Strictly Star Tasha Ghouri’s Dad Moved to Tears Watching Daughter’s Viennese Waltz Performance
Tasha Ghouri’s performance on Saturday night’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing brought her father to tears as he watched her gracefully dance the Viennese Waltz with her partner, Aljaž Škorjanec. The 26-year-old contestant looked stunning in a cobalt blue ballgown as she glided across the dance floor to the tune of “Misty Blue” by Dorothy Moore. Head judge Shirley Ballas was moved by the performance, calling it the “dance of the night” and expressing how it made her feel “quite emotional.”
During the judges’ feedback, Anton Du Beke praised Ghouri for her flawless performance, highlighting her seamless flow, immaculate frame, and gorgeous footwork. Craig Revel Horwood also hailed it as the standout performance of the night, while Motsi Mabuse commended Ghouri for her captivating presence and urged her to keep up the amazing work. The pair received impressive scores, with the first nines of the series, totaling 35 points – the highest score ever for a Viennese Waltz in week two of Strictly Come Dancing history.
Despite the judges’ positive comments, host Claudia Winkleman shared that she found it difficult to focus on the dance due to Ghouri’s father, Tarek, who was visibly overcome with emotion in the audience. Winkleman remarked on the intense moment, noting that Tarek’s tears were a poignant display of paternal pride and emotion.
Following the performance, Ghouri mentioned that she anticipated her father’s emotional reaction, indicating the special significance of this dance for both of them. She stated that the Viennese Waltz held a “special place” in her heart, despite facing criticism for her prior dance background. Before becoming a Love Island finalist in 2022, Ghouri trained as a dancer at the Creative Academy in Slough and participated in various dance competitions, specializing in commercial dance.
In a pre-show interview, Ghouri acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from commercial dance to ballroom technique, emphasizing the differences in style and muscle memory required for the two dance forms. Despite potential backlash for her dance experience, Ghouri expressed her determination to focus on making her family proud and living out her dream of competing on Strictly Come Dancing.
As Ghouri continues to make her mark on the dance floor, she remains committed to embracing the new challenges and opportunities presented by the show. With her father’s heartfelt support and her dedication to mastering ballroom dance, Ghouri looks set to captivate audiences with her talent and determination in the episodes to come.