Team

Karen

Karen Smith’s passion for dance began at the tender age of 11 under the mentorship of the renowned Mrs Dorothy Turner, a name that was synonymous with dance in Hereford City. Karen’s love for the art form quickly blossomed, earning her numerous dance awards. At just 17, she achieved a significant milestone by qualifying as a Professional Teacher of Dance with the International Dance Teachers Association, making her one of the youngest professional dance teachers in Herefordshire.

Throughout her illustrious career, Karen has been privileged to train with some of the most esteemed names in the dance world, including Glyn and Ann Watkins, Julie Earnshaw, and Ted & Sue Burroughs. This elite training has earned her the prestigious Fellowship qualifications in all Ballroom and Sequence branches with UKA Dance. Her dedication and expertise were further recognised with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Dance Teachers Association.

In 1990, Karen and Michael founded Allseasons, a cornerstone of the community, and together transformed the business into the premier destination for dance enthusiasts in Hereford and surrounding areas. Now one of the longest-standing dance businesses in the area, thousands of dancers have since passed through its doors, each inspired by Karen’s exceptional teaching.

Nearly 20 years ago, Karen and her son David choreographed award-winning dances, including the Inverary Tango and Silver Springs Foxtrot, still enjoyed globally.

Karen Smith holds the title of Fellowship with UKA Dance and is a Life Member of the International Dance Teachers Association, a testament to her enduring commitment to the world of dance.

Michael

Michael Smith’s journey into the world of dance began at the age of 17, when he was captivated by the grandeur of Cheltenham Town Hall. Here, he regularly attended dance nights, enchanted by the melodies of renowned orchestras such as Ted Heath, Joe Loss, Ray McVay, and Edmundo Ros. Inspired by these musical giants, Michael pursued ballroom dancing at the prestigious Frank Lister School of Dancing in Cheltenham.

Michael’s passion for dance quickly flourished, earning him numerous accolades. Upon moving to Worcester, he sought to continue his dance education and found the esteemed Gordon Fletcher School of Dancing. Under the mentorship of Gordon Fletcher, a celebrated figure in the dance world, Michael obtained his professional teaching qualifications in 1975 from the International Dance Teachers Association.

In the late 1970s, Michael moved to Hereford, where he met his now wife, Karen. Their marriage marked the beginning of a fantastic partnership that brought the joy of dance to countless people. In 1990, Michael and Karen founded Allseasons, transforming it into Herefordshire’s premier dance destination. Together, they have introduced thousands to the joy of dance, making Allseasons a renowned name in the region.

Over the years, Michael honed his skills under the guidance of industry legends like Glyn and Anne Watkins, Julie Earnshaw (famed for ‘Come Dancing’), and Ted & Sue Burroughs (known from radio and television). His dedication and talent have earned him the highest dance qualifications, including the prestigious Fellowship with UKA Dance. Recently, Michael was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the International Dance Teachers Association, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the dance community.

Michael Smith holds the title of Fellowship with UKA Dance and is a Life Member of the International Dance Teachers Association. His illustrious career and unwavering dedication make him a top-class dance teacher, inspiring dancers of all ages and abilities.

David

David’s passion for dance began at the tender age of three, inspired by his parents, Karen and Michael. As a top-class competitor, he ranked in the top six in the country’s elite for Old Time Dancing, now known as Classical Sequence Dancing.

By 17, David qualified as a dance teacher and received extensive training from many of the dance teaching elite, including Glyn & Ann Watkins, Ken & Glynis Parsons, Stanley Page, Derek Tonks, Julie Earnshaw, and Ted & Sue Burroughs of “Come Dancing” fame. Nearly 20 years ago, David and Karen choreographed award-winning dances, including the Inverary Tango and Silver Springs Foxtrot, still enjoyed globally.

In recent years, David partnered with Danielle Wallis, his former junior and amateur dance partner. In 2019, they won the Blackpool British Championships’ Original Dance (Inventive) Section with the Grand Floridian Gavotte.

David has featured on radio and television and spent many years at Warner’s Holme Lacy House in Herefordshire, working alongside prominent names in variety entertainment and providing cabaret for guests. In 2008, David moved to Basingstoke, where he established his own dance school. He remains a regular feature at Allseasons, coordinating events and holidays, and performing live music on the Allen Theatre Organ.

David has had an illustrious music career, recording with Savoy Records and releasing several CDs. He has also played famous theatre organs, including the Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer, and regularly featured on YouTube during lockdowns, providing music for dancers.

David continues to be an integral part of Allseasons, contributing to event coordination, live music, IT support, and maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that Allseasons is known for.

As a Fellow, Examiner, and council member with UKA Dance, and a council member and London representative for the Guild of Professional Teachers of Dancing and Dramatic Arts, David remains deeply involved in the dance community.

Pam

At the heart of our Dance Studio is Pam Jones, a dedicated and integral part of our community. Pam can regularly be found coordinating the Social Tea Dances on Tuesday afternoons, bringing joy and rhythm to our studio. Her passion for dance extends beyond these events, as she plays a vital role in many of the dance activities we host.

Pam works quietly and tirelessly behind the scenes, whether in the kitchen or behind the bar, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Her commitment and hard work, often in partnership with her husband Bill, are crucial to the success of our events. 

With dance teaching qualifications from UKA Dance, Pam is a seasoned instructor in Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Dancing. Until recently, she also led our American Line Dancing classes, marking an impressive 30-year milestone since she first began teaching this popular style.