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,

covering many facets of Dance as a competitor, teacher, choreographer and adjudicator.

 

She was Principal of her own very successful school for 47 years, with many former pupils achieving high accolades including IDTA scholarships, a Winner and finalists of Miss Dance of Great Britain, National Championships and the World Tap Championship.

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Barbara is particularly proud of her pupils who are now fellow examiners of the IDTA. 

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At the age of 28 Barbara was appointed an examiner for the DTA (later IDTA) . She very quickly became involved with the technical committees of the time and from the 1970's-2020's has been involved with the updating and choreographing of new syllabus work. 

Other choreographic achievements include fashion shows for Marks and Spencer and dance sequences for "This Morning" programme.

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Early in her career Barbara was privileged to become an adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals and member of the All England Dance panel. 

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Barbara is a Director and Examiner of the IDTA, member of the Awards Committee and IDTA Delegate for the TDCI. 

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She was very honoured to be the recipient of the Classique de Danse Award in 2007, the IDTA Distinguished Service Award in 2011 and three Carl Alan Awards in 2002,  2014 and 2022.

 

 In 2011 Barbara Sharples , with the support of the IDTA, launched the BSICA. A choreographic award to promote and encourage young aspiring choreographers.

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

This Award is still expanding and drawing entries from the UK and overseas.

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The finals are held annually in the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, providing a great platform for these young choreographers to present their talents to a wide audience.

Barbra and the team welcome new and all previous entrants.