Ballroom Dancers' Federation International

Overview

The Ballroom Dancers' Federation International (BDFI) 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 was born as an offspring from the Ballroom Dancers' Federation (BDF). As a British federation, the BDF has representation on the British Dance Council. However, over the years, the proportion of overseas members of the BDF steadily increased and it was felt that for them to be represented effectively, a separate international body should be formed. In January 1998, all overseas members of the BDF were automatically transferred to membership of the BDFI.

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 cooperation between the Federation and all those who utilize the service of its members and governing DanceSport bodies worldwide.

Structure of the BDFI

The BDFI is governed by its International Council of Directors (ICD). This is composed of seven Executive Directors (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Financial Director, Membership Director, Public Relations Director, Coordinating Director) plus seven International Directors. The International Directors are elected by the membership at each Annual General Meeting from the group of National Directors, who represent their country’s members.

It is of fundamental importance that the National Directors (who represent their members in any country, which has ten or more members) and the seven International Directors selected from them are elected by the individual members of the Federation. This, and the fact that membership of the BDFI is entirely voluntary, are two of the main differences between the BDFI and the governing bodies, the World Dance Council and the World DanceSport Federation.

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.

BDFI's Relationship with WDC and WDSF

The BDFI is an Affiliate Member of the World Dance Council.

The policy of the BDFI is one of openness. One of the objectives of Ballroom Dancers' Federation International is to further the goodwill and cooperation between the BDFI, all those who utilize the services of its members and the governing DanceSport bodies worldwide.

Relationship with BDF

The two organizations are entirely independent and self-governing.

• [See: Ballroom Dancers' Federation (BDF)]

BDFI UK Congress

The BDFI believes firmly in the value of dance education. As an organization, it holds congresses and lectures each year all over the world. The UK Congress is an annual event held at the start of the UK Championships in Bournemouth in January.