Practice Wear

 

We are excited to unveil our refreshed 2025 C by Chrisanne Clover Practicewear Collection. This collection features essential pieces that allow you to easily mix and match your style effortlessly, designed with the busy dancer in mind.
 
 This capsule collection showcases a diverse range of tops, leotards, and skirts crafted from the finest Chrisanne Clover stretch crepe and stretch net. It offers a fantastic way to effortlessly switch up your look with versatile pieces allowing you to express your unique style in a way that suits your personal taste and budget.
 
Whether you're a newcomer to the competitive dance scene, a passionate pro-am dancer, or someone who immerses themselves in the world of Ballroom and Latin dance, C by Chrisanne Clover is tailored just for you. Embrace the freedom to dance in comfort and style with this fantastic collection!

 

 

 

 

 

We are excited to unveil our latest product, the Chrisanne Clover tan remover!  This innovative formula is crafted with all-natural essential oils and ingredients designed to effectively eliminate your tan while also providing hydration to your skin. We are so confident in its quality that we proudly put our name on it!

 

 

Our new tan remover not only works wonders in removing unwanted tan but also nourishes your skin, leaving it feeling soft and rejuvenated. The blend of natural ingredients ensures that you can enjoy a tan-free look without compromising on skin health. It's the perfect addition to your skincare routine!

 

We can't wait for you to try the Chrisanne Clover tan remover and experience the benefits for yourself.  Say goodbye to unwanted tan and hello to beautifully moisturized skin!

 

Shake well before use, pump onto areas of skin and blend in. Keep out of reach of children. For external use only

 

 

 

 

Professional ballroom dancer Vilhelmina Lavrov takes a moment to explore our exciting NEW 2025 Chrisanne Clover Dancewear Collection, sharing her insights and impressions along the way.

 

As she tries on the latest designs, Vilhelmina offers a unique perspective on the fit, style, and overall feel of the garments, highlighting what makes this collection stand out for dancers everywhere.

 

 

Temptress Skirt and the Penelope Top

I absolutely adore the side split on this skirt; it adds a touch of sexiness and drama! This design makes it incredibly versatile for various dance styles, including Ballroom, Smooth, and even Paso Doble. The way it flows with movement is just fantastic. I've paired this skirt with the Penelope top, which I find to be very flattering. The shape of the top is lovely, and the slash neckline allows for the option of wearing it off the shoulder, adding an extra flair to the outfit.

 

Cressida Ballroom Skirt and Charlotte Top

The silhouette of the skirt with the petal shaped hem truly captivates me; it's so on trend right now in dance fashion. I adore how it fits and the graceful way it flares out. Pairing it with the Charlotte top creates a stunning combination. The sheer stretch net beautifully contrasts with the solid skirt, flattering the arms perfectly. The low cowl back is a lovely touch, with the subtle Chrisanne Clover logo peeking through at the center back. Altogether, it makes for a sophisticated outfit and dancing in it feels amazing.

 

 

Daphne Ballroom Dress

The georgette float effect sleeves are absolutely stunning and sway beautifully during dance. The flared skirt complements the movement wonderfully, while the keyhole back adds a touch of sophistication. This look is Alex's favourite from the collection on me! Although the georgette panels can be tied at the front for a different style, I prefer to leave them loose and allow them to flow naturally. The fit and flare design of the dress is incredibly flattering, and the soft crepe fabric feels delightful against my skin.

 

 

Eternity Top and Emanuela Trousers

I absolutely adore these trousers; they truly embody everything you could desire in a pair of dance pants! The sharp pin tuck detail brings a sophisticated flair, and the splits from calf to ankle are a brilliant feature that allows for easy movement without the risk of tripping over them. The tie option is fantastic, providing that extra bit of security to prevent any mishaps with the fabric. I'm so excited to wear these while teaching! I've styled them with the eternity top for a polished and elegant look.

