Lacey Chabert & Will Kemp on the Spirit of (and the Injuries on!) ‘Christmas Waltz’
Q&A
Love, Romance & Chocolate costars Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp reunite November 28 in Hallmark Channel’s Christmas Waltz, a story about learning to trust yourself and your dance partner. Chabert plays New York City lawyer Avery, who ends up taking ballroom lessons she purchased for her and her fiancé solo after they split before her dream holiday wedding; Kemp, who earned the nickname “the James Dean of ballet” when he starred in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake in the late ’90s, is her instructor, Roman. Here, they pair for a preview.
Why was this movie the right one for you this year?
Lacey Chabert: I thought it was just so romantic. I love the idea that this character finds herself at a crossroads with an unexpected circumstance that seems a setback, and in that, she finds she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. I knew from the very first time I read the script that Will Kemp was the best person for the part. He’s such a wonderful actor, and he’s such an incredibly talented, amazing dancer, and this role required both.
Will Kemp: Lacey, can you keep talking, please? I’m loving it. I, too, responded to the script. I’ve been very particular over the years about doing anything like this, that involves any kind of ballet or contemporary dance. I had never done this type of dancing before. Then when I was told that Lacey Chabert was going to be doing it, I said, “You should have just told me that from the very beginning!” She had been championing this script. There was no chance that I was not going to do it.
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How did you prepare for the film?
Chabert: I’m not a trained dancer. I trained for about three weeks at home, and then we had nine days of very intensive training before we started filming [with choreographer Jean Marc Genereux]. Will was so patient and kind.
Kemp: People think that when you dance, you dance [anything]. Ballroom is a different technique, so I was nervous. Lacey did tremendously—just so brave. The rehearsals were fun, particularly with all the COVID protocols: masks and visors and gloves.
Lacey, you posted a rehearsal photo with the hashtags “bruised ribs” and “broken toe.” Are these your first Hallmark-related injuries?
Kemp: That was all me!
Chabert: [Laughs] It was all Will’s fault! No, I’m just kidding.
Kemp: Hashtag “Not my fault!” [Laughs]
Chabert: Yes, hashtag not Will’s fault! I definitely did something to my ribs, and they were painful for about a month.
Kemp: That could have partially been me.
Chabert: [Laughs] Yeah, that was mostly your fault. But unfortunately, in quarantine—because we came to Canada, and then had to quarantine inside for two weeks before we could actually start rehearsals again—my toe caught on the wooden leg of the couch, and just snapped in two. I had no choice but to tape it up. The show must go on!
There’s a great dance number on the street, when you’re walking home from a holiday gathering with Roman’s family. Was that a Singin’ in the Rain homage, Will?
Kemp: Very much. That was put into the script when we were in production. I was told, “Oh, by the way, we put in this new scene,” and “Oh, just a little scene!” Technically, it was quite challenging. With streets, you always have very uneven surfaces, so for dance it’s tricky. Then you throw in the snow, it was late at night, we had time restrictions. For me, that was a wonderful opportunity to explore the old kind of MGM musical number. How often do you get the chance to do that? I loved it.
Chabert: It’s one of my favorite scenes. There’s something magical about it. It’s at the point in the story where the characters have really connected, having spent this beautiful night with his family. How fun and vivacious they are—it’s different than the holidays are with Avery’s family. I love that Roman encourages her to let everything go and just enjoy the holidays. It captures the Christmas spirit along with this romance that is clearly starting to bloom between the two of them. It’s one of those moments where it’s like there’s no one else around.
Kemp: That’s exactly it. It’s a very public, but personal moment. They’ve reached a point where Roman can tell her he is not as confident as he seems. It’s a moment of freedom, of “What if, right now, we lived in the moment?”
And you were actually filming on the street in Vancouver. Were there pedestrians watching?
Kemp: Oh, yeah. We had three lads strutting across to the bar across the street. They had lots of opinions on what we were doing at the time, I seem to remember. [Laughs]
Chabert: It was very late at night. [Laughs]
(Credit: Hallmark Channel)
Without spoiling the twists, there is a climactic waltz that Avery is asked to dance with Roman. Avery seems very confident backstage. Lacey, how were you feeling?
