Fauve Hautot began her journey in the world of danse at just five years old. Growing up in Dieppe, Normandy, she learned Latin rhythms alongside her older brother Ashley. Dance filled their home—her father loved the art, and her mother taught it professionally.
The name “Fauve” means wildcat in French. Her parents chose it after seeing a strong character on television. This name foreshadowed the powerful presence she would bring to the stage.
Today, Fauve Hautot stands as one of France’s most recognized dancers. She transformed childhood training into national celebrity through skill and persistence. Her career spans competitive ballroom, television judging, and choreography for major events.
From local competitions to the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, she refused to be limited by any single stage. Her work demonstrates how discipline and passion can build a lasting legacy in the performing arts.
Early Life and Dance Beginnings
In the small Norman village of Saint-Vaast-Dieppedalle, the rhythm of life was set to music. For the future star, danse was the family business. Her mother taught it professionally, and her father, an accountant by day, adored it by night.
Her older brother, Ashley, became her first partner when she was just five. Together, they learned the sharp, quick steps of Latin danse. The household also included her younger sister, Calliope, but the dance floor belonged to Fauve and Ashley.
Family Background and Early Inspirations
Her name, meaning “wildcat” in French, was chosen with purpose. Her parents were inspired by a strong character from the television series “Mistral’s Daughter.” It was a name that foreshadowed a commanding stage presence.
Competitive Dance Breakthrough and Early Achievements
Her talent quickly outpaced the local scene. By age 15, she was the junior French champion in Latin dances. With partner Nicolas Pouget, she also placed second in standard dances and third in the demanding 10-dance format.
She continued to climb with new partners. She danced with Grégory Guichard and later with Italian dancer Alessandro Camerotto, earning respect on the international circuit.
The intense grind—three hours of daily training and constant travel—took its toll. Exhausted, she stepped away from competition at the end of 2004.
A new chapter began in 2006. She teamed up with Maxime Dereymez on the France 2 program Dancing Show. Their victory introduced her skill to a mainstream audience, transforming her from a champion into a recognized performer.
Rise to Fame on Danse avec les Stars
The television screen became her new stage when she entered ‘Danse avec les stars’ in 2011. This popular programme transformed her from competition dancer to household name.
Memorable Partnerships and Winning Moments
Her first season paired her with comedian Jean-Marie Bigard. Though they placed fifth, it revealed her teaching patience.
The breakthrough came with singer Emmanuel Moire in 2012. Their victory showcased technical precision married to emotional storytelling. She would win three more times with different partners.
| Season | Partner | Result | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 (2012) | Emmanuel Moire (chanteur) | 1st Place | First championship win |
| 10 (2019) | Sami El Gueddari | 1st Place | Paralympic swimmer partnership |
| 11 (2021) | Tayc (chanteur) | 1st Place | Third victory |
| 12 (2022) | Billy Crawford | 1st Place | Highest average score (36.33/40) |
Role as a Judge and Mentor
In octobre 2015, she joined the jury for Season 6. She brought clarity and kindness to her critiques.
As a judge, she demonstrated standards while offering constructive feedback. Her perspective enriched the show for viewers and contestants alike.
International Appearances and Special Performances
Her visibility extended beyond the dance competition. She became “Fauve la Tigresse” on Fort Boyard in 2015.
She also co-hosted specials on Gulli and C8. These appearances proved her appeal wasn’t limited to ballroom.
Fauve Hautot: A Dancer and Choreographer Profile
Moving beyond the competitive dance floor, she has carved a multifaceted career spanning choreography and acting. Her work now blends television, film, and live performance with the same discipline that defined her early success.
Transition from Competitive Dance to Choreography and Acting
The dancer’s choreography skills developed naturally through Danse avec les stars. Creating weekly routines taught her to craft movement for cameras and diverse partners. This experience led to choreographing for international shows and theatrical productions like “The Full Monty.”
Acting became another serious pursuit. She landed roles in Netflix’s crime thriller “Bastion 36” and the upcoming drama “Rien ne t’efface.” Her television credits span comedy series and procedural dramas, demonstrating impressive range beyond dance.
Innovative Projects and the Dance Company SAME BUT DIFFERENT
The Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony proved transformative. Performing alongside electro dance champion Romain Guillermic, she represented ballroom in a historic collaboration. This partnership inspired their dance company, SAME BUT DIFFERENT.
The company focuses on blending genres and creating original works. They received an invitation from Ballet de Lorraine to develop new material. Her growing interest in electro dance also led to judging the electro dance world cup, expanding her involvement in the sport.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Future Endeavors in Dance
Beyond the trophies and television appearances lies a career built on consistent excellence. Fauve Hautot’s four championship wins on “Danse avec les stars” cement her status as the programme’s most successful professional. This record showcases her ability to elevate diverse partners from chanteur to athlete.
Her partnership with Maxime Dereymez spans nearly two decades, beginning with their 2006 show victory. As a jury member since 2015, she brings technical precision and encouragement to the dance world. Her critiques make the art accessible to viewers everywhere.
The future centers on SAME BUT DIFFERENT, the company she co-founded with Romain Guillermic. They blend ballroom, electro, and contemporary styles into innovative performances. This creative venture follows their Olympic collaboration and recent work with Ballet de Lorraine.
She continues expanding into film and television roles, interpreting characters through performance. Her legacy redefines what a danseuse can achieve—champion, teacher, actress, and collaborator commanding every stage.
