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Strictly Come Dancing’s Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez star in Firedance at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford

12:00, 09 March 2022

Strictly pros Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez are blazing a trail with their new Latin extravaganza, Firedance, at the Orchard Theatre.

The professional dancers - who have nabbed four Strictly Come Dancing finals between them - will join forces on the Dartford stage on Sunday, March 13.

Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez in Firedance. Picture: Supplied by the Orchard Theatre
Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez in Firedance. Picture: Supplied by the Orchard Theatre

Firedance features live Latin musicians, a captivating dance ensemble and choreography that fans of the BBC dance show will be familiar with, including the Argentine tango, paso doble, samba and salsa.

Along with fan-favourite dance moves, the duo will also be performing against a backdrop of well-known songs such as In the Air Tonight, Bad Romance and Relight My Fire.

Venezuelan-born Karen, who began dancing at the age of 8, is currently the longest-serving professional dancer on Strictly. She joined the show in 2012 and, over the years, has been partnered with the likes of Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, comedian Chris Ramsey and, most recently, actor Greg Wise.

Reaching her first final in 2014 with Mark Wright, followed by Jamie Laing in 2020, the 39-year-old has yet to lift the glitterball trophy, despite being one of the show’s most recognisable stars.

Karen almost won the series with Mark Wright in 2014. Picture: Guy Levy
Karen almost won the series with Mark Wright in 2014. Picture: Guy Levy

Gorka joined the Strictly cast in 2016 and was partnered with EastEnders’ Tameka Empson. The pair were eliminated after three weeks but, the following year, Gorka found himself in the final with X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and, later, with Tameka’s Albert Square co-star Maisie Smith.

In 2017, Gorka met Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson as she competed on the show with Aljaž Škorjanec. Gemma and Aljaž reached the final, but lost out on the glitterball to Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.

Gorka and Gemma are now engaged and live together in Manchester with their two-year-old daughter, Mia.

Gorka was partnered with popstar Frankie Bridge for the 2016 Christmas special. Picture: Guy Levy
Gorka was partnered with popstar Frankie Bridge for the 2016 Christmas special. Picture: Guy Levy

Karen and Gorka have toured the UK previously with world-renowned dance production Burn the Floor. Karen has also performed across the country with former Strictly professional Kevin Clifton. The couple were married, but split in 2018.

Firedance is showing at the Orchard, Dartford, on Sunday, March 13. Book tickets online here or call 03433 100 033.

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