Valentino R. Kabenge to tour 9 cities across the UK with Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse this June

Best known for Dance with Valentino, his Kampala-based dance education and performance platforms, Valentino has long been a pioneer in blending technical discipline with Afrocentric expression. His classes, performances, and choreographic works have shaped Uganda’s emerging Latin and Ballroom culture.

His journey with Oti and Marius Dance Studio began through a shared vision—a passion for dance, encouraging dance for all, and excellence in performance. What started as coaching and mentorship has resulted into joining them on the Viva Carnival tour.
 
Viva Carnival is a touring dance spectacle across 9 major UK cities including Manchester, Blackpool, Birmingham and the grand finale in the West End of London from 12th - 24th of June.
 
The show brings dances from across the world to the stage combining Latin and Ballroom, jazz, afrobeats, and theatrical showdance, featuring Marius Iepure and Strictly Come Dancing’s Flavia Cacace amongst other incredible dancers.
 
With every city Valentino dances in, he isn’t just performing— he is creating history as one of Uganda’s first Latin and ballroom dancers to tour internationally at this scale.
 
“This is more than a stage—it’s a global spotlight,” Valentino says. “And I’m proud to carry Uganda with me.”
 
With the sharpening his technique and expanding his international exposure he intends to develop his role in nurturing the next generation of Ugandan talent upon his return.
 
“I hope to develop and sustain places where the next generation can learn earlier than I was able and travel faster and further in their careers as a result”