The long-kept secret has been revealed: The celebrity squad for the new season of the ORF dance show “Dancing Stars” is complete! You can find out who will be hitting the TV dance floor in March 2025 here:
AUSTRIA. After weeks of speculation and heated discussion, there is finally clarity: on Friday, ORF revealed the full list of participants for the next round of “Dancing Stars“. In addition to actress Julia Cencig, actor Aaron Karl, director and cabaret artist Wolfgang “Fifi” Pissecker and chef Andi Wojta, six other celebrities will take to the dance floor from March.
With comedian Paulus Bohl (from the duo Dr Bohl), former politician and entrepreneur Eva Glawischnig, former professional tennis player Stefan Koubek, businesswoman Simone Lugner, presenter and performance trainer Heilwig Pfanzelter and content creator Anna Strigl, the celebrity squad is now complete . – and promises one exciting combination of humor, charm and ambition.
Paulus Bohl: The good Viennese boy
“When I appeared on ORF programs, I always joked about whether it was finally enough for ‘Dancing Stars’ – and at some point it seemed that it was,” explains Paulus Bohl (from duo Dr. Bohl) in their Press Release. “I was very happy and I’m really excited to see what it’s like to stand in the endless expanse of the ballroom, which of course I’ve known since my childhood.” Does the comedian have dance experience? “Of course, I went to dance school, as befits a good 17-year-old Viennese boy, and then all I did was do occasional bar-side steps in clubs.”
Eva Glawischnig: The puppy
Former politician and entrepreneur Eva Glawischnig emphasizes that she had “shortness of breath and heart palpitations” when the “Dancing Stars” request came in. “But of course I’m looking forward to this challenge, because dance is fundamentally about joy: for the audience, for the professionals and for us, the participants,” said Glawischnig. What does the former politician and entrepreneur have to do with dancing? “I am starting from scratch and hoping for the so-called protection of a puppy. I play the piano and have musical hands, but very unmusical feet - even our wedding waltz was a special experience for my husband.”
Stefan Koubek: The bold one
“I have thought about the possibility of participating in ‘Dancing Stars’ a few times, although I am already quite far away from dancing. Now it fits perfectly into my schedule – so I am heading into waters uncertain “That. it makes my attitude bigger,” ex-tennis professional Stefan Koubek says happily. “I even think I can dance, but I’ve never tried it. I have a lot of respect for it, but I’m looking forward to it all – for sure it will be fun, you’ll get to know other people. , and who knows , I might even go dancing afterwards.”
Simone Lugner: The leader
“Wow,” was Simone Lugner’s first reaction when asked if she would like to be on “Dancing Stars.” “‘Dancing Stars’ is something that Richard has always loved and would definitely like to be a part of,” Lugner’s widow emphasizes. And more about her previous dance experience: “I took a basic course twice, but that was a long time ago. My problem is that I always tend to be in charge – in that sense I hope a strong partner will be in charge.”
Heilwig Pfanzelter: The dance student
“Great, I’ll join right away,” says presenter and performance trainer Heilwig Pfanzelter happily. “I am looking for a dance school from ‘Impulstanz’ during the summer – and then this request came and I immediately said yes. Language and appearance are my domain, dance is the language of the company.” And further: “Dancing is completely new to me, but I’m sure I’ll learn it. And now I have the best dance school in the world here. I’m very impressed with ‘Dancing Stars’ and I hope that I will “
How did content creator Anna Strigl respond to the request? “Grandma will be very happy – she’s dance leader for a senior dance group and a big ‘Dancing Stars’ fan.” She emphasizes that her dance experience is “not that exciting”: “I took a few courses for my high school prom - but I have good basic athleticism and a lot of fighting spirit, even if I don’t have as much experience in dance as which was That makes me even more happy and I’m looking forward to the challenge of showing what’s possible even though you might not be that good at it yet and of course the outfits.”
