Latest news with #ProfessionalDancers
The Independent
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Israeli Dancing with the Stars viral routine mimics Donald Trump and Melania's rally moves
A routine from Israel's Dancing with the Stars mimicking Donald Trump and his wife Melania's rally moves has gone viral. Rokdim Im Kokhavim, the Israeli version of the popular show, recently aired an episode of two of its professional dancers dressed as the US president and First Lady. The male dancer can be seen in Trump's notorious blue suit and classic red tie. The high-energy routine, set to a mix of upbeat tracks including the Village People 's YMCA, echoes Trump's well-known rally dance and has attracted interest around the world.
BBC News
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Strictly Come Dancing announces two new Professional Dancers
The BBC has announced the two brand-new Professional Dancers who will be joining Strictly Come Dancing when the hit series, made by BBC Studios Entertainment, returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn. American-born Alexis Warr is best known for winning US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned as 'America's Favourite Dancer', becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title. She has performed as a guest Professional Dancer and in the dance troupe on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and has been part of the series' accompanying US tour for the past three years. Alexis has also danced on America's Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States - including three with Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough, in addition to his Las Vegas residency. Australian-born Julian Caillon has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American, and going on to represent Australia on the international stage. He appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia's Dancing With The Stars, has toured the globe with hit dance show Burn The Floor, and also competed on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia. Julian has a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and, alongside his dance career, has worked as a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist. Julian is a keen athlete, and 2025 has so far seen him complete two triathlons. Both Alexis and Julian have also previously danced at the World-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where Strictly will return later this series for its much-anticipated Blackpool special. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alexis Warr says: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.' Julian Caillon says: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! " Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: 'We've been big fans of Alexis and Julian for some time so it's with great excitement that we now welcome them both to the Strictly family. They're two incredible dancers with bright futures ahead of them, and we know viewers are going to love getting to know them both.' Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: 'Alexis and Julian are the perfect additions to Strictly, and we can't wait for you to see them light up the ballroom this autumn. With our fantastic Professional Dancers plus everything else we love about Strictly, the new series promises to be bigger, better and even more glitter-packed than ever before.' Alexis and Julian join Strictly's hugely popular returning Professional Dancers: Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola. Alongside Alexis and Julian they'll take to the floor each week in unforgettable group routines, which alongside world class music acts, theme weeks and Strictly's annual trip to Blackpool, promises viewers another spectacular series of the nation's favourite dance show. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas all return to the judging panel, with recent MBE recipients Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman back on hosting duties. Strictly Come Dancing continues to capture the hearts of viewers across the UK. Last year's run was the BBC's biggest Unscripted series in 2024, with the main show averaging 8.8 million viewers across the series, with 10.1 million tuning in for the final. More people watched Strictly via BBC iPlayer than ever before, with a fifth of all viewers coming to the series via the platform. Strictly also continues to win and be nominated for awards, with recent wins including Best Talent Show at the NTAs, and the 2025 BAFTA TV Award for Memorable Moment, for Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell's Waltz to You'll Never Walk Alone. Both of these awards were voted for by the UK public. Further exciting details about the new series, including the celebrity contestants taking part this year, will be announced ahead of Strictly Come Dancing's return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Autumn. Viewers can add Strictly Come Dancing to their Watchlist on BBC iPlayer now. The public ticket ballot to attend studio recordings of the Professional Dancers' group routines and the launch show is now open on the BBC Shows and Tours website, ahead of further ballots for the live shows later this year. Add Strictly Come Dancing to their Watchlist on BBC iPlayer Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producer is Sarah James, the Series Editors are Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace. Listen to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills for an exclusive first interview with Alexis and Julian tomorrow, Monday 28 July, shortly after 8am. GK Follow for more
