Charlie Bruce will be starring as Baby in the West End from the 20 December
Charlie Bruce is the winner of the first UK season of the hit American show So You Think You Can Dance? Charlie was the youngest contestant on the show and managed to beat off thousands of people to win the coveted prize of £100,000 and the chance to perform on the American finals. Since finishing the show Charlie has been playing Gina in the ensemble of Dirty Dancing in the West End and from the 20 December she will be playing the lead role of Baby for the week, a role she is nervous about but will no doubt be amazing at. I caught up with her for a quick chat about her new role and what she has planned for the future.
How's it been playing Gina in Dirty Dancing?
Brilliant. It's been really, really good. A really great part, a great dancing role the character doesn't say anything but it's a good dance role.
What's your favourite routine in the show?
My favourite routine would be 'Do You Love Me? It's where she walks in with the watermelon.
Will you get say that infamous line then?
Yes, I get to say that all.
So did you watch the film when you where growing up?
Yes, oh my god I loved it. Absolutely loved it. It's such a good film.
You've said before that you like to perform in your own style, how has that been on the West End, where you have to follow strict routines?
Oh my god, like a dream come true, I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would win a show like that and being the youngest like, it just feels amazing. I just couldn't believe it.
Well, obviously I can learn to adapt to different style. What I meant there was that in So You Think You Can Dance? You have to be a unique dancer and I had to show what was me really in dancing, so that I can adapt to any style, so that's not a problem.
What's you favourite style of dancing?
I love them all, I don't have a favourite one. I love everything I do.
Do you want to continue working in the West End?
I would like to, but I'd also like to something a little more commercial. Maybe have my own TV show one day, for dancing. I'd love to be in a girl group. I'd love to be in films. Not just West End.
It said somewhere that you have plans to move to LA?
Yes, I might move to LA I'm thinking about it. There is no confirmation that I'm definitely going, but I'd love to.
You were the youngest contestant on So You Think You Can Dance? What was that like?
Oh my god, like a dream come true, I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would win a show like that and being the youngest like, it just feels amazing. I just couldn't believe it.
Who was your favourite judge on the show?
Probably Nigel.
Nasty Nigel, do you think that he was a little harsh sometimes?
No I think that he's just honest. That's what you have to be.
Do you still speak to anybody from the show?
Yes I speak to most of them actually, it's nice to keep in contact.
What was it like performing on the US version of the show, because obviously you got to do that off the back of the UK one.
That was just incredible, it was great getting to do that in front of a different audience. Everyone was really lovely. And I really enjoyed the routine I did and they were really welcoming, it was a good experience.
What was it like representing the country for the Dancing for a Dream show in Mexico?
It was a good, good experience, I didn't stay all the way because I got injured but it was really good.
What was it like having to come back after getting injured, you were only there for three weeks wasn't you?
I was gutted but it's just one of those things.
Apart from dancing what else do you like doing?
I like to swim, going to the gym. I like shopping with my mum and and going clubbing with my friends. Just being a girl really.
Where about do you see yourself in ten years then?
I would definitely want to be in a girl group. 100 per cent want to do that then, probably have kids, be married.
Would you use another show like So You Think You Can Dance? To launch a girl group?
Ye, maybe. Haven't thought about that, would probably do that.
Do you think that reality shows are a good starting tool for people who don't get offered the opportunity?
Yes, definitely.
Have you had any contact with anybody else to create a girl group, or is this just a thought at the minute?
No, buts its definitely going to happen though.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Dirty Dancing