A ballroom dancer with Down syndrome wowed judges and viewers alike with his performance on “Britain’s Got Talent.”
Nathan appeared with his dance teacher, Joanne, after singer and judge Alesha Dixon visited their studio and invited them to audition. And from the very beginning, Nathan charmed everyone, showing off his “cheeky” personality as he spun around and told judge Bruno Tonioli he would be dancing the cha cha cha “for you, my darling!”
The pair also appeared on This Morning, where Joanne gave more information about their partnership.
“Nathan and I met in around 2019 at the dance school I teach at; we compete in competitions across the UK,” she said. “We competed at Blackpool at the winter garden. You always hope and have wonderful dreams and I know how wonderful Nathan is to work and dance with. All the lovely comments and how much we enjoy it has been a dream come true. I think I’ve got a second family. [W]e’ve sort of twinned, haven’t we? Nathan’s parents are so supportive of his dancing.”
During their audition, they danced to Shakira’s “Try Everything,” with the crowd clapping and cheering along. Afterwards, they got a standing ovation, causing Nathan to fall to his knees in awe. “We do get good dancers who are very boring on this show,” judge Simon Cowell said. “But both of you have got such amazing personalities. You were brilliant. Everything about this audition I love.”
Nathan has got me bawling #BGT2023
— laura? (@Flobo_Baggins8) April 16, 2023
Nathan is brilliant ? #BGT2023
— shona donaldson (@shonadon) April 16, 2023
Nathan the dancer is FIERCE and I’m so here for it ?? #BritainsGotTalent #BGT #BGT2023
— Ella (@Damerella) April 16, 2023
I’m sure the whole of the UK has just fallen in love with Nathan off BGT ? #BGT2023
— SANTA CLARA 7/29 (@exiIemidnights) April 16, 2023
Nathan has just shown the nation that we should focus on ability not disability #BGT2023
— cameron wood (@cameron_woodHFD) April 16, 2023
Afterwards, they got four “yes” votes from the judges, meaning the pair will go through to the next round of competition. On Twitter, the response was also overwhelmingly positive, as viewers cheered on Nathan and Joanne for their joyful, uplifting dance.
Nathan’s mother said the audition proves how people with disabilities are capable of amazing accomplishments, just like their able-bodied peers. “We’re so proud,” she said. “Children similar to Nathan are given the impression they are incapable. Our son proves otherwise.”
