Oti Mabuse
Oti Mabuse – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Discover the inspiring story of Oti Mabuse — South African dancer, two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion, judge, author, and cultural figure. Learn about her early life, achievements, philosophy, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Otlile “Oti” Mabuse (born August 8, 1990) is a South African professional ballroom and Latin dancer, choreographer, television personality, and author. Known internationally for her success on Strictly Come Dancing (UK) and Let’s Dance (Germany), Mabuse has expanded her work into judging, television, and creative projects. With her blend of technical mastery, personal authenticity, and advocacy, she has become a role model for dancers and fans around the world.
Early Life and Family
Oti Mabuse was born in Pretoria, South Africa on August 8, 1990. Motsi Mabuse, is also a professional dancer and judge.
Tragically, Oti’s older brother died by suicide at age 18 when she was very young—a loss that deeply affected her family.
As a child, she began dancing at around age 4.
Academically, Mabuse studied civil engineering at Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa before fully committing to a professional dance career.
Youth & Development in Dance
From those early years, Oti Mabuse immersed herself in competitive dance. Back in South Africa, she became an eight-time South African Latin American Champion.
Seeking greater opportunities, she relocated to Germany to further her dance career. Let’s Dance (the German counterpart to Strictly), and eventually made the move to the UK entertainment scene.
Her early years in Europe helped her gain exposure, sharpen technique, and build networks in professional dance circuits.
Career & Achievements
Rise on Strictly Come Dancing & Competition Success
Oti Mabuse joined Strictly Come Dancing (UK) in 2015 as a professional dancer.
Her major victories came in 2019, paired with actor Kelvin Fletcher, and in 2020, paired with comedian Bill Bailey. Strictly and remains a fan favorite.
After 2021, she announced that she intended to step away from competing on Strictly.
Roles Beyond Dancing: Judge, TV Personality & Author
Once she transitioned away from performance roles on Strictly, Mabuse continued to broaden her presence in television:
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She served as a dance captain on The Greatest Dancer.
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Between 2021 and 2022, she was a panellist on The Masked Dancer.
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In late 2021 she joined the judging panel of Dancing on Ice (UK) and continued in that role from 2022 onward.
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She has also appeared as a host, presenter, and in assorted television shows beyond dance competition.
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As an author, Oti released Dance with Oti, a children’s book (2021), and Dance with Oti: The Lion Samba (2022).
In 2025, she is set to join the judging panel of the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars.
Personal Life & Recent Developments
Oti Mabuse married Marius Iepure, a Romanian dancer, in 2014.
In December 2023, Oti and Marius welcomed their first child, a daughter, born prematurely and requiring medical care early on.
In 2025, she also became a British citizen, a milestone she marked alongside work on her upcoming dance tour Viva Carnival.
Historical & Cultural Context
Oti Mabuse’s story is situated in several interconnected contexts:
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Representation in dance and media: As a Black African female in predominantly white, Eurocentric spheres of ballroom dance and televised competitions, she has often confronted and challenged stereotypes, body standards, and cultural expectations.
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Globalizing dance culture: Her move from South Africa to Europe and her participation in shows across countries reflects how dance (especially ballroom/Latin) has become truly global.
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Mental health, grief & resilience: Her personal journey—navigating family tragedy, identity, motherhood, and industry pressures—illustrates how performing artists must manage inner life as much as external excellence.
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Evolving roles in entertainment: Oti’s shift from performer to judge, author, presenter, and creative entrepreneur exemplifies how modern artists often wear many hats.
Legacy & Influence
Though still relatively young, Oti Mabuse’s influence is growing in multiple dimensions:
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Inspiration for aspiring dancers: Her technical skill, expressive artistry, and personal transparency make her a role model—especially for dancers from underrepresented backgrounds.
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Breaking barriers: She has helped expand the visibility of African and Black dancers on prime-time TV, redefining who can inhabit ballroom stages.
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Artistic voice: Through her books, tours, television work, and public advocacy, she is creating a lasting brand beyond performance.
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Cultural bridge: Mabuse connects South African roots, European dance tradition, and global media influence—offering a hybrid model for dancers crossing geographies.
Over time, her legacy will likely be as much about courage, authenticity, and expansion of dance culture as about competitive wins.
Personality & Talents
Oti Mabuse is known not only for her extraordinary dance technique but also for:
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Confidence & leadership: Her role as a judge and mentor reflect her comfort with guiding and evaluating others.
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Emotional openness: She often speaks candidly about struggles, vulnerabilities, body image, motherhood, and self-acceptance.
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Resilience: From personal loss to industry pressure, she has demonstrated persistence and self-renewal.
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Creativity: Her artistry blends technical discipline with expressive storytelling—whether in choreography, performing, or watching her dance.
She combines charisma, discipline, empathy, and integrity in a way that resonates with broad audiences beyond just dance fans.
Famous Quotes of Oti Mabuse
Here are several notable quotes from Oti Mabuse that reflect her mindset, philosophy, and values:
“The most important thing any person can focus on, whether in a first audition or a first job, is to be the best you can be. The rest will take care of itself.”
“I don’t do anything I’m not going to enjoy.”
“My first passion was to create for young girls the idea that you have to be brave and courageous, it’s not easy taking big steps and saying, ‘I’m going to be a professional dancer’.”
“When you are different, that can lead to judges not marking you right because they think you look ‘odd’ — and that’s in any competition.”
“I’m determined to not let my skin colour or the fact that I come from Africa be a hindrance.”
“My family plays a big part in my role as a dancer and my sister was my first trainer. She’s still my role model and inspiration until this day. She was my first trainer, she taught me my first steps.”
“With TV presenting, I speak a lot anyway!”
“I couldn’t ask for anything else. I am super, super happy.”
These sayings reveal Oti Mabuse’s orientation toward authenticity, perseverance, social awareness, and gratitude.
Lessons from Oti Mabuse
From Oti Mabuse’s life and career, we can draw several meaningful lessons:
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Embrace your origins, but don’t be confined by them.
Oti draws strength from her South African roots while thriving on international stages. -
Resilience in adversity is transformative.
Confronting grief, industry pressure, body image issues, and motherhood, she continues to evolve. -
Authenticity matters.
Being honest about struggle, identity, and self-worth allows her to resonate and lead with integrity. -
Diversify your roles.
Performance need not be the only path—judging, teaching, writing, entrepreneurship all expand impact. -
Be a bridge.
Oti’s presence is meaningful not just for her achievements, but for who sees themselves in her journey—especially dancers from underrepresented communities.
Conclusion
Oti Mabuse’s journey is a vivid example of how skill, courage, and heart can transform the life of a dancer into a broader canvas of influence and legacy. From a child in Pretoria to a global dance icon, she continues to push boundaries, speak truths, mentor others, and create. Her story is not just about steps and routines, but about identity, healing, reinvention—and the power of dance to uplift, connect, and heal.