Oti Mabuse, former Strictly Come Dancing icon, and the latest judge on Dancing on Ice, says her first UK female solo tour is her way of saying “women support women, and women do sell tours”.
Oti’s newest show, I Am Here – which is a direct translation of Oti’s name in the language Setswana, spoken in South Africa - is a whirlwind celebration of the influences and inspirations that took the talented dancer on a journey from growing up in South Africa to following her dream.
Kicking off on April 28 in Cardiff, the I Am Here tour covers all corners of the UK, including a date at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on June 15.
From mesmerising Jives and pumping Sambas to South African traditional dances, the show is set to be an explosive night of dance with music that will set audiences hearts racing.
Oti told the News Shopper that she is “excited to get the show on the road” after two years of waiting due to the pandemic.
Oti said: “I'm ready to start dancing again and show everyone my story that has been on hold for two years.”
The Dancing on Ice judge says she is looking forward for her upcoming show in Bromley, as she has previously performed at the Churchill Theatre - where she found the audience to be “fun, loud and supportive”.
Oti will also be joined by some of the world’s greatest dancers and the West End’s finest singers and musicians, for what is promised to be a night of electrifying choreography and like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
Oti said: “The show will feature samba dances, salsas, and I obviously have to bring my African influence – it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t.
“I wanted to bring the ballroom and classical numbers to make the show feel beautiful.
“I’m really looking forward to showing this fusion of a tango and we have this massive musical section when we're talking about all things United Kingdom - that is fast paced, moving and fabulous.”
Eight-time South African Latin American Champion, Oti is regarded as one of the most successful South African dancers in the world, regularly choreographing critically acclaimed musicals and is now a sought-after presenter and judge on UK television.
The I Am Here tour is the first female solo dance tour that has ever been done – Oti proudly stated.
She added: “A lot of the times you need a couple of girls for a dance tour, or you need a boy as well to sell.
“This is my way of saying yes - women do support women - and women do sell tours.
“And women are going to come to the show and enjoy, because it's for them as well.
“So, I'm really proud of that.”
Oti, who created the entire choreography, says she taught her dancers the routines in just one week.
2022 has already been an incredible year for Oti, as well as being announced as the new judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, she has also been announced as the host for new primetime ITV dating show ’Romeo and Duet’ coming this year.
“I love the judging experiences” Oti says, “I enjoy being with kind people who offer exciting new challenges”.
Oti explained: “I always love trying new things and being with people who help me grow.
“I really, really appreciate the fact that I have a lovely job that people love to watch and love to celebrate.”
I Am Here will see Oti give more than 50 performances during the tour, playing at the UK’s most prestigious venues.
Buy tickets to the Bromley performance here
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