For more than a century, the NCDTA has set the standard for dance education, supporting teachers, schools and students across the UK and internationally.
The Northern Counties Dance Teachers Association International is a non-profit organisation supporting dance in all its different forms.
Our membership spans the United Kingdom and beyond, including France and the United States, bringing together professionals with a shared commitment to dance education and high standards.
For those who want to dance as a hobby, a form of exercise or simply for the enjoyment of learning something new, NCDTA teachers provide professional training across a huge variety of subjects. Students can begin from a young age, while adults are welcomed at every level.
Amateur examinations are available through NCDTA teachers, with in-person, online and video formats available. Professional pathways support those wishing to progress into teaching.
NCDTA combines qualifications, professional development, competition and community so that dancers and teachers have a clear route to keep progressing.
Support for dancers and aspiring teachers through amateur and professional examinations across a wide range of disciplines.
Championships, medallist competitions, scholarships and events that recognise effort, progress and excellence.
Teacher training, CPD, lectures, resources and guidance that help members continue to grow.
Meetings, newsletters, social events and a strong network of professionals committed to helping one another.
NCDTA supports Ballroom, Latin American, Classical Sequence, Modern Sequence, Country & Western, Salsa, Street/Hip Hop, Freestyle, Cheerleading, Modern Stage/Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Choreography, Speech & Drama and Performing Arts.
Explore dance & qualifications →Members also benefit from championships, scholarships, Children's Days, lectures, meetings, CPD training, social evenings, dinners and regular newsletters.
Explore membership →NCDTA has evolved with dance itself — growing its standards, reach and community while remaining rooted in the same purpose.
The NCDTA is founded to support dance teachers across the northern counties.
Membership grows through the war years as dance remains a source of community and morale.
Examinations and syllabi are formalised, strengthening a clear route for dancer and teacher progression.
The NCDTA expands internationally, welcoming members beyond the United Kingdom.
Digital resources and a growing international community begin to extend the NCDTA's reach.
The NCDTA continues to support dance education, examinations and opportunity in person and online.
The NCDTA is guided by its Directors — the Executive Council — supported by a dedicated staff team, delegates and experienced Examiners who uphold consistent, fair and internationally recognised standards.
Stuart has been a member of the NCDTA for over 20 years. A Fellow in the Ballroom and Freestyle branches, championship adjudicator and trainer of British Champions, former NCDTA Championship organiser. Stuart is your British Dance Council Sequence Committee representative.
Outside of dance, Stuart is a two-time winner of Mr Gay UK and Mr Gay World winner. He is the managing director of Mr Gay Europe and the CEO and owner of Mr Gay England, Scotland and Wales. Stuart has presented on TV for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Made TV, as well as presenting his own show on Pride Radio. Stuart is also the Creative Director at SALT Model Management.
Wendy is a Fellow and Examiner of the Ballroom and Freestyle branches, as well as a championship adjudicator for many years, judging at the highest level throughout the UK. She is the founder and Principal of The Hatton Academy of Dance & Arts.
Over the years she has personally trained over thirty professionals to Fellowship level, as well as coaching countless British champions — placing her reputation, and the NCDTA, firmly "on the map". Wendy previously served on the Executive Council from 2004–2017 and, after a break, was re-elected in 2021.
Carole has been a dedicated member of the NCDTA for over 25 years. Carole is qualified in Ballroom, Latin American, Classical Sequence and Country & Western, is a Qualified Accounts Technician (AAT), and holds an Honours Degree in Business Management.
Carole has almost 20 years' work experience in public sector finance and, more recently, in GDPR, data protection, systems management and equality and diversity. She is also the NCDTA's Examinations Coordinator.
Tom is the owner of the Dexter School of Dancing, a successful family-run dance school established in 1960. He is immensely proud to have served as President from 2018, and has been a member of the NCDTA since 1990.
Tom has served as a member of the Council of Management since 2004, and has been a significant advocate for the exam system, actively encouraging both children and adults to participate in examinations.
Michael is a Director, Fellow and Examiner of the NCDTA across all Ballroom disciplines, and an Examiner in the Freestyle and Country & Western branches. He is Chairman of the Ballroom Branch and has served as Vice President twice and President eleven times.
Michael is presently a Director of the British Dance Council (BDC), representing the NCDTA on the BDC's International Professional Affairs Committee, the Finance and General Purposes Committee, and The Federation of Awarding Bodies Committee.
Following a successful Junior and Amateur competitive career, John joined the NCDTA in 1977. He was elected onto the Executive Council in 1997 and served until 2009, during which time he served as Vice President and organised the Freestyle competitions and events.
John is qualified across all Ballroom branches and Freestyle, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management.
Hazel has been dancing since the age of four, taking examinations with IDMA, RAD, BATD, ISTD, NCDTA, the Poetry Society and Guildhall Speech & Drama. She became an Examiner for the NCDTA and has held the position for a number of years.
Hazel is a Director, Adjudicator and Teacher, and has previously held the position of Theatre Dance Chairperson. Many of her former pupils have appeared in TV shows, won North East, English and British titles, and gained places at Urdang and the London School of Dramatic Arts.
Viv has been teaching dance and running her own dance school for over 35 years, originally training with RAD and BTDA. Viv joined the NCDTA over 25 years ago and has worked hard to further her qualifications to Fellowship level. She is an Examiner in the Theatre Branch and Chair of the Theatre Branch.
Vivienne has trained a number of students through their grades and on to becoming qualified teachers with the NCDTA, some of whom now work professionally in the entertainment industry around the world.
Cora Ann is a Fellow in the Freestyle Branch with experience across all genres, and holds a Degree in Performing Arts. As Principal of CADA, Cora Ann has trained numerous professionals and supported the NCDTA competitions and examination system.
Cora Ann is also the NCDTA's Company Manager and Treasurer.
Caroline has been a member of the NCDTA for over 30 years, teaching Tap, Modern Stage, Ballet and, more recently, Speech and Drama. Throughout this time Caroline has entered students for exams, and attended and run competitions and championships. Caroline holds a Degree in Dance as well as a Degree in Counselling and Psychology.
Helen is the Director/Principal of Move It Studios CIC and holds a Fellowship with the NCDTA Freestyle Branch. She is an active member of the North East dance community, providing support, advice and guidance to many fellow professionals.
Anne has been a qualified member of the NCDTA since 1976 and served as President for two years, having previously served four years as President Elect and Vice President. She is currently the NCDTA's representative for the Sport & Recreation Alliance.
Anne was proud to have been awarded the trophy for medallist entries ten years running, the Rose Bowl trophy for Ballroom, and the TDCI certificate for Theatre, and was nominated by her peers three times for a Freestyle Carl Alan award. She is qualified in Ballroom, Theatre and Freestyle, and teaches all genres at her Performing Arts Academy, 'Zazz', in Houghton le Spring.
Anne is particularly proud of her role in creating the Social Impact report during Covid, working alongside colleagues from the movement and dance division of the Sport & Recreation Alliance to show how much value dance and movement creates in society. She continues to train young teachers through her S.T.E.P programme, with pupils going on to study at top London stage schools and appear in West End shows, cruise ships and shows abroad.
Every NCDTA Examiner is a qualified professional within their discipline and is regularly moderated to ensure every candidate is assessed to the same high standard.
Michael ConwayViv GreenerHazel Greenfield
Patricia HarbisonStuart Hatton JnrWendy HattonCora Ann Leonard
Colette SerrechiaBrett McIntyre
Fiona Hopwood
Gae SowerbyHelen Telford
Karen Anderson
Caren Rowe
Lucy NewtonJoin a community committed to excellence in dance.
