Anton Du Beke

Anton Du Beke’s Background

Anton Du Beke is no doubt the most instantly recognisable male ballroom dancer today. Brought to the public’s attention through the hit BBC1 show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, he’s now a familiar sight on our TV screens, be it dancing, presenting or making guest appearances, he’s fast becoming a media personality in his own right and earning himself the title Mr Showbiz!

Anton’s interest in dance started at the age of fourteen when he was sent to a local dance class in Sevenoaks, Kent to meet his sister one evening. Classes soon began and he was hooked, realising that this was the direction he wanted to take. He studied Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and modern theatre dance. Quite the sportsman and highly competitive, Anton was also a junior boxer and played county football, nevertheless, he still rather enjoyed being in a dance class full of girls!

After leaving school at sixteen he worked a number of day-jobs to fund his dance training – stepping out onto the dancefloor in the evenings to develop his talent. At seventeen he was specialising in Ballroom and already competing as an amateur, naturally favouring the Foxtrot: classy, ultimately stylish and romantic — traits of his Hollywood idol, Fred Astaire, that rang true with Anton from an early age.

Witty, charismatic and a natural entertainer, Anton’s skills in front of an audience extend far beyond his exceptional ballroom talents. Through his Strictly journey, he has become a household name, widely known for his quick wit, repartee and inimitable style. Coined the ultimate gentleman, Anton defines modern-day dapper: classically stylish and always impeccably turned-out – much like his hero Fred Astaire whom Anton upholds as his style icon.

It’s no wonder his manner, manners and mischievous charm caught the attention of television producers: his distinct likability and showbiz flair brought him invitations to present non-dance programmes on prime-time television such as the BBC’s ‘Step up to the Plate’ and cult Saturday night hit show ‘Hole in the Wall’ attracting an ever-widening fan base.

Anton believes that the world would be a better place if everyone learned to dance, and delights in sharing his passion and enthusiasm for dance with others.