Barbara began dancing, at the age of 7 years, in her hometown of Manchester. She trained in all styles of Theatre Dance up to Professional level, and also competed in Dance Festivals in many parts of the country.

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.

 

At the age of 28 Barbara was appointed an Examiner for the D.T.A (later I.D.T.A.) She very quickly became involved with the Technical Committees of the time and from the 1970s to the present day she has been involved with the updating and choreographing of new syllabus work. Other choreographic achievements include fashion shows for Marks &Spencer and Dance sequences for This Morning programme.

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.

She was very honoured to receive a Carl Alan Award for outstanding services to Dance in 2003, a Classique de Danse Professional Award in 2007 and the IDTA Distinguished Service Award in 2011. In 2014 she was elected President of the Theatre Dance Council International which annually presents the Carl Alan Theatre, Freestyle and Street Awards. She was also the recipient of the Carl Alan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

 

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 tenth year with the finals being held in Manchester.

In establishing the BSICA Barbara hopes to inspire and foster young choreographers in to this creative and wonderful world of Dance.