1. Introduction to influential choreographers in the UK
Introduction to Influential Choreographers in the UK
The UK is home to some of the most influential and pioneering ballroom dance choreographers in the world. From the 1920s onwards, the UK has been at the forefront of ballroom dance innovation, producing some of the most iconic and memorable steps and sequences in the history of the art form.
Fred Astaire
One of the most iconic figures in the world of ballroom dancing, Fred Astaire is often credited with popularising the art form in the UK. Astaire’s style of dance was heavily influenced by his background in vaudeville and musical theatre, and his routines were characterised by a light, graceful movement and intricate footwork.
Anton Du Beke
Anton Du Beke is one of the most popular and successful ballroom dancers in the UK. He is best known for his appearances on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, where he has been a professional choreographer since the show’s inception in 2004. He is renowned for his technical skill and artistry, as well as his ability to bring a sense of fun to his routines.
Wayne Sleep
Wayne Sleep is a legendary figure in the world of ballroom dancing. He began his career as a professional dancer in the 1970s and has since become one of the most respected and influential choreographers in the UK. He is renowned for his creative and innovative choreography, which often combines elements of ballet, jazz and contemporary dance.
Arlene Phillips
Arlene Phillips is a renowned choreographer and dance teacher who has been at the forefront of ballroom dance in the UK since the 1970s. She is renowned for her creative and inventive choreography, which often combines elements of jazz, contemporary and Latin American dance.
Len Goodman
Len Goodman is a renowned ballroom dancer and choreographer who has been a judge on Strictly Come Dancing since 2004. He is renowned for his technical skill and artistry, as well as his ability to bring a sense of fun to his routines. He has choreographed some of the most iconic and memorable steps and sequences in the history of the art form.
Karen Hardy
Karen Hardy is one of the most respected and successful ballroom dancers in the UK. She is best known for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, where she was a professional choreographer from 2004 to 2009. She is renowned for her technical skill and artistry, as well as her ability to bring a sense of fun to her routines.
Bruno Tonioli
Bruno Tonioli is a renowned ballroom dancer and choreographer who has been a judge on Strictly Come Dancing since 2004. He is renowned for his creative and innovative choreography, which often combines elements of ballet, jazz and contemporary dance. He is also known for his flamboyant and energetic style of dance, which has earned him a loyal following.
2. Joe MacFarlane – his achievements in ballroom dance
Joe MacFarlane – His Achievements in Ballroom Dance
Joe MacFarlane is a ballroom dancer and choreographer who has been in the industry for over 20 years. He has won numerous awards for his work as a dance teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator.
MacFarlane is best known for his work with the BBC, where he has been a judge on the show Strictly Come Dancing since 2004. He has also been a judge on the hit show Dancing with the Stars, and has been a mentor and coach on the show for the past five years.
MacFarlane has choreographed and taught for some of the biggest names in the ballroom world, including the Royal Ballet, the National Ballet of Canada, and the Royal Academy of Dance. He has also choreographed for the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer competition.
MacFarlane has been a regular guest on the BBC’s The One Show, and is a regular contributor to the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing magazine. He has also written several books about ballroom dancing, including his latest, ‘The Ballroom Dance Bible’.
MacFarlane has been recognised for his work in ballroom dance by the British National Dance Awards, where he has been nominated for Best Choreographer and Best Dance Teacher. He has also won an honorary degree from the University of London for his contributions to the art of ballroom dancing.
Awards and Accolades
MacFarlane has won many awards for his work in ballroom dance, including:
• The British National Dance Award for Best Choreographer (2012)
• The British National Dance Award for Best Dance Teacher (2010)
• The Royal Academy of Dance’s Honorary Degree (2012)
• The BBC’s Greatest Dancer Award (2015)
• The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Magazine Award (2016)
3. Jonathan Howells – his unique style and approach
Jonathan Howells – His Unique Style and Approach
Jonathan Howells is an award-winning ballroom dance choreographer who has been teaching for over 20 years. He is known for his creative and innovative approach to choreography, which has earned him the respect of dancers from all over the world.
Howells has a unique style of choreography that combines traditional ballroom dance steps with modern, contemporary moves. He has created numerous original pieces for ballroom dance competitions, and his choreography has been featured in numerous television shows and films.
Howells is also an accomplished teacher, having taught at some of the most prestigious dance schools in the UK. He is passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of ballroom dancers. He believes in the power of dance to bring people together and to create a sense of community.
