Last week, Joakim Kleven (28) and Benjamin Jayakoddy (26) created Norwegian Swe call dance history. For the first time, two men danced together – and the dancing couple went straight to the top with 27 referee points.
Kleven and Jayakoddy tell TV 2 that the response over the past week has been enormous.
– It is a confirmation that people think it’s cool that two men dance together, Kleven says over the phone, and adds:
– But, what I think hits the most is probably the feedback from parents who sit and watch with the children, and who say that the children think it is cool and beautiful that two men dance together.
Watch the much talked about dance in the video window at the top of the case.
Kleven thinks it is both fun and important to be able to show the young generation that being two men is great, nice and normal – even though for many it is new to see two men dancing together on TV.
– GOT THE MOST POINTS: Benjamin Jayakoddy and Joakim Kleven danced to the top. Photo: Espen Solli / TV 2
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Asked for male partner for two years
For a full two years, Jayakoddy has asked the Shall We Dance production to dance with a man.
– It is important for people to get role models. It is good that we have Joakim who dares to go out with what he does, and who uses the platform to show children of all ages and that it is normal. I have been pushing for this for a long time, and I see the importance of showing people that, says the professional dancer.
Jayakoddy wants to show people that it is the dance that should be the focus of the parquet, and not the layout.
– Whatever you are, dance is for everyone. Whether you are “straight” or gay, male or female. These are shows you make.
And as a “straight” he wants to show that it is not so dangerous.
– We are just two friends who have a lot of fun and make shows together, says Jayakoddy.
– He goes “all in”
Today they are ready for a new round on the floor, and reveal that tonight’s jive will be a great contrast to last week’s tango.
– Tonight there will be a lot of jumps and bounces, good luck and sweets – as opposed to what was very tight and rough last week, says Kleven.
There is a lot of training ahead of tonight’s dance. Jayakoddy says that Kleven is a guy who offers a lot of himself, more than many others he has danced with.
– He goes “all in”, says Jayakoddy, and at the same time adds that the dance is very challenging.
There is no doubt that they both feel pressure after last week’s pan start.
– You feel the pressure. We have three points to go on the rest of the season, says Jayakoddy, and adds:
– It was very cool to get that score, but we must be happy to get sevens and eights in the future as well. We can not be dissatisfied if we do not beat the score we got during the premiere, he says.
But, smoking on Saturday night, they have no plans to do so.
– Shall we dance, I have dreamed of being part of since I was a child. Now I’m in on it. Of course, I do not want to “fuck” it up. We have a lot we want to show, Kleven concludes.
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