Prime mover

LATIN and ballroom dancer Pasha Kovalev has quick-stepped his way into the hearts of female viewers with his smoking hot performances on Strictly Come Dancing, BBC’s hit celebrity show.

Born in Siberia in 1980, he started dancing when he was eight years old. “It was really cold in Siberia so maybe that is why I started dancing to keep warm,” he quips.

He describes himself as something of a gypsy, living out of two suitcases as he crisscrosses the Atlantic to perform on stage and on TV — he has featured in the US show So You Think You Can Dance since 2007.

“I really love coming back to Los Angeles — it’s where I want to call home,” he says.

There is a girlfriend on the scene but he is reluctant to go into details. “She is living in the States — she has nothing to do with dancing. It’s a long-distance relationship because I am always somewhere else. It’s tough.”

* Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas will perform at the Millennium Forum, Derry, May 27, the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, May 28 and the National Concert Hall, Dublin, May 29.

What shape are you in?

Actually, I’m in good shape. I lift girls for a living, so it keeps me healthy and fit. Being a dancer puts a lot of pressure on your body. Your body is your instrument, so you have to look after yourself, you have to stretch and eat properly.

Have you any health concerns?

I do have little things here and there but nothing that a good stretch cannot fix. I love yoga but unfortunately I don’t really have time to do it all the time.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat as much greens as possible. I love food. A few years ago I switched to sea food, it has lot of protein and yet is light enough. I have to have a high-protein diet otherwise I would start losing weight dramatically.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate. But I am not really guilty about it — I love it. I eat at least a bar a day. One favourite is a Hawaiian chocolate made from macadamia nuts covered in chocolate. I am not big on alcohol, especially when working.

What would keep you awake at night?

I can fall asleep anytime, anywhere. Just give me a bed and I am done.

How to you relax?

The same way as everyone else — I like to watch movies, good food and play my computer games — it takes your mind off things or any problems.

What is your favourite smell?

My mum’s cooking — that would be number one. From my childhood in Siberia, I also remember the crisp, cool air outside at autumn when it is not too cold yet not warm any more — grass and trees.

Is there anything you would like to change about your appearance?

I don’t believe in changing your appearance. I am happy with what I have.

When did you last cry?

I don’t cry much. The last time was when I woke up in the middle of the night and I had a dream with my mum in it — it was nothing dramatic but I realised that I was crying a little bit. It was like, wow that was interesting. It was not that long ago actually.

What trait do you least like in others?

When people say they want to achieve something and then you find out it’s only words — they don’t put any effort into what they really, really want.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Sometimes I take too much time to get ready. It is not that I am standing in front of a mirror for hours. I always find extra things I need to do or check before I leave.

Do you pray?

I don’t really pray. I believe you just need to know what you want and expect from life and this sits in your mind and acts as a silent prayer.

What would cheer up your day?

I am quite cheerful without anything — but definitely good food would do it for me. Or an extra bar of chocolate.