4* & 5* Weekend Breaks
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Strictly 2019 Annual
Strictly Stars
Read all our latest...
Be the first to know
....all the latest information about our amazing Weekend Breaks with the Stars of Strictly, plus all the latest Strictly news.
Photo Gallery
Our Resort Hotels
Members area
Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe
Last updated 12th October 2018
Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe
formed an amazing partnership when Natalie became one of the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers in the seventh series.
Natalie Lowe – Strictly Come Dancing Finalist 2009
This exceptionally talented couple have become a massive hit with their involvement in all the professional group dances and superb solo numbers, dancing alongside such megastars as Dame Shirley Bassey.
It is with a sad heart that in 2017 Natalie announced she was leaving Strictly Come Dancing – we miss the lovely Natalie…x
Ian Waite is a superb Latin American professional dancer and choreographer who has been involved with Strictly Come Dancing in some way or another since series 2. Whether it’s competing for 6 series, behind the scenes choreographing, dancing with Dame Darcey Bussell in the 2012 launch show when she joined as a new judge or waving his Strictly wand on ‘It Takes Two’, Ian is still very much part of the Strictly family.
Ian Waite – Strictly Come Dancing Finalist 2005
A lot has happened during Ian’s six years on Strictly including forming an amazing partnership with former Strictly professional dancer, Natalie Lowe, when she joined in series 7. Over the years they have performed in many of the Group Dances, choreographed superb solo numbers and danced alongside icons such as Dame Shirley Bassey.
Learn all about Natalie & Ian’s glittering dancing career, view photos & videos plus catch up on all their latest news below
5* Weekend Breaks Starring Ian Waite
Who better to teach you to dance than professional dancer Ian Waite? They have proven on screen their talents and tireless teaching methods. You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform spectacular shows just for you.
Friday 26th – Sunday 28th April 2019
5* Celtic Manor Resort
Newport, South Wales
Join Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Giovanni Pernice, Luba Mushtuk, Ian Waite, British National & World Ballroom Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce plus Argentine Tango stars Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani.
Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe chat about Donahey’s 5* Weekend Breaks
Natalie Lowe & Ian Waite’s reviews of Donahey’s 4* Weekend Breaks
‘Donahey’s events are always the BEST! We really look forward to Donahey’s dance weekends; they’re so well organised, great venues and a fabulous audience. Thank you so much Paul.’
Natalie Lowe
‘Congratulations to the Donahey’s for finding the most amazing venue. How brilliant is Alton Towers – a diamond in the country. We love working with the Donahey’s – you always know you’ll get such a professionally run event’ Ian Waite
Natalie Lowe – Strictly Come Dancing Finalist 2009
Height 5′ 10″
Age 38
Married to James Knibbs
Natalie Lowe is a professional ballroom dancer, choreographer, TV personality and star of four series’ of Strictly Come Dancing. She is also a four-time Australian Dance Champion.
In 2004, Natalie auditioned for the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing and became one of the first female professional ballroom dancers to be a part of the highest rating entertainment show in the history of Australian Television, of which she ultimately became Dancing With The Stars Champion.
Natalie’s 2016 celebrity partner was Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford. Greg triumphed at the London 2012 Olympics, winnning Gold. Greg represented Team GB in Rio over summer, achieving Bronze medal. Together Natalie & Greg were a fab partnership in 2016
Natalie’s first year performing on Strictly Come Dancing saw her partnered with Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle. They reached the final, narrowly missing out to Ola Jordan and Chris Hollins. Natalie felt this was a great result for her first year on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2009.
Natalie has reached four finals and two semi finals during her time on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars. In 2010 Natalie was partnered with EastEnders’ heartthrob Scott Maslen, in 2011 Audley Harrison and in 2012 Natalie partnered former England Cricket Captain Michael Vaughn. Due to injury Natalie was out of the 2013 series, however we’re delighted Natalie returned to Strictly for the 2014 series.
In 2015 Natalie partnered Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott all the way to week 5. Celebrity chef Ainsley has presented on many of our favourite TV cooking shows including; Can’t Cook Won’t Cook, Ainsley’s Barbeque Bible, Ainsley’s Meals in Minutes, Good Morning and of course Ready Steady Cook.