Awards and Accolades
Howells has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. He has been recognised by the International Dance Organisation (IDO) as one of the world’s top ballroom dance choreographers, and he has been named ‘Choreographer of the Year’ by the British Ballroom Dance Council (BBDC).
He has also been honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Ballroom Dance’ award from the British Association of Ballroom Dance (BABD). Howells has also been featured in the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ series, and he has been recognised by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) as one of the leading ballroom dance teachers in the UK.
4. Karen Hardy – her success and influence on the ballroom dance community
Karen Hardy – Her Success and Influence on the Ballroom Dance Community
Karen Hardy is a British ballroom dancer and choreographer who has achieved great success in the world of ballroom dancing. She is a four-time British National Champion and a two-time British Open Champion. She is also a two-time World Professional Latin American Champion and a one-time World Professional Ballroom Champion.
Karen is best known for her work on the television show Strictly Come Dancing, which she appeared on from 2004 to 2008. Her choreography and coaching has been credited with helping to popularise ballroom dancing in the UK. She has also been a judge on the show since 2017.
Karen has also been a judge on the BBC show DanceX and a coach on the show DanceXtreme. She is also a sought-after choreographer and coach for professional dancers in the UK.
Karen has been a major influence in the ballroom dance community in the UK. She has been credited with helping to popularise ballroom dancing and inspiring a new generation of ballroom dancers. Her work has also helped to raise the profile of ballroom dancing in the UK and abroad.
Karen has also been an ambassador for the charity Dance For All, which helps to provide dance tuition to disadvantaged children in the UK.
Conclusion
Karen Hardy is a hugely influential figure in the ballroom dance community in the UK. She has achieved great success in the world of ballroom dancing and has helped to popularise the art form in the UK. She has also inspired a new generation of ballroom dancers and raised the profile of ballroom dancing in the UK and abroad.
5. Chris Marney – his innovative choreography
Chris Marney – His Innovative Choreography
Chris Marney is a renowned ballroom dance choreographer who has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years. He has choreographed for some of the most famous dance teams in the UK, including the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and Scottish Ballet.
Marney is known for his creative and innovative choreography, which has been praised by critics and audiences alike. His style combines traditional ballroom and Latin styles with elements of contemporary dance, giving his routines a unique and exciting feel. He is particularly skilled at creating intricate and complex patterns, which are often performed to music from a variety of genres.
Marney has won numerous awards for his choreography, including the prestigious National Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography. He has also been nominated for several Olivier Awards, including for his work on the hit West End musical, ‘Billy Elliot’.
Marney’s choreography has been featured in numerous television shows, including ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. He has also choreographed for the Royal Variety Performance and the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.
Notable Works
Marney’s most notable works include ‘The Red Shoes’, ‘The Nutcracker’, ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘Carmen’. He has also choreographed for the Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Giselle’ and the English National Ballet’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. He has also choreographed for the musicals ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.
Marney’s choreography is highly sought after and he continues to be a leader in the world of ballroom dance. He is an inspiration to aspiring choreographers and his work will continue to influence the world of ballroom dance for many years to come.
6. Richard Marcel – his contribution to British ballroom dance
Richard Marcel – His Contribution to British Ballroom Dance
Richard Marcel is a ballroom dance choreographer and coach who has been instrumental in the development of British ballroom dance. He has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years, and has become one of the most respected and sought-after ballroom dance teachers in the UK.
Early Career
Richard began his career in dance as a professional dancer, performing in shows and competitions all over the world. He quickly gained recognition for his skill and creativity, and was soon asked to choreograph for some of the top ballroom dance companies in Britain.
Choreography
Richard is well-known for his creative and innovative choreography. His work has been praised for its unique style and for its ability to bring out the best in the dancers. He is also credited with introducing many new moves and techniques to the world of British ballroom dance.
Teaching
Richard is also a highly sought-after teacher and coach. He has taught classes and workshops for a wide range of students, from beginners to professionals. He is passionate about helping people to develop their skills and reach their full potential as dancers.
Legacy
Richard has been an important figure in the development of British ballroom dance. His work has been recognised and appreciated by dancers and choreographers all over the world. He has been a major influence in the evolution of ballroom dance in the UK, and his legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come.
7. Wayne Sleep – his career and influence on the art of dance
Wayne Sleep – His Career and Influence on the Art of Dance
Wayne Sleep is a renowned choreographer, dancer and director who has been influential in the British ballroom dance scene for many decades.
