interview
Janine Ullman
Children, dog and house: “Everything can still come”
© Gisela Schober / Getty Images
Janin Ullmann about her single life, her new passion for sports – and the anticipation of “Let’s Dance”.
Even as a child, she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up: a dancer! But the dream burst suddenly – because of a crooked spine. So stop ballet. From then on, Janin Ullmann, 40, only wanted to dance in his spare time. Now, at 40, the presenter dares to go onto the floor, onto the big stage: she takes part in “Let’s Dance” (RTL, from February 18, 8:15 p.m.).
Janin Ullmann in the GALA interview
GALA: You say that you were a couch potato for a long time, but you have had a personal trainer for a year. What made you rethink?
Ullmann: At the beginning of last year I got a rattle. Suddenly it was clear to me: I don’t want to be such an asparagus tarzan anymore. On the one hand I want to be physically fit and on the other hand mentally strong.
You just turned 40. Did that contribute to the rabble?
Not at the beginning. Then I thought: It’s just a birthday. But the closer the day got, the more I respected the number. I started to take stock, looked at where I stand and thought even more about what I need in life. Ultimately, this birthday has done a lot to me.
She talks about her future and her participation in “Let’s Dance”
You have been single for three years. How do you deal with that?
I used to have the classic picture in mind: At 40 you are married, have children, a dog and a house. Now it’s just different for me. But life is what it is. You can’t really plan it that well. However, I firmly believe that all of this can still come for me.
Couples have already found each other on “Let’s Dance” …
That’s correct! (laughs)
Which professional dancer would you like to have by your side?
I need someone who makes good announcements, kicks my butt when I can’t take it anymore – and who has a similar sense of humor as I do. I’m very excited to see who I’m going to dance with.
“My greatest luxury are experiences with others”
From dancing to finance: In your podcast “Female Finance” you encourage women to become financially independent. What are you doing with your money?
Enjoy your meal. And travel. I’m not a consumer, I don’t go shopping all the time, and I don’t own a car either. My greatest luxury are experiences with others.
For example?
I’m sitting with friends at my regular Italian in Hamburg, there’s good wine, everyone’s talking, at some point someone connects their mobile phone to the speakers, the chairs are pushed aside and there’s dancing! That is the most beautiful, shared and at the same time most liberating moment.
Which song doesn’t hold you back anymore?
“Remmidemmi” by Deichkind. I’m on the dance floor straight away.