Chabert: I felt like I was living my character’s journey. We filmed at the Orpheum theater, which was just spectacular. Thinking of everyone that had performed there, I felt very honored that we had that opportunity. It was kind of emotional for me. I don’t mean to sound melodramatic, but once we finished the day, I just felt such a sense of accomplishment. I was so grateful for all of the support along the way. It’s one of those moments when my job is really cool, that I get to do something that I may not tackle in real life. I’m not sure I’d ever have taken dance lessons, but now I will.
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[Kemp excuses himself to run downstairs and let his children in the door, then returns, slightly out of breath.]
Kemp: This is what happens. I got into great shape, and now I’m getting out of breath simply running up the stairs. [All laugh]
Chabert: I feel you.
Kemp: I’m too old for this. I’ve either got to keep on it or stop. I can’t do this stop-start thing. Back to the question: That whole day felt like a performance. To look out onto that stage, beautifully lit.
Chabert: I really felt like we were performing for the crew. Did you feel that way?
Kemp: Yes, absolutely. They were our audience.
Chabert: Because of COVID, we couldn’t have an audience like you would normally have. Our crew knew how hard we had worked and they were rooting for us. It felt like real life.
(Credit: Hallmark Channel)
Kemp: And the kids we performed with were just spectacular. I was blown away by JT Church [the young dance pro, above, who won Dancing With the Stars: Juniors in 2018].
Chabert: I was amazed every time he danced. I would have to stop and watch. This was his first film, and he did such a wonderful job as an actor. It reminded me of when I was acting as a kid.
Kemp: This is a very talented young man with an incredible future. I’m still out of breath, guys. Get this old man a drink, put his slippers on, and make him sit down. [All laugh]
Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” movies bring viewers joy every holiday season. What are you hoping they give people this year, in particular?
Chabert: A lot of people won’t be able to be together with their families this year, and Christmas might feel different. I hope that something that doesn’t feel different is being able to turn on the TV, watch a Hallmark Channel movie and know that your home will be filled with a little bit of love.
Kemp: I feel more and more that the spirit of Christmas—it doesn’t matter your religion, your belief, your situation—there’s a point where it hits you. It’s the Christmas card that comes through the mail, or the Christmas lights you see, or the first little bit of snow. What I love about this is it’s the spirit through dance. I do hope it brings the spirit of Christmas, and the spirit of coming together and trusting each other. That is something on the micro that we need on the macro.
Chabert: We do our best in every movie to create characters that the viewers can see themselves in. Maybe the story inspires someone to try something that they were hesitant to try and find a new passion. My character’s fiancé breaking up with her right before her dream Christmas wedding could have ruined the holiday for her, but she doesn’t let it. With everything going on in the world, it’s important that we make the holidays the best that they can be. I’m honored to be a small part of that by bringing a little happiness into homes.
Kemp: Absolutely. I like to put on music and get my kids out of their comfort zones and jump around the kitchen playing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” I hope that everybody just enjoys the people they are with, gets out of their comfort zone, puts on some music and dances like nobody’s watching.
Christmas Waltz, Saturday, November 28, 8/7c, Hallmark Channel
Conversation30 Comments
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C
Just saw the movie -wasn't sure I would "love" it but it surpassed all expectations. The dancing was spectacular, the love story more subtle than in some movies and the real pain both characters felt at different times, touched my heart. Very impressed! These 2 together are great again and all the kids' dancing were terrific
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One of the best Christmas movies ever! Love the dancing especially the outside scene. The waltz at the end was magical! Kudos to two great actors/dancers!
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I love the Hallmark movies! The Christmas Waltz was absolutely marvelous. Lacey and Will were fantastic. Their chemistry was touching and their dancing was beautifully artistic. J.T.Church was awesome. This is one of my favorite Hallmark movies!
