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Shirley Ballas caught the dancing bug at the age of seven and has been involved in the world of competitive dancing ever since.
By the time she was 21, Shirley Ballas had won nearly every major title in the world, including being the British Open Latin American Champion and the British National Professional Latin Champion three times each, the US Latin American Champion an impressive 10 times, a 17-time finalist of the British Open in the Latin American program and a multi British National Champion. She is also the only dancer to win the Professional Latin program of the British Open with two different partners, and as of 2022, remains the youngest female to ever reach the ‘British Open to the World Dance Championship finals.
Shirley Ballas is now best known for being the Head Judge on the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing (2004-) and as one of the top Ballroom and Latin teachers and judges in the world.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book Strictly Come Dancing Head Judge Shirley Ballas for your next event.
‘The Queen of Latin’ Shirley Ballas has appeared in the US version of Strictly…, Dancing With the Stars (2005-) as a choreographer and provided masterclasses in Latin dancing. But it was on the UK dance show where she really started to shine when she replaced Len Goodman as Head Judge. She has also appeared several times on the official Strictly… national tour.
Her popularity has seen her appear on a number of panels and reality shows including Loose Women (1999-), Who Do You Think You Are? (2004-) This Morning (1988-), The Jonathan Ross Show (2011-), Britain’s Got More Talent (2007-), Crystal Maze (1990-) and Celebrity Juice (2008-).
Shirley Ballas has been involved in several podcasts including The Kevin Clifton Show, Past Imperfect, Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time, Fetch Chase Eat Sleep Repeat, What If with Lorraine Kelly and The Capsule in Conversation With, as well as hosting Legal & General’s podcast, Rewirement. She also transported her long career into a book, releasing her autobiography Behind the Sequins in 2020, to critical acclaim.
Shirley is passionate about being involved in events that focus on overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals. She often speaks at private and public events about overcoming the hurdles in her life, including her childhood and the death of her brother. She also provides an insight into the life of the Strictly Head Judge, and how she has learnt to cope with online trolling.
As an event host, she is charismatic, confident and popular on the stage as well as on the screen. Open to Q&A sessions, charity fundraisers, after-dinner speeches and award nights, she is frequently booked thanks to her sparkling personality and intimate knowledge of her craft. Shirley brings a certain level of style and glamour which will no doubt elevate your private, public or corporate event.
Firstly, we just wanted to say how brilliant it’s been working with Shirley so far. She’s been an absolute delight to work with, and we’ve really appreciated her flexibility and commitment during this tricky time so thanks very much for that.
Charlotte, 4DC