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Aliona Vilani

Aliona began ballroom dancing in Russia at the age of 11. An all rounder, Aliona specialises in Ten Dance (ballroom and latin) as well as salsa, hip hop and jazz. In 2001, Aliona was selected by the National Dance Congress to compete against the World Teams for the US and, in 2008, became part of the Dancing With The Stars'’ tour in the United States. Aliona is a born teacher, and has been instructing for many years: "There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than taking an untrained artist and watching them blossom under my wing."

Erin Boag

Kiwi Erin is a strong competitor and specialises in ballroom. Erin's professional partner is fellow Strictly dancer, Anton du Beke. The pair have been dancing together since 1997, turning professional in 2002. Erin's experience on Strictly is extremely valuable to her: "The show has opened new doors for me and given me opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. It's great to be respected as a dancer outside of the dance industry."

Flavia Cacace

Italian born Flavia took to dancing quickly, finding her first dancing partner at the age of 12. She and her current professional partner and Strictly dancer Vincent Simone have been dancing together for the past 13 years and, since turning professional in 2001, the pair have accumulated an impressive list of titles. As a previous finalist, Flavia is a true competitor and fan of the show.

Katya Virshilas

Born in Lithuania, Katya discovered ballroom dancing when she moved to Vancouver with her family. She competed in and won numerous championships, and became the youngest ever British Columbian Latin Dance Champion at the age of 16. It was in Russia that she first discovered her love of teaching, when she began instructing dance to children and teens. Katya has since trained film stars Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.

Kristina Rihanoff

A dedicated and vivacious dancer, Kristina Rihanoff is passionate about Latin and Ballroom. Siberian-born Kristina took part in her first competition aged seven and went on to become a renowned dance champion in Russia's far Eastern region. This series, Kristina is hoping for a partner who is not afraid to have fun with dance: "Above all I'd like a great character with an open mind – someone who wants to win, but will have fun on the journey."

Natalie Lowe

Australian-born Natalie was encouraged by her neighbours to start ballroom dancing at three years old and was representing her country just five years later. Natalie has swept every prestigious award available to her, maintaining her title of the Australian Professional New Vogue Champion 2005-2009. Natalie has an impressive track record on the show, winning the first series and coming second in three others.

Ola Jordan

Winner of last year's Strictly Come Dancing with partner Chris Hollins, Polish born Ola Jordan began dancing aged 12. Ola then went on to win the Open Polish Championship in 1999, aged 17 and to compete in the World Championships, in which she was placed in the Top 12. Ola's professional partner, and husband, is Strictly professional, James Jordan.