Welcome to the internet information page relating to Ballroom Dancing of Paul Harris, one of the World's leading Choreographers, Dance teachers and Movement Directors.
Paul Harris is a leading figure in the world of dance and is one of the most sought after Choreographers and dance teachers in the World. As well as being the main Mentor/Dance teacher in the 'Kick Boxer to Ballroom Dancer' episode of the multi award winning 'Faking It', he has choreographed many major movies and he has appeared on the BBC's hit series 'Strictly Come Dancing', in the capacity of consultant to the Professional dancers. He is the winner of the prestigious 2008 Carl Alan Award for Choreography and he has choreographed for World Champions in Ballroom Dancing, Latin American Dancing, Salsa, Showdance and Swing Dance. Paul Harris is the Artistic Director of London Theatre of Ballroom, which is a natural combination of his two backgrounds, as for many years he was a highly successful competitor in the world of Ballroom Dancing following which, he was also a successful actor.
As a young child, he was one of the most succesful Juvenile dancers ever to have competed, winning all major titles in Ballroom, Latin American and Old Tyme Dancing. He then became the British, United Kingdom and International Junior Champion in both Ballroom and Latin American Dancing, the United Kingdom and West European Amateur Latin American Champion and the winner of the British Pofessional Exhibition (Theatre Arts) title.
On retiring from competing, he studied jazz dance, ballet, tap and Historical Dance before studying full time at drama school, after which he worked extensively as an actor - including 3 National tours of West End productions and a featured role in BBC's 'Casualty'.
In 1996, Paul decided to combine his two backgrounds, to form London Theatre of Ballroom and to concentrate on his work as Choreographer (specialising in working with actors). This has led to London Theatre of Ballroom being a very successful dance company that has performed on television, in theatres and at many major concert venues including the Royal Albert Hall and led to Paul Harris being responsible for some of the most high profile film choreography of the last decade.
He choreographed the famous 'laser scenes' for Catherine Zeta Jones in 'Entrapment and the now famous 'wand to wand combat' sequences for 'Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix'. He has also choreographed dance sequences for some fo the biggest stars in the World including Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Sam Neill, Charles Dance, Zoe Wannamaker, Brittany Murphy and many times for award winning actor Robert Lindsay, both for 'My Family' and also for the hit 50th annioversary production of 'The Entertainer' at London's Old Vic theatre. His other film and televison credits include 'The Other Boleyn Girl', 'Inkheart', 'Sense and Sensibility', 'Jane Eyre', 'Bleak House', 'Miss Austen Regrets' 'Lost In Austen' and many more.
Paul Harris is the author of the Salsa, Merengue and Mambo syllabus for the UKA, the IDTA, the NATD and the BATD and he is a Fellow and Exminer of the UKA (United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing). He isa licensed adjudicator with both the World Dance Council (WDC) and the Internationa Dancesport Federation (IDFS) and he has adjudicated at many major International dance competitions including World and European Championhsips and the famous Blackpool Dance Festival.