At just 27, Nikita Kuzmin is taking the dance world by storm, from dazzling audiences on Strictly Come Dancing to his first solo tour. But behind the sequins and the razzmatazz, there's an old head on young shoulders as the Ukrainian-born pro tells new about staying true to himself - whether that's embracing nerves or standing by his artistic choices despite criticism, which he faced on Strictly with his same-sex partner Layton Williams.
Away from the dance floor, Nikita shares his life with his model girlfriend Lauren Jaine, 23, who keeps him grounded amidst the whirlwind of rehearsals and performances. Between 12-hour practice days, the couple find time for each other in their fast-paced lives thanks to Marvel movie marathons and fun days out.
And now, as he embarks on his first solo tour, Nikita opens up about his “superpower” and what the future holds…
Hey, Nikita! You’re so busy with the solo tour – how are you balancing your personal life and dancing?
I’m really lucky to have a supportive family and girlfriend. I always call my mum on my way home, and when I get back, I have Lauren waiting for me. We make time for each other. Last night, after a 12-hour rehearsal, we watched Iron Man. We’re going through the entire Marvel series!
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1741670425/articles/U28QyPf_L1741675054281/9133677131.jpg]
You and Lauren have been together for almost two years. Have you talked about marriage or starting a family?
Yeah, we’ve definitely talked about the future. I hope one day she’ll say yes! We just saw a video of a wedding in South Africa and got emotional watching it. So, why not?
What do date nights look like?
Well, we both love adventures – random road trips, hikes, exploring new places in London. But honestly, 99% of the time we’re at home watching Modern Family. It’s not about what we do, it’s about just being together and respecting each other’s space.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1741670425/articles/U28QyPf_L1741675054281/1143933691.jpg]
As a dancer, you get up close and personal with partners. Does Lauren ever get jealous?
I think it can be difficult for anyone who isn’t a dancer to understand, but she knows it’s just a job. We don’t really think about it in a romantic way – it’s just part of what we do. And if there was ever an issue, we’d talk about it and just sort it out.
How is your Midnight Dancer tour going?
Great! Not gonna lie, my body is shattered but the show is in a great place, I’m really happy with it. During rehearsals we were doing 12-hour days. It was exhausting, but when you’re creating something special, it’s worth it.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1741670425/articles/U28QyPf_L1741675054281/1379391734.jpg]
We’ve seen you dance with your glucose monitor on your arm – how do you cope with your diabetes?
It’s overwhelming sometimes, but I see it as my superpower. It makes me more responsible and aware of my body. If I can inspire eve...
Away from the dance floor, Nikita shares his life with his model girlfriend Lauren Jaine, 23, who keeps him grounded amidst the whirlwind of rehearsals and performances. Between 12-hour practice days, the couple find time for each other in their fast-paced lives thanks to Marvel movie marathons and fun days out.
And now, as he embarks on his first solo tour, Nikita opens up about his “superpower” and what the future holds…
Hey, Nikita! You’re so busy with the solo tour – how are you balancing your personal life and dancing?
I’m really lucky to have a supportive family and girlfriend. I always call my mum on my way home, and when I get back, I have Lauren waiting for me. We make time for each other. Last night, after a 12-hour rehearsal, we watched Iron Man. We’re going through the entire Marvel series!
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1741670425/articles/U28QyPf_L1741675054281/9133677131.jpg]
You and Lauren have been together for almost two years. Have you talked about marriage or starting a family?
Yeah, we’ve definitely talked about the future. I hope one day she’ll say yes! We just saw a video of a wedding in South Africa and got emotional watching it. So, why not?
What do date nights look like?
Well, we both love adventures – random road trips, hikes, exploring new places in London. But honestly, 99% of the time we’re at home watching Modern Family. It’s not about what we do, it’s about just being together and respecting each other’s space.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1741670425/articles/U28QyPf_L1741675054281/1143933691.jpg]
As a dancer, you get up close and personal with partners. Does Lauren ever get jealous?
I think it can be difficult for anyone who isn’t a dancer to understand, but she knows it’s just a job. We don’t really think about it in a romantic way – it’s just part of what we do. And if there was ever an issue, we’d talk about it and just sort it out.
How is your Midnight Dancer tour going?
Great! Not gonna lie, my body is shattered but the show is in a great place, I’m really happy with it. During rehearsals we were doing 12-hour days. It was exhausting, but when you’re creating something special, it’s worth it.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1741670425/articles/U28QyPf_L1741675054281/1379391734.jpg]
We’ve seen you dance with your glucose monitor on your arm – how do you cope with your diabetes?
It’s overwhelming sometimes, but I see it as my superpower. It makes me more responsible and aware of my body. If I can inspire eve...
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New UK (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 17, 2025