03/09/2026
This has taken me a while to get over the shock of this lovely award especially being in a room full of such talented dance professionals. Thank you to everyone who voted and sent all these beautiful messages. After my 40th Anniversary show ‘Iconic’ in the Usher Hall which was a dream come true then DANCEWORLD to be mentioned in London’s House Of Commons I thought things couldn’t be any better then this happened, A lifetime Achievement Award!!! Wow.
Anyone who knows me knows my passion is dance and inspiring the next generation to be the best versions of themselves. I have always said I had the best job in the world and the best teachers alongside me. Anyway thank you everyone this was truly special 🎉🫶❤️
Hazel has only gone and won the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD!! 🎉🎉
Hazel Saunders Dunn has dedicated over four decades of her life to dance, showing incredible leadership, creativity, and a real passion for helping young people grow and thrive.
Even while she was still a student, Hazel was already being trusted with big responsibilities. She helped organise professional work and major events connected to her college, including projects for the BBC and high-profile events around Glasgow. She also created private choreography for music videos, including work with Texas’ lead singer Charlene Spiteri, and took on professional summer season and pantomime contracts. Although she had opportunities to perform internationally, Hazel chose a different path. She wanted to build something of her own, a dance school that would inspire young people and give them opportunities she was so passionate about.
That vision became Danceworld. West Lothian Danceworld was founded in 1986, starting with just 13 pupils in its first branch. Within months that number grew to over 100, and new branches quickly followed. In the first four years alone, five senior pupils were awarded professional scholarships, and a junior pupil, Lyndsey Dunn, was cast as one of the lead children in the London production of The Sound of Music. Around the same time, eight more young dancers were chosen to perform with Scottish Ballet. These early successes set the tone for what Danceworld would become — a place where talented young dancers could grow and go on to incredible opportunities.
Hazel’s professional expertise was recognised when she became the only Scottish teacher to receive a Distinction in the prestigious Licentiate qualification.
As Danceworld continued to grow, Hazel expanded the school to six branches, building a strong team while still leading the organisation herself. At its busiest, the school supported more than 800 pupils. Hazel has always believed that a dance school should be built on respect, kindness, and integrity, and she carefully chose and mentored staff who shared those values.
Every two years, Danceworld staged three consecutive sold-out theatre shows. These productions became a highlight for the community. They were known not just for their creativity and high standard, but also for the excitement and pride they brought to everyone involved.
Over the years, many of Hazel’s students have gone on to train professionally and build successful careers. Former pupils have performed at world-famous venues like the Moulin Rouge in Paris, toured internationally with artists including Janet Jackson, appeared on television in the UK and USA, worked in the West End, and performed on cruise ships around the world. Just as importantly, some of her former students have gone on to work for hazel, to open their own dance schools, continuing her influence across Scotland, England, America, and even China.
In 2014, Hazel was given the opportunity for Danceworld to represent dance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. She chose dancers from her competitive teams, who were already preparing for the UDO World Championships, to perform in front of audiences of up to 15,000 people.
Just two weeks later, Hazel’s over-18 team were crowned UDO World Champions, while her under-10 team placed an incredible third in the world at Intermediate/Advanced level achievements that showed the dedication and passion Hazel had instilled in them from such a young age.
Now in 2026, West Lothian Danceworld celebrates its 40th year. For four decades the school has provided a supportive and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages, from toddlers taking their first steps in the studio to adults who simply love to dance. Hazel’s commitment to dance education and to her community is at the heart of everything the school does.
Danceworld has always aimed for the highest standards, consistently achieving a 100% pass rate in ISTD, RAD and I-Path examinations. Beyond the results, students gain confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of dance.
We couldn’t be prouder of you Hazel! You deserve this!! For all the lives you have inspired over the past 40 years 💗💗
