dance with the stars looks bigger than ever in its 31st season, despite (or because of) the surprising move to Disney + . The hit dance series also continues to push for inclusivity, with the final season featuring first male partner and “Drag Diva” on the show with Shangela and Gleb Savchenko. Shangela recently talked about being one of the show’s first drag icons and what it means for future wannabes who have a similar background and are also eager to compete.
Series host Alfonso Ribeiro spoke to Shangela after his emotional performance dance with the stars‘Elvis Night’ and asked the RuPaul’s Endurance Race star to act as the first male partner in the longtime series. Shangela wasted no time in politely mocking the co-host for using the wrong terminology, but went on to explain what it meant for her to have the opportunity to be a part of the iconic show (via TIC Tac ):
Well, first of all it is male and Drag Diva but yes indeed [laughs]… Honestly, you know what? To be someone who walks through a door, there is a responsibility. Not only to pass fiercely, but also to open it up to others who came after. And that’s what we hope to do tonight.
Shangela provided an A + response, which was the perfect chaser for the 28 points she and Gleb Savchenko received for their quick step routine. The dance performance of “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” was one of the best performances of the night and protected them from elimination before Bond Week.
The star sets the standard for future drag competitors ETAP and raise the bar in the process. Bond Week was another impressive performance for her and Gleb Savchenko, with their latest score of 30 separating them from the bottom of the pack and just a few points from being the best performers of the evening. The A star was born alum hasn’t been a weak player since the start of the season, so it looks like he has what it takes to advance to the final rounds of the game (unlike the ever-unlucky pro Pasha Pashkov ).
That said, week 3 of dance with the stars has certainly shown that the gap is rapidly narrowing between competitors. Even those better known for squatting than foxtrots like Joseph Baena are showing they could do it in the weeks to come, and with the way ETAP the vote goes often I would count on at least a few competitors leaving this season early (especially like The Jersey Shoreby Vinny Guadagnino show off his chippendale skills ). Hopefully Shangela can hold its own and remain a favorite with the help of the fandom and serve as a beacon of inclusion that opens the door to change in future seasons.
anyone who has a Disney + subscription you can watch new episodes of dance with the stars Monday at 8 p.m. ET. Tune in to watch Shangela’s latest performance or catch up on all other previous episodes, which are also available to stream now.
Source: Cinemablend
