Oti Mabuse shows her appreciation for the dancers and choreographers who have transformed the dancing world. In today’s episode, she is joined by choreographer, presenter (and also big sister) Motsi Mabuse. Motsi developed a successful professional career including winning the German Championship before moving to become a judge on Let's Dance in Germany and Strictly Come Dancing in the UK. Motsi has worked with various dancers and choreographers in her career, but she says the person who has had the greatest influence on her is Olga Muller. Olga is a former World Latin Champion who was celebrated during the 1990s as one of the figureheads of competitive German dance. Motsi and Oti, who were both trained by Olga, go down a personal memory lane as they reminisce about their time under her tutelage in the dance studio. The dance adjudicator Colin James helps to tell the story of Olga’s life and career, and Oti is joined in the studio by her husband, the dancer Marius Iepure, to learn a routine inspired by this dancing legend. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse continues her journey celebrating the incredible dancers and choreographers who have made a huge influence on the world of dance. In this episode, Oti sits down with ballet dancer and choreographer Wayne Sleep OBE. Wayne has danced professionally for over 50 years and starred in productions including Cats and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Wayne cites the Oscar and Tony award winning choreographer and director Jerome Robbins as his dancing legend. Jerome Robbins was one of the most accomplished choreographers of the 20th century and his vision led to the creation of the highly celebrated musical West Side Story. His work can be seen in the worlds of theatre, movies and television, and Wayne and Oti together explore the career of this renowned figure with the expert help of writer, Wendy Lesser. Oti then heads to the dance studio to be taught a routine inspired by Robbins, with dance teacher James Bennett showing her the ropes. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse shows her appreciation for the dancers and choreographers who have transformed the dancing world. In today’s episode, Oti sits down with Beth Honan. Beth has worked with music artists including JLS and Girls Aloud and is Choreographer on Strictly Come Dancing. In the course of her career, she has been Creative Director on The X Factor and has produced large scale concerts at the 02 Arena and Wembley Stadium. Beth talks about her career and then introduces us to the dancer who has consistently inspired her over the years - Janet Jackson. This Grammy Award-winning artist has sold over 100 million records, has performed on stages around the world and has been inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Janet Jackson’s performing life began when she was a young child with her famous family. To tell the story, we're joined by the writer David Ritz, who co-wrote the book True You with Janet. Oti delves further into the movement of Janet Jackson and is joined in the dance studio by Alisha Thompson to learn a dance routine inspired by this singing and dancing powerhouse. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse pays homage to the dancers and choreographers who have revolutionised the dancing world. In today’s episode, the choreographer and creative director, Jason Gilkison, reminisces about key moments in his dancing career and celebrates a legendary dancer who inspired him. Jason is the director of the hit dance stage show Burn The Floor and is creative director on Strictly Come Dancing. He has found inspiration in many places when devising routines, but there’s one dancer he urges everyone to watch - the Hollywood legend Cyd Charisse. Cyd Charisse is known as one of the greatest Hollywood dancers of her time and has scene-stealing roles in Singing In The Rain and Silk Stockings. She danced alongside other legendary dancers including Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and was nominated for a Golden Globe award. She has also been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jason and Oti explore the career of this dazzling dancer with archive clips and the expert help of entertainment historian, John Kenrick. Oti then heads to the dance studio to learn a dance routine inspired by Cyd Charisse. Ballet dancer Mlindi Kulashe puts Oti through her paces. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse reflects on the dancers and choreographers who have transformed the dancing landscape. In today’s episode, Patti Boulaye OBE sits down with Oti to reflect on her 50 year career and pay homage to a legendary figure from the world of dance. Patti shot to fame on the TV talent show New Faces and her stage credits include the musicals Carmen Jones and Jesus Christ Superstar. Patti has worked with a variety of choreographers - but she says the one who has inspired her the most is Dougie Squires OBE. Dougie Squires formed and choreographed the singing and dancing group The Young Generation, which performed on some of the biggest TV shows of the 1960s and 70s. Dougie’s own career spans seven decades and he is still working with dancers today. Patti and Oti explore the wok of this acclaimed choreographer with archive clips and the expert help of dancer and presenter, Rosemarie Ford. And then Oti heads to the dance studio to learn a dance routine inspired by Dougie Squires. She’s joined by Antony Johns who has worked with Dougie for over forty years. Antony tries to mould Oti into becoming an honorary Generation Dancer. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse explores the dancers and choreographers who have made an impact on the world of dance. In today’s episode, the Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams joins Oti to look back on her career and nominate her dancing legend. Michelle has toured in arenas around the world performing to millions of fans, and has appeared on stage on Broadway and in the West End. She’s been inspired by the pioneering work of the Nicholas Brothers and celebrates their legacy with Oti. The tap dancing duo performed astounding dance routines on screen which are still entertaining audiences more than seventy years later. Their acrobatic performance in the 1943 movie Stormy Weather clearly showed their brilliance, and Michelle and Oti explore their career with archive clips and the expert help of author Constance Valis Hill. Oti is joined in the dance studio by tap dancer Junior Laniyan as she learns a dance routine inspired by the style of the Nicholas Brothers. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse continues her celebration of the dancers and choreographers who have made an impact on the world of dance. In today’s episode, the actor and singer Todrick Hall joins Oti to reminisce on his career and nominate his dancing legend. Todrick has starred in stage shows including Kinky Boots and Chicago. He has performed around the world with his own tours and his TV appearances include RuPaul's Drag Race and The X Factor. Todrick champions the life and work of Debbie Allen. Debbie Allen has a career which spans more than four decades and the talented choreographer has starred in roles on stage and screen which have captivated audiences around the world. The Emmy award winning actress is best known as Lydia Grant in the TV series Fame and she has been at the helm of major TV shows as an Executive Producer as well as establishing her dance academy for the next generation of dancers. Todrick and Oti explore her multifaceted career with archive clips and the expert help of dance scholar Dr Takiyah Nur Amin. Oti also heads to the dance studio to learn a dance routine inspired by the style of Debbie Allen with the help of dancer Jazmine JT. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Professional dancer Oti Mabuse returns for a second series of Oti Mabuse’s Dancing Legends and looks at the performers and choreographers who have made a huge impact on the world of dance. In this episode, actress and entertainer Ruthie Henshall joins Oti to talk about her own career and to nominate her dancing legend. Ruthie is an Olivier award winner whose long and varied career has included stage roles in Chicago, Miss Saigon and Cats. And the person she champions as her inspiration is the director and choreographer, Bob Fosse. Fosse, who won an Oscar, Tony and Emmy award in the same year, created a body of work which is still celebrated decades after his death. Ruthie and Oti explore his dazzling career with archive clips and the expert help of author, Sam Wasson. And then Oti heads to the dance studio to learn a dance routine inspired by the style of Bob Fosse with the help of dancer Jazmine JT. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse returns for a new series celebrating the legendary dancers and choreographers who have changed the world of dance. Across the series, Oti meets acclaimed performers from the stage and screen, including actress Ruthie Hensall, Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams and ballet dancer Wayne Sleep. Oti asks her guests to nominate the dancer or choreographer who inspired them and shaped their dancing careers. The legends we celebrate in this series range from the man who created his unique signature jazz style, Bob Fosse, to the versatile dancer who incorporated styles from around the world in her movement, Debbie Allen. Oti Mabuse’s Dancing Legends shines a spotlight on the phenomenal dancers who revolutionised the dancing world and changed the way audiences were entertained forever. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse, twice winner of Strictly Come Dancing, continues her journey looking at the dancers and choreographers who have made a huge impact on dance. In this episode, actress and entertainer Bonnie Langford joins Oti to talk about her career and who she’s been inspired by. Bonnie has had a long and varied fifty year career which has included stage roles in productions of Guys and Dolls and Chicago. And Bonnie wants to champion the Emmy and Bafta nominated performer Gwen Verdon as being a huge inspiration on her career. Verdon was the winner of four Tony Awards and she originated the role of Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago. Bonnie and Oti explore the life and spectacular career of this show stopping dancer with archive clips and the expert help of film historian John Kenrick. Oti also goes to the dance studio to learn a dance routine in the style of Gwen Verdon with teacher Sophie Hirst from Dakoda's Dance Academy. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Dancer, actor and presenter Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss joins Oti Mabuse to talk about his career and his dancing influences. tWitch came to prominence competing on the So You Think You Can Dance show before later becoming the resident DJ on The Ellen Show. He tells Oti about his love for street dance and he recognises that this love came from watching street dance crew The Lockers perform. The Lockers appeared on American primetime TV shows including Saturday Night Live and they gained worldwide fame with their locking moves. tWitch and Oti explore the groundbreaking career of this dance group with archive clips as well as expert contribution from DJ Renegade. Oti also puts on her trainers to go to the dance studio to learn some street dance moves in the style of The Lockers. Stefan Puxon of Dakoda's Dance Academy joins her and teaches a routine to put her through her paces. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Oti Mabuse, twice winner of Strictly Come Dancing, continues her journey looking at the dancers and choreographers who have made a huge impact on dance. In this episode, Oti meets her own personal dancing inspiration, ballet dancer Kitty Phetla. Kitty is a highly acclaimed dancer and choreographer and famously performed The Dying Swan routine in front of Nelson Mandela. For Kitty, it was the South African choreographer Martin Schonberg who has been her inspiration and dancing legend. Schonberg joined the esteemed Royal Ballet of Flanders company and then later founded the company Ballet Theatre Afrikan. Iain MacDonald of the Joburg Ballet company helps to tell Schonberg’s story, and Oti tries out ballet moves in the dance studio with teacher Reena Bhattacharjee. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Professional dancer and twice winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Oti Mabuse, continues her journey looking at the dancers and choreographers who have made a huge impact on dance. In this episode, Oti sits down with Strictly Come Dancing alumnus Vincent Simone. Vincent co-created the Olivier nominated show Midnight to Tango and with his dance partner Flavia Cacace, won the UK Argentine Tango Championships in 2006. Vincent loves Argentine Tango and he credits the legendary Maria Nieves as being his inspiration. Nieves helped to bring tango to audiences around the world and made the dance visible when it was banned by the authorities. Author Christine Denniston helps to tell the story of this talented dancer, with archive clips and music. Oti also wants to learn the dancing style of Nieves, and she joins Tango dancers Leandro Palou and Maria TsiaTsiani in the dance studio. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Morgan Bullock became popular overnight when her video doing Irish dancing to hip hop music gained fans around the world. Morgan sits down with Oti Mabuse to talk about her love of dancing and the dancers she enjoyed watching as a young girl. And the one who stands out for her is Michael Flatley. Flatley is credited with reinventing Irish dancing and his shows have played to more than 60 million people worldwide. Morgan and Oti explore the life and monumental career of the Irish dancer with archive clips and expert knowledge from Dr Orfhlaith Ni Bhriain. Oti has never put on Irish dance plimsolls before, but now she has a go with the aim of learning some steps in the style of Michael Flatley. Irish dancer Ziggy Gaca joins her in studio to demonstrate how it's done. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Actor and dancer Matthew Morrison joins Oti Mabuse to talk about his dancing inspiration. Matthew starred in the Broadway production of Hairspray but he is best known for his role in the global hit TV show Glee. Matthew sang and danced in a variety of songs on the screen, just like his dancing inspiration who also sang, danced and acted on screen years before him – Gene Kelly. Gene Kelly has been championed as an innovator and he starred in some the biggest Hollywood movies of the 1940s and 1950s. With archive clips and the help of film historian John Kenrick, we delve into the illustrious career of this iconic performer. Oti goes into the dance studio to encapsulate the dancing style of Gene Kelly and dance teacher Claire Miller puts her through her paces. