THE BDF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & HONORARIES
The BDF Executive Committee is made up of some of the most famous names in our Dance Industry & we are continually striving to bring the best events, competitions, congresses, training days & much more to our members and followers.
The BDF hold committee meetings once a month to discuss all details of our Dance Industry and we always keep the best interests of our member’s in mind. The BDF was set up because of and for you. We thank you for your continued support.
THE OFFICERS
BDF President: Nicola Nordin
BDF Vice President: Robert Bellinger
BDF Secretary: John Durrant
BDF Treasurer: Cheryl Beresford
+ NICOLA NORDIN - PRESIDENT
Born in Southport , started dancing at the age of ten years old, first major championship was the International Championships at the Royal Albert Hall ,finished fifth in the Juvenile Ballroom Championships.
Achievements during competitive career were :
International Juvenile and Open British and International Junior Ballroom and Latin finalist . British and European Youth Latin winner .Open British, Open UK , International , World and European Amateur Latin finalist. Former Winner of the United States Open, Italian Open Amateur Latin Championships and winner of International Rising Star Professional Latin Championships , UK Closed, British Amateur and Professional Latin Championships also European Professional Latin finalists.
Following retirement now teaching and lecturing worldwide and also a WDC/BDC World , European , British , United Kingdom and International adjudicator. Qualified with the ISTD and IDTA , Vice President of the Ballroom Dancers Federation and a director of the British Dance Council.
+ ROBER BELLINGER - VICE-PRESIDENT
I have been in the dance business since 1959. Competing in Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Amateur and Professional. I have run a very successful dance studio for 35 years. I have been on the EC of the Ballroom Dancers’ Federation for 30 years. Chairman of Junior Blackpool for 17 years. Day Chairman of Blackpool China for 4 years. Championship adjudicator. Vice President of the British Dance Council for 9 years until 2017.
+ JOHN DURRANT - SECRETARY
John joined the BDF Executive Committee in 2010 and currently Honorary Secretary.
Former Senior competitor in both Latin American and Ballroom competitions. Former Senior All England Latin American Champion. Finalist in the British Open, British National and International Latin American Championships. Represented England in both Latin American and Ten Dance competitions.
Previous dance profession involvement was as a Board Director and Vice Chairman of South East National Dance Agency and a Board member of the English Amateur Dancing Association.
Currently also Trustee and Hon. Secretary of the Dancers’ Forget-Me-Not Fund.
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+ CHERYL BERESFORD - TREASURER
Cheryl has been a member if the BDF since 1980.
Having started dancing at the age of nine at Patric Plumbs Studios in Wimbledon has had a successful career competing as a Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Amateur and Professional.
Amateur titles include:
British Youth Latin
Imperial Latin
Laird Classic Latin
London Latin
Greater London Latin
And was a finalist in all major Latin Championships
As a Professional titles include:
Wessex Latin
London Latin
Classic Du Quebec
And was a finalist in the World Cup 10 Dance Championships.
Once retired from competing travelled the world on the QE2 doing cabaret and teaching!
Then settled in Southampton and opened ‘On Your Toes Dance Studio. Which ran for 12 years teaching all age groups & levels before re-locating to Devon where she continues to teach as well as adjudicating many major championships throughout the year.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Public Relations Officer: Nicole Cutler
Co-Ordinator – Night of 100 Stars: Alex Ivanets
Assistant Secretary: Graham Oswick
Membership Secretary: Alejandro Hernandez
Membership Public Relations: Pamela McGill
Co-Ordinator – The Star Ball: Damian Evans
Co-Ordinator & Organiser – The National Congress: Stephen Hillier MBE
Future Development & Reports Team: Ben Taylor
Future Developments & Reports Team: Warren Boyce
+ GRAHAM OSWICK: ASSISTANT SECRETARY
I began dancing at the age of 8 at my local dance studio where I went through the medalist system. I was introduced to competition dancing and never looked back.
I became International Junior Champion then went through my youth and Amateur career. As a professional I became UK Closed Profesional Champion and runner up in BRITISH And UK Rising Star Championships.
