Her story starts on a dance floor far from the bright lights of British television. Born in Venezuela, she moved to New York as a child, where rhythm became her first language.
That early passion forged a world-class career. She earned the title of World Mambo Champion, proving her elite status long before becoming a household name.
Her big break came with the British series Strictly Come Dancing. Joining in 2012, she is now the longest-serving female professional on the show. Her presence is a constant.
This professional dancer brings more than technical skill. She connects with partners and audiences, making complex Latin dance feel accessible and emotionally powerful.
Beyond the Saturday night glitter, her journey shows resilience. It’s a path from competitive championships to television stardom, built on dedication and a genuine love for movement.
Early Life and Dance Beginnings
At eight years old, a new city became the backdrop for a lifelong passion to take root. Her family’s move from Venezuela to New York City placed her in the heart of a vibrant performing arts scene.
Dance quickly evolved from a hobby into a core part of her identity. It was a language that helped her connect in a new country.
Childhood Influences and Early Passion
That first year in New York was transformative. The city’s energy fueled her dedication.
She began formal training soon after arriving. This early start built a strong technical and artistic foundation.
Training at Prestigious Dance Institutions
Her education in dance was both rigorous and diverse. She first studied at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance.
This institution is famous for its focus on emotional expression through movement. It shaped her understanding of contemporary dance.
Next, she attended the specialized High School of Performing Arts. Often called “The Fame School,” it immersed her in daily discipline.
There, she majored in ballet and contemporary dance. These years honed her precision and strength.
At the age of 19, she pivoted to ballroom and Latin styles. This shift showcased her versatility and athleticism.
Training across multiple disciplines gave her a unique edge. It prepared her for the collaborative and demanding world of television dance.
Rise to Stardom on Television
Reality television provided the platform that would transform her from champion dancer to household name across Britain. The small screen became her new arena, where technical skill met mass appeal.
Breakthrough on Strictly Come Dancing
Joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast in 2012 marked a career turning point. Her debut series paired her with Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, reaching the quarter-finals.
This strong start secured her place on the show. Over thirteen series, she has adapted her teaching for diverse celebrity partners.
Experience on So You Think You Can Dance
Her first major television exposure came in 2009 on So You Think You Can Dance. She auditioned with her then-husband but advanced solo to the top 20.
Elimination in Week 5 after tango and hip-hop routines showed the competition’s unpredictable nature. The experience built resilience for future television work.
Memorable Performances and Highlights
Partnerships with Mark Wright and Jamie Laing resulted in final appearances. Each couple demonstrated significant growth throughout their series.
Her work with comedian Chris Ramsey reached the semi-final through charm and visible improvement. The current series pairs her with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
| Series | Celebrity Partner | Result | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 (2014) | Mark Wright | 4th Place | First Final Appearance |
| 13 (2015) | Jeremy Vine | Week 8 Elimination | Memorable Comedy Routines |
| 17 (2019) | Chris Ramsey | Semi-Final | Audience Favorite Partnership |
| 18 (2020) | Jamie Laing | Runner-Up | Second Final Placement |
| 23 (2025) | Harry Aikines-Aryeetey | Ongoing | Athletic Partnership Potential |
Her television journey shows adaptability across different partners and formats. Each series brings new creative challenges and audience connections.
The Life and Achievements of Karen Hauer
Long before becoming a television regular, her credentials were forged in international dance competitions and theatrical productions. These achievements established her as more than just an entertainer.
Accolades and World Mambo Champion Title
The year 2008 brought the prestigious World Mambo Champion title. This honor recognized mastery of one of Latin dance’s most demanding styles.
She followed this with another major win in 2009. The Professional American Rhythm Rising Star Champion title cemented her elite status.
Her work as a principal dancer in Burn the Floor expanded her performance range. The touring production required sustained energy across full evening shows.
Impact on Ballroom, Latin, and Contemporary Dance
These competitive and theatrical experiences shaped her television approach. She arrived at Strictly Come Dancing with legitimate credentials.
Her contemporary dance background informs her choreography. It brings emotional depth to traditional ballroom frameworks.
In 2019, she launched Hauer Power, an online fitness program. This venture extends her influence into health and wellness.
The program reflects her understanding that dance excellence requires comprehensive conditioning. Strength, flexibility, and injury prevention are essential.
Personal Life, Relationships, and Career Milestones
While captivating audiences on television, her off-screen life has navigated the complexities of love and partnership. This journey has unfolded in public view, with personal milestones often intersecting with professional ones.
Love, Marriage, and Personal Evolution
Karen Hauer’s first marriage was to dance partner Matthew Hauer, lasting nearly a decade. Her most publicized relationship was with fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Kevin Clifton.
They married in 2015 but divorced three years later. Reflecting on that time, she noted a sense of mutual distance. She has said she would have worked to save the partnership.
Her third marriage, to Jordan Wyn-Jones, ended quickly. She later described it as a toxic situation involving psychological abuse. This experience led to significant personal growth.
She is now dating former rugby player Simon Davidson. This new chapter reflects a hard-won self-awareness.
| Relationship | Years | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Hauer | 2000-2009 | Dance partner and first marriage |
| Kevin Clifton | 2015-2018 | Fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional |
| Jordan Wyn-Jones | 2022-2024 | Short-lived marriage described as toxic |
| Simon Davidson | 2024-Present | Current partner, former rugby player |
Her candid discussions about these relationships show a journey from heartbreak to resilience. This personal evolution runs parallel to her enduring television career.
Final Thoughts and What Lies Ahead
Looking beyond the weekly competition, Karen Hauer’s career expands into new educational ventures. She will teach and perform with fellow professional Gorka Márquez at Donahey’s ‘Dancing with The Stars Weekends’ in 2026.
This move shares her expertise directly with enthusiasts. Her recent Christmas special appearance, a playful penguin-costumed charleston, demonstrates the show’s entertaining spirit.
In the current series, the professional dancer partners with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The challenge is to channel his athletic power into precise dance technique.
Her legacy after thirteen series is secure. It’s built on memorable routines, professional resilience, and a genuine commitment to the art of dance.
