Famous British Dancers

Alesha Dixon is an English singer-songwriter, rapper, and TV personality. She initially wanted to become a teacher, but destiny had other plans for her, and she ended up entering the music world. She rose to fame as a singer in the 2000s as a member of the girl group Mis-Teeq. She later pursued a successful solo career as well. 

Known for his songs like Thinking of Me, Heart Skips a Beat and Dance with Me Tonight, Olly Murs established himself as a successful singer and songwriter. The Englishman, whose music genres range from pop to neo soul came to prominence with his performance in The X Factor. The Manchester United fan is also a television presenter and voice actor.

Darcey Bussell is an English former ballerina best known for her appearances as a judge on the popular television show, Strictly Come Dancing. She is also known for her association with the Royal Ballet, where she was a principal dancer. Darcey Bussell is considered one of the best British ballerinas of all time and is the recipient of numerous awards.  

AJ Pritchard is a British television personality, dancer, and choreographer. Pritchard became a household name in the UK after appearing in popular TV shows, such as Britain's Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing, and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! In 2018, he appeared in the celebrity version of Hunted in an attempt to help Stand Up to Cancer.

Margot Fonteyn was an English ballerina who spent her entire dancing career at the Royal Ballet. She was eventually appointed prima ballerina assoluta of the Royal Ballet by Queen Elizabeth II. Margot Fonteyn achieved international fame after a tour of the US in 1949. She also helped popularize ballet in the US by appearing on TV before and after WWII.

Len Goodman is an English ballroom dancer, dance coach, and judge. He achieved popularity when he started appearing as the head judge on the popular television dance show, Strictly Come Dancing. In addition to his TV work, Len Goodman also operates a ballroom dance school in Kent.

Shirley Ballas is an English dance teacher, ballroom dancer, and dance adjudicator. Nicknamed The Queen of Latin, Ballas is best known for her achievements in the International Latin division. Shirley Ballas' popularity increased in 2017, when she started appearing as the head judge on the popular TV dance show, Strictly Come Dancing.

Denise van Outen is an English actress, dancer, singer, and presenter. She is known for presenting the TV show, The Big Breakfast, and for competing in the tenth series of Strictly Come Dancing where she finished as runner-up. Also known for her humanitarian work, Denise supports charity organizations, such as Breast Cancer Care and Comic Relief.

At age 15, Billie Piper became the youngest artist to enter the UK Singles Chart at number one after releasing her debut single Because We Want To. After establishing a successful music career, Billie decided to abandon her career to focus on acting. She then became the only performer to win all six Best Actress awards for the play Yerma.

Bonnie Langford is an English actress, singer, and dancer. She achieved popularity as a child actress in the 1970s, when she portrayed Violet Elizabeth Bott in a television series titled Just William. From 2015 to 2018, Bonnie Langford played Carmel Kazemi on the popular soap opera EastEnders, which earned her the 2016 British Soap Award.

Craig Revel Horwood is an Australian-British dancer, choreographer, author, theatre director, conductor, and former drag queen. Also a TV personality, Horwood is best known for appearing as a judge on the British television dance contest, Strictly Come Dancing. Craig Revel Horwood has also released three autobiographies by joining hands with Michael O'Mara Books.

Tommy Steele is an English singer, actor, sculptor, and writer. Widely regarded as an important entertainer, Steele is considered Britain's first rock and roll star and teen idol. His rise to stardom was dramatized in the 1957 film The Tommy Steele Story, where he appeared as himself. Tommy Steele remains an active performer to this day.  

Emma Slater is an English-American dancer and choreographer best known for making numerous appearances on the popular dance competition television series, Dancing with the Stars. Prior to making her TV debut, Emma Slater competed in dance competitions around the world, representing the UK. She then went on to establish herself as a theater and TV personality.

Ola Jordan is a British-Polish model and ballroom dancer. She achieved popularity after appearing on the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing, where she competed from 2006 to 2015. In 2018, Ola Jordan became a judge on the Polish version of the show.