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Swing dancer and choreographer Ryan Francois joins Oti Mabuse to talk about his career and dancing inspiration. Ryan created the dance routine The Jitterbug Stroll, popular with Lindy Hop dancers. He also worked as a specialist Charleston choreographer on the Strictly Come Dancing show. For Ryan, when he looks at Charleston and Jazz , there is only one name who epitomises what the dance genre is all about- Josephine Baker. Baker became a cultural icon in France during the 1920s and 1930s and had headline shows across Europe. Her impact is still felt nearly fifty years after her death, and her style is recognised by modern entertainers. Ryan and Oti delve into the life of this dancing legend with archive clips and the expert help of author Sherry Jones. Oti also joins choreographer Jenny Thomas in the dance studio to have a go at Charleston dancing in the style of Josephine Baker. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Choreographer, theatre director and presenter Arlene Phillips joins Oti Mabuse to talk about her career highlights and her dancing inspiration. Arlene founded the popular dance troupe Hot Gossip, and she choreographed music videos for artists including Whitney Houston and Duran Duran. Her career has spanned more than fifty years, but Arlene pays homage to a choreographer she was inspired by right at the beginning of her work – Alvin Ailey. Ailey’s production Revelations has been performed all over the world and has been seen by millions. His dance company, founded more than sixty years ago, is still running today. Arlene and Oti explore Ailey’s life and remarkable career with the help of archive clips and expert knowledge from professor and author Thomas F DeFrantz. Oti wants to connect to the dancing legend Alvin Ailey further, and she joins dancer Jazmine JT in the dance studio to learn about Ailey’s modern contemporary style. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producers: Emily Knight and Candace Wilson Production Team: Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Professional dancer and twice winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Oti Mabuse, continues her journey into the dancers and choreographers who have made a huge impact on dance. In this episode, Oti sits down with one of the most recognisable faces of modern ballet – Misty Copeland. Misty became the first African American female Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre company. She reflects on her inspiration, Raven Wilkinson, who danced fifty years before her during the time of the civil rights movement in America. Raven was a member of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo company and routinely danced the waltz solo in Les Sylphides. Misty and Oti explore Raven’s extraordinary story with archive clips and expert help from Dr Nya McCarthy Brown, Assistant Professor of Dance Pedagogy at Ohio State University. Oti wants to capture Raven’s dancing style for herself, so she puts on ballet shoes and meets teacher Reena Bhattacharjee for a ballet tutorial. Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producers: Emily Knight and Candace Wilson Production Team: Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

In a brand new series, professional dancer, choreographer and twice winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Oti Mabuse, explores the extraordinary people who have come before her and changed the course of dance. In the first episode, Oti sits down with the world famous choreographer, Sir Matthew Bourne, to talk about the dancer who has been his inspiration. For Matthew, that person is the ballroom dancing legend, Fred Astaire. Astaire’s career spanned more than 75 years and he is considered to be one of the greatest dancers in film history. Sir Matthew and Oti explore this amazing story with archive clips of Fred Astaire in action and expert help from film historian, John Kenrick. And although Oti isn't trained in tap, she wants to give it a go. So she slips on some tap shoes and meets her teacher, Claire Miller, for a dance tutorial. Producer: Candace Wilson Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

In each episode, Oti catches up with a big star from the world of dance. From ballet sensation Misty Copeland, to award-winning choreographer Matthew Bourne, and from Oti’s own heroes, like the South African dancer Kitty Phetla, to her Strictly buddies like Arlene Phillips and Ryan Francois. Along the way, Oti finds out about her guest’s heroes – the dancers who inspired them, fired them up, and made them who they are today. From Josephine Baker, the quick-stepping queen of Charleston, to Michael Flatley, the man who re-invented Irish Traditional Dancing for a modern audience. People who’ve dared to dance in a new way, breaking moulds and tearing up the rule books. From ballet to tap, from Argentinian Tango to Charleston to Hip Hop, these are stories of people that will inspire and delight everyone.