Tolu Makay: Dancing with the Stars Gave Me a ‘New Life’ | RTÉ Entertainment
Singer Tolü Makay is discovering a renewed sense of creative purpose thanks to her run on ‘s Dancing with the Stars, telling RTÉ Entertainment that the experience has given her “a new life.” As she prepares for the semi-final round, Makay reflects on a journey that began with “zero” dance experience and has blossomed into a surprising and empowering transformation.
Makay’s journey on the show isn’t simply about learning choreography; it’s about rediscovering a joy and confidence she felt had waned. “Coming into the competition, I definitely knew that I was seeking some sort of, like, joy,” she explained. The impact has been profound. “The best way I can put it is Dancing with the Stars has given me a new life,” she continued. This isn’t hyperbole, but a genuine assessment of how the experience has unlocked something within her.
The shift is particularly significant for a creative professional. Makay describes a return of her “creative spark,” a feeling of being emboldened to pursue artistic endeavors without the self-doubt that previously held her back. “I sense like my creative spark has come back. In the sense of, I feel I’m much more confident in pursuing anything creatively, moving forward, instead of doubting myself.” This newfound confidence isn’t just about dancing; it’s about a broader willingness to embrace risk and explore untapped potential.
Her partnership with professional dancer Maciej Zięba has been central to this growth. The duo’s connection has strengthened throughout the series, allowing Makay to consistently surpass her own expectations. “I’m a complete student to this whole dancing world, and the fact that I’m even surprising myself each week, it’s given me the confidence to at least try and dream to do something even more with the gifts that I don’t even know I have.” This speaks to the power of mentorship and collaboration in fostering artistic development.
Makay and Zięba have already achieved a key milestone, reaching Orchestra Night – a significant benchmark within the competition. This , they’ll tackle a Paso Doble inspired by the energy of the 1980s and the iconic rock band Guns N’ Roses, specifically their song “Welcome to the Jungle.” The challenge doesn’t stop there. They’ll also be performing a Jive to Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti,” with a twist: they’ll be joined by eliminated pro dancer Stephen Vincent.
The addition of Vincent to their Jive routine injects a new dynamic into the performance. Makay acknowledges the demanding nature of the dances, laughing, “I don’t know what else they’re going to give me!” She recognizes the need for energy and enthusiasm, particularly for the Jive. “Stephen will be joining us. He’s amazing, he’s so fun, and I feel like we kind of need that kind of personality for a Jive. You just need to be on – ‘Go, go go!’”
The semi-final round represents a significant hurdle, but Makay approaches it with a sense of openness and excitement. “We will see as the journey goes [on]! I mean, it’s the semi-final now and final at the finish! I feel like the type of dances [this week], the Jive and also the Paso, is a challenge in and of itself, so we’ll see how that goes!” This willingness to embrace the unknown is a testament to the confidence she’s gained throughout the competition.
Looking beyond Dancing with the Stars, Makay is embracing a spirit of possibility. “I’m literally just like, ‘Ok, throw anything at me! Let’s see where it goes!'” This open-mindedness suggests a willingness to explore new opportunities and apply the lessons learned on the dance floor to other areas of her life and career. The show has not only reignited her creative spark but also instilled a sense of resilience and a belief in her own potential.
Dancing with the Stars airs on at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.