Aljaz Skorjanec | models | Our Talent

Aljaž Škorjanec was born in Ptuj, Slovenia. Aljaž found dancing at an early age when he signed

himself up to a local dance class. It was only after being contacted by the dance instructor, who

suggested that Aljaž take lessons at a proper dance school, that his mother found out he was

attending the classes.

Aged 5 years, Aljaž began attending International Dance Center Fredidance 3 to 4 times a week.

His commitment to travel the two hours for lessons continued from primary school through to

the end of his high school years. His coaches were Fredi and Daniela Novak, known worldwide

for their amazing coaching abilities.

Aljaž has represented his home country Slovenia in many international dance competitions and

won numerous titles. He met his then dance partner, Valerija Rahle early on in his training and

the two quickly flew to winning various championships. Aljaž is a nineteen-time Slovenian

Champion in Ballroom, Latin, and 10 dance! His strong commitment, impeccable technique, and

passionate performances in competitions made him the exemplary dancer he is today. His

talent was not unnoticed, as he was approached to be a Professional Dancer in the Slovenian

version of Dancing with the Stars, which became his first television appearance.

After he finished competing, he auditioned to become a member of the Broadway and

international touring show, Burn the Floor. The producers fell in love with his charismatic and

technical dancing, and shortly after, he was a lead dancer on the show. He was a part of Burn

the Floor for 4 years, dancing around the world including the West End in London, England. 

Not long after watching his passionate performance, Aljaž was cast as a Professional Dancer in

2013 for Season 11 of Strictly Come Dancing. His Strictly debut was a huge success, winning in

his first year with celebrity dance partner Abbey Clancy during the first all-female final. His

other celebrity partners have been Alison Hammond, Helen George, Daisy Lowe, Gemma

Atkinson, Kate Silverton, Viscountess Weymouth, Clara Amfo and Sara Davies. 2022 saw Aljaz

step away from the show to focus on other commitments.

Aljaž made his triumphant return to Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, and made it all the way to

the final with his partner, Tasha Ghouri. On the live tour that followed, they won almost all of

the 35 shows and were crowned the Strictly Come Dancing Live Champions.

Other television credits include: BBC Morning Live (BBC), VE 75 Day (BBC), Big Week at the Zoo

(Channel 5), Inside The Ritz (ITV) and CelebAbility (ITV2).

Other theatre credits include: Here Come The Boys at the London Palladium, Dancing In A

Winter Wonderland, Remembering Fred, Remembering the Movies, a streamed version of

Remembering the Oscars, and A Christmas to Remember