Shangela has opened up about receiving Dancing With the Stars advice from Courtney Act.
On 19 September, the beloved talent made herstory as the first drag queen to compete in the long-running US-based series.
Since its premiere, the We’re Here host has won over fans and the judges with her electric Quick-step and Salsa routines.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Community star opened up about the competition and how she received advice from her Drag Race sister Courtney – who competed in the franchise’s Australian iteration.
“For years, I’ve wanted to be part of Dancing With the Stars. I’d say to my agency team, ‘Is there any chance you can get me a meeting?’ That wasn’t able to happen,” she explained.
“I don’t think the idea was on the table until this year, and they were open to having a meeting with me…. it happened so quickly, I was so grateful and excited, I hadn’t had a chance to reach out to Courtney.”
Shangela went on to say that before performing her salsa routine, the Australia-based queen gave her some sage advice regarding her rehearsals.
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“She said, ‘During the camera-blocking run-through the day before the show, put your wig on, do it with your hair,” because she learned it will feel different with your partner doing it with your “boy” hair and then whipping it around in drag,” she revealed.
“I’ve invited her to the show, and I hope she’ll make it when she comes to visit the US if I’m still there. I’m grateful that she took that torch for the global franchise, and I can push it forward in the US.”
Towards the end of her interview, Shangela revealed that Drag Race host Michelle Visage also gave her dancing advice prior to her debut.
Back in 2019, the beloved Seduction singer competed in the popular British iteration of DWTS, Strictly Come Dancing.
“[I asked] her for advice, and she was like, ‘Baby, you’ve got to get those shoulders down, lean back, look at that head position, and move those feet with strong legs,'” she explained.
“Michelle went far over there, so she had some great advice. She’s coming to the ballroom next week, I have her down [as my guest]. I’m excited to be there in front of her to show her that I listened to her tips.”
You can watch Shangela on the 31st season of Dancing With the Stars every Monday on Disney+.
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