What we are all about...
Our commitment to truth and transparency is uncompromising.
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We provide rules and guidance for all Ballroom and Latin American dancing, ensuring that everyone can compete from the same starting point.
How we are going to do things...
We aim to give every dancer a voice. Our democratic approach ensures fair representation and an open platform for dialogue and debate within the DanceSport community.
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Safety and good floor craft are our top priorities. We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all dancers, from children to adults.
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As an independent governing body, we act without bias, ensuring all dancers are treated fairly. Our belief in integrity and freedom to dance extends to the principle of being all-inclusive. We are committed to diversity and inclusion across all aspects of DanceSport.
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Whether you're a club dancer, part of a university society or competing on the international circuit, there's a space for you under the BDSA umbrella.
We are proud to be wheelchair and impairment-friendly, ensuring everyone has the chance to dance and compete whether you have a physical, mental disability or learning difficulty.
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We offer funding opportunities that cover a range of needs, from grassroots dancers to elite members.
Our Values...
Truth & Transparency
We provide rules and guidance on all Ballroom and Latin American dancing, so that everyone can compete from the same starting point.
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Safeguarding Measures
Safety and good floor craft are our top priorities. We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all dancers, from children to adults.
Diversity & Inclusion
Our belief in integrity and freedom to dance extends to the principle of being all-inclusive. We're committed to diversity and inclusion in DanceSport.
Democracy in DanceSport
We aim to give every dancer a voice. Our democratic approach ensures fair representation and an open platform for dialogue and debate within the DanceSport community.
Independent & Unbiased
As an independent governing body, we act without bias, ensuring all dancers are treated fairly.
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Clubs & Societies Welcome
Whether you're a club dancer or part of a university society, there's a space for you under the BDSA umbrella.
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Meet the Board...
FAQ's
What is the BDSA and why has it been formed?
The BDSA has been set up to offer an alternative form of governance in dancing. People are entitled to choose which system of governance they wish to be governed by and enter competitions that are governed in a fair and transparent way. We will work continuously to provide everyone in DanceSport an equal opportunity to flourish and succeed.
What does the BDSA aim to achieve?
1. Leading collaborative change in dance sport.
2. Strengthening dance sport success in the sports industry.
3. Using dance to engage people to develop themselves.
4. Promote a centre of excellence
What is the BDSA aiming to accomplish in competitive dancing?
The BDSA will offer a pathway to elite competition through fair, transparent, safe and well-organised events.
Is the BDSA officially a governing body?
Yes. Any organisation can set up and become a governing body as sport is autonomous and that means it is self-regulating. We are proud to be a professional, transparent and fair organisation with a host of skills and experience across our board and staff team.
Can anyone join BDSA?
BDSA is open to all participants of dance sport. We have a wide variety of memberships from professional to parent. Take a look at our membership page on our website for full details: www.bdsassociation.com/memberships
Is the BDSA a replacement for the BDC?
No, the BDSA is not a replacement for the British Dance Council. It is a wholly separate entity with a different core mission and is there to support an elite pathway in DanceSport.
Can a BDSA license be used in the UK without any other licence?
The BDSA does not seek to stop anyone from holding any licence they wish and will therefore not exclude licence holders from their events. But licence holders must be a member of the BDSA to participate in their events and agree to be governed by the rules of that competition and the wider BDSA regulations.
Can I use my BDSA licence in all competitions in England?
If the event organisers allow you to, then Yes. The BDSA is working with event organisers and other organisations across dance sport to alleviate the issues of multiple licences. Please follow our social media channels and sign up to our newsletter for latest news on this and other aspects of our work as we develop.
Can organisers use the BDSA rules instead of BDC rules and how does that work with adjudicators?
Yes, organisers can choose whether to run a BDSA regulated event or other event. If you run a BDSA regulated event, you will need to follow the BDSA’s specific rules as laid out in our BDSA Rules available here: https://www.bdsassociation.com/policies.
How will competitions work especially UK/Internationals? Will these events be able to recognise and accept BDSA licences?
Yes, the BDSA licence can be used at both UK and International events.
Who can run a BDSA regulated event?
Anyone who chooses to run a BDSA regulated event can apply to the BDSA to do so, however, they will need to become a member of our governing body and agree to be regulated by us. This does not preclude them from being regulated by other organisations.
If I am a regulated member can I organise events under different rules?
If you choose to be a member of multiple organisations you can choose which events to run under which organisations’ rules. We hope that the DanceSport community will recognise the benefits of running BDSA regulated events as their event of choice.
How do organisers of events choose adjudicators and licences they hold?
If you are running a BDSA event you are required to conform to the regulations and appoint adjudicators and licence holders that are registered with the BDSA. This allows for the BDSA’s high standards to be maintained.