About Michael Burton
Origin: Perth, Australia.
I started dancing at the early age of 6 at Shirley Bickley’s Dance School before moving onto Humphries Dance Studio in Perth. I have been competing from a young age throughout Australia as an Amateur in all major events. I also had the honour to represent Australia in the Australasian Championships.
My Amateur Ballroom titles in Australia include 2 times winner of the Night of Stars Amateur Modern, State Championships & winner of The Worlds Greatest Dance Spectacular, City Of Perth Dancesport Champion and West Coast Classics Champion, and Finals in events like the South Pacific Championships, State Championships and 2nd in the West Australian Open Dancesport Championships & Finalist at the ADS Australian Championships as a Junior & as an Amateur.
I also danced in the TV programme “That’s Dancing” where I finished 2nd.
I moved to London to further my Dancing Career, concentrating on Ballroom to gain more knowledge & have been able to work with top Professionals such as Anthony Hurley, Andrew Sinkinson, Richard and Janet Gleave, Anne Gleave, Stephen Hannah, Sarah Francis, Bill and Bobby Irvine, Kenny and Marion Welsh, Marcus and Karen Hilton and many more. I have competed in all major Amateur competitions throughout the World.
Some International results as an Amateur include:
- Herts Ball – finished top 24.
- International Championships – finished top 30 & 48 respectively.
- London Championships – semi final.
- UK Rising Star – finished top 24.
- Bourgas Cup Bulgaria – 1st place.
- Imperial Championships – 9th place.
- Blackpool – finished top 48.
- Ranking Competitions Finland – 3rd place.
- Iceland Open – 3rd place.
I also got involved in the promotional video for the extremely successful stage production, ‘Burn the Floor’ which was filmed at Pinewood Studios in London.
In 1999 I teamed up with Martina in London and we have been competing as Professionals ever since. We were incredibly lucky so far and travelled the world in order to compete, teach & do show dance demonstrations. We have performed in Europe, Asia, America and Australia.
For references in regards to our achievements as a couple please see the Couple Profile.
I also completed my teaching exams in Ballroom till Fellowship Level.
Currently I am living, dancing and working in London with my wife Martina.
