Strictly’s Chris McCausland praised for ‘poignant’ dance imitating blindness

Comedian Chris McCausland has been widely praised for his emotional and powerful performance on Strictly Come Dancing, where he danced in a way that represented his experience with blindness. McCausland, who is the first blind contestant in the show’s history, took to the dance floor with his professional partner, Dianne Buswell, in a unique and moving routine.

The couple’s dance to John Lennon’s iconic song Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) aired on Saturday night, and McCausland’s performance left both the judges and viewers deeply moved. The dance began with McCausland placing his hands over Buswell’s eyes, symbolizing his experience with blindness. As the room darkened to represent his world, the lights then came back on to reveal McCausland spinning Buswell around on his shoulders, with dramatic pyrotechnics lighting up the background.

The performance, which was part of the couple’s “Couple’s Choice” routine, earned them a solid 33 out of 40 from the judges. Craig Revel Horwood called the “poignant blackout moment” “absolutely spectacular”, and head judge Shirley Ballas commended McCausland for putting his heart into every performance. She told him, “You come out every week with your heart on your sleeve, and you give us 100%,” recognizing his dedication and vulnerability.

The performance has drawn comparisons to Rose Ayling-Ellis’ historic routine on Strictly in 2021, when she, who is deaf, and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice performed a segment of their routine in complete silence as a tribute to the deaf community. Ayling-Ellis’ dance became a defining moment of the series and won a Bafta for the Best Must-See TV Moment.

For McCausland, who lost his sight to retinitis pigmentosa in his 20s and 30s, dancing on the Strictly stage has been a personal triumph. Before joining the show, McCausland was open about his skepticism, saying, “If anybody out there is thinking, ‘How the hell is he going to do that?’ then rest assured, I’m thinking exactly the same thing.” His ability to overcome such doubts and deliver powerful performances has inspired many, particularly those who, like him, live with visual impairments.

Students at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNCB) in Hereford, where McCausland studied, have also praised his achievements. One student told the BBC, “Some people think that people with visual impairments can’t really do anything or can’t do much with their life beside piano tuning.” The student went on to say how McCausland’s success was both surreal and inspiring for people who may not know much about living with blindness.

Another student at the RNCB expressed their hope that someone like McCausland, who is visually impaired, could win the competition. “It would be really cool if someone who is visually impaired like us won the competition,” they said, echoing the pride many feel in seeing someone with a disability achieve such success in a high-profile competition like Strictly.

McCausland’s journey on Strictly is not just about dancing; it’s also about challenging perceptions of what blind people can achieve. In a society that often underestimates the abilities of people with disabilities, McCausland’s performances offer a powerful message of perseverance and possibility. His journey has also highlighted the role of adaptive technology and techniques that help him perform, from using special footwear to employing other sensory cues during rehearsals.

The positive reception of McCausland’s routine is a testament to the growing acceptance and celebration of diversity in the entertainment industry. It reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity, where disabled participants are given a platform to showcase their talents and break down societal barriers.

In the context of Strictly Come Dancing, where many contestants start with no formal dancing experience, McCausland’s perseverance and willingness to take on such a challenge has earned him not only admiration from the public but also respect from his peers. As he continues to prove himself each week, McCausland is becoming an example of resilience and determination, inspiring others with visual impairments to push the boundaries of what they can achieve.

While Strictly has already been a major milestone in McCausland’s career, his participation is also making a significant impact on how people with disabilities are represented in the media. His performances are changing the narrative around what it means to live with blindness, encouraging others to see the possibilities rather than the limitations.

As McCausland continues his journey on the show, his inspiring performances and ability to challenge expectations will undoubtedly make a lasting impact, not just on Strictly Come Dancing, but on the wider conversation about disability and representation in the entertainment industry.