Len Goodman

Len Goodman is known to millions as the first Head Judge of Strictly Come Dancing and 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 – has made him one of the most well-respected characters in the dance fraternity.

Born is 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 1970’s, it was a natural progression for him to open his own dance school in Kent

As an Examiner for the National Association of Teachers of Dance, a Fellow of the Imperial Society 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, what Len doesn’t know about dance isn’t worth knowing.

Len has made numerous TV and radio appearances in the UK and has also been a very successful presenter of several shows too, as well as starring in the Strictly Live Tour for many years.

He has produced many teaching DVD’s over the years for the dance teaching industry as well as an instructional DVD for the general public “Dance With Len Goodman”. Len has also written his autobiography “Better Late Than Never” and also has had two further publications “Len’s Lost London” and “Dancing Around Britain”.