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nO show on television brings a lot of joy strictly come dance — and, this year, a much-needed dose of it is being delivered by one contestant in particular: Ellie Goldstein.
On Saturday night, Goldstein and his professional partner Vito Coppola performed their Couple’s Choice. Appropriately set to “Golden” kpop demon hunter’ Group hunter/x , Before it rained confetti (gold, of course) on the dancefloor, the routine was an action-packed contemporary number, filled with energetic choreography and perfectly executed lifts.
It solidified Goldstein’s status as a complete superstar who could bring a smile to even the sternest of faces (Exhibit A: Craig Revel Horwood). But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t emotional.
One of the best things about Couples Choice routines is that viewers get to know a little more about the celebrities performing them. Having discovered a love of performing at an early age, Essex-born Goldstein began modeling as a teenager and has also tried his hand at acting, making his television debut in the CBBC series earlier this year. His achievements are incredible and have become even more so since his start in life.
Before she and Coppola took the stage, a VT aired featuring Goldstein’s mother, Yvonne, sharing her daughter’s story. She said: “Within hours of Ellie being born, we were told she wouldn’t be able to walk or talk, which was a huge shock.
“We decided to raise Ellie as Ellie, not with the title of Down syndrome. I think it’s made a difference in her life.”
She added: “I would like people to see that anything is possible when you have Down syndrome [and] You have every chance to succeed here.”
There’s no doubt that Goldstein is showing the country exactly that. self-confessed strictly The superfan is the first person with Down syndrome to appear on the show and has previously made history as the first person with the condition to appear on the cover of Vogue.
But what is more important than anything else is the sheer joy that comes from being on a show. Which, frankly, is something we can all do right now.
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Earlier in the week, Goldstein performed Ariana Grande’s “Yes, End?” But raised the bar for himself with an energetic Cha Cha. This was followed by a soft waltz to “Your Song”, but even with a more serious and emotional performance, it was clear she had a ball with Coppola in rehearsal.
For Movie Week, the pair upped their game once again with a salsa take on Greta Gerwig’s “Dance the Night Away.” barbieAnd this week – while VT undoubtedly made some viewers reach for the tissues – the dance that followed was nothing short of a spectacular show-stopper, with Goldstein energetically bounding to the floor and closing the show with a celebration of everything she’s accomplished so far.
On Saturday night, it was Coppola who best represented Goldstein. “When Ellie walks into the room, everything lights up,” he said. “Suddenly, looking at Ellie, the world becomes colorful. And I realize I’ve always lived in black and white.” Who could possibly say it better than this?