Joanne Clifton
Joanne Kristy Clifton | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 October 1983 |
| Nationality | English |
| Education | Caistor Grammar School |
| Occupation(s) | Dancer, choreographer |
Joanne Clifton (born 24 October 1983), also known as Jo is an English professional dancer born in Waltham, Lincolnshire. She is a world ballroom show dance champion[1] and a professional dancer on the British TV series Strictly Come Dancing.[2] She has also featured on Burn the Floor.
Dancing career
Clifton started dancing ballroom and Latin as a child in her home town of Waltham, taught by her parents, former World Champions Keith and Judy Clifton.[3] She competed nationally and internationally as a child initially partnering her brother Kevin.[4] She has competed in both Ballroom and Latin since the age of 4 and has been a 5 time British Champion, 3 time Italian Champion, Professional Ballroom European Champion in 2012 and Professional World Dancesport Games Champion in 2013. [5]
In 2000 Joanne moved to Bologna, Italy to train with Team Diablo, the biggest dance school in Europe. She was initially partnered with Marco Cavallaro reaching sixth in the world in amateur rankings with him. [6] She crossed from amateur to professional competition when she was chosen to partner Paolo Bosco in 2011.[7]. In 2013 they were amongst ten other professional dancing couples to be invited to perform at the Kremlin.[8] Joanne danced with Paolo competitively until his retirement on 15th December 2013. [9]
From April to May 2014, Clifton joined her brother as a dancer in the Burn The Floor Dance Company, performing in the show’s tour of Australia and Japan.
In 2014, Clifton was confirmed as a professional dancer on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
Personal life
Clifton grew up in the small North East Lincolnshire town of Waltham attending the East Ravendale Primary school. She later attended Caistor Grammar School.[10]
References
- ^ "Strictly Come Dancing: James Jordan and Artem Chigvintsev quit show as Kevin Clifton's sister Joanne joins up". Mirror. 1 June 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ "Local Dancers set Strictly Come Dancing Return". Grimsby Telegraph. 1 June 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ "Cliftons Dance Academy". Retrieved 8 September 2013.
- ^ "Stage Star to put on Show in Grimsby". Grimsby Telegraph. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ "Burn The Floor". Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ "It's a waltz for Joanne Clifton as she takes European Professional Ballroom Championship crown". Grimsby Telegraph. 25 October 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ "Local dancer chosen to be world ballroom champion's partner". Grimsby Telegraph. 28 October 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ "Dancer Joanne Clifton performs in Grimsby". Grimsby Telegraph. 8 July 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ "World Dance Sport Federation". Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ "Dancing her way to the top of the world!". Grimsby Telegraph. 26 September 2008. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
External links
- Joanne Clifton on X
- [1]