Brian Fortuna
A charismatic American dancer who brought ballroom's competitive fire to living rooms worldwide through his breakout television appearances.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Fish American ballroom dancer·Birthday: September 20·Millennials
Biography
Brian Fortuna, born in 1982, didn't just learn ballroom steps; he absorbed its theatrical soul. Growing up in a family immersed in dance, he turned professional as a teenager, his career initially unfolding on the competitive circuit. His trajectory shifted dramatically when he joined the British series 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2008, followed by the American version 'Dancing with the Stars'. Fortuna stood out not just for his technical skill, but for his infectious enthusiasm and patient, encouraging teaching style, which made the intricacies of ballroom accessible to millions. He became a pivotal figure in the early 2000s ballroom TV boom, using the platform to launch successful stage productions and establish himself as a sought-after choreographer. His work demystified a formal dance world, creating a new generation of fans.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brian was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Brian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became a professional ballroom dancer and competitor, earning recognition in international dance circuits.
- Gained widespread fame as a professional dancer on the BBC's 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2008.
- Appeared as a professional on the US version 'Dancing with the Stars', introducing ballroom to a massive American audience.
- Co-created and starred in the touring dance show 'Burn the Floor', bringing competitive ballroom to theatrical stages.
Did You Know?
His mother, a dance teacher, was his first instructor.
He was a member of the US formation team that won the bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships.
He is a certified dance judge and adjudicator for ballroom competitions.
“Ballroom is a conversation between two people, told through movement and connection.”
