The Dirt: Keo Motsepe

September 16, 2015

Keo Motsepe’s 2014 debut on “Dancing with the Stars” may have been his introduction to American TV audiences. But the South African pro had been racking up accolades in the international ballroom community long before his “DWTS” days. Motsepe, who grew up in Pretoria, was only 5 years old when he ditched soccer for dance. Since then, he’s proudly represented South Africa in competitions around the world. For eight straight years, Motsepe was the South African Latin Dance Champion, and in 2012, he was the first from his country to perform on the Burn the Floor world tour. Motsepe joined the pros of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 19, and his passion and charismatic style (aka #KeoDanceFace) haven’t gone unnoticed. Read on for The Dirt. —Natalie Zisa

(Photo by Adam Taylor, courtesy ABC)

What’s the most-played song on your playlist?

“Home” by Michael Buble

What’s one food you can’t live without?

Sushi

What television show takes up the most room on your DVR?

“Revenge” and “Empire”

Do you have any nicknames?

Keoza and Babs

What’s your favorite dance movie?

Step Up

What was your most embarrassing moment onstage?

When I was 12 yeas old and competing, one time I went up onstage and completely froze. I forgot all of the choreography!

Who’s your biggest dance crush?

Karina Smirnoff

Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

I always pray before each show.

If you could work with any dancer or choreographer—past or present—who would it be?

Michael Jackson!

Who’s your favorite “DWTS” judge?

Carrie Ann Inaba

“DWTS” Dressing-Room Secrets

Get the scoop on the show’s super-glam looks:

The wardrobe department (a team of 28 designers, seamstresses and tailors) only gets 5 days to create each “DWTS” costume.

One costume typically costs between $3,000 and $10,000 and weighs between

10
and 12 pounds.

There are more than 100,000 rhinestones hand-sewn onto the costumes in one week.

An average of 65 costumes are produced every week.

500 pairs of false eyelashes
and 4 gallons of spray-tanning solution are used per season.