 

 

Isla Top and Anya Trousers

These palazzo trousers are absolutely fantastic; they look just like a ballroom skirt! The flared trouser design combined with the tie detail adds a touch of elegance, and I adore how they flow with every step. Pairing them with the Isla top is a brilliant choice, as it beautifully complements the trousers, highlighting the graceful movement of the flared palazzo with its georgette cape and flowing drop hem. The stretch net back adds a sleek element, and the keyhole detail at the back provides a sophisticated touch to the overall look.

 

Favourite Pieces?

I adore the Cressida Ballroom skirt and the Emanuela trousers they are my 2 favourite pieces I this collection with their design detailing of the skirts petal shaped hem, and the trousers pin tuck lines with calf splits with the added ties – perfection! The stretch crepe fabric makes all theses pieces feel so light, but soft and doesn’t make you sweat – this collection is so good!

 

BUY YOURS NOW >

 

 

Designed for dancers: The importance of exceptional dancewear

The Chrisanne Clover Dancewear 2025 collection introduces a refined selection of practicewear, designed to meet the highest standards of quality and style. For dancers, the right attire is more than just clothing—it is an essential part of their craft. The latest collection reflects the elegance, functionality, and durability that have become synonymous with the Chrisanne Clover name.

 

Comfort and durability: the foundation of exceptional dancewear

Dancewear must provide both comfort and resilience, allowing for complete freedom of movement without compromise. Crafted from lightweight, breathable fabrics, the 2025 collection offers garments that feel like a second skin. Whether for daily practice or intensive rehearsals, each piece is designed to support the demands of the dancer’s lifestyle.

Durability is equally important. Every garment in the collection is carefully constructed to maintain its shape and quality, even with regular use. This focus on longevity ensures that dancers can invest in pieces that continue to perform, day after day.

 

Charlotte top

 

Dancewear tailored to every style

Understanding the distinct needs of different dance disciplines, the 2025 collection presents practicewear designed with versatility and purpose:

Contemporary dance: Minimalist designs and clean lines enhance movement and form, allowing for confident self-expression. Ballroom and Latin: Flowing skirts and structured silhouettes combine elegance with practicality, ensuring dancers can perform with ease and poise.

 

Innovative design and materials

With a focus on innovation, the 2025 collection incorporates advanced fabric technology and thoughtful construction. Materials such as stretch crepe and stretch net provide the perfect balance of structure and flexibility, supporting dynamic movement while maintaining shape and comfort.

Key features include:

Enhanced stretch to support a full range of motion. Breathable fabrics for comfort during extended sessions. Durable construction to preserve the luxurious finish over time.

Each detail, from precision tailoring to subtle embellishments, has been considered to create garments that transition effortlessly from the studio to semi-formal settings.

 

Eloise Latin Dress

 

A collection for every dancer

Whether a seasoned professional or just beginning a dance journey, the 2025 collection offers something for everyone. With adjustable waistbands, elasticated finishes, and versatile separates, each piece is designed to flatter a variety of body types and suit different skill levels.

The all-black collection showcases exquisite craftsmanship with refined tailoring and subtle design elements, allowing dancers to personalise their look with mix-and-match options tailored to their style and needs.

 

Eternity top & Cressida Ballroom skirt

 

Choosing the perfect dancewear

Selecting the right dancewear goes beyond aesthetics; it is about finding garments that support movement and reflect dedication to the art of dance. When exploring the collection, consider:

Fit: Choosing styles that complement individual movement and form. Functionality: Selecting pieces suited to specific dance disciplines. Quality: Investing in materials that deliver long-lasting performance.

By focusing on these elements, dancers can build a practice wardrobe that offers both elegance and practicality.

Discover the collection

Explore the 2025 collection on our practicewear page and find pieces designed to support and inspire your dance journey.

 

 

THE 2025 COLLECTION IS HERE!
 
We are thrilled to present our NEW Chrisanne Clover Dancewear collection for 2025. This collection features a variety of sophisticated dresses, tops, skirts, and trousers that beautifully complement the female silhouette while facilitating graceful movement in dance. With an emphasis on rouching and draping, floats and delicate finishes, this collection merges contemporary styles with luxury, ensuring both comfort and durability.

