Unexpected Casting for Taylor Swift Video
Denise Sides, a 71-year-old ballroom dancer from Wrexham, revealed she only learned she had been cast in a Taylor Swift music video ten minutes before filming began.
Sides was selected by the global superstar to appear in Opalite – a 90s-inspired romantic comedy video that brought together the cast of an episode of the Graham Norton show.
The dance teacher auditioned for an "unknown artist" and, once cast, was transported discreetly to the filming location as part of a top-secret project.
"Then this young girl walks in, all dressed up, and she comes over and says, 'Hi, I'm Taylor,'" said Sides. "I was like, no way. Oh my God."
Sides has been dancing for 60 years and teaches ballroom dancing classes. She had signed up for TV extra work through an agency and responded to a call for senior dancers on behalf of an "unknown artist."
After being shortlisted, she received a call confirming she had been specifically chosen by the artist from hundreds of applicants, although she was unaware that the record-breaking Swift was behind the request.
The entire experience was kept "hush-hush," with Sides only told that the job involved recreating a dance competition.
It was just ten minutes before filming that she discovered the video was for a track from Swift's latest album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Sides, a self-described Swiftie, said she was in shock when the singer entered the room.
"I still feel excited now [remembering it]," she said.
Filming Experience and Taylor Swift's Direction
During filming, Swift, who both sang in and directed the video, made efforts to put everyone at ease and expressed gratitude to the dancers for their participation.
"She knew exactly what she wanted. She'd say, 'try this, try that,' and she was really nice about it," said Sides.
"Some can be a bit abrupt but she wasn't. She was lovely and so talented."
In the video, Sides wears a royal blue ballroom dancing outfit she has owned since becoming a professional dancer in 1988.
Swift complimented her attire, saying,
"I love your dress. It really fits the set."
When Sides saw the video, which was filmed in November but released earlier this month, she was amazed.
"You just can't believe it's you," she said.
Keeping the experience confidential was challenging for Sides.
"It was hard, I only told a few people in my dance class and my family."
Video Cast and Storyline
Opalite features Domhnall Gleeson, Lewis Capaldi, Greta Lee, and a cameo voiceover from Cillian Murphy, all of whom appeared on the Graham Norton show with Swift in October.
The video tells the story of a lonely woman who uses a magical spray to improve her life and finds romance with a fellow loner.
Career Impact and Inspiration
Despite decades of dancing and acting experience, Sides said the shoot with Swift was the most significant of her career.
She hopes her experience will inspire others to take up dancing.
"Maybe people will think, 'Well, if Taylor chose her, why don't we?'," she said.
"You're never too old. It was an experience I will never, ever forget."
In addition to running Dens Dance Studio since the 1990s, Sides hosts inclusive workshops for people with disabilities.
"If I'm not teaching, I'm dancing myself," she said. "That's my happy place, my passion."
