Welcome to our website.

Andrew Devlin
Andrew DevlinChair

Chair - Andrew Devlin

I started dancing at the age of 5 years old at the ‘Western School of Dancing’ in Hadleigh, Essex. From that point on I was hooked.

After taking all my ISTD medals, I started my foray into the world of competitive dancing aged 11. Competing in all the major Ballroom and Latin events as a Junior before continuing my dance journey as an Amateur and finally turning professional.

Enjoying much success with my various partners both in the UK and overseas whilst being trained by many of the world’s top teachers helped me to become the best dancer I could be.

The knowledge and experience I have, therefore, gained over the years, now affords me the privilege to assist others in reaching their full potential & goals.

David Mallabone
David MallaboneAss. Vice Chair

Ass. Vice Chair - David Mallabone

David started competitive dancing while studying at Cambridge University and, after graduating, continued competing. In 2004 he turned professional and started his teaching journey. A founder member of XS Latin Cambridge, he started coaching the team in 2004 and has coached the club to a record breaking eleven British National Championships.

He is a former UK Closed Professional Latin finalist, a former winner of the ISTD's prestigious Phyllis Haylor Scholarship and the head coach for the Cambridge University Dancesport Team. He is passionate about supporting dancers in reaching their full potential.

Committee

Sally Vernon
Sally VernonCommittee

Sally Vernon

Sally started dancing at the age of 6 learning Modern Stage before moving on to Ballroom, Latin American and Disco. She gained  Student Certificate at aged 16 (being the minimum age to take this exam) and went on to take her Associate qualification at aged 17.

At aged 19 Sally partnered Brett Vernon (whom she married in 2002) and began competing in Professional Latin American competitions.

Together Brett and Sally achieved the following:

Essex Professional Latin American Champions

North East of England Professional Latin American Champions

Finalists in the UK Closed Professional Latin American Championships

Finalists in The Hong Kong Open Professional Latin American Championships Semi Finalists in the British Closed Professional Latin American Championships

(Brett & Sally have also won many Pro-Ams dancing with pupils).

Sally is proud to be an ABD Southern Area committee member which is a very friendly team and we work together to create a slick and successful Southern event at Tilbury each year.

Lorraine Burrell
Lorraine BurrellCommittee

Lorraine Burrell

Lorraine Burrell has been dancing for as long as she can remember. She has always loved helping others find the love for dance that she herself has.

A former competitor in both medallist and open-circuit competitions, she discovered her passion for teaching very early on. With over 30 years of experience, Lorraine has spent the past two decades running her own welcoming and inclusive dance school. What started as a single beginner’s class has now grown into a thriving dancing community, offering classes, private lessons, social dances, and dancing holidays.

Known for her friendly and encouraging approach, Lorraine enjoys training pupils from absolute beginners to championship level . Lorraine makes learning to dance fun and accessible for everyone.

Roger Horne
Roger HorneGuest Photographer

Roger Horne

Roger is a professional photographer specialising in show, dance and event photography and holds an enhanced DBS check. Alongside photography I have a wide ranging Membership recruitment and retention experience, Roger has a significant business development track record of over 20 years in the employment and skills sector including tendering for public sector funded contracts and partnership working with social housing and devolved authorities.

Contact

  • Unit 212 Jubilee Centre, Birmingham B5 6ND

  • admin@abd.dance

  • +44 121 288 4166