Marchant Birch was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. He started his formal dance training at the age of seven studying Ballroom and Latin American. He trained in these disciplines for ten years winning over one hundred trophies in various competitions. Marchant moved on to "Boogie" dancing (similar to street jazz) and won all three major competitions in Cape Town with his brother's dance team 'The Cool Boys'. In 1999 He won the Cape Jazz Championship (South African partner dance similar to salsa) beating over four hundred couples.

In 2000 Marchant moved to England and was introduced to salsa. He understood the need to learn the dance form from its authentic Latino roots and has trained with the worlds best Puerto Ricans, New Yoricans, and Cubans. His background in Ballroom and Cape Jazz has also made a major contribution to his smooth style and approach to salsa. Marchant was invited to start teaching and performing salsa in 2001. He performed salsa with a group called Yes Brazill, and then the London Allstar Latin dancers.

In 2002 Marchant formed a performance partnership with another former member of the LAL dancers, Lilly, until she returned to her home in France. Their show 'Burglars' was a huge hit with salsa audiences. Marchant then teamed up with Andrea Stewart (director of Duende Dance Company). In December 2003 Marchant and Andrea received an award at the British Salsa Congress for 'Most Outstanding Newcomers'. Marchant then worked with Candice Leong, performing at the UK Salsa Congress 2004, and at other events in the UK and Europe.

From 2005-6 Marchant enjoyed a successful and dynamic partnership with Miriam Oppel. Their ‘Take Five’ show in 2005 received high acclaim from the Mambo King himself, Eddie Torres. Marchant and Miriam were 2006 winners of the Best UK Dance Act, voted for by the salsa public and awarded at the UK Salsa Congress.

At the 2007 UK Salsa Congress, Marchant was given a special award of recognition for his contribution to salsa in the UK and for raising the standard of teaching in the UK.

In 2005, Marchant founded Alchemy Dance Company, an ongoing project which incorporates mambo, ballroom, and classical jazz techniques. In 2006 he started the Alchemy Dance Academy which provides the opportunity for the general salsa public to improve their dancing by way of the Alchemy method of dance training. It is pioneering the Alchemy Way that is now Marchant's main focus with his partner Davina. In 2007 they released their first instructional DVD 'Alchemy Way Partnerwork', which was the UK's first On2 instructional DVD. Their most recent project has been the opening of Alchemy Dance Academy at it's permanant base in Hampshire. He also teaches and performs with Davina at events around the UK and internationally (click for calendar).