Chairman's Welcome In October 1946 an organisation was formed and called the Competitors Federation, not long afterwards it was disbanded. The Ballroom Dancers’ Federation was then formed in 1958 and the first Chairman was Mr Hugh Carter. There was a desire to further goodwill and co-operation between the Federation and the now named British Dance Council, and others who wished to utilise the professional services of the Federation members. The Ballroom Dancers’ Federation is a leading organisation aiming to promote and protect the Dance Sport Industry. a) To promote the spirit of good fellowship and sportsmanship and to protect and advance the interests of professional competitors and professionals in general. b) To further the goodwill and co-operation between those who utilise the services of its members and the governing Dance Sport bodies. Since its inception, the Federation has been responsible for inaugurating many events that have become part of the British dance calendar. The International Congress held biennially at the British Open Championships in Blackpool, where lectures on all aspects of are profession are presented. The Night of 100 Stars, this is the showcase for our Dance Sport industry. The present world championships know as Classic Show Dance and South-American Show Dance, where originally called segue –events which was the innovation of the BDF. Twenty-five years ago, the Federation resurrected the Star Championships originally run by the now defunct Star evening newspaper in the famous Earls Court Exhibition Hall. Later the Championship was held in the Great Room of the Grosvenor House on Park Lane together with a dinner dance called the Star Ball. During this period the BDF awards where introduced and have now grown to be one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the world today. The Ballroom Dancers’ Federation have undertaken the responsibility of organising European and World Championship events granted by the World Dance and Dance Sport Council to Great Britain, this has been achieved with the support of generous sponsors. The funding of the Federation comes from many different areas; membership fees, functions, video commissions, patronage and sponsorship. Delegates represent The Federation from the Executive Committee who sits on the board of directors for the British Dance Council; the Federation is very pro-active in binging about changes; the most recent was with the World Dance and Dance Sport Council! Which was the abolition of the notorious Rule four. The other was a day of collaboration involving EADA, Festival 2000 and our own Star Professional Championships to present a spectacle of dancing from its very beginning to the pinnacle of our profession. The present Executive Committee continue to innovate, and further ideas in pursuit of high quality dancing, a legacy handed down from our illustrious past masters. As a body, the BDF have always tried to be visionary, thanks mainly to its officers, both past and present, who devote time and energy to promoting the Dance Sport Industry. The B.D.F. is still working towards improving, developing and innovating our industry. The Federation exists to establish the qualities and standards for competitors, promoters and coaches/teachers. Kenny Welsh Chairman for The Ballroom Dancers’ Federation