Ben Cousins has all the time identified how one can transfer. But has by no means identified how one can actually dance.
Unlocking defences? Not an issue. Unlocking the hips? Not a clue.
And so, when he was requested if he would think about swapping his previous boots for some new shiny sneakers — for a stint on the most recent season of Dancing With the Stars — he took a second.
“It’s one of those — be careful what you wish for. No background in dancing whatsoever,” the previous AFL nice admitted.
“The idea of … it’d be nice to maybe learn how to dance. But I have never followed through with any conviction at any stage — for even one lesson.”
Until now.
After taking that second Cousins, now 45, determined to make the leap.
The former West Coast and Richmond midfielder might be a part of Seven’s flagship leisure present when it airs later this yr.
And he has already spent weeks immersed in a crash course in cha-cha, the basics of foxtrot, and the rudiments of rumba.
A world so far-off from what his life has been up till now.
“It’s good timing I suppose, in a position to probably take on some new challenges and in a good space,” Cousins instructed The Sunday Times this week.
“I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to get out of it. But I think it will surprise me. And I have enjoyed it up until now — but it has been hard.
“So there’s certainly no time to lose momentum … or let life get in the way.”
Ben Cousins’ life has — at instances — actually obtained in the way in which.
His descent from the Prince of Perth to a jail cell has stuffed numerous column inches, documentaries, books — even a rock opera.
But for greater than a yr at 7NEWS Perth, he has been on digicam. Reading morning bulletins, offering soccer evaluation, conducting interviews — studying, working. And smiling.
That well-known grin obtained him into — and out of — a lot hassle over the journey.
The new job has put Cousins again in entrance of the Perth public, who’ve seemingly all the time rooted for him, even in his darkest days.
And those that have labored intently with the Brownlow medallist have been staggered by his dedication, his willingness to hear and his potential to study.
“Another steep learning curve. Another situation definitely out of my comfort zone,” Cousins stated.
“Just being exposed to that has been a good experience. It hasn’t been easy. It’s work in progress.”
As is the person.
Cousins is clear, he’s current along with his household, he seems to be, effectively — like Ben Cousins. He has a life again.
“I can’t change what’s happened in the past, but … just try now to not let what’s happened affect the opportunity I’ve got to make the most of today,” Cousins stated.
“I am mindful of where I’ve come from.
“And I think — for that reason — appreciate the things that have come into my life today.
“I’m really enjoying what I’m doing. I’ve got some ambition back and … busy. But wouldn’t change that for the world.”
Coming off a latest bicep surgical procedure, the timing of the supply to turn into a part of DWTS’ class of 2024 was well timed.
“I was looking to sort of throw myself into a fitness campaign to get in some good shape,” Cousins stated.
“In its own way this is something different — a different way of approaching getting fit. Using all these different muscles, and it’s just a totally different way of moving.
“Muscles that I didn’t really know existed to be honest.
“I am starting at the bottom, and even now having made a fair bit of progress on a couple of the dances, you still realise that there’s still a long way to go.”
Cousins’ accomplice on this sequence might be Siobhan Power, whose earlier companions on the present have included rugby league star Kris Smith, former West Indies cricket nice Curtly Ambrose and TV favorite Jamie Durie.
He says she might have her work reduce out.
Insiders say Cousins is already working foolish hours within the dance studio.
“I have a real healthy respect for people that do (dance) well, and I am fortunate — I’ve got a great partner in this, who is an amazing dancer, and a really good teacher,” Cousins stated.
Learning the dances, and making ready for the highlight. On and off the dancefloor. The Eagles premiership celebrity has already lived a life within the limelight. Now he has voluntarily put himself again on the nationwide stage.
And he feels prepared.
“It hovers over me — and probably doesn’t allow me to get too caught up in enjoying the moment. No matter what I’m doing, because I sort of know that is hanging over my head a bit,” Cousins stated.
“It’s not the first time I’m going to be exposed to having to overcome the nerves side of things … that is going to be a challenge.
“The whole thing will be interesting to see how, hopefully, it continues to piece together.
“So try not to look too far ahead … because that’s when it starts to get a bit a bit hairy.”
Cousins is the primary star confirmed for this yr’s DWTS, which producers are promising will see probably the most surprising celebrities ever take to the dancefloor.
There might be a shake-up on the judging panel, with Todd McKenney confirming on his social media accounts he gained’t be returning, attributable to his stage present with Shane Jacobson.
And Dr Chris Brown would be the new host, alongside Australia’s favorite Sonia Kruger.
“I can’t wait to see Chris covered in fake tan, poured into a Lycra pant then watch him cha-cha across the DWTS floor in a Cuban heel high on the fumes of hairspray,” she stated.
“Having Chris by my side means more fun, more frivolity and more medical attention on hand, just in case one of our celebs needs emergency worming.”
Dancing With The Stars is coming quickly to Channel 7 and 7plus
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
