Ballroom Dancers' Federation International

Overview

Today, we have what is known as the Ballroom Dancers' Federation International (BDFI) which was formed in 1997, but became an official organization at the first Biennial General Meeting held in Blackpool in May 1999, when all those present accepted the proposed rules. Those Members and National Directors present then democratically elected the International Directors to form the International Council of Directors and together with the Executive Directors are now running the day to day business of the BDFI.

The BDFI Today

Purpose

The objectives of the BDFI are:

1. To promote the spirit of good fellowship and sportsmanship and to protect and advance the interest of competitors, demonstrators, coaches, teachers, adjudicators, scrutineers and promoters internationally.

2. To further the goodwill and co operation between the Federation, all those who utilize the service of its members and governing DanceSport bodies worldwide.

Committee

• Chairman: Greg Smith
• Vice Chairman: David Sycamore
• Honorary Secretary: Fredric Frennessen
• Financial Director: Nigel Tiffany
• Membership Director: Hazel Fletcher
• Coordinating Director: Nicola Nordin
• Public Relations Director: Kenny Welsh
• Vice Secretary: Robert Bellinger

International Directors

• Kim Jong Moon (Republic of Korea)
• Lawrence Chan (Hong Kong)
• Alex Ivanets (Great Britain)
• Vladislav Borodinov (Russian Federation) - Acting International Director
• Gary Edwards (United States of America)

National Directors

• Dennis Voermans (Netherlands)
• Denise Abrate (Italy)
• Subashini Dias Abeyegunawardene (Sri Lanka)

National Directors of the BDFI are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Federation each year. Nominees must reside in the country they represent. There must be a minimum of 10 members from this country. In between AGMs, Acting National Directors may be appointed by the International Council of Directors (ICD) to be ratified at the AGM.

Responsibilities:

• Communication of information sent to them from the Coordinating Director to the individual members within their home country.
• Distribution of agendas etc. for General Meetings (e.g. AGM).
• Collection of membership subscriptions and members’ details and forwarding these to the Membership Director in good time.
• Reporting regularly to the International Council of Directors via the Coordinating Director about activities within their country and the concerns of its members.
• In addition to the above, National Directors may be interested in organizing local congresses or competitions. Details of these should be agreed with the International Council of Directors in advance.

Activities of the BDFI

Various events, such as competitions, are run under the banner of the BDFI to promote awareness of the Federation and its ideal of harmony. Examples include the BDFI Cups and Congresses held in various countries.

When a matter comes to the attention of the BDFI which the council considers should be brought to the attention of either the World Dance Council or the World DanceSport Federation, the BDFI communicates with the appropriate body and may offer assistance.

Relationship Between the BDFI and the WDC or WDSF