Michelle Tsiakkas – Biography, Career Highlights & Strictly Come Dancing Journey
Michelle Tsiakkas is a name that’s been capturing the hearts of dance fans around the world. A professional dancer known for her charisma, technical excellence, and infectious energy, she’s become one of the most talked‑about faces on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. In this article, we’ll explore her life, her journey, her achievements, and the experiences that have shaped her into the artist she is today. Every section dives deep into a different part of her story — told casually but with expert insight and clarity.
Early Life: A Future Star Begins in Cyprus
A Childhood Surrounded by Rhythm
Michelle Tsiakkas was born on August 29, 1995, in Cyprus, an island known for its rich cultural traditions and love of performance. From a very young age, she was drawn to movement and music. While other kids might have been playing games after school, Michelle was stepping into the dance studio — and she never looked back.
Her parents recognized her early interest and encouraged her to explore dance formally. At just six years old, Michelle began training in both ballroom and Latin dance styles. These two dance forms are quite different: ballroom tends to be elegant and precise, while Latin dance is fiery and expressive. Learning both set the foundation for her versatility.
Becoming a National Champion
In Cyprus, michelle tsiakkas didn’t just learn to dance — she dominated. For an entire decade (2001–2011), she won national championship titles in Latin dance. Winning once is impressive; winning year after year is a testament to focus, discipline, and an extraordinary talent.
These early successes weren’t just trophies on a shelf — they were building blocks. They taught Michelle what it means to prepare, to compete, to win, and to strive for even more.
Balancing Art and Academic Curiosity
Interestingly, michelle tsiakkas didn’t limit her intellect to the dance floor. After completing her early dance achievements, she moved to London for further education. While many dancers would focus only on training, Michelle also pursued higher studies — studying architecture and interior design. Balancing such rigorous academics with elite dance training shows a level of ambition few achieve.
Taking the Stage: Early Dance Career Beyond Cyprus
Life in London: Growing and Competing
Once michelle tsiakkas relocated to London, a vibrant hub for dancers from all over the world, her career began to grow in exciting new ways. She continued to compete — but now on the international stage, representing England in major championships rather than just Cyprus.
Competing internationally is a huge step up: dancers face a broader range of styles, higher expectations from judges, and fierce competitors from many countries. For Michelle, it wasn’t just about dancing well; it was about adapting and thriving under pressure.
Burn the Floor: Touring the World
Before her breakout TV success, Michelle toured the world with the dance show Burn the Floor — an internationally renowned production featuring world‑class ballroom and Latin dancers performing high‑energy routines.
Think of Burn the Floor as the rock concert of the dance world: dazzling lights, powerful music, and technical brilliance — all designed to showcase dancers at their peak. Touring with such a production means performing night after night, often in different cities and countries, and doing so with consistency and flair.
For Michelle, this experience sharpened her performance skills, strengthened her stamina, and gave her global exposure.
Life Off the Stage — Personal Growth
It’s easy to think of dancers as only dancers — focused endlessly on technique. But Michelle’s journey also includes personal growth off stage. Living abroad, navigating different cultures, and building a life away from her home country shaped her emotionally and socially just as much as her dance training did.
She also found love along the way. Michelle is in a long‑term relationship with Simone Arena, a fellow professional dancer with a strong career in European TV dance competitions. That shared passion for dance has undoubtedly influenced both their artistic lives.
Strictly Come Dancing: A Dream Realized
Stepping into the Strictly Spotlight
In 2022, Michelle Tsiakkas achieved what many dancers only dream of: she was announced as one of the new professional dancers on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing — one of the world’s most beloved dance shows.
This wasn’t just another job. Strictly has an audience of millions, and it’s a platform that instantly elevates dancers to household name status. For Michelle, this was a moment of realization: her early dreams were becoming reality.
A Memorable First Celebrity Partnership
michelle tsiakkas first season with Strictly saw her paired with actor Jamie Borthwick. Together, they wowed audiences and judges alike, making it to Week 10 and finishing in seventh place.
Their journey wasn’t just about the ranking — it was about connection. Whether it was a sultry rumba or a spirited quickstep, Michelle brought her technical strength and expressive performance quality to each routine. Their performances helped viewers see her not just as a dancer, but as a storyteller.
Facing Ups and Downs with Grace
Every career has its highs and lows, and michelle tsiakkas Strictly journey has been no exception. In 2025, she was not assigned a celebrity partner for the current series — a decision that disappointed both her and many fans. Michelle candidly shared her feelings of being “gutted” by the decision, reminding everyone that even professionals feel the emotional weight of such moments.
But she didn’t retreat. Instead, she embraced other roles on the show — from performing in group numbers to appearing on associated TV segments like It Takes Two. Her response showed resilience: not every setback defines us, but how we respond does.