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In my mind, I I was waiting for Will to ask her to stay in Bruge and run the Shop together 🙂
This will be a perennial favorite. This one was extremely well done , Singin’ in the Rain tribute and end dance especially memorable. A true jewel and the best Hallmark movie in a long time. I give it a solid A.
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Your comments are beautifully expressed. Maybe there will be a sequel.
I love Lacey's dancing, which was poised and graceful - and to have accomplished this in such a short time is admirable. Having a background in ballet and dance, it's extremely important to have that prefect partner.
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Thank you. Adding to above comments, this one will be very hard to beat for best of the year. Last year was easily The Christmas Club.
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C
So funny ! Loved your reference to their other film also one I can’t not watch every time it’s on TV. They’re both so fun and funny together and she’s so gracious! I liked Kemp’s character much better in this one, still full of sarcasm but less nasty/cold and much warmer!
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Thanks. I’m still working out that whole pinch, smidge, tad thing from the other movie. I hope to meet a woman who loves Hallmark movies as much as I do. Not all are a hit...the Bethany Joy-Lenz movie was a miss for example this year, but movies like this are worth the wait.
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Lacey the Queen of Hallmark Movies, Loved them all from Elevator Girl, the All my Heart series with Brennen Elliot, and all the fabulous locations Lacey has been, Africa, Rome, Belgium, Just love her and all her leading men. She is so talented. Thank you for bringing such joy and happiness to our home and family, takes away some of our fear, and stresses during this time, Take me to a Happy Place. Thanks again, Lacey and Will and all the cast and crew at Hallmark.
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I just loved it! It was so touching and magical. I’ve always loved how these two actors work together. This movie had so many special moments, and they made them feel so real. This is now one of my favorites.
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This was fantastic, beautiful, thoroughly enjoyable and one of the very best Hallmark films ever. I just finished watching it and want to watch it again very soon. Will and Lacey have amazing talents and the choreography was spectacular! Bravo!
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Just watched Christmas Waltz and loved it. Lacy and Will have such great chemistry they are great together. It is one of my favorite Christmas Hallmark movies so far. I recorded it, so I will be watching it again.
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I felt Will Kemp's acting created a very real character, and it was obvious that Lacey had to work harder than ever to produce a high quality movie special that featured dancing. Thoroughly enjoyed it; thanks!
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I saw the movie. It is wonderful. I love Lacey. I love all her movies. She is great in this one. Such a good dancer. Keep them coming Lacey.
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I have watched it at least 20 times since last Saturday... it quickly become my favorite movie ever and don't see that ever changing the chemistry between Will and Lacey is off the charts.... I loved their dancing it was beautiful... you would never know that Lacy hadn't really danced before or that she was dancing with sore ribs and a broken toe.... My fav dance scene was when he turned down the lights so she couldn't see her feet... and that dance got very emotional very sensual... and showed Roman's feelings long before he I think admitted it tohimself... the other was when they were practicing the show waltz when he turned her head and told her she could look at him.... and of course the finale dance... I was really impressed with Lacey doing the flying pretzle ... but the one kiss at the end was kind of the only time that they bothed showed their feelings at the same time. I just wrote to Hallmark and told them I really really want a sequel to this... I want to see them dance more , I want to see their relationship grow more and Roman's other studio to open ... and most importantly after a year between Christmas they would be ready to get married and Avery could get her Christmas wedding... and it could be called... "The Christmas Wedding Waltz" and Avery and Roman could do an amazing dance at their wedding... I really want that to happen ... I am sure they wouldn't listen to just me but we need to start a campaign to try to get it to happen. How Special.
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I consider my love for Hallmark movies to be more of a guilty pleasure than a proud hobby until this movie! First, Lacey Chabert is my new role model. She brings the best out of everyone with whom she works. Also, her little under the breath comments are always hilarious! Will Kemp is no slouch either, those subtle facial expressions That speak volumes are equally hilarious. plus 43 in dancer years is like 84! So good on you both and Happy Holidays all - stay safe and be well!
