Austin Wilks’ journey from a Southend lad to a West End star is nothing short of fabulous. You see, Austin’s heart was never quite set on following his local football team at Southend United.
Instead, he was the kid who brought the family camcorder to life, capturing every gag and dramatic gesture, revelling in school plays, and scripting his own little comedy skits.
It wasn’t until the ripe age of 16 that he took his first dance steps, but once he did, there was no turning back—dance had him hooked.
Fast forward through two decades sprinkled with tough auditions and brilliant stage moments, and you find Austin not just performing but shaping performances.
Alongside his flair for the dramatic, Austin developed a staunch commitment to fitness, which he considers his secret sauce for both physical prowess and mental grit.
When the pandemic hit, closing curtains across the globe, Austin found an unexpected lifeline. Justin James, the brains behind InstructorLive, threw him a rope, offering a way to keep active during those indoor months.
This opportunity blossomed into something grander, providing free fitness subscriptions to the NHS and various businesses, helping countless others find their footing in fitness amidst the chaos. For Austin, fitness transcends looking good—it’s about feeling mighty and empowered.
As the world’s stages lit up once more, Austin stepped up not just with steps but as the choreographer of Dirty Dancing.
Having once dazzled audiences in this very show as a performer, he now found himself at the helm, directing others to sway and swirl with the same passion he once brought to the stage.
The show’s triumph from London to far-flung locales was a dream, but the real twist in his tale came with fatherhood.
Eighteen months ago, Austin and his partner, Carlie Milner, also a maestro at InstructorLive, welcomed their daughter Raeya into the world, shifting their fitness journey from a duo to a trio.
Now, juggling roles as a dad, a dancer, and a fitness coach, Austin finds robust support from Carlie and the InstructorLive crew.
They’re even launching a new app with My PT Hub, offering tailored three-month fitness plans. Whether he’s crafting a dance sequence or a workout regimen, Austin’s goal is crystal clear: to inspire and empower.
He believes in the power of storytelling through dance and the foundational strength built through fitness. Both, in his eyes, are about unlocking potential and fostering growth.
Fancy a peek into Austin Wilks’ choreographic ventures, including his latest inspiration, “Ray of Light”? Swing by austinwilks.com.
And if you’re itching to kickstart your own fitness saga, InstructorLive is ready with over 800 workouts and personalized plans, all set to get you moving to your own rhythm.