Dance expert on how Strictly’s blind contestant Chris McCausland rehearses routines
Chris McCausland made his debut on Strictly, showcasing a variety of moves like twists, lifts, slides, and fast footwork, all of which are pretty standard for the BBC program. However, this time there was a remarkable change – he is the first blind contestant in the history of the dance competition.
The 47-year-old's lively cha cha set to the Beatles' popular rendition of Twist and Shout stunned the judges and delighted the audience.
Even professionals such as Rashmi Becker, who teaches ballroom dancing to individuals with visual impairments at Step Change Studios, were taken aback.
"I was truly amazed, completely taken aback," she expressed. "For those of us who can see, we learn through what we see and pick up on visual signals. So, executing the tricks and stunts he performed shows a deep grasp of timing, rhythm, and the ability to connect and coordinate with his partner. Considering it was his first week, he did an outstanding job."
Becker explained that McCausland likely relied on non-verbal signals from his partner, Dianne Buswell, to determine his next moves, and she would have guided his positioning as well. The finished performance comes from a detailed explanation of how he should move, including how each step and motion should feel, followed by practice to develop muscle memory, she noted.
Becker observed that McCausland navigated the area with assurance, which she believes is due to his prior exploration of it. Before a performance, her students take the time to walk through the space to get a sense of the layout, while instructors who can see provide verbal directions and describe the various locations within the area.
That night, she mentioned that he might be paying even more attention to the music than someone who could see. This was because, without the ability to see his partner, it would be tougher for him to recover from any missteps.
In addition to recognizing McCausland's talent, Becker believed that the performance "challenges people's views" on dancers with visual impairments, as shown by the enthusiastic reactions from both the audience and the media.
"The enthusiasm reflects a strong interest, but it also highlights a gap in understanding, as people seem completely astonished. This serves as an example—if the dance community were to invest more resources and commit seriously to helping individuals with disabilities, just think of the greater achievements that could be realized," she stated.