Ashley Banjo is an English actor, street dancer, and choreographer. He is best known as the leader of Diversity, a dance troupe that won the third series of the popular televised talent show, Britain's Got Talent. Ashley Banjo has also appeared as a judge on TV shows like Got to Dance and Dancing on Ice.

Sonoya Mizuno is an English actress, ballet dancer, and model. She started her professional career as a model, working for world-renowned brands, such as Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Thanks to her skills as a ballet dancer, which she learnt at the Royal Ballet School, Mizuno landed roles in dance films like High Strung, which kick-started her film career.

Joe Brown is an English entertainer, singer, and guitarist. In a career, spanning more than 60 years, Brown has had success as a recording artist and stage and television performer. A highly regarded personality in the music industry, Joe Brown commands admiration and respect from a wide range of artists.  

Matthew Bourne is an English choreographer who specializes in theatrical dance and contemporary dance. Best known for his unusual and quirky choreography, Bourne is the recipient of many prestigious awards, such as Laurence Olivier Awards, Tony Awards, and Drama Desk Awards.

Marty Wilde is an English songwriter and singer best known for being one of the first British pop singers to emulate the success of American rock and roll. He recorded several hit singles during the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Also known as the father of Kim Wilde, Marty Wilde is credited with writing many of Kim's hit singles.

Will Kemp is an English dancer and actor. He is best known for playing important roles in popular films like Van Helsing, Step Up 2: The Streets, and The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power. Will Kemp has also appeared in many TV films like The Car Man, Christopher and His Kind, and Kristin's Christmas Past.

Frederick Ashton was a British choreographer and ballet dancer. He is best remembered for his work as a choreographer and director in opera, film, and revue. He achieved popularity as the chief choreographer at the Royal Ballet, where he worked alongside Ninette de Valois. Frederick Ashton succeeded de Valois as the company's director, serving until his retirement in 1970.

Lorraine Crosby is an English songwriter and singer. She achieved popularity in 1993, when she was featured by Meat Loaf in his hit song, I'd Do Anything for Love. Lorraine Crosby's popularity increased in 2008, when she came up with her first album, Mrs Loud.

Billy Fury was an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He achieved immense popularity in the 1960s, when he spent a whopping 332 weeks on the UK chart. Billy Fury also achieved popularity as an actor, playing important roles in films like Play It Cool and That'll Be the Day.

Anton Du Beke is a ballroom and Latin dancer, television presenter, comedian, author, and singer. Also known for his philanthropic activities, Du Beke has been an honorary patron of the popular theatre charity, The Music Hall Guild of Great Britain and America. Over the years, he has also been an important contributor to BBC's UK charity, Children in Need.

Topper Headon is an English drummer renowned for his association with the popular punk rock band The Clash. Also known for his immense contribution to the drumming world, Topper Headon was made an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

Ninette de Valois was an Irish-born British dancer, choreographer, teacher, and director of classical ballet. She is best remembered for founding The Royal Ballet, which went on to become a world renowned classical ballet company. Counted among the most influential personalities in the history of ballet, Ninette de Valois is also credited with establishing the Royal Ballet School.

Roy Castle was an English singer, dancer, actor, comedian, musician, and television presenter. An accomplished jazz trumpet player, Castle could also play numerous other instruments and is best remembered for his versatility. Roy Castle also achieved popularity as the presenter of the long-running British television children's series, Record Breakers.

Alicia Markova was a British ballet dancer, director, choreographer, and teacher of classical ballet. Best remembered for her association with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, Markova was widely regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest classical ballet dancers. Alicia Markova is also credited with co-founding the English National Ballet.

Kenneth MacMillan was a British choreographer and ballet dancer. He is best remembered for his association with the Royal Ballet, where he was the artistic director between 1970 and 1977. He also served as the company's principal choreographer from 1977 to 1992. Kenneth MacMillan was posthumously honored with the Laurence Olivier Award and Tony Award.

