Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

In this episode of Break the Routine, Marius sits down with James Wilson, a British National Latin finalist turned choreographer, performer, and teacher whose career has spanned competition floors, West End stages, and the Strictly Come Dancing world. From being dragged to his first class by his cousin to dancing for Her Majesty the Queen and starring in Dancing with the Stars Turkey, James opens up about instinct, perseverance, and why longevity matters more than titles.

They talk about the reluctant beginning that shaped his life, the reality behind the glamour of touring and TV, the difference between competition prestige and real career building, and why James insists on standards and earned legitimacy while still championing collaboration, access, and giving other dancers a break.

In this conversation:

- being dragged into ballroom by his cousin and ending up running the class

- the truth behind Strictly tours, pantomime seasons, and touring life

- two seasons on Dancing with the Stars Turkey and learning the language

- competition foundation versus the wider entertainment world

- craft versus imitation and why authenticity still matters

- producing his own show with Leila and Flavia

Follow Break the Routine for more conversations with the people shaping the world of DanceSport.