Leslie P. Newman

Leslie Patrick Gilwell "Les" Newman OAM, FAMI (November 29, 1930 – March 12, 2015) was an Australian professional ballroom dance r, businessman, company director and performing arts administrator. He was regarded as an icon of the dance industry.

Early life and business career Newman was born in Collingwood, an inner suburb of Melbourne, Australia. He was educated at University High School in Parkville and gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Wisconsin University.

For 34 years Les Newman was President of Comdance Inc. by restoring it to financial stability and then steering it to an unprecedented period of growth and prosperity by expanding its activities and influence beyond Australia and throughout South East Asia and Canada.

Newman is also remembered for his part in creating the hit Australian TV show That's Dancin, which ran on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (the ABC) between 1989 and 1990, hosted by Paul Newman (no relation) and Maureen Delacy. The series showcased the best amateur and professional dance couples in Australia competing against each other in categories as diverse as Traditional and Modern Ballroom, Jazz, Rap and Rock & Roll. It was a forerunner to later programs like Dancing With The Stars and became the ABC's top rating show ever in the highly competitive Sunday 7.30pm timeslot.

In 1996, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to Dance.

In 1991, a live version of That's Dancin toured theatres, concert halls and casinos in every state in Australia and attracted huge audiences.