Above: Philip & Kathryn Hurst

Trained by some of the top coaches in the UK and performing on the open competitive dance circuit, Philip became a well-known and established competitor winning his first championship only five months after taking up the sport.

During his competitive career he achieved many accolades in the dancing world as well as being spotted by talent scouts. He had a starring role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita and performed on television alongside West End star Christopher Corcoran, although, there was only one real passion for him and from an early age Philip decided to commit all his time to perfecting his dancing knowledge.

After competing in the UK and around the world on the open competitive circuit for 12 uninterrupted years he decided to turn his passion to teaching.

He teamed up with his partner Kathryn to form Hurstdance.co.uk and Palace Dance Studios and, since then, they have never looked back.

Philip and Kathryn are fully qualified Dance teachers and members of the International Dance Teachers Association, Allied Dance Teachers Association and United Kingdom Alliance, as well as being elected members of the Guild of Professional Teachers of Dance and the Dramatic Arts, and being established teachers of several nationwide champions and stars of the musical theatre.

Philip & Kathryn Hurst have over 30 years of dance experience having also competed internationally. They have worked with many Strictly stars and appeared on Strictly - It Takes Two. As well as teaching Philip is also an experienced adjudicator, lecturer and choreographer.