Quotes from Bruno Tonioli

When I visit a country, I like to experience local food.

Before a long-haul flight, buy yourself a cheap, big, comfortable pillow. It makes a huge difference.

It's horrible how money and fame can make you acceptable while, if you're not famous or rich, you're not acceptable.

I love to cook.

I'm not romantic at all. I'm a moaner. I should be on Grumpy Old Men. I'm terrible.

I started dancing before I could talk. Other babies learn to stand and then walk - I just danced.

I eat well, but I don't believe in diets.

When people feel threatened by you, they find something that is belittling.

I'm with people all the time so I often go away on my own.

I just like to take my time, have a cup of tea and read the paper. I don't like starting the day in a panic.

A good show makes me happy. It's a great sensation. If you could capture a great atmosphere and do it every time, that would be amazing.

I look after myself. I train and go to the gym.

I'm a sucker for turquoise sea, white beaches and palm trees. I've been to the tropics every year since I could afford it. It's the perfect place to unwind. I can chill out, read, do a bit of yoga.

I always sleep on my own. I can't sleep with somebody else. Always separate bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. I'm very individual and I want my own space.

I've been in love with the cinema since childhood and it's a fantasy of mine to appear in a Hollywood movie.

I love reading. I'm very much into history, novels, biographies and I have a wide range of thrillers.

I think school is so important. I was good student. A rebel, but I did well in my studies. I don't close myself to anything. I liked reading and I still love learning. I loved history and German.

When it came to the stylish and graceful art of ballroom dancing, my dad was a king of the clubs, a prowling tiger and a wonderfully natural mover.

Dad was a bus driver, and when he finished work he would repair cars.

It's horrible how money and fame can make you acceptable while, if you're not famous or rich, you're not acceptable.

I love contemporary art, although I wouldn't want a pickled shark in my house.

Mum had a job fitting upholstery into cars, but, in the evenings, she worked as a seamstress.

Once I moved to London I thought it was unbeatable. I work a lot in L.A. and love it, but would never give up London. It's a true world city, with an energy that's unique.

I am down-to-earth and not one of those starry, up-their-own-butt celebrities.