Natalie Gumede

Natalie Gumede Instagram – What sad news to hear today…Len Goodman was one of the people who defined my time on Strictly ten years ago. OLD SKOOL – he was a stickler for technique, and because of that, he was the only judge I really wanted to impress every week. He sometimes clashed professionally with my dance partner over choreography, but that really spoke to Len’s passion for the traditions of ballroom dance – he knew more than any of us could dream of learning. The feedback I got from Len was sometimes mixed, but he championed me towards the end, and I deeply respected him. This (admittedly grainy) photo was taken backstage at the live tour, after he collared me to discuss one of my dances from early on in the competition. He told me he had been suspicious of me throughout the TV show because of a step I had executed in my rumba – too well for week four, in his opinion. I shared how I had been drilled on that single step for four hours one Sunday afternoon, and realising the work I had put in, he nodded, smiled, winked at me and squeezed my arm – that small acknowledgment meant so much after what had been a challenging experience on the show.
His elegance elevated every room he entered, and his presence will be sorely missed. Now he gets to dance with the real stars….⭐️ #lengoodman | Posted on 25/Apr/2023 03:37:43