He was Lead Choreographer and Consulting Producer for Dancing on Wheels. This groundbreaking show premiered on BBC3 in February 2010 and was produced by Fever Media. Dancing on Wheels pairs disabled and able-bodied contestants as they learn the art of Ballroom and Latin DanceSport. The show had the highest premiere ratings for a documentary in BBC history.
In 2008, Brian was invited to join the cast, where he competed with M People’s Heather Small and finished a respectable 8th. Series 7 in 2009 saw Brian partnered with former Hollyoaks and The Bill actress, Ali Bastian. The pair placed danced their way to the semi-finals and earned a perfect score for their American Smooth and Viennese Waltz; the highest score for a Viennese Waltz in Strictly history. Affectionately known as ‘Strictly,’ it is the original dance program that inspired the successful worldwide Dancing with the Stars franchise.
Brian competed on Dancing with the Stars during its 4th season; partnering former Miss USA, Shandi Finnessey. His television success allowed him to dance as a principal dancer in the next two national Dancing with the Stars tours. Brian did double duty on the tour and was chosen to also host the third DWTS tour in front of sold out audiences of 15,000 people per night. His hosting talents captured the attention of ABC who chose Brian as series co-host with his Dancing with the Stars partner Shandi for ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars…Online Encore.”
Brian is a visible and sought after instructor and performer nationwide. Brian’s other credits include National Ballroom and Latin Ten Dance finalist; choreographer and coach for the award winning salsa team, Ritmo Latino; performer with the musical sensation, “The Tramps;” champion of the North American Amateur Latin Championships in 2003; and a top pro-am teacher. Brian also excels in Wheelchair Ballroom and Latin DanceSport and is very proud to be a teacher and performer for the United States Wheelchair Dancing Association, founded by his mother, Sandra Fortuna. In 2004 he choreographed a very successful commercial for the Bank of Madrid in Spain, which showcased wheelchair dancing.
You may have seen Brian as the featured dancer in the Oscar award winning film, “The Aviator,” with Leonardo DiCaprio; TV series “South Beach” with Vanessa Williams; and his starring role in the Canadian documentary, “Live to Dance.”
