Barbara began dancing at the age of 7 years and trained in all styles of Theatre Dance up to Professional level, covering many facets of Dance as a competitor, teacher, choreographer and adjudicator.
She was Principal of her own very successful school for 47 years, during which time many past pupils achieved high accolades including scholarships, finalists in Miss Dance, National Championships and the World Tap Championships. Barbara is particularly proud of her pupils who are now Fellow Examiners of the IDTA.
Barbara examines for the IDTA in the UK and Overseas and from the 1970s to the present day she has been involved with the updating and choreographing of new syllabus work.
Early in her career Barbara was privileged to become an Adjudicator Member of the British & International Federation of Festivals and Member of the All England Dance panel.
Barbara has had many years experience of Committee work including the Board of Directors, Chairmanship of the Tap Faculty, Member of the original Quality Assurance Panel and Overseas Committee. She was recently involved in the setting up of a workshop in Spain and is keen to assist members overseas and keep them “up to date” with all the latest IDTA syllabus work.
She was very honoured to be the recipient of two Carl Alan Awards, in 2002 for outstanding services to Dance and in 2014 for Lifetime Achievement. In 2007 she was awarded the Classique de Danse Professional Thetare Award and in 2011 the IDTA Distinguished Service Award. In 2014, as an IDTA delegate, she was elected President of the Theatre Dance Council International which annually presents the Carl Alan Theatre, Freestyle and Street Awards.
In 2011 Barbara, with the support of the IDTA, launched the BSICA. A choreographic award to promote and encourage young aspiring choreographers. This Award, which covers all Dance genres, is now in it’s fifth year with the finals being held in Manchester.
Working on diverse Committees, in many aspects of Dance, Barbara is fully aware of the continual changes in the Dance world, ballroom and theatre, and is always willing to listen to and help Members with the promotion of IDTA Dance in their schools and colleges.
Being fully committed and dedicated to the IDTA, Barbara has the time and energy to devote to the continued success of the Association and benefits for its Members.