Giada De Laurentiis entered Dancing with the Stars knowing she could not prep, plate or perfect the experience in advance.
With her daughter Jade beginning college, Giada agreed to do something completely outside her comfort zone. The queen of culinary became a beginner in front of millions, trading the controlled rhythm of the kitchen for live television, sequins and choreography.
She even danced through a broken toe.
Her ballroom run ended during Viral Hits Night, when Giada and professional partner Alan Bersten became the third couple eliminated from the competition.
“I tried my best and it wasn’t best enough,” Giada said immediately afterward. “But I tried my best.”
By the following day, disappointment had given way to perspective.
Giada said she was honored to represent women in their 50s trying something new and encouraged others to “try something that scares you.” She praised Alan as a loving and patient partner and said Jade’s daily calls, encouragement and support from the East Coast meant more than any trophy.
When cameras caught Giada apologizing to Alan after their elimination, he quickly told her she had nothing to apologize for and that she had made him proud.
Her time in the ballroom was brief, but its meaning was not.
Before her elimination, Giada spoke with us about broken toes, ballroom nerves, feeding Alan and why saying yes already felt like a victory.
What did saying yes to Dancing with the Stars require from you emotionally?
My daughter, Jade, wanted me to, and with her out of the house starting her own journey off at college, I thought it was the right time to throw myself into something totally out of my comfort zone.
What did it mean to have your daughter push you beyond your comfort zone?
It meant everything to me. That’s why I did it, and I want her to know she can do anything she puts her mind to; that it’s OK to push beyond your comfort zone.
You have spent your career being the expert in the room. What was it like becoming a beginner again in front of millions of people?
It was inspiring, emotional, challenging… everything you hope any experience like this would be.
A recipe gives you measurements and a method, while dancing asks you to trust your body, your partner and the moment. Has surrendering that control been freeing or terrifying?
Both!
You performed your first tango with a broken toe. Was there ever a moment when you considered stepping away?
The show must go on, and I had amazing support from my family and Alan, my partner on the show.
What surprised you most about the experience?
Definitely the physical demands and how strenuous the performances are.
Tell us about Alan.
He is so kind and genuine, he loves pasta, and we always had fun whether rehearsing or on the show.
If Alan walked into Luna by Giada after a long rehearsal and handed you complete control of his order, what would you serve him?
My Signature Lemon Spaghetti.
What initially drew you to Scottsdale as the home for Luna?
Scottsdale has a great dining and hospitality scene, so many great restaurants and the community here has been so supportive of Luna.
At this stage of your life, with Jade beginning college and you stepping onto a completely new stage, did this feel like reinvention or the discovery of a side of yourself that was always there?
It feels great to challenge myself and do something that is completely out of my comfort zone. It’s good to push yourself and be uncomfortable… it’s been invigorating.
Before the results, we asked Giada what would make saying yes feel like a victory, whether her journey ended with a Mirrorball or much sooner.
Just doing it, being here and putting myself out there and trying something new, makes it all worth it.
Giada did not leave with the Mirrorball. She left having shown Jade, and women watching everywhere, that winning can begin simply by being willing to try.
A LITTLE MORE GIADA
Located inside Caesars Republic Scottsdale, a Hilton hotel, Luna by Giada serves Giada De Laurentiis’ signature Italian cuisine with a California twist, including her famous Lemon Spaghetti. Giada makes select appearances throughout the year, while guests can enjoy Aperitivo Happy Hour daily from 3 to 5 p.m. and live music Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Luna will conclude its monthly wine dinner series with a five course menu paired with selections from Fisher Vineyards, a family owned Napa Valley and Sonoma County winery with more than five decades of winemaking history. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $180 per person, and advance reservations are required.
lunabygiadascottsdale.com
“The right time to throw myself into something totally out of my comfort zone. Freeing or terrifying? Both!”
“With my daughter Jade starting her own journey, I thought it was the right time to throw myself into something totally out of my comfort zone.”