Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men: Overcoming obstacles on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Editor’s Note: Every summer when Robin Leach is away on his annual Italian family vacation, he invites his Strip star friends to contribute a guest column. As Robin explores the ancient hilltop town of Matera today where its residents still live in homes built inside hilltop caves, we welcome Travis Cloer, who has a personal take on the closing of JERSEY BOYS at Paris Las Vegas after 8 1/2 years in Las Vegas, and Wanya Morris of The Mirage headliner Boyz II Men who writes about his experience competing on the most recent season of ABC’s DANCING WITH THE STARS. Here is Morris:
By Wanya Morris
For the last 25 years with Boyz II Men, I have been blessed with so many incredible opportunities and also faced many challenges. Every obstacle I have had to overcome has taught me something new.
A few months ago when my manager called to tell me that I was chosen to be on Season 22 of ABC’s DANCING WITH THE STARS, I was really excited. I had wanted this for nine years! As the excitement wore off, the nerves rushed in.
I knew that this was going to be one of the most challenging experiences of my career. I was used to performing onstage in front of big crowds, but this was going to take me out of my comfort zone.
Being a perfectionist, I wanted to be a dancer who could sing, not a singer who was trying to dance. My professional dance partner, Lindsay Arnold, immediately recognized my strengths and weaknesses. She would use my natural rhythmic ability from singing to impress the judges, but she also was going to make certain that I looked like a dancer by teaching me form and technique.
I got onstage for the first night and danced my heart out to one of Boyz II Men’s greatest hits, “Motownphilly.” The fans went wild, and I was getting so much encouragement on social media.
As a group with Nathan Morris and Shawn Stockman, I have become accustomed to doing everything for our fans because we truly care about what they want. Going into DWTS was no different. The more messages I got from fans, the more I wanted to please them.
With their positive messages, I started out strong, but as the weeks went on I was traveling more and more. Nate, Shawn and I would be in cities across the country and performing on weekends at The Mirage where we have our residency in Las Vegas. Travel, rehearsal and performing started to take its toll.
I was exhausted, but the support from fans kept me strong. I was shedding pound after pound and was gaining momentum. With more than 30 pounds off my back, I felt like I could conquer anything, even the semifinals.
I worked hard to perfect the final two routines. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go, but if it was going to be my last night, I wanted to make sure that it was my best performance yet for the fans. My final performances were memorable ones, and when all three judges held up 10’s, I was elated.
Although I didn’t make it to the finals, I wouldn’t have changed a thing! Not only did I try my best and worked as hard as I ever had, I also did something new, faced the challenge and got so much out of it.
The things that scare us, or we find most difficult, are what make us stronger and better people. I was out of shape and one of the older contestants, but my drive allowed me to persevere.
I now have some unbelievable friends and a new passion that I am continuing. I encourage all of you to step out of your comfort zone and do something you aren’t sure you can achieve. It could be one of the greatest experiences of your life.
For all the fans who have supported me over the years and voted every Monday night, I want to thank you. I appreciate every single one of you.
Be sure to check out our other guest column today from Travis Cloer, who has some personal thoughts as his show JERSEY BOYS at Paris Las Vegas prepares for final performances in September after 8 1/2 years on the Las Vegas Strip.
