Lupita: I was afraid to dance

Lupita Nyong’o used to be “afraid to dance”.

The Oscar-winning actress is one of Hollywood’s hottest properties, landing high-profile modelling campaigns alongside her film roles. While she’s comfortable in front of the camera now, she admitted to the British edition of Harper’s Bazaar magazine that there was something she used to be self-conscious about.

“There was a time when I was afraid to dance,” she said. “My older sister would dance with abandon. She would do it to entertain. I was so mortified at the thought of wiggling my body in any direction. And I wrestled with myself, because I didn’t want to be so self-conscious. I wanted to be able to enjoy music and not care that I looked cute.”

Over the years though, Lupita’s confidence grew. While shooting the cover for the publication’s May issue, the 32-year-old happily got her groove on between shots and now gets a lot of joy when she busts a move.

“I don’t know when something switched in my head, but I’m so glad it did, because I feel like dancing, and being able to enjoy one’s body for oneself is such a precious, precious thing. For yourself, you know'” she added. “If this [her success] had happened to me at a time when I couldn’t dance – ha – my God, I think I would be way more of a wreck.”

Lupita’s role in 12 Years a Slave put her on the map. And more than a year on from her Academy Award win, the star is still shocked that people are interested in her.

“I thought the Oscars would come and go and then all of a sudden everything would be back to normal and I’d be back in my apartment,” she said.