'Dance has the power to heal in ways words never can'

Strictly's Argentine tango choreographer, Director of London Tango Academy and TV host, Maria Tsiatsiani, shares her day well spent

Leyla Kazim

Feb 13, 2025

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I am delighted to bring to you the next interview on A Day Well Spent where every few weeks, I ask someone who inspires me, interests me and embodies the ethos of this newsletter, 15 quickfire questions.

I have danced Argentine tango three times, all of them in Buenos Aires (here’s a short video from my first time). Apart from shaking my ass up in da club during my 20s as much as the next university graduate, I had never danced a ‘proper dance’ prior to this lesson I had with dear Leo.

And I don’t think I was quite prepared for just how incredible dancing tango would feel. Nor for how completely uninvolved my brain was throughout the entire experience.

I’m not sure there could be a purer representation of being so completely and entirely present in your body and utterly free from your mind, than in dance. Most of us live in our heads and can be guilty of forgetting our bodies are even there half the time.

But dance — especially Argentine tango — brings you right back into it.

(I really need to write about my experience dancing Argentine tango in Buenos Aires properly at some point — it was *a thing*. It’s on my list.)

Considering I have just returned from another spellbinding few weeks spent in magical Buenos Aires (the birthplace of tango), it feels like serendipity that I am introducing today’s interviewee — the hugely talented Maria Tsiatsiani.

Maria hosts the Strictly Fitness segments on BBC Morning Live and she is also the resident Argentine tango choreographer for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Those jaw-dropping tango routines you see the contestants dance? You can thank Maria and her team for those.

Maria and her husband Leandro Palou also lead the multi-award winning London Tango Academy based in Covent Garden, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Argentine tango. If you’re looking for lessons, that’s the place to go.

Maria is bursting with good energy and good vibes! And the connection she makes between dance and mental health seems like such an exciting arena that’s only just starting to be understood.

Please enjoy Maria’s responses and then… please watch her dance.

Thank you again Maria for answering these!

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1. What makes up a day well spent for you?

For me, a perfect day starts slow — coffee in bed and a nice long stretch before planning the day. Mornings are for creativity, designing tango shoes, choreographing routines, or working on projects for London Tango Academy.

In the afternoon, my husband and I unwind with a phone-free drive through the forest for some fresh air. Evenings are for date nights, cooking and dancing around the kitchen to music on full blast.

This sums up my Sundays :)

2. What compliment have you received in recent times that's stuck in your memory?

One that truly left an impact came from a student who returned to dance after losing his wife. Nervous and hesitant, he slowly eased in with my encouragement.

At the end, he gave me a heartfelt hug and said, "I was terrified to come back, but tonight, I felt happy for the first time in a long time."

Moments like that remind me why I do what I do — that dance has the power to heal in ways words never can.

3. What quotes or mantras do you try to live by?

“It feels scary because it’s unfamiliar, not because you’re incapable” — Michell C. Clark. This helps me push past anxiety and self-doubt, reminding me that fear signals growth.

I also live by the mantra, “Trust the process,” knowing success takes time and consistent effort. I also try my best to prioritise kindness, believing small compassionate acts can brighten someone’s day. We never truly know the struggles others face.

4. What practical skill do you have that you value the most?

The skill I value most is making people feel good about themselves by creating a space where they feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to grow.

Whether teaching, mentoring or choreographing, I help others build confidence and believe in themselves.

These deep connections through dance drive and fulfil me. In my shows, I aim to inspire and connect with audiences, using emotion in movement to create lasting, captivating moments.

5. What do you know today that you wish you'd known five years ago?

I’ve learned that mental health is everything. It's not just important — it’s vital. You have to make it a priority.

I wish I’d known that taking time off, whether a day to recharge or a proper holiday, doesn’t reduce productivity. Rest is essential to perform your best.

Lastly, I’d tell my younger self to hang in there. Hard work pays off, even when self-doubt creeps in. Trust the process.

