Karen Hauer’s first job after ending her 14 year career with Strictly Come Dancing has been revealed, as more pro dancers continue to leave the hit BBC show in a major shake up
Karen Hauer‘s post-Strictly career looks bright as her first job after leaving the hit Strictly Come Dancing has been announced. The Venezuelan-American dancer is set to join the revival of comedy theatre production Stepping Out.
Stepping Out is a comedy created by Richard Harris, and its revival will tour the UK this summer. It will start in Eastbourne and then head to Southend, Bromley and Fareham. Karen will take on the role of Mavis, a dance teacher in charge of a group of enthusiastic but not-so-good amateur tap dancers.
Speaking about joining the production, Karen said: “I’m so pleased to be performing in this brand-new production of Stepping Out. It’s a play about ordinary people achieving extraordinary things through dance, and in the role of their teacher and mentor, it certainly resonates with me! I’m looking forward to dusting off my tap shoes and working with a great company of actors and dancers to bring this heart-warming, feel-good comedy to the stage.”
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The director of the production, Chris Jordan, added: “I am absolutely delighted to have Karen joining us for Stepping Out this summer. We’re going to have so much fun, as are our audiences. Karen is such a well-loved dancer from her years working on Strictly as teacher and mentor to so many different partners and that is why this role, in this play, is such a great fit for her.”
The role comes just weeks after Karen’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing was confirmed. The dancer first joined Strictly in 2012 and is the longest-serving female pro dancer, but in March, she announced she was leaving the show.
In a video, she said: “Hey everyone, I’ve got something to tell you. It’s a tough one but here we go. After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I’m passionate about.
“Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners. Who have become close friends and people I admire so much.” She added: “None of this would have been possible without the amazing fans. You’ve been there since day one when I just moved to the UK and had no idea what I was getting myself into.
“I’m so grateful you watched me grow over the years and witnessed all of my different hairstyles. I’m gonna miss everyone who makes the show possible. From hair, makeup, wardrobe, the crew behind the cameras, lighting, production, and staging, the runners, Dave Arch, and the band, the singers, and the producers and welfare team who take such good care of us.”
The professional dancer, who was a fan-favourite on the BBC Saturday night staple, continued” “It’s an incredible machine powered by brilliant people. To my fellow professional dancers who I adore, I will always be cheering you on. You truly are the best in the business.”
Looking back on her time on the show, she gushed: “I’ll never forget joining the show 14 years ago with Sir Bruce Forsyth and Len Goodman and learning from such incredible legends along the way and to the brilliant Tess and Claudia. Maybe now we can finally be ladies who lunch in the autumn,” she joked.
She emotionally admitted: “I’ll even miss standing in front of the judges. Can you believe that? Smiling politely while sometimes secretly disagreeing. It’s been an honour to share the ballroom with them.
“And last but not least, thank you to my friends and family who have supported me through it all. I love you all. Now this isn’t a goodbye, it’s simply see you later because I will never stop dancing,” she then fought back tears as she said: “Who would have thought than a young girl from the Bronx…” breaking down she continued: “would end up becoming the longest serving female professional dancer on a British TV institution. Strictly will always be in my heart. I love you all,” Karen then signed off the message by blowing a kiss to the camera.
Strictly released their own statement, which read: “We would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to Karen Hauer for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the last 14 years. As the longest-serving female professional dancer in the history of the show, Karen has given so much of herself and her time to the programme, and we are extremely grateful for the passion, creativity and dedication she has brought to every single performance.
“She has captivated audiences with her talent, warmth and genuine love of dance and has been responsible for some of the most iconic partnerships and joyous routines the Strictly dance floor has ever seen.
“We thank her for all these memorable moments and for her incredible work ethic. Her professionalism and sense of humour shine through everything she achieves and we can’t wait to see where her next chapter takes her – Sarah James, Executive Producer.”
Karen is not the only star to leave this series. Four other pro dancers have announced their exit, including Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Marquez.
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