Slater is originally from England and has been performing on the show for the last five seasons. She fondly remembers how she wound up in Los Angeles and became part of the Dancing with the Stars ensemble.
“I’m from Birmingham initially, which is in the middle part of England. I finished school at 16 and then started touring as part of a dance show. I moved to London for three years and then from the age of 19 I was fortunate enough to tour the world and work on Broadway. They find you, and once they became aware of me I was contacted by the show for an interview and not long afterward they asked me to be a part of the show. It was one of the best days of my life.”
During her five seasons Slater has been paired with an interesting mix of stars, including former Star Wars cast member Billy Dee Williams.
“I have not seen (the new Star Wars movie) yet but Artem (Chigvintsev) has seen it and he told me it is really good. I have seen all of the other Star Wars movies and I am a fan. I’ll definitely have to catch up with Billy Dee Williams over the holiday when I am back in L.A. to see what he thinks.”
When Williams was paired with Slater he was already in his mid-seventies in season 18, last season Slater was paired with 15-year-old Hayes Grier who will be a special guest at the Seneca Niagara show. Working with a large range of ages has its unique challenges according to Slater.
“The age does not matter as much as the retention. Working with Hayes (Grier) was a real eye-opener. He had so much enthusiasm and youth, and was able to retain things quickly so we were able to refine our routines. With the older gentlemen I found they had more confidence, Bill Engvall had no problem putting himself out there, which was a bit more of a struggle for Hayes.”
Grier and Slater’s talent will be on full display Saturday as part of what promises to be a great evening of entertainment at Seneca Niagara. Slater promised that there will be some fun surprises and audience participation as well.
To read the full interview, see the Niagara Gazette. If you haven’t bought tickets yet for the new Dancing With The Stars Live Tour, see this link.