 

A collection of seamless interchangeable looks that will bring a timeless elegance and effortless style to your dancewear attire on and off the dancefloor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shirley Ballas, the head judge on the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing has moved dancing from our screens to our bookshelf with her thrilling novel MURDER ON THE DANCEFLOOR…

 

 

Behind the sequins and the sparkles, the competition is about to turn deadly . . .

When a promising young dancer collapses during the opening tango of a major competition, Lily Richmond, dance legend, teacher and one-time world champion, is convinced that murder is afoot.

There’s only one person who can help Lily solve the mystery: her former student, now turned private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she’d never return to the ballroom …

As the competition gets fiercer and the bodies pile up, Susie will be forced to go undercover in Blackpool and come face to face with a man she thought she’d left behind. Can Lily and Susie unravel the rumours from the rumbas and expose the murderer’s identity before they strike again?

Sex, lies and ballroom dancing. Murder on the Dance Floor is a backstage pass to a world where the most ambitious will stop at nothing to win.

If you like your crime deadly and your romance spicy, look no further

 

  It was with great surprise that CHRISANNE CLOVER was featured in her book ...

 

 

…“straight into the changing room, darling. We don’t have time for faffing around.’

    Susie didn’t budge. ‘I think I’m capable of picking out my own dress.’

   

Not here at Chrisanne Clover’s ballroom-gown showroom she wasn’t…’ Lily.” Susie stuck her out of the door. ‘You don’t have to pay for it, just pick a cheap one.’

  

  ‘Inexpensive darling. Never cheap. There’s a difference.’ Lily got to work in what she called ‘the business end’ of the shop.

 

  The couture section where dresses ran into the thousands and, as such, didn’t come with price tags.

 

    Beyond the showroom lay a well-lit, sprawling room filled with every haberdashery item under the sky. At the far end was an inviting array of glue guns, specialized adhesives and threads, if personal embellishment was more you style. Feathers were available in every shade known to mankind. There were pompoms and tassels and enough sequins to bathe in. Reams of lace, Swarovski crystals by the fistful, and even diamonds, depending on the colour of your credit card.

   

Countless textured and imaginatively coloured fabrics filled yet another enormous hall. Silks, satins, georgette, milk fibre, mesh, chiffon, organza and tulle. Lily allowed herself a brief moment to close her eyes and inhale. It even smelt expensive. There had been more days in her life than there hadn’t when she wouldn’t have even allowed herself to think of walking in this store, let alone buying one of the couture dresses…

 

Temptress Practice Skirt >

 

… So instead of returning home, she asked the driver to take her to the studio. She decided to try on the rehearsal skirt she might have accidentally bought while Susie was in the early phases of I-hate shopping. It was called the ‘Temptress’, and for good reason. Jet black, like the rest of her rehearsal clothes, the four-panelled skirt was made of a luxury crepe and featured a thigh-high split on the left. It was perfect for a dramatic dance like the paso doble...

 

  Get your hands on the Temptress Practice Skirt featured in the book >

 

Purchase Murder on the Dancefloor here >

We are thrilled to let you know that our Chrisanne Clover Dancewear 2023 Collection and Limited Collection are reduced by 25% off! If that’s not enough then we even have a selection of C by Chrisanne Clover practice wear pieces reduced by 50% off! 

So stock up on your favourite dancewear pieces this Autumn because once they are gone, they’re gone!

 

The Limited Animal Print Collection is now reduced by 25%

 

 

FREYA LATIN SKIRT ANIMAL
WAS £145
NOW £108.75

 

ANYA TROUSERS BLACK
WAS £135
NOW £101.25

 

ISLA TOP
WAS £145
NOW £108.75

 

MARCELLA TOP
WAS £120
NOW £90

 

RAYA TROUSERS ANIMAL
WAS £95.00
NOW £71.25

 

 

The Chrisanne Clover Dancewear collection is reduced by 25% off
(excluding the Isla Top and Eternity Top)

 

 

ANYA JUMPSUIT
WAS £190
NOW £142.50

 