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The Christmas Waltz is absolutely the best Hallmark movie ever!!! Every scene in it was stunning and so emotional. Love, love, love it and have watched several times.
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So loved you both, may you be blessed each day. I mam in a covid unit recovering so watch your movies all the time, sending love and blessings
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Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. You are in my prayers.
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I LOVE the Christmas Waltz!!! I watched it twice the night it came on and tonight watched it again.
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I do love the outdoor dance scene!! The lighting was spectacular and the dance is phenomenal!. Pure joy to watch! However, another of my favorite scenes was the slow dance scene with only the Christmas lights on. It was pure, simple, and romantic. If you haven't wanted to dance before, you will now! Time to grab a partner!
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I loved loved this movie. It is my favorite Hallmark movie. I must have watched it at least 5 times. It was so sweet and the actors made you feel the love that was happening in the movie. It was funny romantic and uplifting. Can't say enough good things about it. It is a must watch to get you believing in the spirit of Christmas
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That's a DITTO for me. I've been watching Lacey since "Party of Five". I simply love her and all her Hallmark movies...huge fan. I'm also obsessed with British culture& ballroom dancing (too much Jane Austen 😁). So I've follow Will Kemp for a long time as well. He's such a wonderful dancer and amazing actor. It's as if he glides across the floor, I love to watch him. I kept rewinding the movie on the dance scenes 😄. It looked so effortless. Wow!
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Loved this movie. Love all of Lacey Chabert's movies, particularly the ones on location. I have never traveled and now can't so living her experiences vicariously is wonderful - Bruge, Africa, Italy,..... wonderful. Thank you.
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A wonderful movie!! My favorite one this year. Loved the "singing in the rain" style dancing on the sidewalk. The entire movie was fantastic. LOVED IT!!!!
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I loved this Hallmark Christmas movie! Will Kemp & Lacey Chabert have wonderful on screen chemistry. This is one of my favorite movies this season. Thank you, Hallmark! Another winner❣
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This is my absolute favorite movie the way ' I feel about this movie will never be surpassed... I would have like to see their relationship grow more... I knew they each felt things for each other but neither would admit it until the end of the movie. Several times in the movie the tone in Will's voice was loving even though he didn't say it.... the dance in the dark was wow loving and at the same time sensual... when they were getting ready to practice the show dance and he gently turned her head to him and said "you can look at me" his voice and facial expression were mmmmm 🙂 ... Will was really great, I think if she would have paid a little more attention Roman showed his love for a long time... it started with the first dance after fall in the street... the way he danced with her the next night was not that of a teacher... you could see the emotion in that dance. I emailed Hallmark and told them they need to make a sequel of this movie more then any other.. I want to see the progressiong of their relationship that they only expressed til the very end... and really in the kiss ... it was never spoken... and just in literally the last minute... I would call the sequel "Christmas Wedding Waltz" , that way we could see their relationship grow... and Avery could get her Christmas Wedding... Roman could open his new studio. After watching this movie I realized that every scene that Will and Lacey were in I smiled big through that whole scene... their chemistry was palpable.
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I DVR’d Christmas Waltz & I’m so glad I did! Loved it the first time, & it’s almost June, & I’ve watched it at least a dozen times since then!! Obsessed, maybe? 😁 The chemistry between Lacey & Will is beautiful, & the dancing is just lovely. I’ll be returning to this movie, over & over again, to watch a heartfelt, genuine romance & absolutely remarkable & graceful waltzing. For me, it’s four stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️!
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GREAT , great movie. One of the best for Hallmark... loved the dancing , both Lacey and Will were fantastic. It was new, romantic, especially the dancing. Oh how hard that is to dance like that, talk about rehearsals, and so dedicated. It was my favorite of the season #1 Christmas of all time!!!
So many of them are predictable with predictable dialogue. I found the script, acting and story fresh and believable.
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Does anyone know where I can buy this movie? I can't find it anywhere now...after the Christmas flush of new Hallmark movies came out, this one disappeared.
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