When blind celebrity comedian Chris McCausland starred in the 2024 series of the legendary British dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, some viewers thought the odds were stacked high against him.
Having completely lost his sight by the age of 22, most of us might deem it impossible for a blind man like Chris, with no previous experience in the ballroom, to learn how to dance like a pro. But, thanks to the help of his pro dance partner, Dianne Buswell, the pair waltzed all the way to the Strictly finals, winning the series and holding the entire nation captive while inspiring millions of fans across the globe.
One of the pair’s most stunning routines—a salsa to the tune of Men At Work’s ‘Down Under’—has topped 575,000 YouTube views in little more than a year. And fans simply can’t believe Chris’s newfound talent. Music Man readers can watch the magic unfold in the viral video above…
After watching the clip, you’re likely wondering, ‘How did Dianne teach a sightless comedian to dance?’ The Australian pro revealed her training secrets in an interview with the Off The Telly podcast.
Dianne revealed, ‘Dancing for me is, I would teach 80% visually all the time. I learn visually when I’m dancing. So for me, even just thinking about, “Oh my gosh, so I can’t visually teach him, and the way I learn is visuals,” – my brain was going “Oh god I hope I can do this.” But we found other ways. He’s really good with musicality so, hearing the steps on the floor, he gets an understanding of [the] rhythm.
‘I get down on my hands and knees, he puts his hand on my head for balance so he’s pressing down on my head whilst I’m moving his feet. Also Chris gets down on his hands and knees, and feels what my feet are doing. I try and explain everything which I’ve never ever done before. It feels like I’m playing Twister sometimes; I’m like “right leg forwards.”’
In a separate interview, Chris shed his own light on the unique process, explaining, ‘It’s mentally draining. There’s a lot of description and sometimes I have to get onto my hands and knees and feel what [Dianne’s] feet are doing … She has got muscles in the lower part of her legs that I didn’t even know existed. Sometimes as well, she gets on her hands and knees and just picks my leg up and puts it where she wants. It’s like I’m one of those bendy Spider-Man figures.’
But he has nothing but love for his dance partner, telling the press, ‘Dianne’s energy never wanes. She is really patient, good fun and is bringing the best out of me.’
And with viewers in utter disbelief at Chris and Dianne’s extraordinary dance routine, inspired fans can’t help but flock to the YouTube comments to spread their praise for the pair.
One top commenter spoke for hundreds when they wrote, ‘Dianne does not skip out on the choreography with Chris. It’s so complicated. More so than the majority of the other dancers who are sighted. It’s just incredible. Astonishing. He is a brilliant dancer and Dianne is showing that off blind or not. She is an incredible talent.’
Chris McCausland’s Strictly triumph with Dianne Buswell proved perseverance and joy can defy expectations. His viral ‘Down Under’ salsa is living proof — and his journey is far from over. Want more behind-the-scenes clips, interviews and the full performance? Useful links to watch and read more are listed below.