Oti Mabuse has unequivocally become a household name, synonymous with electrifying dance, captivating television presence, and an infectious personality. From her triumphant turns on Strictly Come Dancing to her burgeoning career as a judge and presenter, Mabuse has carved out a unique and influential space in the entertainment industry. This comprehensive article delves into the remarkable journey of Oti Mabuse, exploring her origins, her ascent to stardom, her diverse achievements, and her significant impact on the world of dance and beyond.

Who is Oti Mabuse? A Deep Dive into Her Background and Early Life

Otlile “Oti” Mabuse, born on August 8, 1990, in Pretoria, South Africa, is a professional Latin American and ballroom dancer, choreographer, television personality, and author. Her passion for dance ignited at a tender age, leading her to embark on a rigorous training regimen. 

Unlike many who stumble into their calling, dance was a deliberate and determined path for Mabuse from the outset. She honed her skills in her native South Africa, quickly distinguishing herself in the competitive dance circuit.

Mabuse’s early career was marked by extraordinary success, culminating in her becoming an eight-time South African Latin American Champion. This impressive feat underscored her innate talent, relentless dedication, and the foundational discipline instilled in her from a young age. 

While her parents initially encouraged her to pursue a more traditional academic path, with Oti even studying Civil Engineering at the University of Pretoria, her heart ultimately belonged to the dance floor. This early detour, while seemingly divergent, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a multifaceted perspective that would later serve her well in the demanding world of entertainment.

Her international journey began when she moved to Germany, where she partnered with Marius Iepure, who would later become her husband. Together, they achieved significant competitive success, becoming German Professional Showdance Latin Champions, Vice German Latin Champions, Vice European Showdance Latin Champions, and securing third place at the World Championships. These formative years in the international competitive circuit were crucial in refining her artistry and preparing her for the global stage that awaited her.

The Strictly Phenomenon: Oti’s Rise to Stardom

Oti Mabuse’s widespread recognition in the United Kingdom primarily stems from her groundbreaking role as a professional dancer on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. Joining the show in 2015, she quickly became a fan favourite, captivating audiences with her powerful performances, innovative choreography, and infectious enthusiasm.

The Double Crown: Making History on Strictly

Mabuse made Strictly Come Dancing history by becoming the only professional dancer to win the coveted Glitterball Trophy twice in consecutive years.

2019 Victory: Partnering with actor Kelvin Fletcher, Oti showcased her exceptional ability to transform a non-dancer into a champion. Their partnership was lauded for its electrifying routines and palpable chemistry, culminating in a memorable victory.

2020 Victory: In an unprecedented back-to-back win, Oti secured her second title with comedian Bill Bailey. This victory was particularly significant, demonstrating her versatility and her capacity to adapt her teaching methods to diverse celebrity partners. Her ability to bring out the best in her partners, regardless of their prior dance experience, solidified her reputation as a top-tier professional.

Her tenure on Strictly was not just about winning; it was about pushing the boundaries of ballroom and Latin American dance, showcasing the athleticism, artistry, and emotional depth inherent in the art form. She consistently delivered innovative and challenging routines, inspiring both her celebrity partners and millions of viewers at home.

Beyond the Ballroom: A Multifaceted Entertainment Career

While Strictly Come Dancing provided a powerful platform, Oti Mabuse’s career has expanded far beyond the ballroom. She has seamlessly transitioned into various roles, demonstrating her versatility and broad appeal.

Judging Panels: A Critical Eye and Empathetic Approach

Oti has become a sought-after judge on several prominent television talent shows, where her extensive dance knowledge, keen eye for detail, and empathetic feedback have been widely praised.

The Greatest Dancer (BBC One): Serving as a Dance Captain, Oti showcased her mentorship skills, guiding and inspiring aspiring dancers. She famously won the first series with her act, Ellie Fergusson, further solidifying her ability to nurture talent.

The Masked Dancer (ITV): As a panellist, Oti brought her dance expertise to decipher the identities of masked celebrities, adding an element of fun and intrigue to the popular guessing game.

Dancing On Ice (ITV): Since 2022, Oti has been a regular judge on Dancing On Ice, offering insightful commentary on the technical and artistic aspects of ice dancing. Her experience as a competitive dancer allows her to appreciate the immense skill and dedication required for the sport, providing valuable critiques to the celebrity contestants. She has openly admitted to finding ice skating “scary” and holds immense admiration for the professional skaters on the show, highlighting her humility and respect for different disciplines.

Presenting and Broadcasting: A Natural Charmer

Oti’s engaging personality and natural charisma have made her a popular television presenter.

Oti Mabuse’s Breakfast Show (ITV1): Launched in 2023, this chat show provides a platform for Oti to interview celebrity guests, showcasing her conversational skills and ability to connect with a broad audience.

Boogie Beebies (CBeebies): During the lockdown, Oti hosted this children’s show, encouraging young audiences to engage with dance and movement, demonstrating her commitment to inspiring the next generation.

Romeo & Duet (ITV): She hosted this musical dating show, further cementing her presence in mainstream entertainment.

Documentaries and Podcasts: Oti has explored her heritage in the BBC One documentary Oti Mabuse: My South Africa (2022) and has hosted two series of BBC Sounds podcasts, Oti Mabuse’s Dancing Legends and Oti Mabuse: The Rhythm of Life, featuring candid conversations with celebrity friends.

Practical Tips from Oti Mabuse: Embracing Dance and Personal Growth

Oti Mabuse’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to pursue their passions, whether in dance or other fields.

For Aspiring Dancers:

Start Young, But Never Too Late: Oti began dancing at four, but her career trajectory demonstrates that dedication and consistent effort are paramount, regardless of when you begin. Many of her Strictly celebrity partners started with no dance experience, proving that with the right guidance and commitment, significant progress is achievable.

