interview
Ekaterina Leonova
She has overcome her fear
Ekaterina Leonova on “Unbreakable – We make you strong!”
© RTL / Matea Smolcic
A TV show helped former “Let’s Dance” dancer Ekaterina Leonova come to terms with her past.
She was always so happy and uncomplicated when she danced on “Let’s Dance”. Even then, Ekaterina Leonova, 34, was carrying a heavy burden with her. Because the violence she experienced in her childhood left its mark. Now the professional dancer is talking about it for the first time – and about her new start.
Ekatarina Lonova in a GALA interview
You moved to Munich. Why?
I needed a cut – a new city, a new apartment, a new job as an employee in the business administration department. My relationship was over, my job in Cologne ran out. Of course I had reservations, I didn’t know anyone in Munich. But I like it! The job extended my residence permit for two years.
From 2013 to 2019 Leonova (here with Gil Ofarim) delighted the audience as a professional dancer in “Let’s Dance”.
© Lukas Schulze / Getty Images
A new beginning also includes leaving the old behind. That’s why you took part in “Unbreakable”. In this new RTL show, life coaches help celebrities with their mental problems. What was the greatest challenge for you?
There were many, mentally and physically, for example my fear of heights. I learned: fear is a matter of the head.
It is there that you talk about your childhood for the first time.
I grew up in a very authoritarian, conservative home in Russia – my parents loved me very much. But I never felt love between them themselves. At home there was always a fight, I wouldn’t wish that to any child.
“I felt like I was never enough”
That left its mark on her soul.
Painful. An example: In such an argument, as a child, I couldn’t decide between mom or dad. And: I never wanted to disappoint both of them so as not to give rise to an argument myself. But that made me feel like I was never enough. I always wanted to be better. All of that shaped me until today.
How is that expressed?
For example, when I see conflicts, I feel sick. If someone screams, I run away because I can’t take it.
In “Unbreakable – We Make You Strong!” (RTL, Wednesday, 8:15 p.m.) Leonova and nine other celebrities like Mimi Fiedler (left) face traumatic experiences from their past – and learn with the help of professionals how to overcome their fears.
© RTL
How is your relationship with your parents today?
I love her and try to see her twice a year. Mama said earlier that I was the peace maker. That’s right: I always look for compromises so that everyone is happy.
Now all that’s missing is a new love!
Is correct! (laughs) After “Unbreakable” I radiate so much positive energy. I hope that someone will come who will happily accept them.