Before the semi-finals, the rules of “Salsamanai” have changed and Norbert’s tears: “Nightmares are bothering me”

The love for dance grows with each step and each new performance. 8 Lithuanians and 8 Cubans experienced a lot in 8 weeks, and they received even more life lessons.

The semi-final is important for everyone, so it is not surprising that it will take place in an equally important place in Havana – a building from the last century that was once a mansion. And now there is a restaurant here, named the best in all of Havana. It has been visited by many celebrities from all over the world: from Mick Jagger to the Kardashian sisters. And Madonna even celebrated her 58th birthday here!

Although, as usual, the judges will score the contestants from 1 to 5 during the semi-finals, they will only do so after all the couples have danced. The commission will consist of two dancers, a director and a choreographer. And the theme of the evening is incarnation. What will 5 couples full of ideas turn into?!

Norbert Liatkovskis

However, even though the tension is felt as the semi-finals approach, one cannot forget to enjoy the little joys in life. And if possible, celebrate life. All “Salsamans” did exactly that, because a very beautiful celebration will take place in their villa – Norbert Liatkovskis’ birthday.

“Before I come up with a wish, I first want to thank you all for the opportunity to be here. This country has had a huge impact on me as a person. You are the greatest gift to me and I will definitely bring a part of it back to Lithuania”, said Norbert while thanking for the congratulations.

Norbert Liatkovskis

Other participants of the project did not spare him nice words. “I really like Norbert’s freedom, playfulness and frenzy. But in the same way, Norbert, as far as I have observed him, also has such composure and calmness. Therefore, I sometimes think that Norbert is actually very deep, learning to be calm, focused. It would be interesting to examine this place with him,” smiles Jurgita Jurkutė when talking about Norbert.

Jurgita Jurkutė-Širvaitė / TV3 photo.

Norbert’s roommate in Cuba, Tadas Gryn, will also contribute to the congratulations. “23 years old – he’s so young! But everything Norbert does with a maturity that is uncharacteristic of his age. He is in the company of very good, healthy people, which probably prevents him from going astray,” he will say.

Norbert himself even began to suffer from nightmares on the night of his birthday… “Thoughts about the need to work do not leave me now. And before, perhaps, I used to look at everything superficially,” he admitted.

Semi-final of the Salsamanai project (16 photo)

Norbert’s stubbornness is the biggest engine driving him forward towards the semi-finals. And, if you’re lucky, the final. The guy really spends all his time on rehearsals and searching for suitable songs.

This also makes his partner Raquel very proud: “Norbert is the kind of person who expresses everything he feels. And it doesn’t matter if he does something well or badly – that’s what makes him unique. He has confidence in himself and it shows in his dancing. He perfectly manages to fit into the Cuban culture and achieve good results. And the way he’s dancing right now makes Norbert practically look like a Cuban.”

Norbert Liatkovskis

True, he is able to improve so quickly not only because of the many hours spent in the rehearsal hall. Norbert finally managed to find a common language with Raquel. It turns out that the girl has even told her mother, who lives 800 kilometers away, about her partner!

“I’ll tell you a secret, Raquel has a tattoo on her leg that means ‘loyal to dance.’ It says everything about her personality and desire to dance. Raquel is full of values: she is very friendly, responsible and also a wonderful person. I should tell Norbert that I am honored to have Raquel as his partner. I keep getting videos and I’m very happy that there is chemistry between them for the dance and that both of them are giving it their all,” Raquel’s mother will say during the video call.

“Salsamanai” – Sundays, 7:30 p.m. on TV3.