Chrishell Stause and Keo Motsepe: Unpacking Their Whirlwind Romance, DWTS Journey, and Royal Roots
Love has undeniably blossomed in the air for Chrishell Stause, the beloved star of Netflix’s hit reality series Selling Sunset. Fans and media alike have been abuzz with excitement following the confirmation of her burgeoning relationship with professional dancer Keo Motsepe, a familiar face from ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. The couple first sparked dating rumors on December 2, when they were spotted getting remarkably cozy after leaving the Monarch Gym in West Hollywood. Keo, whose full name is Keoikantse Motsepe, was seen wrapping his arm around Chrishell and tenderly kissing her head, a public display of affection that quickly set social media ablaze. Within a mere 48 hours, both Chrishell and Keo took to their respective Instagram accounts, sharing a series of adorable selfies that solidified their romance, much to the delight of their collective fanbases. This article delves deeper into the life of the dashing Keo Motsepe, exploring his career, his intriguing background, and the journey that led him to Chrishell.
From Ballroom Brilliance to Budding Romance: Keo Motsepe’s Journey
1) A Trailblazing Professional Dancer on Dancing With The Stars. Keo Motsepe’s journey into the world of professional dance began at a remarkably young age, cultivating a passion that would eventually lead him to national television. He made his debut on DWTS during the series’ 19th season in 2014, making history as the show’s very first Black professional dancer. This groundbreaking entrance marked a significant moment for the reality competition, broadening its representation and introducing Keo’s exceptional talent to a wide audience. At 31 years old, Keo has since become a staple of the show, known for his charismatic presence and impressive choreography. While his inaugural season with Olympian Lolo Jones saw them finish in 13th place, Keo’s resilience and dedication have consistently shone through, leading to steadily improving performances and memorable partnerships over the years.
His career on DWTS has been marked by several noteworthy partnerships. One of his most successful runs came during season 27, where he was paired with Harry Potter film series alum Evanna Lynch, globally recognized for her portrayal of Luna Lovegood. Their partnership captivated audiences, showcasing Keo’s ability to bring out the best in his celebrity partners, culminating in a strong finish in the competition. In the most recent season, season 29, Keo teamed up with actress Anne Heche, once again displaying his versatile dancing skills. Although they placed 13th overall, the experience proved to be profoundly significant for Keo, as it was during this very season of DWTS that he crossed paths with Chrishell Stause, laying the foundation for their unexpected romance.
How Their Paths Crossed: The DWTS Connection
2) Chrishell and Keo’s Meeting on DWTS. The magic of the ballroom extended beyond just dance for Keo and Chrishell. Despite not being partnered together on Season 29 of Dancing With The Stars, the shared experience of the demanding competition created an environment for them to connect. Chrishell, 39, who was partnered with fellow professional dancer Gleb Savchenko, was the seventh star eliminated from the series. During her four-week tenure, she had ample opportunity to interact with the entire cast, including Keo. This shared journey, filled with grueling rehearsals, live performances, and the unique camaraderie of the DWTS family, provided a natural setting for their relationship to blossom organically, away from the intense spotlight that often accompanies celebrity romances.
It’s worth noting that before her connection with Keo, Chrishell found herself at the center of media speculation. For a brief period, following the announcement of Gleb Savchenko’s split from his wife, Elena Samodanova, fans and tabloids fueled rumors of a potential romance between Chrishell and her dance partner. However, Chrishell promptly and unequivocally addressed these claims, confirming that there was absolutely no truth to the speculation. This made her eventual confirmation with Keo even more impactful, as it presented a genuine new chapter in her personal life, celebrated by those who have followed her journey, particularly after her highly publicized divorce from Justin Hartley. Keo’s presence in her life brought a renewed sense of joy and public excitement for the Selling Sunset star.
Beyond the Ballroom: Keo’s Early Life and Royal Heritage
3) A Childhood Passion: From Soccer Fields to Dance Floors. Like many professional athletes and artists, Keo Motsepe began honing his craft at a tender age. While his dedication to dance truly solidified before he turned ten, his early childhood interests were quite diverse. Before he found his calling on the ballroom floor, Keo had a strong affinity for soccer, a passion he openly discussed in an interview with NPR in May 2016. He recounted how his best friend encouraged him to explore new activities. “My best friend and I used to play soccer, and he said I should try something different. I went to try dancing and just fell in love with it. I was like, ‘This is fun.'” This serendipitous shift from the soccer pitch to the dance studio proved to be a pivotal moment, setting him on a path to becoming one of the most recognized professional dancers in the industry.
4) The Grand Instagram Reveal: A Public Declaration of Love. The romance between Chrishell and Keo moved swiftly from hushed whispers to undeniable reality with their synchronized Instagram posts on December 2 and 3. These adorable selfies, filled with genuine smiles and tender gestures, served as the ultimate public confirmation of their relationship. The posts quickly garnered an outpouring of love and support from fans across the globe, as well as from their fellow DWTS cast members and other celebrity friends. The comments section of their posts transformed into a vibrant cascade of well-wishes and excitement, indicating just how popular this new pairing was. Chrishell’s former dance partner, Gleb Savchenko, notably expressed his happiness, writing, “Love you guys,” accompanied by a series of heart emojis. Season 29 runner-up Nev Schulman also chimed in with enthusiasm, exclaiming, “THIS. IS. SO. CUTE,” perfectly capturing the collective sentiment of fans. Even DWTS champion Kaitlyn Bristowe joined the chorus, leaving a heart-eyes emoji, further solidifying the warm reception for the new couple within the DWTS family. These public declarations on social media not only confirmed their relationship but also underscored the joy and genuine connection they share.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Chrishell (@chrishell.stause)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Keo Motsepe (@keo_motsepe)
5) A Prince from South Africa. Beyond his undeniable talent on the dance floor, Keo Motsepe carries a fascinating and unique heritage. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, on November 24, 1989, Keo revealed a surprising detail about his lineage during his NPR interview: he is, in fact, a prince. “I am a prince, yes sir, from my dad’s side,” he proudly shared. He elaborated on his royal connections, explaining, “My grandpa was a prince of a province back in South Africa. My dad declined the position and gave it to my uncle, his younger brother. But because I’m my dad’s only son, I became a prince.” This revelation adds another layer of intrigue to Keo’s already captivating persona, painting a picture of a man whose life blends global celebrity with deep ancestral roots and cultural significance. His journey from a South African prince to a trailblazing professional dancer on one of America’s most beloved reality shows is truly a remarkable narrative.
The Future for Chrishell and Keo: A Celebrated Love Story
The blossoming romance between Chrishell Stause and Keo Motsepe has quickly become one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships, captivating fans of both Selling Sunset and Dancing With The Stars. Their public confirmation, marked by sweet Instagram posts and undeniable chemistry, has ushered in a new chapter for both stars. For Chrishell, this relationship signifies a joyful step forward after a period of personal upheaval, demonstrating her resilience and capacity for finding happiness. For Keo, it brings increased visibility and a shared spotlight with a beloved reality television personality, further solidifying his place in mainstream pop culture.
As they navigate their newfound public romance, fans eagerly anticipate seeing more of their journey together. Their connection, forged in the unique environment of Dancing With The Stars, has proven to be more than just a dance floor fantasy. It’s a testament to genuine connection, shared experiences, and the unexpected ways love can enter one’s life. This exciting new couple, with their combined star power and Keo’s fascinating background, promises to keep us all engaged and rooting for their continued happiness, both on and off the dance floor.