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Gorka Márquez, born in Spain, spent his childhood growing up until he became champion across Europe. His appeal has reached across the globe beyond the UK stage. But few even of his most devoted followers may know that it was shaped by certain lesser known chapters.
He Started Dancing at an Unusually Young Age
Gorka Márquez started dancing when he was 12 years old. Most kids Gorka’s age were figuring out what their hobbies were and yet he was stepping into the world of competitive dance. He was born into a life of music and movement growing up in Bilbao, Spain and naturally this drew him to dance. His parents were quick to pick up on his interest and threw their support behind his passion by signing to enrolling him in local classes he soon excelled at.
He had especially been drawn from the beginning to Latin and ballroom dancing. As these became the groundwork of his training, they eventually helped to mold his signature flair. He was also inspired by older dancers or mentors he had in his dance school who made him take things seriously especially from a young age.
Gorka Márquez as he got better entered dance competitions across Spain. For him getting those victories in those early contests was never about getting the awards — they helped him in building confidence and in boosting his daily skills.
He Was a Champion Before Strictly Come Dancing
Gorka Márquez was quickly making a name for himself as a competitive dancer, even before Strictly Come Dancing’s Strictly stage. He was no hopeful beginner: He was a champion. He represented Spain in international competitions and won several top titles, convincing the world that his talent was for real.
He danced his way across Europe as a partner of other fine dancers in Latin and ballroom circuits. He grew as a performer through these partnerships and became something of a solid dancer in the dance world. He had a sharp technique, natural rhythm, fiery presence on the dance floor, before TV brought him to your attention.
Gorka Márquez had already been a rising star in the European dance community. Although Strictly may have put him in front of a much larger audience, for those in the know his rise to the top wasn’t a shock at all.
He Almost Didn’t Join Strictly Come Dancing
Gorka Márquez wasn’t always heading for Strictly Come Dancing. And actually, he wasn’t even sure when the opportunity first arose that this was the right move. I’m not one to become famous in front of television cameras from a background where even in training you don’t really get the exposure to being in a serious competition and an arena. Not in front of cameras, though; he’d spent years being known for his moves on the dance floor.
Gorka’s mixed feelings when the offer to join Strictly in 2016 arrived. He wondered if a TV show changed people’s perception of him as a dancer and whether a TV show would let him truly showcase his skills. He was about to walk away and do nothing but something inside of him made him give it a go and thankfully he did. Transitioning from competition to television wasn’t a walk in the park, but he soon adapted and found a new channel to reach people.
In one interview, Gorka Márquez shared, “It was a risk, yes, but one I’m glad I took. I never imagined how much I’d grow not just as a dancer, but as a person on this journey.” His leap of faith turned into one of the most defining moves of his career.
He Trains Harder Than You Think
Gorka Márquez wasn’t kidding with his training routine. Before every Strictly season he devotes himself to long hours of practice – often dancing for ten hours straight a day. And it’s not just about memorizing steps. He concentrates on having stamina, timing and getting a strong connection with his celebrity partner.
At the studio, Gorka Márquez trains outside with the body certainly in great shape with regards to his gym sessions and strength training. To stay mobile, avoid injuries, he mixes in cardio, stretching and mobility work. He also says that nutrition has a big role — he eats balanced meals that give him energy during intense rehearsals.
But Gorka Márquez also trains his mind. He’s not afraid to share that staying mentally focused is as important as physical prep. Keeping a calm head and using visualization techniques before live shows keep him sharp.
Dance Led Him to Love and Family
During the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing he met actress and radio presenter Gemma Atkinson. Although they weren’t bonded throughout the show, you could tell that the chemistry was there. It was behind the scenes that their connection grew, cultivated from shared laughs, mutual respect and a true love for movement.
The two quickly became a couple and are today proud parents to two beautiful children. They were probably introduced through dance, but dance still has a big role in their daily lives.
Gemma and Gorka have inspired many other couples with their presence on TV, whether they’re doing fun routines at home, working out together or sharing light hearted content on social media as too they prove that rhythm and romance do move as one.
