A group of new professional dancers has joined the lineup for the upcoming season of the ballroom competition show, bringing diverse international talent and notable achievements in Latin and ballroom dance.
Canadian dancer Mark, 22, enters the show with an impressive record, including two National Latin Championships and a Canadian Championship win and finalist placement. His accolades extend to titles such as Empire Dance US Latin Rising Star Champion and a top-10 ranking at the Under 21 Latin Dance Festival held in Blackpool. Mark expressed enthusiasm about joining the program, noting his respect for the show’s rich history and his eagerness to connect with audiences through his unique style.
Joining him is a 34-year-old Italian dancer, who has held the Italian Latin Champion title four times and maintained a position among the world’s top Latin dancers for eight consecutive years. He has been a Rising Star Latin Finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival and an Open World Latin Semi-Finalist. He currently dances professionally with Aleksandra, a 22-year-old Ukrainian multiple National Latin Champion now based in Italy. Aleksandra has been ranked among the top 21 Latin dancers globally and has achieved success in the European Latin Championships and the Dutch Open World Latin Dance Competition. She was also a finalist at the UK Dance Festival’s Latin Rising Star event. Both dancers conveyed excitement about joining the show and emphasized their commitment to delivering heartfelt performances.
The youngest professional dancer entering the competition is 21-year-old Maddie from Bournemouth, a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion. Maddie also has West End experience, notably starring in the role of Annie. She described joining the show as a dream come true and expressed gratitude and anticipation for the opportunity to share her passion for dance on a widely viewed platform.
Another new addition is Lethabo, a 23-year-old South African Latin Champion who grew up watching her country’s equivalent of the show. With previous television experience on programs such as Dance Yo Dumo and The Masked Singer South Africa, her career highlights include performing alongside Diana Ross and composer Hans Zimmer. Lethabo spoke about the significance of this new stage in her career, citing it as the result of years of dedication supported by a community that believed in her dreams.
The new professionals began their training this week as the show prepares to start the next season. Their varied international backgrounds and competitive success are expected to add fresh energy and skill to the ballroom stage.