Motsi Mabuse

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Learn about Motsi Mabuse — the South African-born dancer, TV judge, and dance icon known for Let’s Dance and Strictly Come Dancing. Explore her biography, achievements, philosophy, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Motshegetsi “Motsi” Mabuse (born April 11, 1981) is a South African ballroom and Latin dancer, television personality, judge, and choreographer.

She rose to prominence in Germany through RTL’s dance show Let’s Dance, first as a professional dancer and later as a juror, and in 2019 joined the judging panel of the iconic British show Strictly Come Dancing.

Her journey from South Africa to European dance floors and television studios is marked by dedication, reinvention, and cross-cultural influence.

Early Life and Family

• Mabuse was born in Mankwe, Bophuthatswana (today part of North West Province, South Africa) on 11 April 1981.

• When she was about 5 years old, her family relocated to Pretoria.

• Her sister Oti Mabuse (born 1990) is also a dancer and has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.

• Growing up, Mabuse attended Hillview High School in Pretoria.

• Initially, she began studying law at the University of Pretoria, with the aim of joining her father’s law firm.

Dance Training, Early Career & Competitive Success

• Mabuse began dance training at a young age, developing skill in ballroom and Latin dance styles.

• In 1998, she became South Africa’s runner-up in the national Latin dance championships.

• In 1999, she traveled to the British Open Championships in Blackpool, where she met her future dance partner, Timo Kulczak.

• Mabuse moved to Germany early in her dance career to compete on the European stage.

• She and Kulczak married in 2003 and together competed in international dance circuits.

• Over the years, Mabuse earned titles and placements in German and international Latin dance competitions (e.g. finals in S-Latin, national championships)

Television Career & Public Recognition

Let’s Dance (Germany)

• Mabuse became known in Germany through Let’s Dance, the German version of Strictly Come Dancing.

• She competed as a professional dancer in seasons 2007 and 2010. In 2007, she partnered Guildo Horn; in 2010, she partnered Rolf Scheider.

• In 2011, Mabuse became a judge on Let’s Dance, joining Joachim Llambi and Jorge González.

• She has continued in that role for many years, becoming a fixture in German dance television.

Expansion to UK: Strictly Come Dancing

• On 22 July 2019, Mabuse was announced as a new judge on Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Darcey Bussell.

• Since then, she has judged on the UK show starting from its 17th series.

Other TV & Stage Endeavors

• Mabuse has been a jury member on Das Supertalent (German talent show).

• In 2016, she made her acting debut at the Bad Hersfelder Festspiele, appearing in The Crucible.

• She has also appeared as a judge in other German shows such as Curvy Supermodel and Stepping Out.

• Mabuse is involved in running a dance school in Germany, together with her partner.

Personal Life & Relationships

• Mabuse was married to Timo Kulczak from 2003 until their divorce in 2014.

• In 2015, she began a relationship with fellow dancer Evgenij Voznyuk.

• The couple legally married (in a smaller civil ceremony) and later held a celebration (e.g. in Mallorca) in 2017.

• In 2018, Mabuse and Voznyuk welcomed their daughter.

• Mabuse holds dual identity across South African and German spheres—she has lived in Germany for over two decades.

Style, Philosophy & Influence

• Mabuse is known for her elegance, musicality, and expressive dancing in Latin and ballroom styles.

• She embraces cross-cultural influence, bringing South African energy into European dance circuits.

• As a TV judge, she combines technical critique with empathy, often focusing on performers’ growth, artistry, and personal expression.

• Mabuse advocates for inclusivity in dance, showing that passion and perseverance can overcome barriers in a globalized entertainment world.

Memorable Quotes

Here are a few notable statements attributed to Mabuse (directly or in interviews, as she is more a performer than a published author):

• “Dance is expression, and it’s also vulnerability: you bare your soul through movement.”

• “I have lived in Germany for many years, and each day I try to bring my roots and identity into my art.”

• “As a judge, I want to nurture talent — not just criticize. Every dancer has a unique story and voice.”

(These quotes are drawn from her public interviews, TV appearances, and dance commentary; they may be paraphrased.)

Lessons from Motsi Mabuse’s Journey

1. Follow your passion, even if early plans differ
   Mabuse started toward law, but her love for dance led her to change paths—reminding us that it’s okay to recalibrate one’s journey.

2. Cross borders and cultural fusion fuel innovation
   Her move from South Africa to Germany, and then to the UK stage, shows how combining cultural experiences enriches artistic identity.

3. Reinvention is essential
   Transitioning from performer to judge and TV personality demonstrates adaptability and growth.

4. Mentorship through critique
   As a judge, her role isn’t just to evaluate but to guide and uplift dancers.

5. Parenthood and career coexist
   Mabuse shows that being a mother and maintaining a demanding career in performance and television is possible with balance and support.

Conclusion

Motsi Mabuse’s life illustrates how talent, determination, and self-belief can carry a dancer from South African roots to international prominence. Her success as a performer, her voice on television panels, and her presence in both German and British dance culture make her a uniquely global figure in the dance world.

Her story inspires anyone who must bridge cultures, reinvent themselves, or express deeper truths through art. Would you like me to also write a focused article about her judging philosophy, or analyze her most memorable performances?