Born in Venezuela, Karen Hauer didn’t start dancing until she moved to New York at age 8. There, she trained on scholarship at the prestigious Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance before attending the renowned High School of Performing Arts, often dubbed the “Fame School.” Initially, she specialised in contemporary and ballet, but as a teenager, she discovered ballroom and Latin dance, a discovery that would shape her future career.

Karen Hauer | Early Career

Karen’s talent and drive were quickly recognised and, by 2008, she was crowned World Mambo Champion, followed by the title of Professional American Rhythm Rising Star Champion a year later.

In 2009, she appeared on the US edition of So You Think You Can Dance, reaching the Top 20 alongside her then-husband Matthew Hauer. This exposure led to opportunities in major touring productions, most notably Burn the Floor, where she established herself as a powerful and versatile stage performer.

Karen Hauer | Strictly Come Dancing

Her big break came in 2012 when the BBC invited her to join Strictly Come Dancing. Karen seized the opportunity and became a central figure in the show’s professional cast. 

During her years on Strictly, Karen has danced with various partners, from Westlife’s Nicky Byrne and Hairy Biker Dave Myers to presenter Jeremy Vine and singer Will Young. In 2014, she reached the final with television presenter and fellow Great British Speaker Mark Wright, while her partnership with comedian Chris Ramsey in 2019 carried them through to the semi-finals.

In 2020, she returned to the final with Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, achieving her highest placement to date as runner-up. She has also participated in Strictly specials, including Children in Need, where she and taekwondo Olympian Lutalo Muhammad lifted the glitterball trophy and the Christmas edition with chef Ainsley Harriott.

Karen has been involved in numerous live dance tours, including the ‘Strictly Come Dancing Live! Tour’ several times, either with a celebrity partner or as an additional dancer. She then had a sell-out tour in 2017 with her then-husband Kevin Clifton. 

Karen announced her departure from the show in mid 2026.

Karen Hauer | Away from Strictly

In 2017, she toured theatres with her then-husband, Kevin Clifton, followed by another successful tour the following year. She later collaborated with fellow Strictly professional Gorka Márquez to create Firedance, a stage show blending Latin dance with live music. It premiered in 2020 and returned to sell-out audiences after the pandemic in 2022.

In 2024, she announced her involvement in a new production, Speakeasy, in which she will serve as associate choreographer and associate creative producer, signalling a natural evolution of her career into creative leadership.

Karen Hauer | Health & Fitness

Outside the dance world, Karen has developed a strong presence in the fitness and wellbeing space. In 2019, she launched Hauer Power, a no-equipment online fitness programme that combines elements of dance, Pilates, resistance training and yoga. The platform quickly grew into a wider offering of live and recorded classes, giving her fans and followers access to her training expertise from home.

Her passion for health and wellbeing has also made her a popular ambassador for brands such as Barebells, Reebok, Nestlé, Holland & Barrett and Special K. She has worked with FRE Skincare, Re: Nourish and wellness organisations, and has appeared in high-profile advertising campaigns, including a vibrant television spot for Freemans Bon Prix.

Karen Hauer | Charity

Karen’s influence also extends into charity and advocacy, areas where she has become increasingly active during her career.

She has performed at high-profile galas such as Variety at the Savoy, raising money for disadvantaged children. Supporting grassroots projects, she has used her platform to champion the benefits of dance and physical activity for young people, encouraging confidence, discipline and self-expression through movement.

Animal welfare is another cause close to her heart. Karen has partnered with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on awareness campaigns and, in 2022, fronted a striking campaign for PETA promoting the message “Adopt, don’t shop.”

Her love of fitness has meant she is a good choice for wellness campaigns; she is the face of Sports England’s This Girl Can campaign, a loyal brand ambassador for Re: Nourish, FRE Skincare and Barebells, and has partnered with Reebok, Special K and Battersea Dogs & Cats.

With several dance titles to her name, Karen Hauer has an amazing presence, energy and enthusiasm and is one of the most popular dancers on the current circuit.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Strictly Come Dancing Professional Karen Hauer for your corporate event.

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