Brian Fortuna

Brian Fortuna, a world-renowned professional ballroom and latin dancer, started dancing when he was four years old at his mother’s dance studio in Philadelphia. He comes from a long line of dancers as both of his parents are nationally ranked in Ballroom and Latin DanceSport.

Brian joined BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2008 when he danced with M People singer Heather Small. Brian returned to the show last year and reached the semi-final with his partner actress Ali Bastian. They went on to win the 2009 Christmas Special.

When Brian first watched the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, “Dancing with the Stars”, he fell in love with the show. Determined to be involved he landed the role of series dancer on the first national Dancing with the Stars tour. Brian then appeared on Seires four of the show, where he was partnered with former Miss USA Shandi Finnessey. Brian was also chosen to host the third Dancing With The Stars tour and, with Shandi, ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars…Online Encore.”

Brian performed at the 2007 Academy Awards show and recently choreographed for the “Dancing with the Stars Activision Video Game.” He played a dancer in the Oscar winning film, “The Aviator,” with Leonardo DiCaprio; appeared in the TV series “South Beach” with Vanessa Williams, and was at the heart of the Canadian documentary, “Live to Dance.”

Brian is a sought after instructor and performer worldwide. He has been a national Ballroom and Latin Ten Dance finalist, a choreographer and coach for the award winning salsa team, Ritmo Latino, and a performer with the musical sensation, “The Tramps.” Brian was also champion of the North American Amateur Latin Championships in 2003.

Brian excels in Wheelchair Ballroom and Latin DanceSport and is very proud to be a teacher and performer for the American DanceWheels Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes Ballroom and Latin dancing for people with disabilities. In 2004 he choreographed a very successful commercial for the Bank of Madrid in Spain, which showcased wheelchair dancing.

Brian is a choreographer on Dancing On Wheels and says “This was the biggest challenge I’ve had in my life. It was a serious competition and I trained the participants just as hard as I would have trained dancers for any other competition. I think it’s going to be a programme that will open people’s eyes - just because you are disabled, it doesn’t stop you from doing most activities that non-disabled people can do”.