ELLA BALLROOM DRESS
WAS £225
NOW £168.75

 

EMMA TROUSERS
WAS £95
NOW £71.25

 

FREYA LATIN SKIRT
WAS £135
NOW £102.25

 

KIRA LATIN DRESS
WAS £145
NOW £108.75

 

LUNA BALLROOM SKIRT
WAS £195
NOW £146.25

 

MARCELLA TOP
WAS £110
NOW £82.50

 

MAYA LEOTARD
WAS £115
NOW £86.25

OLIVIA TOP
WAS £130
NOW £97.50

 

RAYA TROUSERS
WAS £85
NOW £63.75

 

TEMPTRESS PRACTICE SKIRT
WAS £145
NOW £108.75

 

 

6 pieces of the C by Chrisanne Clover Practicewear collection are reduced by 50% off!

 

 

GEMINI DANCE TOP
WAS £49
NOW £24.50

 

LYNX DANCE LEOTARD
WAS £45
NOW £22.50

 

MERCURY LATIN DANCE SKIRT
WAS £75
NOW £37.50

 

SCORPIUS LATIN DANCE SKIRT
WAS £70
NOW £35

 

VENUS BALLROOM DANCE SKIRT
WAS £89
NOW £44.50

 

VIRGO DANCE TOP
WAS £65
NOW £32.50

 

Take a dance dressed on the wild side with our collection of dynamic animal prints and be inspired with our couture full of charisma that are embellished with Swarovski® crystals …

BDD615PP
This striking animal print Ballroom dress features animal stretch net layered over a cappuccino bodice, adorned with a flower detail on the right shoulder. Embellished with Swarovski crystals in colours jet and light topaz. Animal print georgette godets rests over animal satin chiffon, with cappuccino organza underskirts. Accessorized with georgette animal print floats floating from each arm and shoulder, completing the look.

FABRIC USED:
2m animal print stretch net >
10m animal print satin chiffon >
12m animal print georgette >
 
1m lycra cappuccino >
1m stretch net cappuccino >
7m crystal organza cappuccino >

 

LIMITED ANIMAL PRINT DANCEWEAR
Love this animal print? Then you will adore our NEW limited edition animal print dancewear collection. Being limited there are only a few pieces of each available so get yours quick before they are gone!

 

LDD583PP
This petite Latin dress features our NEW animal print Sanchez luxury crepe that is embellished with Swarovski crystals in colours light silk and jet. Sanchez crepe is layered over a cappuccino stretch net bodice with black stretch net full fingered sleeves. Ruching and draping at the centre back and hip makes for a slinky finish, adorned with hanging crystallised strings.
 
FABRIC USED:
2m Sanchez stretch crepe >
80cm cappuccino lycra >
80cm black stretch net >
60cm black lycra >

 

 

THE ANIMAL PRINT CREPE COLLECTION
Love this look? Why not try out these dynamic crepe print designs in the collection for your next couture ...

 

For more information about the couture featured, or to get a dress made inspired by any of the looks and fabrics in this email - contact [email protected] who can help make your dream dress a reality

 

We are thrilled to let you know we have created a Limited Animal Print collection in a few of our key pieces from our Dancewear Collection. Being limited there are only a few pieces of each available so get yours quick before they are gone!

 

Irina Cherepanova dances in the animal print Isla top teamed with the Raya trousers (tied at the ankle)

 

 

COLLECTION PIECES

 

 

 

 

We are thrilled to be stocking the ever-popular Aery Jo tanning make-up range in the lotion and powder that gives you a sensational shiny look under the stage light.

 

 

 

AERY JO TANNING MAKE-UP

 

 

 

 

 

This Latin dance tanning essential has beautiful diamond pearl pigments that gives you sensational shiny look under the stage light.

 

Color Options

 

No. 1: Maroon Biennale – A golden brown color, with hints of maroon, and diamond pink pearl, creating a gorgeous skin tone.

 

No. 2: Topaz Samba – This heightened brown tone with diamond gold pearl goes a shade darker than #1 and adds an outstanding, sexy sheen to your to your skin.

