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  5. Celebrating Len Goodman

24 April 2023

Len Goodman was known to millions as the supreme and generous judge of Strictly Come Dancing and the USA version of the show, Dancing with the Stars. His vast knowledge of Ballroom and Latin American dancing – gained over a lifetime of competing, judging and teaching all over the world – made him one of the most well-respected characters in the dance industry.

 

Born in Bethnal Green in the East End of London, Len started his career relatively late in life. He actually wanted to be a footballer and it wasn’t until the age of 20 that the ex-docker started dancing. Having retired after a successful competitive dancing career, which included winning Dual of the Giants, British Rising Stars, The British Exhibition Championships (four times) and the World Exhibition Championships in the early 1970s, it was a natural progression for him to start up his own dance school in Kent.

 

As a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, an Examiner for the National Association of Teachers of Dance, Adjudicator for the World Dance Council, British Dance Council, Ballroom Dancers’ Federation and a founder member of the International Dance Sport Judges and Trainers Association, Len was a master of his craft.

 

Len received various awards in the UK, including a Life Achievement Award for his work in dance and a Carl Alan Award.

 

We celebrate his life and and thank him for advocating dance to all.

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