Simone Arena, born 7 August 1991 in Catania, Italy, is a celebrated professional dancer and choreographer renowned for his expertise in Latin. Table of contents
Known for his standout performances on Dancing with the Stars in Belgium, Italy, and Ireland, Simone combines technical expertise with magnetic stage presence.
Early Life and Dance Beginnings
Simone began dancing at age 7. By 16, he had already earned the title of Vice Italian Latin Champion, launching a career that would take him from elite competitions to global theatre tours and prime-time television.
Professional Career and Global Recognition
In 2014, Simone joined the cast of renowned dance production “Burn the Floor.”
Touring globally, he showcased his versatility and flair in performances across London’s West End, Broadway, and stages in China, Australia, and Japan. Simone’s association with “Burn the Floor” not only honed his performance skills but also introduced him to a global audience.
More recently Simone was selected to be a Professional Dancer on various international versions of “Dancing with the Stars”
Dancing With The Stars Appearances
| Country | Year | Partner | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 2022 | Nina Derwael (Olympic gymnast) | 1st Place | Won the series; top scores every week |
| Italy | 2022 | Marta Flavi (TV presenter) | 13th Place | Early exit; publicly criticised show’s format |
| Ireland | 2023 | Blu Hydrangea (Drag Race UK Winner) | 2nd Place | Most perfect 10s in a season (5) |
| Ireland | 2025 | Yasmin Seky (Kin actress) | 8th Place | Known for chemistry and unique choreography |
Beyond television, Simone was part of the 2019 production “Somnium: A Dancer’s Dream,” collaborating with BBC Strictly Come Dancing professionals Katya Jones and Neil Jones.
He was also slated to join Giovanni Pernice’s “This Is Me” tour in 2020, which was postponed due to the pandemic.
Meet Simone Arena: Live performances across the UK
See Simone performing live and learn to dance with him at Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Experience Weekends in 2026
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th March 2026
Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
Starring Kai, Lauren, Michelle, Simone, David & Rosie & more tba
Early Bird £609pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Don’t miss out – less than 50 bedrooms remaining
⭐ Join your favourite Stars of Strictly Come Dancing, British Ballroom Champions, Argentine Tango Stars plus fabulous live music from The Tony Greenwood Big Band.⭐
Personal Life and Partnership with Michelle Tsiakkas
Simone shares both his personal and professional life with fellow dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. The couple met during their time with “Burn the Floor” and have since been inseparable, often sharing glimpses of their life and love for dance on social media.
Joining BBC Strictly Come Dancing
In 2025, Simone Arena is slated to bring his wealth of experience and infectious energy to “Strictly Come Dancing” as a new professional dancer.
Simone Arena’s dedication to his craft, combined with his global experience and magnetic stage presence, positions him as a potential standout addition to the Strictly family.
As he steps onto the UK dance floor, British television viewers can look forward to captivating performances that blend technical mastery with his heartfelt Italian expression.
Simone’s Teaching Style
Simone’s reputation goes beyond dancing — he’s a mentor and coach who tailors choreography to each partner’s strengths:
- Nina Derwael – focused on control and athleticism
- Blu Hydrangea – enhanced performance and flair
- Yasmin Seky – brought out her dramatic acting on the floor
His adaptability across cultures and celebrity skill levels makes him one of the most versatile pros in the franchise.
Quick Facts: Simone Arena
Where is Simone from?
Simone Arena is from Catania, Italy
How old is Simone?
Simone Arena is 33 years-old, Simone Arena was born August 7, 1991
Who is Simone’s Professional dance partner?
Simone’s current professional dance partner is professional dancer and choreographer Michelle Tsiakkas.
Tsiakkas is a pro on Strictly Come Dancing
Simone’s previous professional dance partner was Alessia Vernuccio. Together they achieved a top-three finish at the WDSF Open in Ancona, Italy, in October 2012.
Simone’s current professional dance partner is professional dancer and choreographer Michelle Tsiakkas.
Tsiakkas is a pro on Strictly Come Dancing
Is Simone single?
Simone is in a relationship with professional dancer and choreographer Michelle Tsiakkas.
Simone appeared alongside Tsiakkas in Burn The Floor https://burnthefloor.com/
What are Simone’s greatest dance achievements?
Simone continued to compete internationally while based in the UK, representing Italy at major championships before joining Burn The Floor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Arena
When did Simone join Strictly?
Simone is slated to be one of the future pro’s on BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Has Simone ever won Strictly?
Not yet, watch this space.
Find out more about Simone’s dancing profile on Dance Sport https://www.dancesportinfo.net/Couple/Simone_Arena_and_Caterina_Boncoraglio_246509/Details
https://www.instagram.com/simonearena_official/?hl=en
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here;
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Oti Mabuse