 

No. 3: Garnet Stone – A deep brown tan with diamond gold pearl for a brilliant yet natural glow.

 

No. 5: Brown Stone – This alluring brown hue creates the same beautiful finish as #3 but without the added diamond glitter.

 

 

 

AERY JO TANNING POWDER

 

 

 

Aery Jo tanning powder enhances and lends a three-dimensional look to your tan by using a blend of coloured pearl powder. The pearl powder boosts the natural radiance of the skin while evening out complexion, while adding a beautiful lustre. Apply this lightweight, silky powder evenly on the skin to achieve a deep Hawaiian tan with a smooth, shimmery and natural looking finish. Perfect to use on top of the Aery Jo tanning liquid makeup for a beautiful finish.

 

#1 Hawaiian Tan - Glowing, Healthy, and Powerful colour

 

2 Bronzing Tan - Glowing, Smooth and Gorgeous colour

 

 

 

 

SHOP OUR TANNING COLLECTION HERE >

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wearing our C by Chrisanne Clover Practicewear collection, Vilhelmina gives us her view on some of her favourite collection pieces and her pairing choices …
 
‘I absolutely love how silky smooth the skirts and tops feel when I dance. They are flexible, but still stay beautifully on my body when I dance. My favourite is the Bellatrix dance top, I think the back is so beautiful, it suits perfectly both with a skirt for practice and with pants for teaching. The skirts are in my opinion the perfect length, and feels light and airy when I am dancing’ 

 

 

Bellatrix Top & Capella Skirt
Vilhelmina is dressed in the Bellatrix top and Capella Ballroom skirt - The top has all the moves with its cowl draped back in contrast to the classic front style with 3 quarter length sleeves, teamed with a bountiful skirt full of dynamic motion...

'This top is my favourite from the collection - I love pairing it with the Capella Ballroom skirt with its impressive movement I feel they really enhance my moves on the dancefloor.'

 

Gemini Top with the Venus Skirt
Dressed in the Gemini top and Venus skirt this chic dance top is the perfect staple must with its complimentary V shaped neckline; teamed with the rouched waistband Ballroom skirt for a flattering finish...

'The rouching of the skirt waistband is very flattering and I like to dress it with the Gemini top that is beautifully fitted'

 

Galaxy Top & Capella Skirt
Dressed in the Galaxy top and Capella Ballroom skirt - the fitted top features a butterfly effect stretch net sleeves, teamed with a full skirt creating dynamic movement...

'The sleeves on this top is very elegant and I love how it moves when I dance - dressed with the Capella Ballroom skirt creates so much movement on the dancefloor!'

 

 

 

Our Bryan and Carmen collections are reduced to 50% off!

These collections of men's Latin shirts and womenswear are suited for both on and off the dancefloor, whatever the occasion. Bryan and Carmen's unique personalities resonates through each piece that creates a fashion no dancer should be without...

Only available whilst stocks last!
Happy Shopping :) 

 

We are thrilled to introduce you to our NEW Chrisanne Clover practice wear collection – C by Chrisanne Clover. A spin off collection of staple must have pieces that makes interchanging your style that much more easier and affordable.

Suited to the lifestyle of the busy dancer this collection makes dance practice and lessons with traveling and time restraints that much more user friendly...

 

 

 

For classic, high quality dancewear pieces look no further than the Chrisanne Clover Menswear collection. Using innovative fabrics and modern style lines this range encapsulates the desires of the modern dancer. 

Created for all your needs each piece is light and comfortable, allowing you to focus purely on your dancing.

Wear the dancewear you deserve ...

 

THE 2023 COLLECTION IS HERE!
Designed, Made, Produced and Photographed in the UK at our London Head Office each piece is individually made by hand by our talented team of seamstresses.
 
This collection has a pure focus on enhancing your movement while flattering the figure to make you look and feel the best version of you. Made from Luxury Stretch Crepe and Stretch Net, each piece is finished to perfection with a luxurious crystallised branded logo. These pieces are designed to suit all dance styles in Ballroom, Latin and Smooth for practice, teaching and beyond...

