As Claridge’s in-house choreographer for the best part of a decade (and the first to assume the role), Marius Caluser is a seasoned figure on London’s hospitality circuit. Professionally trained in Latin and Ballroom, he successfully intersects the worlds of fashion, travel and art, working on campaigns for Loewe and Louis Vuitton, as well as competing in international dance sport competitions — and was ranked as one of the top three teachers worldwide. Caluser divides his time between Mykonos and London.
Describe a regular day in your working life.
The beauty of my job is that there’s no nine-to-five. I start with coffee, usually at Claridge’s Art Space cafe. Then I hit the gym, which is mandatory, like a church visit — no matter what, no matter how many hours I sleep, I hit the gym. I choreograph the wedding dance of every couple that gets married at Claridge’s, so we have rehearsals in the main ballroom. Every day is a new love story. I’m in bed by 9.30 every evening. It never feels like work. Dance is an amazing tool to change people’s lives.
What do you love about London and Mykonos?
They’re so different but my favorite thing about them is the same: the love I feel there. When I first came to Mykonos, I was on my first solo holiday and within 48 hours, I was adopted by everyone on the island. There’s something about the country: the sun, the energy, the people. It reminded me of when I first moved to London 15 years ago. I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t speak English, but now I’ve been adopted by London. I have a London family and I have a Mykonos family.
Can you recall a particularly memorable dance, either that you performed or designed?
I can’t give too much away but I did create something for the Royal Family. I will treasure that memory forever because I come from a simple family in Romania, so just living in London is amazing, let alone working with our Royal Family. But if I close my eyes and dream of a dance, I remember a time when I danced in Milan, in front of the Duomo. That was a highlight.
What are your earliest travel memories?
Most are from dance competitions in Miami, Los Angeles and New York. Those trips really shaped me. I remember the adrenaline, the airports, the rehearsal studios in strange cities — travel and movement have always been deeply connected in my life. Dance gave me a passport to the world early on, and I’ve carried that rhythm with me ever since.
Where are you heading next?
Either Dubai or Athens — two completely different energies but both exciting in their own ways. Dubai is fast-paced and ambitious, with an edge that pushes you creatively. Athens feels more like home; grounded, raw and soulful, which I really connect with as a person and as a choreographer.
How does travel inspire how you dance?
In a different way to what you might think. For example, if I go to Spain and see a Flamenco dancer on the street, I might catch a glimpse of some amazing arm styling and think: “I’m stealing that.” Or last week, I was on a shoot and I saw a girl chilling by the pool and she looked like a painting. The next day, I tried to recreate her body language in a dance.
Speaking of which, would you prefer a day by the pool or on the beach?
Can I have both? Ideally, I’d have a villa by the beach, with a pool.
City or seaside?
Seaside, by far.
Early start or late-night partying?
I prefer early start, early night but Mykonos is completely different. It’s 3am finishes on a daily basis — I had a job interview once at 1am in a club.
How do you factor in rest?
I get at least eight hours of sleep, I work out every day and I have a recovery program between my workout routine. I eat extremely well and I don’t drink alcohol. I do miss having a drink, but I’ve seen amazing improvements in my mood and my sleep without it.
Who are your style inspirations?
I’d describe my style as minimal — definitely influenced by the aesthetics of Nordic countries such as Sweden and Denmark. I love structure, simplicity, monochrome palettes and clean lines. Most of my wardrobe is The Row, Jacquemus, Loewe by Jonathan Anderson and Saint Laurent. Those brands give you that effortless, elevated silhouette I feel most myself in. My all-time style idol is Tom Ford. His work is bold but precise: every look tells you the person wearing it knows exactly who they are.
Finally, what’s always in your carry on?
Fake tan. Once a dancer, always a dancer.
