Bruno Tonioli was born on November 25, 1955, in Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy to Werther and Fulvia. His passion for dance was evident since his early age, as he used to often spend time in choreographing. He is an Italian choreographer, ballroom and Latin dancer, and TV personality.
Bruno began his career as a choreographer in the entertainment industry by designing dance routines for music videos, stage shows, and tours for artists such as Tina Turner, Sting, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Freddie Mercury, Sinitta, Boy George, Dead or Alive, and Duran Duran. He displayed his dancing skills in Elton John’s 1983 “I’m Still Standing” video. He choreographed the band Arcadia’s music video for their song “Election Day” and was also a choreographer for Ella Enchanted’s Minnie Driver. He attained success with his work in films such as Ella Enchanted, The Gathering Storm, Little Voice, Dancin’ thru the Dark, Enigma, The Parole Officer, and What a Girl Wants. He has also worked in several television programs and shows such as ‘The BRIT Awards’ (1988, 1990, 1991), Miss World (1998–1999); the two-part mini-series ‘Blonde Bombshell’ (1999); the series ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel “ (1999-2000); and three Royal Variety Performance shows among others.
Some of his notable works include films and shows:
Ella Enchanted
Dancin’ thru the Dark
Dancing With The Stars
DanceX
Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann
Bruno has openly spoken about being a gay. He openly spoke about the homophobic bully that he had to suffer in his early days. Although, he his guarded about his private life, he is reportedly dating Jason Schanne since 2000. He released his autobiography ‘Bruno Tonioli: My Story’ in September 2012. He features as a judge on the British television dance reality show Strictly Come Dancing and its American adaptation Dancing with the Stars on ABC TV in the US. Tonioli co-created and featured on the BBC talent show DanceX, and its American adaptation, Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann.
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