Be inspired with how the Amateur and Pro's wear their favourite dancewear pieces from our collections worn for practice, lessons, lectures and show dances. Taking some key looks from our Carmen, Chrisanne Clover Dancewear and LBD Starlight collections these dancers truly bring these looks to life ...

With the exciting launch of the much anticipated Carmen for Chrisanne Clover dancewear collection, we chat to Carmen about her experience working with the team, her fond memories of the dancewear she wore and the advice she was given and can share with us from her competitive career …

Carmen Vincelj was born in 1972 in Stuttgart, Germany and began dancing at the late age of 17 attending the Weib Schwarz in Pforzheim. In 1991 at the age of 19, Carmen partnered with Carsen Krause in Amateur Latin representing Germany, winning the German National Championships. The dancing duo split in January 1993.

In January 1994 Carmen partnered with Sandro Cavallini where the couple placed second at the German Open Championships in Mannheim in August 1994, achieving the same result the following year. Carmen and Sandro reached second place at the UK Open in 1996 as well as becoming runners-up at the Goldstadtpokal IDSF International Latin Championships in Pforzheim, Germany. The couple then decided to part ways which led to Carmen taking the next step by turning Professional.

 

 

WHAT'S THE STORY?

With the exciting launch of the Bryan for Chrisanne Clover Menswear Collection, we caught up with Bryan about what this collection means to him, how it all began, and how he is coping through the pandemic…

 

 

What inspired you to create your own dancewear collection?

Ronnie approached me with the idea of creating a menswear collection and he was very persuasive lol! There was the potential to take the menswear to another level and genre that hasn’t been explored yet. It was very exciting for Chrisanne Clover to provide the platform to build the foundations and for me to build on top of that.  It was such a super positive experience working with the team at Chrisanne Clover, they allowed me to be the creative.

 

What has been your main inspiration behind the collection?

For me it is most important for the shirt to dance, the shirt has to dance with your movements and not be restrictive, you don’t want to be distracted by the smallest thing. Comfort is also key, it has to be comfortable in order to dance in it is as well as wear it.

The two main focus points for this collection was for the top to either

1: feel like a second skin and become part of your body movement.

2: have the ability to be able to dance inside the shirt with no restrictions. 

 

 

Comfort in motion

 

For me it is important to create the same feeling for practice as in competition. If I was going to wear a loose shirt for competition, I would wear a loose shirt for practice. Dress as close as possible to how you would dress in competition in order to get that same feeling, was what I had in mind with these shirts. The possibility to make these tops interchangeable with the ability to dress down for casual, dress up for practice, or dress all out for competition; the clean cut styles makes way for these garments to be embellished with crystals if the individual desired.

 

 

How do you see your collection being worn?

I envision these tops delivering a  professional feel to the lesson and practice environment with a fashionable flare.

 

I believe with the dance style you craft, you should dress to suit. The authenticity of the dance form should remain and be seen through the clothes that you wear.  For me, showing the body silhouette is very important, I want to see all the nuances of the small body movements, and I feel personally, this collection does just that.

 

 

Do you have a favourite top in this collection?

Ahh that’s a tough one, I don’t have a particular favourite as all aspects of what I love in fashion are split up into every one of these tops. Each top covers different aspects of a dancers style and personality, as well as the overall goal purpose in enhancing the male silhouette.

 

Why did you choose black for this collection? How do you feel about colours in men’s attire on the dance floor?

Your personality should add the colour to your shirt, black leaves room for your personality to really shine through. However, if you feel you need your confidence boosted, then this can be enhanced by a colour. If you don’t have a personality sparkle in pink haha!

 

 

 

Tell us more about the names in this collection. For example, why is a top in particular called the Bryan Top?

 

I wanted the collection names to be very now, not nostalgic or futuristic. Names that are the Hollywood style of the moment; but not too strong. A name that represents the present – but with a sprinkle of Hollywood glam.