ORF turns professional dancers
But not all the seats on the dance floor are occupied yet. “Dancing Stars - Das Casting” is currently looking for two new professionals, where the exciting election is already in full swing. After the grand finale on December 6, it will finally be decided who will compete with one of the top ten dancers – more about that here:
“Dancing Stars – The Casting” begins in the fall
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Interview with Time.news Editor and Dance Show Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome! We’re excited to have you here to discuss the upcoming season of “Dancing Stars.” The celebrity lineup was just revealed, and it seems like an incredible mix! What are your initial thoughts on the participants?
Dance Show Expert (DSE): Thank you for having me! I think this season’s lineup is genuinely intriguing. It blends a delightful mix of humor, charm, and ambition. Stars like Paulus Bohl and Eva Glawischnig bring diverse backgrounds that could lead to unpredictable and entertaining moments on the dance floor.
TNE: Absolutely! Paulus Bohl seems particularly excited. He’s mentioned his background in dance at a young age. Do you think that prior dance experience, even if minimal, will give him an edge?
DSE: It certainly can provide a foundation! While he jokingly shares that his real dance experience is limited to being a good Viennese boy and some club moves, his familiarity with the ballroom could turn beneficial. This early introduction to dance can help him pick up routines more quickly than someone starting from scratch.
TNE: Then we have Eva Glawischnig, who expressed some nerves but also excitement. She describes herself as starting from scratch but mentions she has “musical hands.” How do you perceive her chances in the competition?
DSE: Eva’s musical background is an interesting element. Being in tune with music can significantly influence one’s rhythm and timing on the dance floor, which is crucial. If she can manage her nerves, her ability to connect with the music might surprise both her and the judges. That said, the challenge of bodily coordination is entirely new for her.
TNE: Interesting! Now, what about Stefan Koubek’s approach? He seems enthusiastic though he admits he’s quite far from dancing. Do you think his sports background could serve him well?
DSE: Definitely! As a former professional athlete, Stefan will likely possess discipline, physical fitness, and an understanding of body mechanics—all essential for dancing. His respect for the art form is also telling; it indicates he’s approaching this with the right mindset. Overcoming his initial hesitation could lead to remarkable performances.
TNE: Simone Lugner mentioned wanting someone to take charge during their dances. Do you think that dynamic will affect the pair’s chemistry and performance?
DSE: Absolutely! The partnership dynamic is critical in dance competitions. If Simone can find a partner who complements her leadership style while providing the guidance she seeks, they could create a strong team. However, it’s essential for both partners to be flexible and supportive to truly shine in their performances.
TNE: Heilwig Pfanzelter, the performance trainer, is also part of the cast. She seems eager and ready to learn. Do you think her experience in presentation will translate into dance?
DSE: Yes, her background as a performance trainer should certainly aid her. The skills used in captivating an audience—body language, expression, and presence—are all vital in dance as well. Her willingness to learn and explore this new language of expression could indeed make her a dark horse in the competition.
TNE: Anna Strigl’s enthusiasm is infectious! She has athleticism and a fighting spirit, but did she say she lacks experience? How critical is dance experience in this competition?
DSE: Experience can help, but it’s not everything. Anna’s athleticism and drive could outweigh her lack of experience. If she approaches the competition with determination and integrates her athletic traits into dance, she could definitely surprise a lot of voters and judges. The passion she showcases will resonate with the audience, which is often just as important as technical skill.
TNE: It sounds like this season is shaping up to be full of surprises! With such diverse personalities and backgrounds, what do you think we can expect in terms of viewer engagement and ratings?
DSE: I believe viewership is likely to soar! The mix of expertise, humor, and unique stories creates a captivating narrative for audiences. Their personal journeys add depth to the dance, allowing viewers to connect on emotional levels. It will be fascinating to see how these stars evolve through the show.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your insights! With the season set to start in March 2025, we’re all eager to witness this vibrant blend of talent on the dance floor.
DSE: It’s my pleasure! I’m just as excited and can’t wait to see how these stars tackle their dancing journeys.