Mark Karmalita is a 23-year-old Canadian professional dancer who joined Strictly Come Dancing as a new professional for series 24 in 2026, partnered with skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker. A two-time National Latin Champion in Canada and a former top-ten finisher at the Under 21 Latin Dance Festival in Blackpool, Karmalita arrived on the BBC show as one of five new professionals announced in July 2026, bringing a competitive record built across North America and Europe.
| Full Name | Mark Karmalita |
| Age (as of 2026) | 23 |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 2003 |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Professional dancer |
| Known For | Strictly Come Dancing professional (series 24) |
| Strictly Come Dancing Partner (2026) | Tabby Stoecker |
| Net Worth | Not publicly reported; no verified figure is published here |
Who Is Mark Karmalita?
Mark Karmalita is a Canadian dancer who was announced in July 2026 as one of five new professionals joining Strictly Come Dancing for series 24, alongside Aleksandra Isaeva, Maddie Ingoldsby, Lethabo Monametsi and Cristian Priori. He was partnered with skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker for the 2026 season, covered in our Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Cast hub.
Karmalita’s competitive record made him a natural signing for Strictly. He is a two-time National Latin Champion in Canada and a Canadian Championship winner, a finalist across multiple age group categories, and the Empire Dance US Latin Rising Star Champion. He was also ranked tenth in the world at the Under 21 Latin Dance Festival in Blackpool, one of the most prestigious events in the dance calendar.
Early Life & Background
Mark Karmalita was born on September 18, 2003, in Toronto, Canada. He grew up in the Canadian dance scene, where he rose through the junior and youth ranks to become one of the country’s leading Latin dancers, competing in both national and international events from a young age.
His early competitive career took him to major festivals in the United States and Britain, including Blackpool, where he finished in the world top ten at Under 21 level. That international experience, competing against the best young Latin dancers in the world, gave him the polish and competitive edge that Strictly looks for in its professionals.
Career/Journey
Karmalita’s competitive career was built on consistent success at the highest levels of amateur Latin dance. He won the Canadian National Latin Championship twice and the Canadian Championship, reached finals across multiple age group categories, and won the Empire Dance US Latin Rising Star title in the United States. His tenth-place world ranking at the Under 21 Latin Dance Festival in Blackpool confirmed his standing among the best young Latin dancers anywhere.
The BBC announcement in July 2026 brought him to a much wider audience, as Karmalita joined the Strictly Come Dancing professional company for series 24 alongside fellow newcomers Maddie Ingoldsby, Julian Caillon, Neil Jones and Alexis Warr. Partnered with skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, he faced the classic Strictly challenge of turning a complete dance beginner into a ballroom performer in a matter of weeks.
Karmalita has said that joining Strictly was a dream come true and that he was grateful for the chance to perform in front of millions of viewers each week. With two national titles and a world top-ten ranking behind him, he is one of the most credentialled young Latin dancers to join the show in recent years.
Facts About Mark Karmalita
- He was born in Toronto, Canada, on September 18, 2003.
- He is a two-time National Latin Champion in Canada.
- He won the Empire Dance US Latin Rising Star Championship.
- He was ranked tenth in the world at the Under 21 Latin Dance Festival in Blackpool.
- He joined Strictly Come Dancing as a new professional in July 2026, partnered with Tabby Stoecker.
How old is Mark Karmalita?
Mark Karmalita is 23 years old. He was born on September 18, 2003, in Toronto, Canada.
Who is Mark Karmalita’s Strictly Come Dancing partner in 2026?
Mark Karmalita is partnered with skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker in Strictly Come Dancing series 24 in 2026.
Where is Mark Karmalita from?
Mark Karmalita is from Toronto, Canada.
What dance titles has Mark Karmalita won?
Mark Karmalita is a two-time National Latin Champion in Canada, a Canadian Championship winner and the Empire Dance US Latin Rising Star Champion.
When did Mark Karmalita join Strictly Come Dancing?
Mark Karmalita joined Strictly Come Dancing as a new professional in July 2026, for series 24.
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