Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Paul Archuleta/Getty
Rupaul Drag Race’sShangelaandDancing with the StarsproGleb Savchenkoare passionate about what their history-makingseason 31partnership will mean for the show — and for the world.
The drag entertainer (born D.J. Pierce), 40, and the ballroom dancer, 38, opened up Thursday about becoming the dancing competition’s first-ever all-male pair, as well as Shangela’s distinction as the first drag performer ever after 30 seasons ofDWTS.
“We’re changing the world, and I love it,” Savchenko said aftercast announcementonGood Morning America. “It’s all about positive energy, all about love, and we’re just going to have a lot of fun, learn to tango, learn all the ballroom steps.”
Savchenko — said he’s never partnered with a drag queen on the dance floor — then borrowed an iconic phrase from Shangela, teasing “We’re going tohalleloo!”
Samir Hussein/WireImage
For Shangela, being on the show is all about visibility.
“I’m the first person to ever be able to compete in drag onDancing with the Starsin the history of the show here, so I hope that we show people that it’s all about the heart and soul of who you are as a person,” he explained. “It doesn’t matter if it’s two men dancing together, if it’s a man or a drag entertainer like myself dancing together. It’s about the spirit of dance and the fun, and the ability to connect and to learn more about other people’s worlds.”
He continued, “I’m not a technically trade dancer, but I’m not afraid to be in this space because I’m willing to learn. I’m excited to learn from Gleb and hope that I can teach him a couple of things too.”
Savchenko also shared his reaction to being paired with the drag star andWe’re Hereco-host. “I was like, ‘Sign me in. I’m going to live my best life.'”
Gleb Savchenko.Emma McIntyre/Getty
Shangela, who reached top four inRuPaul’s Drag Race All Starsseason 3, couldn’t be more thrilled either. “My jaw was literally on the floor,” he said. “To be onDancing with the Starsand growing up and just always loving dance, and then now to have this amazing platform to compete and do something, I’m living my best life, like Gleb.”
As for the competition aspect of the show, Shangela doesn’t seem too worried. “Today was the first day that we actually got to see everyone so I was looking around like this, but I can’t see much through these lashes,” he said.
“I know it may sound cliché, but I really feel like I and we really are our biggest competitors because we’ve got to overcome any thoughts of not being able to deliver and just go out there and have fun,” he added. “That’s really what we want to do. Have a great time, and in the process, turn it out.”
His expert advice comes from a lengthy track record atRuPaul’s Drag Race, being the first contestant to participate in three different seasons of the show. After clocking all that time on camera, Shangela feels prepared for the ballroom.
The drag star added, “I think that’s how I’ve been able to connect with so many people around the world in an authentic way, is because when Shangela shows up, I show up as myself, and you get me with no cameras the same way that you get me with cameras, so here I come.”
Competing against Shangela and Savchenko on season 31 areThe Real Housewives of New JerseystarTeresa Giudicewith partner Pasha Pashkov, actor and comedianWayne Bradywith partner Witney Carson, actressSelma Blairwith partnerSasha Farber,Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son and fitness modelJoseph Baenawith partnerDaniella Karagach, andJersey ShorestarVinny Guadagninowith partner Koko Iwasaki.
TikTok starCharli D’Amelioand her momHeidi D’Ameliowill also compete on the series, thoughnews of their casting was announced on Wednesday. Charli will be partnered withMark Ballaswhile her mom is paired withArtem Chigvintsev. They’re making their own history on the show as the first mother-daughter pair ever to compete in the ballroom.
Eric McCandless/ABC
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Season 31 ofDancing with the Starspremieres Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET on Disney+.
source: people.com
