Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has revealed he was beaten by his ballet teacher.
During lessons in the 1970s, he regularly got a “whack” from a cane. And he’s now in favour of chaperones behind the scenes when celebrities on the show train with hard taskmaster professionals, something bosses at the BBC are introducing this autumn.
Craig said: “I had a Russian ballet teacher who used to have a cane and she would whack us with it.”
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He added: “She used to get up and whack the under of our hamstrings to make sure we weren’t lifting from the thigh, because that’s really important in dance.”
Craig admits the tough approach helped him reach his potential.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
He said: “I certainly know that tough love was good for me because it made me fight and made me want it even more.”
But he added: “Obviously, that sort of teaching wouldn’t be permissible today. I think it’s beneficial to have mediators present in rehearsal rooms.
“In theatre, especially with children and younger performers, chaperones are always present.”
Craig has spoken out about his experience after Strictly was hit by multiple claims of abusive behaviour.
Pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima have both been accused of being nasty to their celebrity partners during training.
Craig thinks mixing celebs with professionals comes with risks.
Speaking on This Morning, he said: “It’s a bunch of celebrities, learning to dance from scratch, by amazing pros who have been in the business since they were three, and trained to within an inch of their lives.
“So you’re putting two very different powerhouses together.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
