Challenging The Preconceptions Of Dancers – With Josh Keefe

The Kevin Clifton Show

This week, Kevin is joined by dancer and Strictly choreographer and Assistant to the Creative Director of the show, Josh Keefe, who discusses his beginnings in dance, the issues surrounding same-sex dance couples, how he overcame bullying during his youth, the surprising benefits of working in television, and the puzzling modern western attitudes that seem to regard dance as lacking in masculinity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• As well as working on Strictly Come Dancing, Josh works on Dancing With The Stars in Australia. Josh actually competed last year with Courtney Act, a drag queen, which has reignited the conversation about whether same-sex couples should be allowed on Strictly.
• Most people wish to be dancers for the act of dancing itself, but unusually, Josh was drawn to dance and performance because of his love of music.
• Josh experience bullying as a result of his dancing pursuits in his youth. Attending an all-boys school, his masculinity was called into question by fellow pupils. but Josh’s determination and stubborn streak saw him through.
• Dance is praised among young boys in other cultures, such as China and Russia. In western culture, though, it is frowned upon, which Josh and Kevin find ridiculous. What exactly is the issue with men being in touch with their artistic or feminine sides?
• Coming from competitive dance, Josh was looking for a fresh challenge. He found it in television, where he was asked to train and perfect dance routines with newcomers on a weekly basis. He has found this challenge incredible rewarding, as it has also helped to develop his skills as a teacher.
• Other territories are embracing same-sex couples on TV dance shows. Both Kevin and Josh see this development as a wonderful opportunity and hugely important in terms of visibility.

BEST MOMENTS

‘At least a hundred years…'

‘I enjoy the connection to the music’

‘I would be the one who would try to disappear in a room’

‘I knew I didn’t agree with everything everyone said or did. And I was quite happy with that’

’Shaming boys for dancing is just hilarious’

’Strictlify… that’s a word now’

’That’s the power of what dance can bring'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764

Josh Keefe Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joshuakeefedancer/?hl=en

Josh Keefe Twitter - https://twitter.com/joshuakeefe?lang=en

Josh Keefe Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/moveforlife.asia/

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube