Romanov dazzles with Highland routine
The Journal
Mid-way though a disappointing SPL season, Hearts fans may finally have something to cheer about; owner Vladamir Romanov has danced his way into the semi-finals of the Lithuanian version of Strictly Come Dancing.
Dressed in a trendy fashion-kilt, as worn in the past by the likes Robbie Williams and Vin Diesel, Romanov took to the stage alongside partner Sandra Kniazeviciute, impressing judges and onlookers with a Highland dance inspired by the battle of Culloden.
Scores of seven, nine and nine saw the duo through to the semi-finals of Dancing with the Stars, the top-rated program viewed by some 800,000 Lithuanians every week.
The Hearts owner, who has recently unveiled plans to build a luxury hotel in Edinburgh's St Andrew's Square, was tasked with performing a national dance for the most recent episode of the hit show and felt that a Scottish country dance would be particularly appropriate.
"I really wanted to have a go at a Scottish dance" said Mr Romanov, "even if it wasn't the easiest option."
Romanov and Kniazeviciute were trained by former British Highland Dance champion Phil MacHugh, who flew to Lithuania to train the pair, bringing a modern element to their classic Highland dance routine.
Impressed with Mr Romanov in both rehearsal and performance, Mr MacHugh stated: "Vladimir did something which a lot of people don't do back home: Scottish dancing. He brought it into the homes of many thousands of Lithuanian people. Vladimir was eager to learn. It was slow to start with, but it does take time.
"We had rehearsals each day for two to three hours. But then he went away and practised more at home and he'd come back next morning and everything was spot on, though his wife must be fed up with Highland dancing by now."
60-year-old Romanov, who has suffered injuries to his back, knee and arm since the beginning of the competition in August, was surrounded by a Scottish entourage during his performance. He was piped onto the stage by Pipe Major Gordon Ross of Dumblane and Yvonne MacHugh, a nursing student from Glasgow.
Mr Ross said: "I take my hat off to him - it was all on live TV. I've seen in the last few days how passionately he feels about Scotland; you can't take it away from him."
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