Since retiring from competition I have concentrated my energy on teaching and coaching which I absolutely love.
I have been privileged to adjudicate all the major titles and lecture all over the World.
+ NICOLE CUTLER: PUBLIC RELATIONS
I was born in Durban, South Africa and started dancing at the age of 12. I moved to the Uk in 1990 to further my dance studies and was Open British Youth Latin Vice Champion in 1992. In 1994 I partnered with Matthew Cutler and the rest as they says history.
2 x Open British Amateur Latin Champion
Worlds, European, International, UK Open, British National and Closed UK Amateur Latin Champion as well as all Amateur Latin American titles worldwide.
Professional Latin American Finalist in all events 2000-2004
In 1999 I was the principle dancer of the original stage show, Burn the Floor.
2 x Carl Alan Award recepient for outstanding services to dance.
I have met Her Royal Highness, The Queen of England twice for services to dance.
I have taken part in 3 series of Strictly Come Dancing, the Strictly Live Tour & the original Come Dancing series. As well as various TV & Stage shows.
Since retiring, I have concentrated on my teaching career and it has become my passion to pass on my knowledge and love of dance to others.
I have been honoured with the privilege to adjudicate all major dance titles and I am very fortunate to be asked to teach and lecture all over the world.
+ ALEX IVANETS: THE BDF NIGHT OF 100 STARS CO-ORDINATOR & YOUTH TRAINING SCHEME ORGANISER
Amateur Career:
Under 21 Ukrainian National Champion,
5 x United Kingdom Closed Amateur Latin Champion,
Semi-finalist British Open Amateur Latin.
Professional Career:
4 x United Kingdom (Closed ) Professional Latin and British National Latin American Show Dance Champion,
5 x European Professional Latin Semi Finalist,
British Open Semi Finalist in Professional Latin
+ ALEJANDRO HERNANDEZ: MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
I was born in Valencia, Spain and moved to England at the age of 19 to further my dance career.
I have represented Great Britain since that time. My greatest achievements include:
– Semi finalist in the British Open and International Championships
– Rising Star finalist at the International Championships
– Representing Great Britain at the British Open Team Match
Since retiring, I am now privileged to be teaching, lecturing and adjudicating nationally and internationally.
+ PAMELA MCGILL: MEMBERSHIP PUBLIC RELATIONS
I started to dance at the age of 10, commencing with Ballet. After 2 years began attending Saturday morning dance classes for Ballroom and Latin American dancing at the famous Hammersmith Palais, achieving highly commended in medals and awards. From there it was decided to dance on the ‘open circuit’ as juvenile and subsequently junior, becoming a 10 dance champion.
I continued to dance in the Amateur ranks with great success. Then, turning professional at the age of 19, I danced my way round the world on cruise ships giving cabaret performances as well as teaching classes and private lessons on board.
From there I teamed up with one of the greatest dancers of that time, now sadly deceased, Geoffrey Clapham, and together our main achievement was to win the Rising Star Latin American Championships at Blackpool in 1975, as well as many other titles in the UK and abroad. With Geoffrey I embarked upon my teaching career, coaching and lecturing all over the world. To this day I have continued my love of teaching all levels from juvenile to senior, and novice to professional in many countries throughout the World.
I am on the Executive Committee of the BDF which is an organisation that recognises the importance of nurturing the talent of young dancers. We also organise major competitions throughout the year. In addition the BDF organise training camps for Youth, Amateur and Senior Competitors.
I am married to Richard who is the Manager of Dance Options and in my spare time I enjoy playing golf and cooking at home.
+ DAMIAN EVANS: THE BDF STAR BALL CO-ORDINATOR
Damian began dancing Ballroom & Latin at the age of 14, at the Merralls School of Dancing on the Wirral, progressing quickly through the ranks to becoming one of the top youth competitors in both Ballroom and Latin in the country. He won 3rd place in the British National Youth Latin Championships, UK Closed Youth Ballroom Winner, and Semi Finalist in both Ballroom and Latin at the Open British Youth. As a Youth competitor he travelled extensively throughout Europe representing Wales.
