Save the last dance for me

Beatrice Faumuina and Brian Jones (left) take on Lorraine Downes and Aaron Gilmore in the 'Dancing with the Stars' finale.

As Lorraine Downes and Beatrice Faumuina prepare to duke it out in the final of Dancing with the Stars on Sunday, we asked their dance partners about how the attention has affected their lives, why they think they've got this far, and their thoughts on the final.


* BRIAN JONES - PARTNER OF BEATRICE FAUMUINA

Your partner has competed at the highest level in her field. What have you had to teach her, psychologically, about competing on the dance floor?

Probably the main thing has been to pull back and control the energy. Instead of the explosive power used to throw the discus, on the dancefloor it is a matter of knowing when to drive through with that power and when to turn it off - all this without losing energy in the performance.

How is Dancing with the Stars technically different from most competitions you have been in? For example, do you normally just get a score or a verbal appraisal as well?

In Dancing with the Stars you have visual judging along with comments from the judges, then the addition of the public vote. Normally in competitions, you have all six finalists on the floor together, the judges mark the couples in order of merit, and the scores are tabulated to give a winner. There are no comments and the only time you see the results is by request after the event.

Describe a funny situation that occurred in rehearsals that hasn't appeared on screen.

Hmmm. There have been so many, but I think you really needed to be there. I used animal noises to count the rhythm and actions of the tango one afternoon when we were tired. As I say, you really needed to be there.

Will you stay in touch with your partner after the show, and why?

Definitely - Beatrice and I found we have a lot in common with our outlook and approach to life and training. We developed a friendship very quickly, supporting and encouraging each other.

Are you just saying that?

No.

Do the two of you have any sayings or mantras?

I suppose the only thing is our "moments". A moment can be anything, but we all seem to have them.

What's the weirdest thing a member of the public has said to you on the street during this competition?

Most people have just been enthusiastic in expressing their support and enjoyment in our performances.

How hard is it to survive as a professional dancer in New Zealand, and what does being on this show mean in terms of your career?

If you want to survive it can be tough, but if you follow a path of teaching, or combine the two, you can survive comfortably. Being in the show helps to heighten my profile, which opens up opportunities.

How do you plan to capitalise on the attention you've received from the show?

It will be a matter of using the visibility I have at the moment to produce work.

How would you feel about judging the competition next year?

Judging would interest me, as being a teacher, judge and mentor I naturally tend to assess performances finding weaknesses and looking for ways to improve performance.

Any parting shots for your competitors?

Work hard. We are!


* AARON GILMORE - PARTNER OF LORRAINE DOWNS

Your partner has competed at the highest level in her field. What have you had to teach her, psychologically, about competing on the dancefloor?

To tap into the part of her that really feels dancing, and to let that part out. It is a big ask. It's something that everyone feels differently, whether you're at home doing the dishes dancing when no one is looking, or if you're out with friends having a boogie. I've just got to get Lorraine to do that on national TV.

How is Dancing with the Stars technically different from most competitions you have been in? For example, do you normally just get a score or a verbal appraisal as well?

At a competition, you take the floor, try to dodge all the other couples while looking as strong and graceful as you possibly can. With the show, you do basically the same but instead you try to dodge the judges' comments, while dancing with a partner who has known the dance for a week.

Describe a funny situation that occurred in rehearsals that hasn't appeared on screen.

I spun into Lorraine and blew off. She just lost it and I went very red. You just are moving your body so much. Oops. Anyone who has tried yoga will understand.

Will you stay in touch with your partner after the show, and why?

I hope Lorraine and I will be lifelong friends. She is a truly beautiful soul and I feel very blessed to have met her. She is funny, a bit goofy, and very giving. A true friend.

Are you just saying that?

If you ever get the chance to meet her you will know what I mean.

Do the two of you have any sayings or mantras?

Many little things, but the biggest has been "I enjoy".

What's the weirdest thing a member of the public has said to you on the street during this competition?

I was waiting for my bags at Wellington Airport with a hat on and a lovely lady came up and said, "You can't hide under that hat. I know your face. I would recognise those sideburns anywhere." I never knew they stood out.

How hard is it to survive as a professional dancer in New Zealand, and what does being on this show mean for your career?

I think it is a real challenge. I had stopped dancing for a while to focus on my family, but being part of this show has really reignited my passion. I really enjoy how much joy it brings to people, and I think that is really special.

How do you plan to capitalise on the attention you've received from the show?

I enjoy the attention firstly because I love talking to people and so many come up to me to have a chat. I would love to get involved with television. I think it is something pretty special and so much fun. Hopefully, you'll see me again.

How would you feel about judging the competition next year?

Love to. I know what you go through. And having someone who understands is really important. Wouldn't it be funny? I want to know if we look like a deer caught in the headlights.

Any parting shots for your competitors?

I hope you are having as much fun as we are. See you Sunday.

* What: Dancing with the Stars final

* Where & when: 8.30pm, Sunday, TV One.