He and his former partner Gaynor Fairweather were 14-time World Professional Latin champions: this is by some way the record for this title.[1] They were also eleven times International Latin American Dance Champions, and this is also a record.[2] On their competitive retirement both were honoured by appointment as MBE. Donnie was undefeated in any competitive
dance contest for nearly 20 years of continuous competition, a record in any major category of ballroom dance; this is now
in the Guinness Book of Records. During this period he won major titles in countries throughout the world...........
Burns was the hero of the character Mr. Aoki in the 1996 Japanese film Shall We Dance?"
