Ray Baker devoted his life to the world of ballroom dance. His qualifications as a coach were clearly evidenced by his Licentiate standing with the ISTD in the Standard and Latin Division as well as a Licentiate with the USISTD in Theater Arts. As a championship adjudicator, he was licensed in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Holland and Switzerland.

However, when it came to judging, experience is everything, and Ray Baker's impressive career included an extensive list of competitive achievements.

With his amateur partner, Ray began his dance career by competing in the New Vogue, Latin and Standard disciplines, eventually becoming the highest placed amateur couple in all three styles. He remained diligent to his discipline as he completed the medallist system through gold bar.

In his years as an amateur competitor, Ray Baker achieved a great many successes - not the least of which was the honor to represent his native Australia in the Standard World Championship, 10-Dance World Championships and the World Showdance Competition. Ray concluded his amateur career after winning the Australasian Championships in the New Vogue and Standard divisions.

Knowing there was still more he could achieve,Ray turned professional in 1976 and relocated to London. Ray remained eager to continue his training with the great coaches of Europe. For the next 19 years, he studied renowned champions such as Wally Laird, Anthony Hurley, Bill and Bobbie Irvine, Benny Tolymer, Len Armstrong, Bob Burgess, John Delroy, Nina Hunt, and Mick Stylianos.

It was during this time that Ray added theatre arts to his repertoire, ultimately winning the prestigious Wembley Theatre Arts Championships and placing in the British Invitational Theatre Arts and World Theatre Arts.
During his years in the United Kingdom, Ray and his professional partner performed shows throughout Europe, Australia, the United States and Singapore. Ultimately his list of achievements included a six-year run as one of only nine artists in the Night of 100 Stars at the famous Hammersmith Palais in London.

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