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Who is Bruno Tonioli? Italian choreographer is back for Season 30 of 'DWTS'

Stay tuned as the 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Bruno Tonioli waltzes his way into American hearts in Season 30 of 'Dancing With The Stars'

An Italian choreographer, TV personality, ballroom and Latin dancer, Bruno Tonioli has appeared as a judge on the British television dance competition called 'Strictly Come Dancing' and, the American adaptation of the show, 'Dancing with the Stars'. He has also co-created and appeared on the BBC talent show 'DanceX' and its American adaptation, 'Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann' as well. Tonioli is said to be starring in the 30th season of 'Dancing with the Stars' this fall.

'Rolling Stone' magazine commented that Tonioli had "won America's heart with his gay-Italian-maniac steez", in 2009. Seven years later, in 2016, Tonioli lent his name to an album, released by 'Decca' entitled 'An Italian Romance'. This was a compilation of Italian songs by various artists selected just by Tonioli.

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Career

Tonioli was the choreographer for the band Arcadia's music video for their song 'Election Day', which was noted in a 1980s documentary entitled 'The Making of Election Day'. He also choreographed Ella Enchanted's 'Minnie Driver'. His style of commentary is picturesquely descriptive. During his time with the US 'Dancing With the Stars', Tonioli called 'Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan' "a little lynx on the prowl" and, labelled singer and actor 'Billy Ray Cyrus' as "a crazy bear lost in a swamp", to cite a few examples. The TV star earns between a whopping 200,000 to 249,000 USD as a BBC contributor.

Personal life

Bruno is fluent in several languages — Italian, English, Portuguese, Spanish, and, French. Since the year 1975, he has lived in London. He is proficient in Latin dances and ballet. As far as his personal life is concerned, Bruno identifies as a gay man and has been dating Jason Schanne since 2000. He has also opened up about how he was bullied from a young age for his sexuality, especially since he came from an orthodox, Catholic family. Bruno and Jason had a "commitment ceremony" which took place after the 14th season of 'Dancing with the Stars'.

'Dancing With the Stars' Season 30 will begin on Monday, September 20, at 8 pm ET on ABC. Hoping that ABC sticks to its normal fall schedule, the show will continue to air new episodes on all Monday nights, throughout the fall season and finish up sometime towards the end of November.