Motsi Mabuse has shared a rare insight into her family life, revealing how she balances her career with her hopes for her daughter’s future.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge confirmed she won’t be joining next year’s live tour, explaining that she needs to prioritise her six-year-old daughter while she starts school. Motsi, 44, who lives in Germany with her husband Evgenij Voznyuk, stressed that her decision is only temporary.
Speaking to Fabulous magazine, she said: “As a working mum, you have to make those balancing decisions. I have one child starting school, so I experience everything just once. It’s the first time and the last time. I need to know she’s fine before I can do other things. Everybody at Strictly was very understanding. I loved doing the tour, so I’ll be back next time.”
Motsi added: “We live once. It’s about making those tough choices. Sometimes a mum has to work, because if you don’t, your kids won’t eat. If you’re lucky enough to make the decisions I did, then take them.”
She also shared a sweet tradition she has with her daughter: “Every week, my daughter watches the show and gives me a ‘secret sign’ she’ll say, ‘Blow a kiss,’ or ‘Make a heart with your hands.’ She even makes up little dances for me to do, so she knows it’s a secret just for her.”
Motsi Mabuse has admitted that she doesn’t want her daughter to follow in her footsteps, though she will fully support her if she chooses to.
“Unfortunately, she’s learning to dance,” Motsi said. “I do not want her to compete, but if she wants to, we will support her. She absolutely loves musicals, and she’s talented at it. The dance world is a very tough environment.”
Motsi explained that carrying the family name comes with extra pressure: “Her parents are champions, so whether she takes my surname or her dad’s, she’ll never have a clean slate. She will be judged more harshly. One of the top German champions is always referred to as ‘so-and-so’s son.’”
She added that the scrutiny in the dance world is intense: “You’re criticised for everything your weight, your appearance. When I see 12-year-olds in elaborate costumes with full hair and make-up, I think, ‘No, I want to keep her young!’”
“She’s also doing karate and swimming, so she can compete in those sports,” Motsi explained. “If you swim in a race and finish first, you’ve won. Dancing is much more subjective.”