Learn more about Natalie’s dancing profile on her official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
Ian Waite – Strictly Come Dancing Finalist 2005
Ian Waite is the superb Latin American professional dancer and choreographer who has been involved with Strictly Come Dancing from Series two.
Ian started winning dance competitions at a very early age, from the European Youth Latin American Champion to numerous international championships representing England. After turning professional in 1997, Ian and his partner; Latin American World Champion, Inga Haas, became runners up in the British Professional Rising Stars.
Furthering his career in Holland, he trained with the world renowned choreographer and dance coach; Ruud Vermay and went on to win the Dutch Championships with his partner; Natalia Panina. This couple also made the final of both the World Showdance Championship and the European Professional Latin American Championship, proving his professional career really had blossomed and developed.
Moving back to the UK in 2004, Ian started to dance with Camilla Dallerup and the couple became part of Strictly Come Dancing. Ian has been a key part of Strictly Come Dancing since series two, twice reaching the final with Denise Lewis and Zoë Ball and now devoting his Strictly time to choreography of the Strictly Showdancers routines and his regular appearances on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
Following Ian’s hugely successful 6 years on Strictly, Ian can now be seen appearing each week on BBC2 It Takes Two as one of the shows resident Dance Specialists ‘Waite’s Wednesday Warm-Up’.
Ian’s celebrity partners over his six series’ include Jade Johnson, Jodie Kidd, Penny Lancaster Stewart and Mica Paris. Ian is featured on weekly show It Takes Two and is involved in choreographing for the main series – to the delight of audiences Ian was seen dancing on the 2012 launch show with the then new Strictly Judge Darcey Bussell.
How old is Ian?
47 years old (born 29th January 1971)
Where is Ian from?
Reading, Berkshire
Is Ian single?
As if! Ian is married to Drew Merriman. They tied the knot in July 2017.
What are Ian’s greatest dance achievements?
Ian started dancing competitively at a very young age and represented England in many international championships, before becoming the European Youth Latin American Champion. After turning professional in 1997, he came second in the British Professional Rising Stars event, along with professional partner, Inga Haas. On relocating to Holland, he received expert tuition from highly-regarded choreographer and coach, Ruud Vermy, and went on to win the Dutch Championships with professional partner, Natalia Panina. Not only that, they were also finalists in the World Showdance Championship and the European Professional Latin American Championship. Ian partnered up with Camilla Dallerup professionally when he returned to the UK in 2004 and the couple joined Strictly. The rest as they say is history.
Who is Ian’s professional dance partner?
This seasoned professional has had many pro partners including, Inga Haas, Natalia Panina, Camilla Dallerup and Natalie Lowe who retired from Strictly in 2017.
What’s Ian’s favourite dance?
Ian loves the Jive and Foxtrot.
When did Ian join Strictly?
Haven’t you been paying attention? Ian’s been part of Strictly since series 2.
Who has Ian danced with on Strictly?
Denise Lewis, Zoe Ball, Mica Paris, Penny Lancaster Stewart, Jodie Kidd and Jade Johnson.
Has Ian ever won Strictly?
No, he was robbed! Ian only ever reached the final, but he got there twice with Denise Lewis and his ‘It Takes Two’ partner in comedy, Zoe Ball, in 2005.
Has Ian ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Not as such, but he has donned some fabulous Halloween costumes for his ‘Waite’s Wednesday Warm Up’ slot on ‘It Takes Two’ over the years. Our favourite being the giant pumpkin suit he wore in 2013.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Checkout Ian Waite’s official website
www.ian-waite.com
Checkout Natalie Lowe’s official website
www.natalielowe.com/
Donahey’s Dance Lessons & 4* UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with the BBC.
Ian Waite & Vincent Simone’s 2019 tour ‘The Ballroom Boy’s’ Dates & Venues
Find out all about Ian Waite & Vincent Simone’s 2019 show-stopping dance production tour ‘The Ballroom Boy’s’
www.theballroomboys.com/
Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro Dancers here;