Embrace Discipline and Hard Work: Oti’s success as an eight-time South African Latin American Champion and her consistent performance on Strictly are testaments to her rigorous training and unwavering discipline. Dance, especially at a professional level, demands immense physical and mental fortitude.

Seek Diverse Experiences: Her competitive career spanned South Africa and Germany, exposing her to different styles, teachers, and competitive environments. This broad exposure enriched her understanding of dance and contributed to her versatility.

Find Your Passion and Joy: Despite the demanding nature of her profession, Oti consistently exudes joy and passion when she dances. This genuine love for her craft is infectious and is a key ingredient in her enduring appeal. As she often expresses, she doesn’t “do anything I’m not going to enjoy.”

Never Stop Learning: Even at the pinnacle of her career, Oti remains open to new challenges and learning opportunities, as evidenced by her judging roles and ventures into different entertainment formats.

For Personal Growth and Career Development:

Diversify Your Skills: Oti’s transition from competitive dancer to choreographer, judge, presenter, and author showcases the importance of developing a diverse skill set. In today’s dynamic professional landscape, adaptability and a willingness to explore new avenues are crucial.

Leverage Your Platform Responsibly: Oti uses her platform to inspire and educate, particularly through her children’s books and her involvement in charitable initiatives like UNICEF.

Embrace Challenges: From the physical demands of dance to the pressures of live television, Oti has consistently faced challenges head-on, turning them into opportunities for growth.

Maintain Authenticity: Oti’s warm, engaging, and genuine personality has resonated with audiences. Staying true to oneself, even in the public eye, is vital for long-term success and connection.

Build Strong Relationships: Her successful partnerships with various celebrities on Strictly and her collaborations with industry professionals highlight the importance of teamwork and positive relationships.

Real-Life Examples of Oti’s Impact

Oti Mabuse’s influence extends beyond her personal achievements, impacting individuals and the broader dance community.

Inspiring New Dancers: Countless individuals, both children and adults, have been inspired to take up dance after watching Oti’s captivating performances on Strictly. Her infectious energy and clear passion for dance have demystified the art form and made it more accessible.

Championing Diversity in Dance: As a prominent South African dancer in the UK, Oti has inadvertently become a role model for diversity in entertainment. Her success challenges stereotypes and opens doors for other talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Changing Perceptions of Ballroom and Latin: Through her dynamic choreography and ability to make challenging routines look effortless, Oti has elevated the public perception of ballroom and Latin American dance, showcasing its athleticism, artistry, and entertainment value.

Empowering Through Education: Her dance schools and children’s books are tangible examples of her commitment to empowering others through dance, fostering creativity, discipline, and self-expression from a young age.

Advocacy for Important Causes: Her work with UNICEF, particularly in raising awareness for premature babies, demonstrates how public figures can use their influence to advocate for critical social issues, driving real-world impact and encouraging public support.

FAQ 

What are Oti Mabuse’s biggest dance achievements?

Oti Mabuse is an eight-time South African Latin American Champion. Her most prominent dance achievements in the UK include winning Strictly Come Dancing twice in consecutive years (2019 with Kelvin Fletcher and 2020 with Bill Bailey), making her the only professional dancer to achieve this feat. She also won the first series of The Greatest Dancer as a Dance Captain with her act, Ellie Fergusson. Internationally, she was a German Professional Showdance Latin Champion, Vice German Latin Champion, Vice European Showdance Latin Champion, and placed third in the World Championships with her partner Marius Iepure.

What TV shows is Oti Mabuse currently involved in or has she recently been on (as of 2025)?

As of mid-2025, Oti Mabuse has recently been a regular judge on ITV’s Dancing On Ice. She also hosts Oti Mabuse’s Breakfast Show on ITV1. Other recent appearances and roles include being a panellist on The Masked Dancer, hosting Romeo & Duet, and presenting Boogie Beebies on CBeebies. She is also involved in the new Disney UK series “Disney VS”.

Has Oti Mabuse written any books?

Yes, Oti Mabuse has authored a children’s book series titled Dance With Oti. This series, consisting of three books, aims to celebrate dance, movement, and emotional expression, encouraging young readers to engage with the art form.

What is Oti Mabuse’s involvement in charitable work?

Oti Mabuse is actively involved in charitable work, notably with UNICEF. In April 2025, she traveled to Côte d’Ivoire with UNICEF to witness their life-changing work supporting mothers and premature babies, a cause particularly resonant with her as her own daughter was born prematurely. She shared her emotional experience in a video diary, raising awareness and vital funds for Soccer Aid for UNICEF.

What are Oti Mabuse’s future plans or projects for 2025 and beyond?

For 2025, Oti Mabuse is continuing with her live entertainment projects, including her “Viva Carnival” tour, with dates confirmed for June 2025 in Birmingham. She is also maintaining her presence in television with her breakfast show and involvement in various light entertainment programs. Her ongoing entrepreneurial efforts with her dance schools and potential new publications are also expected to continue

Final Thoughts

Oti Mabuse’s journey is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and remarkable talent. From her early days as a prodigious competitive dancer in South Africa to her current status as a beloved television personality, judge, and entrepreneur, Oti has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence and her ability to captivate audiences. 

Her double win on Strictly Come Dancing cemented her place in television history, but her subsequent ventures into presenting, judging, authorship, and philanthropy have showcased the breadth of her capabilities and her unwavering dedication to dance and inspiring others. 

As of 2025, Oti Mabuse continues to be a vibrant and influential force in the entertainment landscape, constantly evolving and expanding her reach, all while maintaining the authenticity and joy that have endeared her to millions. Her impact is not just measured in trophies or ratings, but in the countless lives she has touched through her art, her mentorship, and her unwavering spirit.

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