Dawn started dancing at the age of seven, and was introduced into the dance award system through the classical sequence branch. Subsequently she took medals in several genrés, entered and partnered in IDTA medallist competitions and in 1974 won Medallist of the Year in Classical and Modern Sequence under the guidance of Derek Tonks and Beryl Bates.

Her desire to teach was very strong and as a result she qualified at 17 in classical sequence and ballroom. She continued studying for further degrees in other branches at John Knight Dance Studios. By 28 Dawn had attained Fellowship degrees in ballroom, Latin and sequence and at 29 was appointed IDTA examiner.

She has been a full time dance teacher for all her working life and has no regrets! She has been a part of IDTA since the beginning in 1967 and firmly believes it will remain the biggest and best by keeping up with modern trends and styles, and encouraging all ages and abilities to get involved in the subject.

She has, and still continues to, fully support the dance award system and has entered thousands of pupils in Ballroom, Latin, Sequence, Freestyle, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Country and Western, Cheerleading, Dance Exercise and Club Dance style awards. She has trained numerous professionals in all branches, and is proud that a considerable number have remained loyal to her for more than forty years!

Dawn has been a member of the Midlands Area Committee for twenty three years and is currently Chairman; she is also Chairman of the NationwideCommittee , a member of the Freestyle Faculty being Chairman in 2002-2004 and 2009-2010. In 2006 she was elected onto the Ballroom Faculty and has thoroughly enjoyed working with colleagues on the revision of our technique books. In September 2022 she was co opted onto the Sequence Faculty where she is current Chairman.

Her love of examining, lecturing and adjudicating at all levels has not deteriorated, and she still loves the buzz of visiting and revisiting venues to receive a warm reception from all our members.

She has thoroughly enjoyed her as a member of the Board, and has become even more aware of how hard her fellow directors work solidly to maintain our standards. It has been an honour and privilege for Dawn to play a part in the continuing development of the biggest and best Dance Teachers’ Association in the world and especially to represent the Association as President from 2010-2011, and again from 2017 - 2018, . She would like to thank everyone who had faith in her, it has been a privilege and an honour, although her second term of Presidency saw sad as well as happy times . If re-appointed she will remain approachable and ready to offer advice and encouragement, whilst knowing at the same time she has an active part in keeping IDTA streets ahead !