Laurel commenced dancing at the age of 5, with her brother Maurice they learnt Ballet and Tap dancing and succeeded to a high level in examinations and competitions. Later in life Laurel and her brother turned to Ballroom, Latin American, New Vogue and Old Time Dancing. Laurel studied these latter dance forms in Australia and the UK attaining international professional standards in technique and dancing. Laurel and her brother held New Zealand Professional Championship titles in Ballroom, and Latin American dancing in 1966,1967,1968, and 1969. They also represented New Zealand at the World Dancesport Championships in 1962,1967,and 1969 enjoying high ranking at these championships. Upon gaining all degrees up to and including Fellowships Laurel was appointed to the Examiners Board of the New Zealand Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing and retired undefeated from competitive dancing. She has enjoyed great success as a dance teacher and this has been her sole career path .Now the President of the NZFATD, she continues to adjudicate nationally and internationally and to mentor and lead young professional dance teachers toward higher standards and achievement. She is also the NZFATD delegate to the New Zealand Dance & Dancesport Council. Laurels passions are educating dance teachers and supporting and promoting dance of all forms in society.