Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis recently shared her motivations for joining “Dancing with the Stars”, revealing that the journey is a means to confront her fears and inspire her daughter, Jade. Following her performance during the season 35 premiere, De Laurentiis spoke candidly about the importance of pushing boundaries, regardless of age, in an interview with PEOPLE.
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The renowned foodie, who is 56 years old, expressed a heartfelt desire to show Jade, who has just begun her first year at New York University, that it is always possible to take on new challenges. “It’s never too late to face your fears, no matter how old you are,” she stated. De Laurentiis highlighted the societal tendency for women, in particular, to resign themselves to a certain lifestyle as they age, and she wishes to demonstrate that life’s possibilities extend beyond youth.
Her personal motivation derives from the changes in her own life as Jade embarks on her journey at university. De Laurentiis explained that many women often feel compelled to step back as they grow older, stating, “We just keep peeling away that onion, keep facing your fears and conquer them, because, you know, life goes on and on.” This message of resilience resonates strongly with audiences who might feel constrained by societal expectations.
During the show’s second episode, De Laurentiis, partnered with professional dancer Alan Bersten, performed a tango to the iconic 1970s track “Venus” by Shocking Blue. After completing the dance, she candidly admitted, “I can’t believe I actually finished it,” reflecting on the physical demands of the performance. “The stamina is insane, and I think that’s probably the hardest thing for me,” she continued, underscoring the rigorous nature of the competition.
Emotional moments filled the air as she discussed her daughter’s influence on her decision to participate. With tears in her eyes, she revealed, “I think she just wanted me to step outside the box and do something that I’m very afraid of doing.” De Laurentiis conveyed a sense of pride in taking this risk, explaining her determination to prove to herself and others that it’s never too late to attempt something daunting.
This latest venture marks a significant moment for the famed cookbook author, who has often been regarded as a staple on the Food Network. However, her decision to join the dance competition came after a period of reflection triggered by Jade’s transition to university life. “I’ve been asked several times over the years, and I think that this time I said yes because my daughter basically forced me to say yes,” she explained.
The motivation behind her leap into the unknown is clear: De Laurentiis wanted to demonstrate courage not only for her daughter but also to herself. “The way that she is going on a new journey, it’s time for mum to also do the same,” she added, indicating a mutual growth between mother and daughter during this transformative phase in their lives.
As De Laurentiis continues her journey on “Dancing with the Stars”, her participation serves as a reminder that facing fears and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to personal growth, at any stage of life. Through her experiences, she aims to inspire not only Jade but also others watching to embrace new challenges and prioritise self-discovery.