Damian moved to London at age 22 to specialise in Latin with his then Danish partner, and soon entered the top 24 couples in the world at the International, British Open, Worlds and UK Open Championships. Later living in Perth Australia, he became the Lion City, West Australian, Victorian Champion and was Vice Champion in Australian and Australasian Championships, and 16th in the Open British Latin Championships. He also went on to represent Australia at the World Championships in Oslo 1990
In 1994 Damian started representing Canada with his now wife, Clara. Together they became the top ranked Amateur Latin couple in North America. He turned professional in 1996 and was fortunate to be accepted to join the world renowned competitive dance studio, Dance Options. Whilst continuing his competitive career, he was being trained by some of the most prestigious and well respected teachers in dance. In 1998 Damian qualified professionally, and is now recognized by the International Dance Teachers Association becoming a Fellow in 2010, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, and the United Kingdom Alliance.
Together both Damian and Clara were UK Closed Professional Latin Finalists, and Vice Champions at the British and Irish South American Showdance Championships. They were also, British South American Showdance Representatives at the World Championships in 2001 & 2002.
They now run the very successful dance school Caterham Dance School, offering coaching to many competitive couples.
Damian has judged and taught extensively throughout the World including the prestigious Junior Open British Festival, International Latin Championships, British National Championships and the WDC AL World Championships.
He has served as Treasurer of the BCDC for 5 years, and has sat on the BDF EC since 2018.
+ STEPHEN HILLIER MBE: NATIONAL CONGRESS ORGANISER & ARCHIVES
Stephen has been a member of the BDF since 1979, and has served on the committee since 1990.
Starting to dance at the age of 7, Stephen competed as a Juvenile, Junior, Youth and Amateur, before turning Professional in 1979. He was successful in winning the World Amateur Ballroom Championship in 1978, and also the British Open Amateur Ballroom Championship in 1978 and 1979. He then went on to win the British Open Professional Ballroom Championship in 1986,87, and 88, and the World Championship in the same years.
As an amateur, Stephen took a strong interest in the affairs of Ballroom Dancing and was elected onto the committee of the British Amateur Dancers Association in the early seventies.
He has initiated many changes to the world of Ballroom Dancing and contributed in many ways to the success of the BDF for 30 years.
In 2009 Stephen was awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle. It was awarded for services to Ballroom Dancing, and in particular to his charity work in setting up the Dance Sport Foundation, which raised thousands of pounds to support young British dancers.
One of his proudest achievements is the formation and organisation of the BDF National Congress which was started in 2009, and is held at the British National Championships, in Blackpool every year. The congress is free of charge, and everyone attending the festival is invited to attend.
Stephen teaches with his wife Jennifer at JJ’s Dance Studios in Beckenham, and they will continue to work tirelessly to improve all aspects of British Ballroom Dancing.
+ BEN TAYLOR: FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS TEAM & REPORTS CO-ORDINATOR
I started dancing at the age of 8 in both ballroom and latin. As a youth, I was ranked England’s number 1 Youth and represented GB at the World and European Championships. Stefanie and I started dancing together in April 2008 and have thereby gone through our youth, amateur and professional careers together. Off the dance floor, we got married in February 2020.
My proudest moments and achievements are:
– Ranked 2x UK’s number 1 couple in Amateur Ballroom
– World Amateur Championship finalist
– Semi-finalist of all major championships including the British Open Dance Festival, The UK Open and the International Championships
– Professional Rising Stars Finalist at the International Championship and UK Open
It makes me very proud to have represented Great Britain all over the world – competing in Europe, Asia and America. Together with Stefanie, we are honoured to have been crowned winners of the following prestigious events:
- The Universal & The Imperial Championships
– Korean Open Championships
– Taiwan Open Championships
– German Open Championships
– Swiss Open Championships
– French Open Championships
– Polish Open Championships
– English Closed Championships
– Welsh Open Championships
After competing for 26 years, I retired from competitions in 2022. Now, I aim to contribute as much as I can to the BDF, as well as continuing to adjudicate, teach and lecture both domestically and abroad.