 

The Bryan top is called the Bryan as I loved to dance in a polo neck, you can see the entire body movement in a polo. If I had a choice back then, I would have danced my entire dancing career in a polo shirt. I believe the Bryan top signifies how I would like to see myself.

 

I remember when I wanted to start wearing a polo neck for competition, people were like NO you must wear a shirt with crystals! It is practicewear not competition! But in Blackpool, I just thought you know what, no, I feel I have to do this, I dared to do it and it was liberating. For me enhancing the silhouette is most important. When competing, I would not have strange things hanging off me as it would be too distracting. I used to imagine how I would dance and what I envisioned the silhouette to be, then dress to the form of that silhouette. Practice was the same.

 

What I wore had to be a part of me.

 

Were you a shirt out guy or a shirt in guy?

Definitely a shirt out guy! And this collection of menswear definitely looks great out as well as tucked in.

 

 

 

 

Did you have any costume horrors when you competed?

Yes loads! But I am proud of my mistakes because at least I dared to do it. Some dancers are so afraid to do things wrong and they have to all dress the same and have the same hairstyles. When you are a spectator and watching 7 rounds of dancing again and again, it can look very boring.

 

How should today’s dancers evolve to take the Latin American genre to the next level?

I would like them to be more daring. Dare to be themselves, dare to change their hair. Don’t be afraid and embrace making mistakes. I made loads of mistakes and I love every single one of them. That’s how I got to where I am today.

 

 

Where do you see your role in the dance industry in the future?

I think I will be doing what I have been doing since I retired with continuing to fight for Latin American dancing to never let it lose its authenticity.

 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you with your life and your career?

 

I see myself as a positive person and have really tried to make the most out of the situation we are in. There have been a lot of zooms where communication has had to be much more clear - vocally. Rather than me dancing the moves in teaching, it has had to be communicated and that has made a huge improvement to the way we connect, which I take as a positive out of this situation.

 

However, a negative for me is not being able to reach my overseas students, for example in China and having no connection, I miss it.

 

Dance will always be about human touch and emotion.

 

With this challenge dancers all over the world are currently facing, what has been your biggest challenge in your career?

For me the biggest challenge in my career has been there has never been enough time. Now there is time. I always advise my students to keep going and keep practicing. This is a fortunate gift of time to make major improvements without the stress of the next competition. Really use this time as you may never get it again.

 

Right now for me it has certainly been a time of reflection. Before COVID-19 I was busy running about everywhere and this has forced me to stop. This time has most definitely been a personal growth. Not being the most technically minded this situation has forced me to zoom, live stream and streaming with Netflix lol! It has definitely also been a time to appreciate the simple things in life and going back to the basics.

 

 

 

What have you done with your time in Lockdown?

Haha there has been a lot of spring cleaning, sorting out my filing systems and keeping up to date! I have been part of a team of 6 Latin professionals called soulm8s where we have been live streaming to keep dancers motivated and inspired. We live stream 6 times a week and the team includes myself and Carmen, Allan Tornsberg & Vibeke Toft, Hans Galke & Bianka Schreiber.

 

I fear we may lose a lot of dancing couples through this pandemic and we really just want to reach out to our students to stay positive.

 

 

SHOP BRYAN FOR CHRISANNE CLOVER MENSWEAR HERE >

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE DANCING LEGEND HERE >

 

Nine times professional World Latin American dance champion Bryan Watson is a name many know and love in the ballroom dancing world.  Born in 1969 in Durban, South Africa, Bryan first set foot in a dance school at the age of 5 learning both Ballroom and Latin dancing. 

 

A passion for Latin American, Bryan soon focused solely on that craft alone and in 1982 began his partnership with Claudia Leoni. In 1988 Bryan took the brave decision to leave South Africa and live in England to further his dancing career. By 1990, Bryan and Claudia won their first major victory as Amateur Latin International Open Dancing Champions in London, representing Italy. After 5 years of a successful amateur partnership, the couple decided to progress into professional Latin in 1992. However, not long after this move the couple decided to split and go their separate ways.

