Every week Dancing with the Stars judge Camilla Sacre-Dallerup adds her very own dazzle to the show with her beaming smile and sunny personality. Her critiques of the dancers is constructive and fair, and her empathy for them (Walter got a huge hug when he was eliminated) is as apparent as her passion for the sport. But what do we know about Camilla outside the realm of ballroom dancing? Here, we catch up with the DWTS judge to find out what makes her tick.
If I had to choose another career I would be…
When I left Strictly Come Dancing [on British TV] as a champion in 2008 I studied and reinvented myself, fulfilling my dream of becoming a life coach, hypnotherapist and author of self-help books. I feel grateful I am doing a job I love every day.
My favourite song of all time to dance to is…
Waltzing to Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I have many beautiful memories of performing to this song throughout my career. Some things just never get old.
The item I would save from a fire is…
Unfortunately I was in a fire as a child and all you want is for your family, dogs and yourself to be safe.
The people I most admire are…
My parents. My dad has such grace, calmness and has been a constant rock in my life, and my mum taught me to keep going even when things are tough, and to always believe in myself. Although we have lived in different countries since I was 21, we speak many times a week and I feel their support always.
I can never leave the house without…
My meditation bells, water, a good lip gloss and, I guess, my phone.
My biggest inspiration is…
Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra and Mahatma Gandhi. So much to learn from their words.
The three words I would use to describe me are…
Honest, loyal and compassionate. I like to think I wear my heart on my sleeve and what you see is what you get.
My advice to my younger self would be…
Have patience, you don’t need to rush. Enjoy each moment and try to be as present as you can in everything you do.
My favourite style of dance is…
Latin American dancing, especially the rumba, which is the reason I kept dancing for as many years as I did. It represents life and love, it’s intriguing and magical when shared with someone else.
When I’m working hard, I unwind by…
Hiking, spending time by the ocean, taking long doggie walks, having hot baths, a massage, reading or watching romantic comedies or roller-skating with my husband.
My fondest childhood memory is…
The first time we went to the UK from Denmark. I always wanted to live in a country where I could speak English, way before I could actually speak it.
I knew I wanted to be a dancer when…
I begged Mum to let me compete at six years old. You were supposed to be eight, but my teacher somehow got me dispensation.
I feel most at peace when…
I meditate by the ocean. Wherever I go in the world, I find the ocean. Ever since I was a child, it’s where I feel calmness and clarity.
Main image courtesy of Woman’s Day.