+ WARREN BOYCE: FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS TEAM & REPORTS CO-ORDINATOR
THE HONORARIES
+ ANTHONY HURLEY - HONORARY PRESIDENT
Anthony Hurley was the Ballroom Dancers Federation Chairman between 1993 – 2001
+ KENNY WELSH - HONORARY PRESIDENT
KeKenny Welsh was the Ballroom Dancers Federation Chairman between 2001-2023
+ RICHARD GLEAVE CBE - HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT
Nine times World Ballroom Champions (1973 to 1981).
Queen’s birthday honours list 2012: OBE for serves Ballroom Dancing.
The honour of the Commander of the Order of The British Empire for Services to Dance, in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours List
+ STEVE POWELL - HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT
Vice-President WDC , Vice-Chairman Competitive Dance Executive Committee. Past Vice-President Ballroom Dancers Federation.
Winner of the Sonny Binick Life-time Achievement Award for services to Ballroom Dancing.
Former Multiple European Professional Ballroom Finalist, Multiple World Professional Ballroom Semi-finalist.
+ DAVID SYCAMORE - HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT
David Sycamore served as a member of the Ballroom Dancers’ Federation’s Executive Committee for 25 years, including eight years as Honorary Secretary, before being elected as an Honorary Vice-President in 2019. During this time he was a delegate for the BDF to the British Dance Council and also sat on the BDC’s Rules Committee and International Professional Affairs Committee.
For his dedication to Ballroom Dancing, David, along with his partner Denise, was awarded the Sonny Binick Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Ballroom Dancing in 2018.
Following a successful competitive career, which saw them winning titles including the World Professional 10-Dance Championship five times and the World Professional Latin Showdance Championship, David & Denise are in great demand as coaches of contemporary competitors. David is also a member of the Education Department of the World Dance Council, which seeks to enlighten future generations of dancers.
David continues to play an active role within the BDF, attending EC meetings when possible as well as serving on some sub-committees and representing the BDF at IPAC meetings.
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+ THE CHAIRMANS 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 our profession are presented. The Night of 100 Stars, this is the showcase for our Dance Sport industry. The present world championships known as Classic Show Dance and South-American Show Dance, were 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 sit on the board of directors for the British Dance Council; the Federation is very pro-active in bringing 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.
We would like to thank our past and present officers for their incredible efforts for the Ballroom Dancing industry and detail below in chronological order the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Secretaries of our Federation…
1958 saw the first elected Chairman of the BDF, Mr. Hugh Carter who four years later in 1964 was replaced by Mr. Charles Jacobs following his sudden resignation.
In 1965 Mr. Sonny Binick was elected at the AGM and reined for 26 years and it was during this period with the help of Vice chairman Mr. Bob Burgess and Hon Secretary Mr. Walter Laird that the organisation grew to the prominence the organisation enjoys today.
In 1991 Mr. Sonny Binick was elevated to Hon President, the Vice Chairman Mr. Bob Burgess was elected as Chairman and remained there for two years after which time he was elevated to Hon Vice President along with Mr. Walter Laird.
1993 saw the election of Mr. Anthony Hurley who was to remain as Chairman until his retirement in 2001. He was originally supported by his Vice Chairman Mr. Richard Gleave OBE, and later by his very close friend Mr Keith Burton with Mr. Norman White as Hon Secretary. Mr. Anthony Hurley was then elevated to Hon President and shortly afterwards Mr. Norman White our very longstanding Hon Secretary and our very longstanding Hon Treasurer Mrs. Joy Weller were also made Hon Vice Presidents . In more recent times Mr. Richard Gleave has also been made an Hon Vice President.