 

Watch Bryan and Claudia dance here >

 

BRYAN AND KAREN HARDY 

After taking a short break Bryan soon came back to the dancefloor in 1993, forming a new partnership with Karen Hardy where they entered their first competition together at the Closed British in 1993.

 

   

 

 'Our partnership was an overnight phenomenal success.

 

 During my five years together with Bryan we battled against the greatest champions of the World to date representing England, namely; Donnie Burns MBE and Gaynor Fairweather MBE, Sammy Stopford and Barbara McColl, Corky and Shirley Ballas, Jukka Haapalainen and Suurpa Suutari, Hans Galke and Bianca Schreiber, Allan Tornsberg with Vibeke Toft and later with Carmen Vincelj, Paul Killick with Karina Killikova and later with Vibeke Toft and Jason Gilkison and Peta Roby. We travelled extensively throughout the world to destinations such as Asia, Europe, the Americas, Scandinavia and South Africa all in our efforts to be champions of the world.

 

Respect was gained through our teaching, demonstrating and lecturing worldwide and in 1996 the Ballroom Dancers Federation, a leading authority associated with the Ballroom and Latin dance profession, named us as “the most outstanding professional Latin American couple” for 1995/96, and we went on to receive the prestigious Carla Alan award for “services to the dance world”.

Before my retirement from the competitive world of dance in March 1999 my successful partnership with Bryan saw us as undefeated, United Kingdom, International, British National, World Masters, Open Italian, Yankie Classic, London Open, Osaka World Trophy Champions of Latin American Dance.'

- Karen Hardy

 

 Watch Bryan and Karen dance here >

 

BRYAN AND CARMEN

 A month after Karen’s retirement in 1999 Bryan partnered with Carmen and began representing Germany.

 

    

 

‘We met at a later stage in our dancing career, we were both finalists but Bryan was ahead of me results wise. We were both established dancers and had the same dance teachers but our dancing journeys were very different.  We needed to find some sort of common ground that we could hook onto and to start with, it was very difficult’. 

- Carmen

 

‘Our success really depended a lot on our intellect at that moment in time, for example when we started dancing there were a lot of issues with connection, so we decided we would partner side by side. We did the whole choreography side by side for the first Blackpool and it was a nightmare! We came third. Hazel Fletcher wrote “this couple did way too much side to side” and we were like yes we know, because we can’t do anything together yet lol! We did progress and we spent more time discussing connections and altered the choreography as we went along. We even took some time out of competitions and shows as we felt we needed more inspiration. Our intellect was needed at different moments and phases in our dancing career, which really helped us to be where we are today and have the success that we did. The advice our teachers gave us at the right times also played a huge part.’

 - Bryan

 

‘When we got together we knew each other very well but it wasn’t the case of he is the best dancer for you, I generally liked Bryan as a person. There was a personal and mental connection that was so much more than “he is the right physique for you”. 

- Carmen

 

‘And you can’t teach personal connection’    - Bryan

 

watch Bryan and Carmen dance here  > 

 

Bryan and Carmen’s first competition was in 1999 at the British Open Championships and their greatest achievement was winning the Professional Latin at the Blackpool Dance Festival in 2007, for the seventh time. From 1999 to 2007 Bryan and Carmen were the champions in all tournaments and competitions becoming nine time Professional Latin World Champions.

 

 

 

At the peak of their career, Bryan and Carmen mutually decided to retire in the Spring of 2007, putting their focus and energy into non-competitive dancing. Since retirement, Bryan’s goal has always been to promote the authenticity of Latin American dancing, believing dancers should be proud of their craft and to study it; finding a balance of taking the foundations and incorporating your style and personality, to make the dance authentic.

 

Bryan and Carmen continue to live in Wimbledon and teach in Croydon at Mattico Dance Studios. They give regular Latin masterclasses and tutorials online SOULM8S along with  Allan Tornsberg & Vibeke Toft, Hans Galke & Bianka Schreiber. 

 

Shop Bryan's NEW Menswear collection in collaboration with Chrisanne Clover  ...