Off‑Screen Life: What Michelle Does Beyond Strictly
Giving Back: Dance Workshops and Mentorship
In 2025, michelle tsiakkas announced a new project close to her heart: dance workshops across the UK with Simone Arena. Their series, called “Shall We Dance? Experience,” is designed for dancers of all levels — from beginners to seasoned performers.
This effort isn’t just about choreography. It’s about building confidence, understanding technique, and connecting with a community of dancers who want to grow. For many students, this kind of personal access to a professional of Michelle’s caliber is rare — and incredibly inspiring.
To Michelle, teaching isn’t just about steps on the floor; it’s about empowerment.
Staying Connected with Fans
michelle tsiakkas is active on social media — especially Instagram — where she shares snippets from rehearsals, tours, workshops, and daily life. On her platform, she’s built a community of tens of thousands of followers who tune in not just for her dance content, but for her personality and insights.
This connection creates a two‑way street: fans support her through every triumph and challenge, and in return she brings them into her world — with honesty and warmth.
Life Away from Dance
While training and performing take up a big part of her life, Michelle also values downtime. Time with friends and family, moments exploring culture and cuisine, and quiet settings away from the stage help her stay grounded. She’s shared glimpses of personal holidays and simple joys, reminding us that even performers need space to breathe.
Triumphs and Tribulations: The Realities Behind the Spotlight
Beyond the Glamour: Facing a Mugging in London
Life in the public eye still includes real‑world challenges. In 2025, Michelle spoke openly about a traumatic mugging in central London, where a thief on an electric bike snatched her phone.
Rather than hide the experience, she shared it with her audience to raise awareness about street safety — a reminder that vulnerability and strength can coexist.
Her willingness to discuss such a personal incident transparently earned an outpouring of support from fans and fellow dancers alike.
Celebrating Milestones: Turning 30
On August 29, 2025, Michelle celebrated her 30th birthday — a milestone filled with reflection and gratitude. She shared a heartfelt message on social media thanking her supporters and expressing pride in her growth.
Her co‑stars and fans flooded her with good wishes, showing just how beloved she’s become in the dance community.
What These Moments Teach Us
Every public event — joyous or difficult — adds depth to Michelle’s story. The highs remind us of her dedication and skill; the lows show her humanity and resilience. This combination makes her not just a great dancer, but a relatable and inspiring figure.
Style, Technique, and Artistic Identity
Ballroom Meets Latin: The Blend That Defines Her
Michelle’s dance training spans both ballroom and Latin styles — a dual expertise that enriches every performance. Ballroom dances like the waltz and foxtrot are elegant and measured, while Latin dances like the rumba and samba are vibrant and emotionally charged.
What makes Michelle stand out is her ability to deliver both with equal conviction. Whether she’s gliding smoothly across the floor or firing up the audience with energy, her performances feel authentic.
Balance of Precision and Passion
Technical skill is crucial in dance, but so is connection. Michelle strikes a balance — precise footwork executed with purpose, and expressive movements that communicate emotion. It’s this blend that helps her tell a story through movement.
And while technique gets you noticed, passion keeps audiences engaged.
Evolving as an Artist
From national champion to world‑tour performer to TV star, Michelle’s journey reflects a constant pursuit of growth. She doesn’t stand still — she learns, adapts, and expands her artistry. That commitment to evolution sets her apart from many performers who may plateau after early success.
Legacy in the Making
Redefining What It Means to Be a Dancer
Michelle Tsiakkas isn’t just another professional dancer; she is an example of what happens when talent meets tenacity. She shows upcoming dancers that your background — whether small‑town Cyprus or big‑city London — doesn’t limit your potential.
Her story combines cultural richness, international ambition, academic curiosity, and artistic bravery.
Inspiring Future Generations
Through workshops, social media, and televised performances, Michelle reaches aspiring dancers all over the world. Her path proves that with hard work, focus, and heart, you can create opportunities for yourself — even on massive stages.
Continuing the Journey
At just 30 years old, Michelle’s best chapters may well lie ahead. Whether she continues to shine on Strictly, expands her choreography work, or takes her teaching global, her trajectory remains upward.
Conclusion: Why Michelle Tsiakkas Matters
Michelle Tsiakkas is more than a dancer — she’s a storyteller, a role model, and a living example of how passion can shape a life. From Cyprus champion to international performer to household name on Strictly Come Dancing, her journey is rich with ambition, artistry, and real‑world grit.
While some see the glamour of the ballroom, Michelle reminds us of the dedication behind it — the early years of training, the resilience through setbacks, the connection with fans, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Her story is not just about dance — it’s about the power of dreaming big, working passionately, and inspiring others along the way.
Would you like a shorter profile version of this article or a specific focus on her Strictly performances and scores? Let me know!
