Legendary ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality Len Goodman has died at the age of 78 due to Bone Cancer. Born on the 25th of April, 1944 in Bethnal Green, London, Len learned the arts of dance at a young age. In his early twenties, Len already had established himself as a prominent dancer in the UK and it is then that his journey really began to kick off.
With a passion for ballroom dancing, it led Len to become a dance teacher and choreographer working tirelessly to perfect his craft and become a respected, iconic figure in the ballroom dancing community. ‘The Goodman Dance Centre’ was soon co-founded by Len in Kent which is still operating today and produced many successful dancers, as well as known as a renowned dance school for prospective dancers.
Len’s talent, charm, and dedication to his art did not go unnoticed, and he was approached by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), to be a judge on their flagship ballroom dancing competition show “Strictly Come Dancing.” As a lead judge on the show, Len was a natural on TV, sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge as well as entertaining millions of people weekly.
It was after the show that everyone caught onto his popular catchphrases such as “it’s a 10 from Len!” and “Se-ven!” In 2016, Len stepped down as a judge but appeared on many other shows like Dancing with the Stars in the US, and Len Goodman’s Partners in Rhyme which was released in the UK.
Len will be known for his contributions to the world of ballroom dancing, leaving his mark on millions of people around the world who were inspired by the great dancer. He was awarded several awards including the prestigious Carl Alan Award for Outstanding Contributions to Dance, and he was awarded the honorary doctorate from the University of Ken in recognition of his work in promoting dance.
Len Goodman is a true icon of ballroom dancing, and his contributions to the world of dance have been immense. He has inspired countless dancers and has helped to bring ballroom dancing to a wider audience through his work on “Strictly Come Dancing” and other TV shows. Len’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of dancers to come.
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