In order to begin Dawnguard's Main Quest, you have to initally join the Dawnguard. I haven't tested this myself, but I don't see them letting a vampire into their ranks, so you'd most likely have to be cured first, then become a Vampire Lord after the first quest, though I may be wrong.
When you choose the Dawnguard, you're sent to do a quest to recruit two guys to help out. After getting them both, Isran shines light on all three of you and they'll figure out you're a vampire and direct you to Morthal for a cure. Until that point, you can be a vampire doing the Dawnguard as much as you want.