When the BBC decided to include Salsa as a new dance element in series 3 of "Strictly Come Dancing", there was really only one couple they could turn to - the 3 times World Professional Salsa Champions CHRIS MARQUES & JACLYN SPENCER.
Click on the video below to see them making their "Strictly" debut, whipping the celebrities and professional dancers into shape - fans of Ian Waite hide behind the sofa now!
As the first non-Latin Americans to win the Official World Professional Salsa Championships - not once but three times! - Chris and Jaclyn have really made their mark in the world of partnered dance. From very different backgrounds, they first met at a dance competition in Blackpool. Jaclyn was born in Liverpool and like many girls she was desperate to learn to dance. Chris was born in France and has a Portuguese father and a Spanish mother - his father is a professional musician specialising in Latin American music.
As teenagers they won several titles in the under 21's including 'Imperial Open to the World' and the 'Universal Open to the World' Latin American Championships. Early in 2003, they became both British and European salsa champions and at the end of the year won the "Official World Salsa Championships", holding on to their title in 2004 and 2005.
In 2004 they were invited by the British Council to travel to Cuba where they performed to local people at venues around the country and had the honour of becoming the first non-Cubans, since Castro took over, to perform at the world famous Cabaret Tropicana.
Chris and Jaclyn were asked to choreograph the first ever Celebrity Group dance for the 2005 Strictly Come Dancing. The 2006 Strictly Come Dancing series saw them perform a guest spot with their own company Cuban Groove Dance Company. They have continued coaching and choreographing throughout the 2007 and 2008 series. They were also regulars on the 2006 BBC series 'Strictly Dance Fever' auditioning candidates and putting them through their paces in the house.
Continuing their "Strictly" connections, Chris and Jaclyn were also part of Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag's hugely successful 2009 "Cheek to Cheek" Live Tour, and now bring their sizzling showcase dances to the North East where they will perform a 5 dance cabaret for us, which will include: Salsa, Lindy Hop, Cha-cha, Samba and Paso Doble.
To find out more about Chris and Jaclyn, visit their web-page at www.cubangroove.com