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United States Ian Waite has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of professional dance, transitioning from a decorated competitor to a popular television personality and choreographer.
Ian Waite was a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with celebrities such as Denise Lewis, Zoë Ball, Mica Paris, Penny Lancaster-Stewart, Jodie Kidd, and Jade Johnson. He was also a part of the Strictly Showdancers and a regular on 'Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two', providing analysis for 'Waite’s Wednesday Warm-up'.
Ian Waite announced he would be teaching and performing at Donahey's Dancing with The Stars Weekends in 2025.
In 2023, Ian Waite joined the cast of the twentieth season of the Australian franchise of Dancing with the Stars, partnering with Virginia Gay.
Ian Waite co-created and directed FitSteps, a Ballroom and Latin dance fitness programme, with Mark Foster and fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Natalie Lowe.
Ian Waite is an ambassador for the Wellchild Charity.
Ian Waite is a patron of NATD (National Association of Teachers of Dancing).
Ian Waite was born on January 29, 1971, in Reading, Berkshire, England. He began his dance journey at the age of 10, quickly demonstrating a natural talent for Latin American dance. Under the rigorous coaching of Mary Richardson, who later became his stepmother, Waite progressed rapidly through his grades, winning numerous competitions and achieving international recognition as the European Youth Latin American Champion. This early success led to a decade-long partnership with Melanie Walker, representing England in global competitions.
Waite turned professional in 1997, forming a partnership with Inga Haas, and within nine months, they secured third place in the British Professional Rising Stars. Seeking further development, he relocated to the Netherlands to train with choreographer Ruud Vermeij. During this period, he partnered with Natalia Panina for four years, during which they won the Dutch Championship and reached the finals of both the World Showdance Championship and the European Professional Latin American Championship. He later danced with Daisy Croes from Belgium before returning to the UK.
By 2004, Waite had partnered with Camilla Dallerup, making semi-finals at the International Championships at the Royal Albert Hall and reaching the finals of the British National Dance Championships that November. His career expanded to include lecturing, demonstration dancing, and large-scale performances. He also presented a BBC South documentary, ‘Inside Out,’ and collaborated on a dance video with Angela Rippon. Waite is also a co-creator and director of FitSteps, a Ballroom and Latin dance fitness program developed with Mark Foster and Natalie Lowe.
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