2001 was the year Mr. Kenny Welsh was elected as Chairman supported by Mr. Steve Powell as Vice Chairman and Mr. David Sycamore Hon Secretary. Mr. Graham Oswick took over from Mr. David Sycamore in 2009 with David still an active member of the EC. In 2020, Mr Graham Oswick stepped down as Hon Secretary to Assistant Secretary and Mr John Durrant is the current BDF Hon Secretary.
+ THE ROLE & BENEFITS OF BDF MEMBERSHIP
The Ballroom Dancers Federation was formed more than 60 years ago. Its formation was born out of the need for professional competitors to unite in order to raise the standards of conditions under which they competed. Since those early days the role of the BDF in today’s dance world has evolved immeasurably.
I summarise below the main areas in which the BDF is active:
Representation
The original raison d’être is still very much in evidence today. This takes the form of delegates who attend British Dance Council meetings to represent the interests of BDF members and generally nurture the well-being of the competition side of the business. This includes a seat on the influential International Professional Affairs Committee as well as the main Board of Directors. In addition, BDF delegates can make proposals to be forwarded by the BDC to the World Dance Council on such matters as rule changes etc.
Education
Biennially the BDF organises the International Congress that takes place during the British Open Championships in May. This employs Lecturers with a vast range of knowledge, who lecture to a very appreciative audience comprised of dancers from the four corners of the globe. Of particular benefit to BDF members is that for the past few years entry has been free of charge for both days of the Congress for members of two years or more standing.
The BDF, although predominantly concerned with Professionals, recognises the importance of nurturing the talent of young dancers. The earlier they can be made aware of, and gain an understanding of, the important principles of Ballroom and Latin-American dancing, the greater their chances of realising their potential as adults. With this in mind the BDF has from time to time organised Youth Training Camps and Amateur Training Camps, which have included young couples from the ages of 10 years upwards.
Organising of Events
The Star Championships were in the 1950s some of the most prestigious titles contested by Professional competitors. Following a period when they were not run and not wishing the titles to be lost into oblivion, the BDF resurrected the titles by taking on the organising of the event. In recent years the Star Championships have taken on a new lease of life with a new venue and the addition of a Pro/Am showcase, which could in future be the seeds of growth of Pro/Am competitions. One of the most spectacular events in the dancing calendar is the Night of 100 Stars. This was the brainchild of former BDF Chairman and President, Sonny Binick, who wished to present the world’s best Professional couples in cabaret-style performances. Each year the couples surpass themselves with ever-better cabarets.
To organise a World or European Championship is a major task. It seems that there was no-one or any organisation in Great Britain willing to take this on. The BDF therefore stepped in and for some time now has presented either a World or European Ballroom or Latin-American Championship in Great Britain at least every second year. The expense of organising such a major event is so enormous that even a sold out Blackpool Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom is insufficient to cover the costs. Fortunately, the BDF has benefited from generous sponsors and the shortfall is made up from BDF Funds.
At one particular Championship some years ago which was being aired on television, the Executive Committee developed a formula, where the competitors danced an additional performance in which a combination of all five dances was performed without a break. At the time this was known as “Segue” and its popularity became such that World and European Segue Championships came into being in parallel with the standard Championships. This was the beginning of what are today known as Ballroom and Latin Showdance Championships.
Recognition
The BDF Awards were introduced in order to give public recognition to people who had, in the BDF’s view, given outstanding service to dancing. The selection of Award recipients is given great thought by the selection committee and the Awards are highly coveted by the Profession.
Assistance
The BDF assists its members in a variety of ways. Members can write to the Secretary and all correspondence is given full consideration by the Executive Committee. If necessary, members’ concerns can be brought up at BDC meetings as explained earlier. As well as this, BDF funds are used to assist couples representing Great Britain in World and European Championships with their travel expenses.
As can be seen from the above summary, the activities of the BDF have evolved from its humble beginnings to become multi-faceted. The Federation has been fortunate to have been guided and led by a small number of dedicated and enlightened Professionals. The present officers are mindful of the legacy they have inherited and are resolute in their intention to keep the BDF at the forefront of Competition Dancing in Great Britain.
David Sycamore
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