Paul Killick
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article or section needs to be wikified to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please help improve this article with relevant internal links. (November 2007) |
Paul Killick is a dancer and has previously held the title of World Amateur Latin Champion 1993, dancing with Inga Hass. In 1994 Paul began dancing professionally with Oksana Forova. He began to dance with Vibeke Toft in 1996, and they became grand finalists in all major competitions. In October 1998 Paul began dancing with Karina Smirnoff, and again became finalists in all major competitions. This partnership ended in July 1999. Paul them teamed up with Hanna Karttunen. They danced together for five years and were consistently ranked as one of the best couples in the world, winning numerous world titles, until Paul retired from competitive Latin dancing. He is now retired from competition but teaches dance. He has his own dance studio in London.
He has taken part in the first two series of Strictly Come Dancing. In series 1 he danced with Verona Joseph, reaching the third round. In series 2 he danced with Carol Vorderman and reached the second round.
Paul Killick it seems was born to dance. Being able to move and recognize music before he could walk was an indication of what was in store for his future. After attending a stage and drama school from the age of seven it was quickly noticed that his instinct for dance was exceptional. The enthusiasm that was evident in his demeanor captured the attention of his tutors where he was invited to join and study at the famous Royal Ballet School in London. It was at this point that a decision had to be made whether to follow the wishes of his tutors and attend the Royal Ballet School or enter into the world of competitive Ballroom and Latin American Dancesport. Under the guidance and tuition of the fourteen times undefeated World Latin American Dancesport Champion, Paul's career was shaped and developed in Dancesport representing Great Britain throughout the world in the divisions of Juvenile, Junior, Youth and Amateur. Renowned throughout the establishment and world of dance for the superior innate artistry and technical excellence of his performances together with his outstanding knowledge of authenticity, turning Professional was the next stage and development in this brilliant career. It was from this point that his career would truly blossom making him a legend in his lifetime. Cultivating his skills as a performer, choreographer and teacher have taken him onto new heights and developed a well rounded artiste of dance. After his retirement in 2004 Paul went on to star in the phenomenal BBC hit Strictly Come Dancing which threw ballroom dancing into the public spotlight again. As well as his contributions to dance, Paul has also made himself involved with numerous charities including Childline, Cancer Research and Variety Club.
