Dancer With Down Syndrome Receives Standing Ovation From ‘BGT’ Judges

Jun 06, 2023

Talent shows are a great place for people to show off their best and brightest skills, whether it be singing, dancing, performing a magic trick or doing a cool stunt. With shows like “America’s Got Talent” and “Britain’s Got Talent,” more people have been able to witness folks with incredible gifts and see all of their hard work and dedication finally pay off when they reach that beloved audition stage.

One dancer won over the hearts of everyone in the audience and all of the judges on the “Britain’s Got Talent” judging panel with his effortless dancing abilities. Nathan Pike and his partner Joanne Banham blew everyone away with their cha-cha-cha performance in April 2023.

Pike, 24, was born with Down syndrome and had never danced until he performed at a charity event at his school about a decade before his “BGT” audition. From that point on, Pike knew that dancing was his true passion, and he embarked on learning as much as possible about ballroom and Latin dancing. Finally, he met dance instructor Joanne Banham, and together, they elevated Pike’s skills.

Eventually, Banham decided the pair should audition for “BGT” and kept it a secret from Pike. Judge Alesha Dixon surprised Pike at a rehearsal and personally invited him and Banham to audition for the talent show. The other judges include Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Bruno Tonioli.

Since then, the dancing duo has gone on to win over the hearts of the judges as well as viewers from across the world with their heartfelt dance routines.

When Pike and Banham stepped onto the “BGT” audition stage, they made everyone smile. It was clear that Pike had a great enthusiasm for dance, and his personality was cheerful and cheeky. After reconnecting with Dixon, the pair put on a show of a lifetime with their audition to Shakira’s song “Try Everything.”

It was clear that Pike and Banham were incredibly talented, and Pike’s perfected moves and beaming smile instantly made him even more lovable. It’s safe to say that the crowd agreed as they cheered loudly for the pair, and the duo also received a standing ovation from Cowell, Holden, Tonioli and Dixon.

The description of the YouTube video of Pike’s audition read, “Nathan and Joanne made Alesha (and themselves) very proud with a sizzling performance of Nathan's favourite dance, the cha-cha-cha!” The pair advanced forward in the competition before ultimately being eliminated in the semi-finals.

Pike’s mom, Fiona, raved about her son’s attitude toward life. “He never complains,” she said. “All the things he’s had to deal with in his life, he’s just happy with what he’s given and what he gets.” Fiona added:

“He’s always been very pleased and grateful with his lot, he doesn’t expect the world and he’s just happy with what we provide. He’s always very kind, very considerate, he’s polite to people. We’re very proud of him; we think we’ve brought up a very fine young man.”

Banham also talked about how much she appreciated Pike’s passion for dancing. “Dancing with Nathan is my biggest joy, I just burst with pride every time we take to the stage,” she said. She added, “His fearlessness on stage is just infectious.”

Although Pike didn’t win “BGT,” there’s no telling what bright adventures await him!

What did you think about Nathan Pike and his dance partner’s routine? Did you find this story inspiring? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your family and friends.