Michael started his dancing career aged 7 at Donalds School of Dancing, Flitwick. Each Saturday morning he attended Modern and Latin classes in pursuit of his IDTA bronze medal. The first of many. As a Juvenile Michael entered the "open competition" scene, and in Junior began what was to become his annual journey to the major competitions in England, including The International and Blackpool. Michael's success continued through his Youth career. In November 1990, fresh from his success of winning the British National Youth Modern Championship at Blackpool, he introduced himself to Valerie.

Valerie began dancing aged 5 at the Ron & Joyce Clapson School of Dancing in Hastings. She quickly attained all her medals in Modern and Latin under ISTD sylabus as a Juvenile and then Junior. Valerie's competition career began as a Juvenile in a successful all-girl partnership, of which she danced the man's role. An asset she believes has helped her throughout her career. It wasn't until her last year as a Junior that Valerie entered major competitions. This is where she experienced her first taste of success as Runner-Up in the International Junior Modern Championship. With a new partner her success continued through Youth, giving her the opportunity to represent her country abroad at the World Youth Championships in both Modern and Latin. Valerie was proud to be included in the final of the World Youth Latin Championship and continued her success at home, reaching the finals of all the major Youth Championships.

In December 1991, Michael & Valerie chose to dance with each other and won their first competition together. Specialising in Modern their success continued through the remainder of their Youth Career and through their Amateur Career. As Amateurs they had the opportunity of travelling the world and making many friends from different countries. For a number of years they have been one of Englands leading Amateur competitors. Their success evidenced by the contents on their Successes page. The Millenium Year was an important year for Michael & Valerie. In July they were married and enjoyed a wonderful day with family and friends before jetting off on a 2 week honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico. At the British National in November, the place where they first met, they danced their last Amateur competition and announced that they were joining the Professional ranks!

During the next 18 months Michael & Valerie competed in many Professional competitions around England and achieved great results, their favourite being the Final of the British Open Rising Star Modern Championship. They also danced many shows, sharing their love of dance and music with others. Shortly after turning Professional Michael & Valerie enjoyed three months living & teaching in Hong Kong, they both felt priviliged to have had the opportunity to experience another culture in this way and know that in years to come this will be one of their most memorable times of their career.

The year 2002 saw Michael & Valerie retire from competing to plan for their first baby, born February 2003. A new year and a new chapter in their lives has begun, and both are very excited and looking forward to the many new challenges ahead.