6. What character or personality trait about yourself do you value the most?

I’d say resilience is my strength — I always bounce back stronger from setbacks. Life in the arts is unpredictable, but I see challenges as chances to grow, learn and evolve.

I'm also proud of my loyalty, being dependable for my family, husband, friends and my students. Compassion is another core value I strive to embody in my relationships.

7. What does 'eating well' mean to you, and how do you maintain it?

For dancers, good nutrition is key! I focus on balanced meals with whole, fresh foods to stay energised. Since I enjoy cooking, I prepare Mediterranean-inspired dishes for my husband and me most days.

I've cut back to 2-3 glasses of alcohol a month, which has improved my sleep and energy. That said, I don’t deny myself treats — if I want chocolate or a pastry, I enjoy it guilt-free. It's all about consistency, not perfection.

8. What is your ultimate dream?

My ultimate dream is to inspire people worldwide to dance and to prove that anyone, at any age, can dance.

I envision a future where dance is prescribed as a form of therapy — helping those who feel lonely, struggle with mental health, or simply need joy in their lives.

Dance has the power to connect us on a deeper level. No phones, no distractions — just people moving, feeling and becoming happier together.

9. What's your most loved skincare / beauty product or secret?

I keep my skincare routine simple — just sunscreen every morning and Sculpted by Aimee Cloud Cream Moisturiser, which I use day and night, for great hydration.

Early BBC Morning Live starts call for my secret trick: icing my face! It instantly wakes up my skin and leaves me feeling refreshed!

I've also gotten into hair oiling over the past year, and my hair is now stronger and healthier. My go-to is Kérastase hair oil — it smells amazing and leaves my hair shiny and nourished.

10. How do you counter the fast-paced and immediate nature of today's world?

I try to find little moments of calm during the day, especially when things get crazy. Sometimes it's just taking a few deep breaths or pausing for a bit of mindful reflection to keep myself grounded.

Lately, I’m really proud of being able to take proper breaks from my phone without stressing about it. Cutting down on the social media scroll has been such a breath of fresh air — it’s helped me spend more time on things that actually matter!

11. What are your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do in your free time?

Oh, I absolutely love cooking! I’m always excited to learn new recipes and try different flavours.

I’m also passionate about traveling — there's nothing better than exploring new cultures and appreciating all the beauty and diversity the world has to offer!

12. What's the latest thing that you have learnt?

I am still learning and diving deep into the psychology of how dance can transform mental health. It fascinates me how movement, sound and community can transform our mood, improve brain function, relieve anxiety and even reduce negative thoughts.

My aim is to keep developing as a teacher in order to help others change their lives. I believe dancing isn't just an art form but also a form of therapy for the soul.

13. Tell us about something you tried or did for the very first time recently

I recently went on a full-day horseback ride through the mountains of Patagonia and it was absolutely breath-taking.

I honestly cannot describe the scenery, the mountains, serene lakes, the silence, the connection with nature and myself. It was like something out of a dream!! Time had stopped. I felt at peace, part of the landscape. It was a rare, unforgettable moment of true presence.

14. What book should everyone read and why?

You’ve got to check out The Dance Cure by Dr. Pete Lovatt! I absolutely love this book because I’m passionate about how dance can transform our mental health.

It’s full of fascinating insights on how moving to music can lift your mood, reduce anxiety and boost confidence. Plus, Dr. Lovatt’s engaging mix of science and stories makes it such an enjoyable read!

15. What are you working on that we should know about?

I’m excited to share that I’m collaborating with BLOCH (the world's leading provider of dance shoes and dancewear) on the launch of a new Argentine Tango shoe collection!! We’re focused on combining elegance with comfort and performance.

It's been an incredible journey to create something that dancers will love and feel supported in. I’m truly passionate about this project, as it's a step forward in offering footwear that meets the needs of both professional and social dancers.

I can’t reveal too much now but my next project is to create a documentary about mental health and dance!