Wayne Sleep is a British actor, dancer, choreographer, and director. He is best known for his appearances on popular TV shows like The Real Full Monty and The Real Marigold on Tour. In 2020, Jay Webb played Wayne Sleep on the popular TV series The Crown.

Italian-British dancer Flavia Cacace is part of the dance duo Vincent and Flavia, with her dance partner Vincent Simone. She appeared multiple times on the reality show Strictly Come Dancing and won in its 10th season. She has also appeared on The Magicians. Flavis is married to actor Jimi Mistry.

Perri Lister is an English retired actress, singer, and dancer. She achieved popularity after joining the popular dance troupe, Hot Gossip. As part of the troupe, Lister appeared on a TV show titled The Kenny Everett Video Show during the 1970s and 1980s. Apart from appearing on TV shows, Lister also worked as a backing vocalist for numerous pop artists.

Layla El is an English former professional wrestler, model, and dancer. She achieved international fame when she became a popular WWE wrestler. She was part of WWE from 2006 to 2015, during which she won the WWE Divas Championship title and the WWE Women's Championship title. Layla El is currently working as a real estate agent.

Rosemarie Ford is an English dancer, actress, and television presenter. She is best known for her appearance as the co-host of the popular game show The Generation Game from 1990 to 1994. Rosemarie Ford has also hosted other famous shows like Come Dancing. In 1999, she was honored with the prestigious Carl Alan Award.

Ian Waite is a British dancer who specializes in Latin American dance. He achieved popularity after appearing on the seventh series of the popular televised dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. Over the years, Ian Waite has also worked as a teacher and choreographer.

Lindsay Kemp was a British dancer, choreographer, mime artist, actor, and teacher. He is remembered for playing the lead role of Divine in a mime and music show titled Flowers, which was based on Jean Genet's popular novel Our Lady of the Flowers. The show was considered a sensory and theatrical sensation. Kemp is also credited with mentoring David Bowie.

Sir Anton Dolin was an English ballet choreographer and dancer. He is best remembered for his association with the Royal Ballet, where he served as the principal during the 1930s. Along with Alicia Markova, Sir Anton Dolin is credited with founding the London Festival Ballet and the Markova-Dolin Ballet. Dolin was featured in the documentary, A Portrait of Giselle.

Dick Taylor is an English musician and guitarist best known as a founding member of the popular band, The Pretty Things. Prior to founding the Pretty Things, Taylor was associated with the Rolling Stones, where he was a bassist. Apart from the Pretty Things and the Rolling Stones, Taylor was also associated with the Mekons, where he played the guitar.

Karen Hardy is a British ballroom dancer, teacher, coach, and adjudicator. She is best known for her appearances in the popular TV dance contest Strictly Come Dancing between 2005 and 2009. Prior to making her TV appearance, Hardy had won several competitions, including the International Latin American Dance Championship. Karen Hardy currently runs a dance studio in London.

Antony Tudor was an English ballet dancer, teacher, and choreographer. He is remembered for founding the London Ballet as well as the Philadelphia Ballet Guild. Tudor is also remembered for his association with the Royal Swedish Ballet, where he served as the artistic director from 1963 to 1964. He also taught ballet at institutions like the University of California, Irvine.

Akram Khan is an English dance choreographer and dancer of Bangladeshi origin. A trained kathak dancer, Khan also specializes in contemporary dance. He is best known for founding the Akram Khan Company, which he formed alongside Farooq Chaudhry in 2000. Akram Khan is the recipient of several awards, such as the Laurence Olivier Award and Critics' Circle National Dance Award.

Christopher Wheeldon is an English choreographer of contemporary ballet. Over the course of his illustrious career, Wheeldon has worked with popular ballet companies, including the Royal Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet. He is also credited with founding a ballet company named Morphoses. Christopher Wheeldon is the recipient of several awards, including a Tony Award and Laurence Olivier Award.