First of all, the adversity he's overcome is impressive. Putting his identity aside, even just making it in the world of dance coming from an underprivileged background is no easy feat. Second, I think it's interesting to hear his thoughts on his first stint on the South African version of Strictly. We've spoken a lot here recently about Gio being a bit of a militant teacher and overworking talent. Johannes himself admits that in his first season of Strictly in SA, he was too strict and took all the enjoyment out of dancing with his partner, and didn't click with her because of that. He vowed with every partnership he was lucky enough to get after that, he would focus on the enjoyment first and foremost. Interesting that only one season he gained that insight, and Gio hasn't in however many.
Moving on, there's been a lot of comments on the Strictly threads about how people hoped Johannes would seek therapy first after Caroline Quentin and then after John. Interestingly, Johannes does seek therapy, but not for that. So he's not against therapy and has sought it himself.
Now onto his partnerships on the UK version of Strictly. This is what I find most curious. Of his four partnerships; Catherine, Caroline, John and Ellie, the general feeling on this thread is that he didn't enjoy Caroline or John. Now obviously he's not going to spend the book slating his partnerships, but actually taking from how he wrote about each, I would say that Catherine was the one he was least enchanted with. I have to stress he doesn't say anything bad, but he gushes about the others more than Catherine. His partnership with John seems to have meant the most to him, which makes sense with the themes of the book. Ellie he seems to have found very endearing, and Caroline he really talks up. He seems to not be able to believe that they'd partner him with her, and believes she's a huge star. Just thought it was interesting!
Lastly, a very small note, but I thought it was interesting. Here's how he describes each of the Strictly crew, this is the only mention of them.
"I lost my mind when I saw Anton. The man is a legend. There was Aljaz, looking cute as always. Janette who is super talented. Karen, who I wouldn't want to cross. Gorka is one of the most honest and genuine people you will ever meet. Neil, the prankster. Dianne, the happy chick you need in your corner to brighten your day. There was kind Amy and then, of course, lovely Luba - but don't mess with her. I felt like I knew these people long before I joined the show. The latin and ballroom professional world is very insular. Amy and Neil were world champions and I knew of them even before Strictly. The biggest thing for me was also being in the same room as Oti Mabuse." He later on mentions that Graziano is his best friend too.
What I find interesting about this, is that this was in 2019. There are a few dancers he does not mention, who were on this season. Kevin, Giovanni, Katya, Nadiya & AJ. I wouldn't find this odd if he'd only mentioned one or two people, but he's gone to lengths to detail each and every other person. But those five. Idk! Just stood out to me when I read that section.
Anyway this is way too long, all in all, it's a lovely book. I think he's been very careful to not dish any dirt or disrespect anyone. He doesn't share any insights about his Strictly crew really, nor does he share anything about the judges. It's not a book to read if you're looking for gossip, but if you're looking to learn about Johannes' journey and who he is, it's the loveliest read to brighten your winter.
he just has such intensity and passion and I'm sure he was only doing his job.. silly dead person just trying to tarnish his reputation, well we all love him #teamgio I hope Rose comes back to be his lawyer"
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