Rhys McClenaghan, an Olympic gold medalist, has opened up about the increasing challenges posed by “Dancing with the Stars” despite his high-profile presence at the top of the leaderboard. McClenaghan partners with the seasoned professional dancer Laura Nolan.
Making Waves with Challenging Routines
The duo has made a lasting impression on both the judges and viewers with their polished performances. According to McClenaghan, the routine constantly evolves, removing the old to make way for new.
“Learning a dance each week and leaving the previous behind is part of the adventure,” McClenaghan explained during a press interview alongside his professional partner, Laura Nolan. “While it’s growing more challenging as the forgettable dances pile up, the thrill it brings keeps me excited to each show.”
Nolan echoed this sentiment, adding that she constantly pushes McClenaghan to reach for more out of each routine. “We take things to the next level, even making the faster moves more challenging to compete with,” she commented.
No Added Pressure Despite Top Spot
Remarkably, their success hasn’t burdened them with additional pressure. McClenaghan scored a perfect 10 for the Charleston dance routine to “The Spider-Man Theme,” marking Nolan’s first 10 in her five seasons on the show.
He confessed, “The goal remains unchanged each week — to enjoy every dance. When we commit to doing our best every night, it usually pays off. As for the leaderboard, we concern ourselves with our performances rather than ranking.”
Nolan affirmed their philosophy by stating, “We strive for excellence each week and put all our energy into it. The judges decide the scores, but we only focus on what we can control – the performance itself.”
Celebration of Personal BestsMcClenaghan shared an insight into his mindset, explaining that his celebration follows from a genuine belief that he fulfilled all he could have on that night.
When I celebrate after a performance, it’s with gratitude for doing my part, much the same as in gymnastics competitions.
McClenaghan emphasized. It’s about the personal best I gave, not the expectations set by the leaderboard.
Laura Nolan’s Role
Nolan praises McClenaghan’s progress, calling him a “perfect student.”
She stated, “He’s incredibly receptive to whatever guidance we receive and works tirelessly to improve himself each day.”
McClenaghan elaborated on his complementary traits, noting his willingness to accept direction and his strong foundation in gymnastics. Gymnastics has honed a lot of the skills I now apply to choreography, so I’m able to learn and apply them efficiently,”
he said.
Handling Pressure with ConfidenceThe veteran gymnast also mentioned how his extensive background helped him manage the pressure of live performances. He expressed that with years of experience in the public eye, he could control his mindset no matter the audience size.
It’s about focusing on the routine, whether it’s gymnastics or a dance routine,”
shared McClenaghan. Nolan agreed, citing his ability to approach live performance with ease, free from undue stress.
He deals with it beautifully, shifting into a focused mode without letting pressure dictate his actions. It’s a skill I admire,”
she said.
Future of McClenaghan on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
With his natural talent and disciplined approach, Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan are a formidable pair poised to continue their successful run. Their dedication to their craft is evident in every performance, suggesting they’ll continue to impress with complex, dynamic routines.
Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of “Dancing with the Stars.” Tune in every Sunday at 6.30 pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
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