Carolyn Smith, born on November 16, 1960, in Glasgow, Scotland, is a highly regarded dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher. She has become a beloved television personality in Italy, best known for her role as the head judge on the popular show Ballando con le stelle. Carolyn’s journey from a young dancer in Scotland to an influential figure in the Italian entertainment industry is a story of talent, dedication, and resilience. This article delves into her life, career, and the challenges she has overcome, providing detailed insights into her rise to fame and her enduring impact on the world of dance.
Early Life and Introduction to Dance
Carolyn Smith’s love for dance began at an early age. Growing up in Glasgow, she started practicing classical ballet when she was just five years old. Her parents encouraged her to explore various physical activities, which led her to pursue not only dance but also athletics and gymnastics. Carolyn’s talent in gymnastics was particularly notable, and she eventually became part of the Scottish national gymnastics team.
However, it was dance that truly captured Carolyn’s heart. As she grew older, she began to combine her diverse athletic skills with dance, eventually becoming an expert in dance sport, a discipline that encompasses a wide range of competitive dance styles. Her passion for Latin American dances, in particular, stood out, and she dedicated herself to mastering the intense rhythms and intricate movements of these dances.
By the time Carolyn was 15 years old, her exceptional talent had already been recognized on a larger stage. She competed in the European Championships and secured a seventh-place finish, an impressive achievement for someone so young. Throughout her teenage years, Carolyn continued to participate in numerous dance competitions at both the national and international levels, including the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, which further solidified her reputation as a formidable dancer.
Career Breakthrough: From Competitor to Choreographer
Carolyn’s career took a significant turn when she decided to transition from competitive dancing to choreography and teaching. This shift allowed her to combine her passion for dance with her desire to mentor and inspire others. Her deep understanding of dance techniques and her ability to craft innovative choreographies quickly made her a sought-after coach and choreographer in the dance community.
At the age of 22, Carolyn made a life-changing decision to move to Italy. This move was inspired by both personal and professional reasons—she had met and married a fellow dancer from Turin. Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant dance scene, provided Carolyn with the perfect environment to further her career. She began teaching dance and developing choreographies, gradually building a reputation as one of the leading dance instructors in the country.
Founding the Carolyn Smith Dance Academy
In the years following her move to Italy, Carolyn Smith took her career to new heights by founding her own dance school, the Carolyn Smith Dance Academy. Initially based in Vigonza, near Padua, where she had relocated after her second marriage, the academy quickly gained recognition for its high standards of dance education.
The success of the Carolyn Smith Dance Academy was not limited to Italy. Over time, Carolyn expanded her academy’s presence internationally, opening branches in her native Scotland as well as in Russia, Poland, and Ukraine—countries with strong traditions in classical and competitive dance. The academy’s growth was a testament to Carolyn’s vision and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers.
In addition to her work as a dance teacher and choreographer, Carolyn also made a name for herself as a judge at major international dance competitions. Her expertise in Latin American dance styles, coupled with her fair and insightful judging, made her a respected figure on the global dance circuit.
Television Fame: Ballando con le stelle
Carolyn Smith’s widespread fame in Italy can be largely attributed to her role on the popular television show Ballando con le stelle—the Italian version of the British format Strictly Come Dancing. She joined the show as the head judge in 2007, a position she has held ever since.
Ballando con le stelle quickly became a Saturday night staple on Rai Uno, drawing large audiences with its mix of celebrity contestants and professional dance performances. As the head judge, Carolyn brought a wealth of experience and a sharp eye for detail to the show. Her critiques were known for being both constructive and encouraging, and her presence on the panel added an air of authority and professionalism to the program.
Carolyn’s role on Ballando con le stelle made her a household name in Italy. Her popularity on the show even led to her being considered for a judging position on the original British version of the program. However, despite the opportunity to return to her homeland, Carolyn chose to stay in Italy, where she had built a life and a successful career.
Personal Challenges: Battling Cancer
While Carolyn Smith’s career was flourishing, she faced a significant personal challenge in 2015 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rather than shy away from the public eye, Carolyn chose to be open about her diagnosis and treatment, using her platform to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection.
Her battle with cancer was not just a personal struggle but also a public one. Carolyn became a spokesperson for the Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC), lending her voice to numerous awareness campaigns. Her decision to share her journey, including the ups and downs of her treatment, resonated with many people and inspired others who were facing similar battles.
In 2017, during a period of remission, Carolyn published a book titled Ho ballato con uno sconosciuto (“I Danced with a Stranger”), in which she detailed her experiences with cancer. The book was not only a memoir but also a message of hope and resilience, reflecting Carolyn’s strong character and her determination not to let the disease define her.
Despite undergoing treatment, Carolyn remained committed to her role on Ballando con le stelle, continuing to appear on the show even during her illness. Her strength and dedication to her work during this challenging time further endeared her to the public, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in Italian television.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of her professional life, Carolyn Smith leads a fulfilling personal life. After her first marriage ended, she focused on her career before meeting her second husband, Ernestino—whom she affectionately calls Tino. It was for Tino that Carolyn moved to Vigonza, where she eventually established her dance academy.
Carolyn is also a passionate animal lover, with a particular fondness for dogs, especially Yorkshire Terriers. Her love for animals is well-known, and she often shares glimpses of her pets on social media, where she enjoys a strong following.
The Legacy of Carolyn Smith
Carolyn Smith’s impact on the world of dance, particularly in Italy, is profound. Through her work as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and television judge, she has influenced countless dancers and brought the art of dance into the homes of millions. Her contributions to dance education, especially through the Carolyn Smith Dance Academy, have helped to elevate the standards of dance training in Italy and beyond.
Moreover, Carolyn’s openness about her battle with cancer and her involvement in awareness campaigns have made her a role model for many. Her story is one of perseverance, not only in her career but also in her personal life, where she has faced and overcome significant challenges.
As she continues to inspire through her work and her advocacy, Carolyn Smith remains a cherished figure in the dance community and a symbol of strength and grace to her fans. Her journey from a young dancer in Glasgow to a leading figure in the Italian entertainment industry is a testament to her talent, hard work, and indomitable spirit.
Conclusion
Carolyn Smith’s life and career exemplify the power of passion, resilience, and dedication. From her early days as a competitive dancer to her influential role as a television judge and dance educator, Carolyn has consistently pursued excellence in everything she does. Her contributions to dance and her advocacy for cancer awareness have left an indelible mark on both the dance community and the public at large.
As Carolyn continues to inspire through her work on Ballando con le stelle and her ongoing involvement in dance education, her legacy grows ever stronger. She stands as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for all who face challenges, whether in their careers or personal lives.
Carolyn Smith’s story is far from over, and as she continues to dance, teach, and advocate, there is no doubt that she will continue to inspire generations to come.
