On May 2, 1949 a historical meeting took place at the studio of Miss Mildred Wickson. A small group of fourteen dedicated dance teachers gathered to consider forming an Association of Canadian Dance Teachers. A one day convention and meeting was planned for Sunday October 23, 1949. Dame Ninette de Valois sent Harold Turner and four young students from the Sadlers Wells Company, London England. After this event the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association became a reality with Mildred Wickson as the first President and Jean Crawford as Secretary. One of the first ventures financed by the newly formed Canadian Dance Teacher’s Association was to sponsor the cross Canada auditions for promising ballet students who formed the nucleus of the now Internationally renowned National Ballet Company of Canada.