In conversation with Strictly Come Dancing's Katya Virshilas

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, Katya Virshilas, talks to me ahead of her show at Chatham's Central Theatre next weekend.

Having just completed her third series of Strictly Come Dancing, in which her run was cruelly cut short (in my opinion!), Katya has embarked on a tour with fellow Strictly dancer Pasha Kovalev, runner up in the last series with Waterloo Road actress, Chelsee Healey. It was her idea to do a few shows - which somehow turned into a tour with a 35 show run!

Katya has been partnered by three sportsmen now, well known for their work ethic and dedication but not so much for natural musicality. The latest one, ex-tennis player and commentator Dan Lobb showed a great deal of promise in the 'Letting Go'*** department - a technical term you'll only get if you're an avid/rabid fan of the show like I am, whereas a terrific 5th place the year before with rugby star Gavin Henson took a lot of cajoling and a nice line in humour to realise his potential. There was a good run with cricketer Phil Tufnell before that, but I had to ask - do you yearn for a musician or an actor? 

It was a great experience to work with so many sports guys - but I'm definitely ready for an actor or a musician!

After taking dancing seriously at the age of 13, Katya won the Vancouver British Columbia Dancesport Champion four times, from 1998 to 2002, and the 2001 Canadian Latin Dance Championship. Her first professional performance was in a show called 'Swing' - starring a then unknown Michael Buble, at the Stanley Theater in Vancouver - and roles in the films 'Take The Lead' (demonstrating an awesome Argentine Tango with the delectable Antonio Banderas) Shall We Dance and John Tucker Must Die followed, along with appearances in various television shows. What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a professional dancer?

I think the best advice is to take lots of classes and see if it's really what you want. In the beginning, when parents pay for dance classes or you have a scholarship, it's easy to stick with your dream. It's when you have to support yourself, that's when the true decision is made. Follow your dream and work hard!

Was it something instinctive that drew you to dance or was it the influence of a dancer you saw that made you want to dance?

I always liked to entertain and do shows in my parents living room but what drew was a ballroom dance competition I saw on tv... My favourite dancers and whom I'm most influenced by are Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Rudolf Nureyev - and many ballroom dancers you probably won't know! In time, my favourite dances became the tango, rumba and paso doble.

Strictly props and theme nights – is it harder or easier to choreograph? And do you get a choice of which prop and song?

Strictly theme nights are amazing and so much fun! It's a chance to really step outside the box and be very creative. We have some say in the song and props but essentially we work together.

The Tabloid Press and the forum nastiness - how on earth do the pro dancers and their celebs cope with the constant rumours, ridiculous stories and personal criticisms? 

It's not fun to read lies about yourself, so you try to laugh it off and not pay attention to it. But we don't warn our celebrities off anything, we'll let them read whatever they want - there actually isn't much time to read the gossip since we're practising all the time.

Quick fire:

Favourite Musical:

Chicago  

Tea or coffee?

Tea

Beach or culture holiday?

Beach

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter

Disco or tea dance?

Wine bar!

Sweet or savoury?

Savoury

Action, comedy or horror film?

Comedy

With many thanks to Katya for her time; there are still some tickets available in both stalls and circle at the Central Theatre next Sunday - don't miss your chance to see the stars of Strictly live, they are awesome!

*** Being able to throw yourself into it, whether comfortable in spangly lycra or not!