BVFrom the stage to Maasmechelen Village. After Wim Vanlessen ended his dance career a few years ago, he now presents his first children’s book. ‘A very special boy’ tells the life story of the former top dancer on a child scale, and attracted a lot of famous people to the Limburg outlet village.
“First of all: I am so very grateful that I have had the opportunity to publish a book”, says Vanlessen. “Had you told me a few years ago that I would one day write a book: I wouldn’t have believed you. (laughs) But this project came my way through someone else, and I’m really glad I said ‘yes’. Initially I was supposed to come up with a fictional story about Willem, a boy who likes to dance. Gradually, elements from my own life crept in. (laughs)”
Vanlessen has no plans (yet) for a real autobiography. “I’m not old enough for that yet,” he says. “But I’m not averse to the idea per se. The first part of my life – in which I was a dancer – I have more or less completed, although I will always remain passionate about it. I could write a book about that, but I want to include the second piece – which I’m working on right now – as well.”
Recently, a TV career has also been part of this. Wim was one of the jury members who gave color to the third season of ‘Dancing With The Stars’. “I really enjoyed that,” he says. “I also received a lot of compliments about the way I judged, and that is very rewarding – especially as a debutant. I’m open to a sequel, if SBS wants it. But they can always call for something else – as long as it suits me. (laughs)”
‘A Very Special Boy’ is published by Horizon, and is available now.
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