Early Days

Sammy Stopford

Sammy Stopford was born on the 17th of April 1956 in Manchester. He discovered dance in his teenage years and his natural talent, combined with rigorous training and competitive drive, quickly propelled him into the upper ranks of British dance.

Before his most celebrated partnership with Barbara McColl, Sammy danced with Lyn Aspden (now Lyn Gaskell) and later Shirley Rich (now Shirley Ballas).

Sammy and Lyn Aspden partnered from 1973 to 1979. During this period, they achieved significant success as amateurs before turning professional. Their peak achievement together was winning the All England Professional Latin Championship in 1979.

Renowned dance teacher Nina Hunt later encouraged Shirley Rich to audition as Sammy’s partner and to turn professional. Shirley and Sammy married when she was just 18 years old, and their partnership—both personal and professional—lasted five years.

Together they won the European Professional Latin Championship in 1982. In 1983, Shirley became the youngest-ever British Open Professional Latin Champion, winning the prestigious title with Sammy. That same year, they also claimed the International Professional Latin Championship, followed by the UK Professional Latin title in 1984.

After their separation in February 1984, Sammy began a new chapter—both personally and professionally.

Barbara McColl

Barbara McColl was born on 19 April 1962 in Ecuador and raised in Scotland. She began dancing at the age of eight at the Warren Brown and Aileen Turner School of Dance in Bearsden. She first competed in the all-girls category, progressing from medallist events to open competitions.

At just 15, Barbara was invited to partner Paul Tierney, then the Junior Scottish Ballroom, Latin, and 10-Dance Champion—her first boy-girl partnership. Together they won numerous titles, including those already mentioned and many others. This partnership also led her to the Harry and Helene Rollins School of Dance, where fellow student Donnie Burns MBE was also training.

Barbara’s next partnership was with Graham Love, during which she regularly travelled to England to take lessons with Paul Beaton. She later partnered Kevin Rockliff, who was trained by Sammy Stopford.

In 1981, Barbara moved to Manchester, and through her partnership with Kevin joined the Sammy Stopford School of Dance. She subsequently danced with Steven McFerrin and Alan Winter.

Then, in 1984, Barbara received a phone call from Sammy Stopford asking if she would consider dancing with him. That call changed her life completely.

Sammy and Barbara

After just 16 weeks of intensive professional training together, Sammy and Barbara entered their first British Open Professional Latin Championship in Blackpool—missing first place by just one mark.

From there, they went on to achieve extraordinary success together in the Professional Latin division:

• British Open Professional Latin Champions – 1989, 1991, 1992, 1994

• UK Open Professional Latin Champions – 1991, 1992, 1994

• International Professional Latin Champions – 1993

• European Professional Latin Champions – 1991

The era in which Sammy and Barbara competed is widely regarded as a golden age of Latin dancing, a time when expressive choreography and refined technical standards merged athleticism with artistry.

They are remembered for their musical interpretation, rhythmic precision, refined footwork and extraordinary partnership harmony. Competing alongside other legends of their time, they contributed significantly to the stylistic evolution of Latin dance—while also courageously honouring its foundations. One memorable example was their decision to dance a basic Rumba in a British Open final, powerfully reaffirming the value of simplicity and musical truth.

During UK Professional Latin finalists’ presentations, they delighted audiences with unforgettable moments—including appearances by Angela Rippon for Samba, Donnie Burns for Cha-Cha-Cha and even Sammy himself performing as a band leader.

Sammy Stopford also made history as the first dancer ever to win the British Open Professional Latin Championship with two different partners.

In 1997, Sammy and Barbara received the prestigious Carl Alan Award, recognising their outstanding contribution to dance.

Life After Competition

After retiring from competition in 1995, Sammy and Barbara founded Stopford’s Dance and Fitness Centre, where they have nurtured and developed countless champion dancers across all age categories.

Beyond their school, they have travelled extensively around the world as teachers, trainers and adjudicators, sharing their knowledge with generations of dancers at the highest level.

Barbara reflects:

“I believe there is no more rewarding role than that of a teacher; for one must inspire hope, ignite the imagination and assist discovery.”

In 2019, Sammy was honoured with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Ballroom and Latin dance, acknowledging his enduring impact on the art form.

He is also co-founder of the World Dance Council Amateur League, the original World Competitors’ Corporation and an organiser of the WDCAL World Championships.

Barbara was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) by Queen Elizabeth II for her outstanding care in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, Barbara provided online dance services, supporting young children and their parents in managing the emotional challenges and trauma brought about by COVID.

Their Son: Samuel Stopford — A Different Artistic Path

The Stopford legacy continues through their son, Samuel Stopford, born in the late 1990s, who has forged his own distinguished career as an opera singer. Known for his rich tenor voice, expressive artistry and deep musical sensitivity, Samuel embodies the same commitment to performance and excellence that defined his parents’ dance careers—demonstrating that artistry, musicality and discipline transcend artistic disciplines.

Enduring Influence

Sammy and Barbara Stopford’s story is one of competitive brilliance, pedagogical devotion and generational artistry. Their achievements have shaped dancers, audiences and the evolution of Latin dance worldwide—standing as a powerful testament to what lifelong passion and dedication to dance can achieve.

Enjoy the podcast with Barbara and Sammy on Spotify - Barbara's Dance Room.