Early Life and Career
Born in Plymouth in 1948, Sleep trained as a dancer at the Royal Ballet School in London and joined the Royal Ballet in 1965. He quickly became a prominent soloist, performing in many of the company’s major works and creating roles in ballets by Frederick Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan.
In the mid-1970s, Sleep’s career took a different turn when he became a choreographer, creating works for the Royal Ballet, London Festival Ballet and other companies. He has also choreographed extensively for musicals, television, and films, and he has directed several musicals and operas.
Influence on Ballroom Dance
Sleep’s influence on ballroom dance has been profound. He has choreographed and directed many productions of the popular televised show, Strictly Come Dancing, and he has created and choreographed a number of ballroom-style dances for the Royal Ballet.
More recently, Sleep has been heavily involved in the development of the British Ballroom Dance Championships, a prestigious annual event that brings together some of the best dancers in the country. He has also been instrumental in the development of the National Ballroom Dance Council, which is the governing body for all forms of ballroom dance in the UK.
Sleep’s influence on the art of ballroom dance has been wide-reaching. He has been a major figure in the development of the art form and has been instrumental in bringing ballroom dance to a wider audience.
8. Anton du Beke – his rise to fame and recognition
Anton du Beke – His Rise to Fame and Recognition
Anton du Beke is a world-renowned ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality. He is best known for his appearances on the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, which he has been a part of since the show’s inception in 2004.
Early Career
Anton began his career as a professional ballroom dancer in the early 1990s. He quickly rose to prominence, winning numerous titles including the British Open to the World Latin American Championships. He also performed in the West End show Burn the Floor and in the dance show Big Ballet.
Strictly Come Dancing
In 2004, Anton became one of the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing, the popular BBC show. He has been a part of the show ever since, and is the only professional dancer to have been in every series of the show. He is well known for his witty one-liners and his ability to get the best out of his celebrity partners.
Recognition and Awards
Anton has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for his services to dance. He has also been nominated for three National Television Awards in the Favourite TV Judge category.
Other Projects
In addition to his work on Strictly Come Dancing, Anton has also released a number of books about ballroom dancing and choreography. He has also released a solo album, From the Top, and has appeared on a number of television shows, including The One Show and The Graham Norton Show.
9. Julianne Hough – her success in the world of competitive ballroom
Julianne Hough – Her Success in the World of Competitive Ballroom
Julianne Hough is a dancer, choreographer, singer, and actress who has made a name for herself in the world of competitive ballroom. She was a two-time Professional Ballroom Dance Association World Champion, and has also won the British Open, the US Open, and the World Open.
Hough first became involved in competitive ballroom at the age of 11, when she began taking lessons from British ballroom champion Corky Ballas. She went on to win numerous competitions, and eventually won the Professional Ballroom Dance Association World Championship in both the Latin and Standard divisions.
Hough has also become a popular choreographer, creating routines for shows such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. She has also choreographed for music videos, movies, and live performances.
Her Other Accomplishments
In addition to her success in competitive ballroom, Hough has also made a name for herself in other areas of entertainment. She has released two albums, appeared in numerous movies, and is a judge on the hit show, Dancing with the Stars.
Hough has also become a major advocate for dance and the arts, founding the Julianne Hough Fund in 2009 to promote and support the arts. She has also been involved in numerous charitable causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Red Cross.
Hough is an inspiration to many aspiring dancers, and her success in the world of competitive ballroom has made her one of the most influential ballroom dance choreographers in the UK.
10. Conclusion – summary of the top 10 influential choreographers in the UK
Conclusion – Summary of the Top 10 Influential Choreographers in the UK
The UK ballroom dance scene is one of the most vibrant and creative in the world, and the choreographers featured in this article are at the forefront of this movement. From the theatricality of Paul Harris to the classicism of Adele Taylor, each of these top 10 choreographers has left an indelible mark on the art form.
Their choreography has pushed boundaries, explored new techniques, and inspired generations of dancers. Whether it be the Latin-infused movements of Christopher Hawkins or the contemporary flair of Paul Harris, each of these choreographers has made a unique contribution to British ballroom dance.
The art form of ballroom dancing is constantly evolving, and the work of these choreographers will continue to influence the way the dance is performed for many years to come.
The Top 10 Influential Ballroom Dance Choreographers in the UK
1. Adele Taylor
2. Christopher Hawkins
3. Mark Elsdon
4. Paul Harris
5. Alan Tichmarsh
6. Joanne Clifton
7. Jason Gilkison
8. Karen Hardy
9. Richard Marcel
10. Anton du Beke
