Strictly pro Nikita Kuzmin admits anxiety over high-risk acrobatic move
Strictly professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin opens up about nerves before performing an ambitious acrobatic stunt never before attempted on the BBC show.
Professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin has admitted experiencing serious anxiety in rehearsals ahead of executing a high-stakes, acrobatic move never before attempted on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking to entertainment outlets including Metro UK and AOL, the Ukrainian-born ballroom maestro revealed that preparing the daring routine pushed both stamina and nerve to their outer limits ahead of Saturday night’s live television broadcast.
Pushing the boundaries of ballroom
Over its twenty-plus seasons, Strictly Come Dancing has evolved from traditional ballroom into an athletic arena of jaw-dropping choreography:
- Unprecedented difficulty: Kuzmin explained that the planned stunt combines aerial balance with precision timing, leaving zero margin for error.
- Safety and precision: Daily rehearsals required intense physical conditioning and mat training to protect against dangerous falls.
- Judges’ exacting eyes: High-risk moves carry the potential for perfect scores or devastating point deductions from the judging panel.
Fan backing and backstage determination
Kuzmin has established himself as a fan favourite on the BBC flagship programme thanks to his inventive routines and supportive partnership style. Viewers and fellow pro dancers rallied behind him online following his honest admission of pre-show nerves.
The routine is set to form one of the standout spectacles of this weekend’s live show as couples compete for a coveted spot in the upcoming Blackpool Tower Ballroom special.
