Our people

George was first elected to the Executive Council in 1978 and has served continually since on what has now become the Board of Directors. He controls, with his wife, Pat, the running of the Thompson Dance Centre in Maghull, near Liverpool, together with full and part time staff numbering, between ten and twelve people. Over the last 40 or so years they have trained many thousands of medallists and professionals through the school.

George started his business career by training and dealing in the London Stock Exchange and later moved north to become northern agent for the sale of the merchandise of three large manufacturing companies, during which time George and Pat had a distinguished competitive career, winning the British Open, World, European and many other major amateur and professional titles. When they eventually retired from competing George gave up all his business connections to concentrate on the dancing profession.

Involved as he is with a great deal of international work, during his Presidency in 1997/98 he established the Publicity Committee to promote IDTA at home and abroad. In July 2002 George was appointed Financial Director and chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee. He is also a delegate to the British Dance Council and World Dance Council. Having originally qualified only with the IDTA, he is a devout worker for the future success of the Association and considers loyalty and reliability to the service of members a number one priority for all Directors.

Michael is a Fellow and Examiner of IDTA, and former Chairman of the North West Area Ballroom Committee.

Having grown up in the business, Michael and his wife Marie had a successful amateur and professional competitive career, and are former finalists in the World and European Professional ten dance championships. When they retired from competing they opened their first dance studio and now run IDTA studios in three locations.

Over the past 20 years IDTA members have supported him with advice and assistance, and as a Director he is able to return that support by working hard for members of the Association. Michael is a member of many IDTA committees including the Ballroom and Latin Faculties, the Finance & General Purposes Committee and London Meeting and Congress Arrangements Committee.

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.