Donegal Stars Shine Bright on Dancing With the Stars Premiere
Table of Contents
- 1. Donegal Stars Shine Bright on Dancing With the Stars Premiere
- 2. Mickey Joe Brings the Energy
- 3. Danny O’Carroll Charms with Smooth Moves
- 4. A Night of Glittering Performances
- 5. Exclusive Interview: Dancing With The Stars pro Dancer Daniela Roze on Mickey Joe Harte’s Electrifying Debut
- 6. Daniela, mickey Joe’s Paso Doble was a standout moment of the premiere. How did you approach choreographing such a high-energy routine?
- 7. The judges praised his musicality but mentioned he could dial back the ‘bounce.’ How do you balance teaching technique while preserving a celebrity’s unique style?
- 8. Danny O’Carroll also had a fantastic debut. Do you feel a sense of camaraderie or competition with the other couples?
- 9. This season features a diverse cast, from Olympians to comedians. Do you think the variety adds to the show’s appeal?
- 10. what woudl you say to fans who are rooting for Mickey Joe and you to go all the way?
- 11. Thought-Provoking Question for Readers:
The eighth season of RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars kicked off with a bang on Sunday night, introducing a dazzling array of celebrities ready to trade their day jobs for sequins and high kicks. Among this year’s hopefuls are two Donegal favorites, Eurovision singer Mickey Joe Harte and Mrs.Brown’s Boys star Danny O’Carroll, who both made extraordinary debuts on the dance floor.
Mickey Joe Brings the Energy
Lifford native Mickey Joe Harte brought his signature energy to the stage with a powerful Paso Doble, partnering with new dancer Daniela Roze. Their performance, set to The Undertones’ “Teenage Kicks,” earned them a respectable 19 points from the judges.
While Loraine Barry commended Harte’s “musicality and characterisation,” she did suggest dialing back the ”bounce” just a tad. Arthur Gourounlian echoed the sentiment, advising Mickey Joe to focus on syncing with Daniela. Judge Brian Redmond, however, summed it up perfectly: “A little bit Mickey Joe manic – perhaps less intensity next time. Not a bad start!”
Danny O’Carroll Charms with Smooth Moves
Dubliner Danny O’Carroll, who calls Donegal home, was the first star to take the stage. Along with his pro partner Salome Chachua, he waltzed his way through a stylish Foxtrot to McFly’s “Obviously,” garnering 22 points from the judges.
New judge Karen Byrne praised O’Carroll, stating, “What a way to open up the show! Your frame in week one was very impressive.” Loraine Barry highlighted “lots of flow” and potential, while Brian Redmond had the crowd in stitches, playfully declaring, “Danny O’Carroll, Buster Brady. I think you can bust a move!”
A Night of Glittering Performances
The premiere featured eleven spirited celebrities, encompassing a diverse range of talents, from Olympic gold medalist Rhys McClenaghan to social media star Kayleigh Trappe. The glamorous event also saw the return of hosts Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy, along with the full judging panel, including Brian Redmond, loraine Barry, Arthur Gourounlian, and newcomer Karen Byrne.
Will these Donegal stars continue to shine as the competition heats up? Tune in next Sunday, January 12th at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player to find out!
Exclusive Interview: Dancing With The Stars pro Dancer Daniela Roze on Mickey Joe Harte’s Electrifying Debut
As the eighth season of RTÉ’s Dancing With The Stars kicked off with a glittering premiere, all eyes where on Donegal’s own Mickey Joe Harte and his powerful Paso Doble. We sat down with his professional dance partner, Daniela Roze, to discuss their electrifying performance, the challenges of week one, and what fans can expect as the competition heats up.
Daniela, mickey Joe’s Paso Doble was a standout moment of the premiere. How did you approach choreographing such a high-energy routine?
“Thank you! Mickey Joe is such a vibrant performer, so I knew we had to channel his natural energy into the dance. The Paso Doble is all about passion and precision, and I wanted to highlight his strengths while keeping the choreography accessible for week one. We chose ‘Teenage Kicks’ by The Undertones because it’s iconic and has that raw energy Mickey Joe embodies. It was a perfect match!”
The judges praised his musicality but mentioned he could dial back the ‘bounce.’ How do you balance teaching technique while preserving a celebrity’s unique style?
“It’s always a balancing act. Mickey Joe has this remarkable enthusiasm that makes him so fun to watch, but the Paso Doble requires a lot of control. My job is to help him refine his movements without losing that spark. we’re working on syncing our steps more closely, and I think the judges will see a big advancement in the coming weeks.”
Danny O’Carroll also had a fantastic debut. Do you feel a sense of camaraderie or competition with the other couples?
“Absolutely, there’s a mix of both. Danny and Salome were amazing—their Foxtrot was so elegant! But at the end of the day, we’re all here to entertain and push ourselves.The atmosphere backstage is incredibly supportive, and it’s inspiring to see everyone bring their A-game. Having mentioned that, Mickey Joe and I are definitely aiming for the top!”
This season features a diverse cast, from Olympians to comedians. Do you think the variety adds to the show’s appeal?
“Without a doubt! The diversity of the cast is what makes Dancing With The Stars so special.You have athletes like Rhys mcclenaghan bringing discipline and strength, while someone like Danny O’Carroll brings humor and charm. It keeps the show fresh and exciting for the audience, and it’s a joy to be part of such a dynamic group.”
what woudl you say to fans who are rooting for Mickey Joe and you to go all the way?
“We’re so grateful for the support! Mickey Joe is working incredibly hard, and we’re both determined to keep improving every week. This is just the beginning, and we’ve got some exciting routines planned. Keep voting, keep cheering, and we’ll keep dancing our hearts out for donegal and beyond!”
Thought-Provoking Question for Readers:
What do you think makes a winning performance on Dancing With The Stars—technical precision, emotional connection, or sheer entertainment value? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
