Karen Hauer has announced her first professional role since departing Strictly Come Dancing after 14 years. The Venezuelan-American dancer will star in the revival of the comedy theatre production Stepping Out, written by Richard Harris. The production will tour the UK this summer, beginning in Eastbourne before heading to Southend, Bromley, and Fareham.
New Role as Mavis
Hauer will take on the role of Mavis, a dance teacher who leads a group of enthusiastic but not-so-skilled amateur tap dancers. Speaking about the role, Hauer said: "I'm so pleased to be performing in this brand-new production of Stepping Out. It's a play about ordinary people achieving extraordinary things through dance, and in the role of their teacher and mentor, it certainly resonates with me! I'm looking forward to dusting off my tap shoes and working with a great company of actors and dancers to bring this heart-warming, feel-good comedy to the stage."
Director's Delight
Director Chris Jordan expressed his enthusiasm: "I am absolutely delighted to have Karen joining us for Stepping Out this summer. We're going to have so much fun, as are our audiences. Karen is such a well-loved dancer from her years working on Strictly as teacher and mentor to so many different partners and that is why this role, in this play, is such a great fit for her."
Emotional Exit from Strictly
The announcement comes just weeks after Hauer confirmed her departure from Strictly Come Dancing. In a video message, she said: "After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I've decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I'm passionate about." She reflected on her journey: "Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being. I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners."
Hauer joined the show in 2012 and became the longest-serving female professional dancer. She thanked fans, the production team, and her fellow dancers, saying: "It's an incredible machine powered by brilliant people." She added: "I'll never forget joining the show 14 years ago with Sir Bruce Forsyth and Len Goodman and learning from such incredible legends along the way."
BBC Statement
Strictly Come Dancing released a statement: "We would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to Karen Hauer for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the last 14 years. As the longest-serving female professional dancer in the history of the show, Karen has given so much of herself and her time to the programme, and we are extremely grateful for the passion, creativity and dedication she has brought to every single performance."
Other Departures
Hauer is not the only professional dancer to leave the show this year. Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Marquez have also announced their exits.
