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Response to the EADA Green Paper on the National Governing Body (NGB) for DanceSport in the UK

  • 6 days ago
  • 4 min read

The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) welcomes the publication of the English Amateur DanceSport Association Green Paper and supports the objective of establishing an effective, inclusive, and future-proof National Governing Body for dancing in the UK. The BDSA acknowledges the extensive history and contribution of the English Amateur Dancesport Association (EADA) to the amateur community and appreciate their work in driving this important conversation forward. We believe the BDSA is uniquely positioned and best equipped to serve as the national governing body for dance sport across the UK.


1. Inclusive Governance Across the Entire Sector

The BDSA was founded with a clear mandate to govern all forms of Ballroom and Latin American dancing and a number of different dance genres - amateur, professional, Pro-Am, social, and competitive. Unlike EADA, which exclusively represents English amateur dancers, the BDSA provides a holistic structure that unifies all stakeholders under one inclusive framework across dance genres. This broad representation is essential to address the fragmented nature of the current industry, a key concern raised throughout the Green Paper and also unite dance sport across the UK and provide a central point for effective support and assist the genres in sustainable dance sport across the UK.


2. Independence, Modern Governance, and Best Practice

From its inception, the BDSA has been structured in alignment with modern governance principles outlined in A Code for Sports Governance by Sport England and UK Sport. Our leadership includes experts from outside the dance community, including those with backgrounds in sports law, safeguarding, anti-doping and public administration. This breadth of experience ensures we are free from legacy biases and better placed to implement high standards of integrity, transparency, inclusivity, and professional governance from the outset.


3. Comprehensive and Transparent Policy Framework

The BDSA has already developed and published a wide-ranging set of policies, regulations, safeguarding measures and equality and diversity policies - something few other organisations have comprehensively delivered. The BDSA works closely with organisations such as SaferDance and include voices from ParaDance UK, the UK Equality Dance Council, and Black in the Ballroom to ensure all sectors of the community are represented and protected. The BDSA is working to encourage the dance sport industry to reflect on best practice and encourage implementation of effective governance in each genre.


4. Unified Competitive Structure and Licensing

Where the Green Paper identifies competing circuits, inconsistent licensing, and poor coordination across competitive formats. These are the very reasons the BDSA came into being and we have taken practical steps to address these challenges. We aim to operate an integrated licensing system for competitors, adjudicators, and organisers, and we have already begun harmonising competition rules in partnership with organisers and promoters to ensure clarity, accessibility, and opportunity for all. We are aiming to enhance the transparency of judging at competitions by improving the Skating System which will hugely benefit the support and feedback competitors receive from grassroots to professional level.


5. A National, Not Just English, Vision

While EADA is recognised within England, the BDSA is the only organisation working toward a unified British structure. The future NGB must represent the entire UK if British dancers are to gain coherent international representation. The BDSA is engaging with representatives across the home nations to build a cohesive UK-wide governing body that is respected domestically and abroad. The BDSA is engaged with dance sport groups across the world to enhance the opportunities of dance as a sport, ensuring there is UK representation on the world stage.


6. International Ambition and Independence

The BDSA is not affiliated with a single international federation, allowing us to foster relationships with other dance organisations without bias. This flexibility is essential for supporting British dancers on all global pathways and avoiding the political entanglementsthat have historically limited other organisations' effectiveness. We are actively engaging with international bodies to establish reciprocal recognition and create clear routes to world championships and elite-level events.


7. Transparent Financial Planning and Sustainability

The BDSA is building funding models that align with best practices in financial management, and we are committed to accountability and transparency. Our goal is to secure government recognition and eligibility for public and lottery funding to support grassroots growth, coaching development, and elite performance—none of which are viable under the current fragmented system.


8. Commitment to Long-Term Growth

Our strategic vision includes the development of education pathways, national talent identification schemes, career opportunities for teachers and coaches, and integration with the national curriculum to ensure that DanceSport has a stable future. These are not just ideas; they are part of our action plan in progress. The BDSA was proud to unveil its bursary scheme in the first year of activity.


Conclusion

The Green Paper highlights the urgent need for unified leadership within British DanceSport. The BDSA is already fulfilling the key roles and responsibilities of a modern NGB. We are inclusive, transparent, and forward-thinking—qualities essential for restoring trust in the industry and positioning DanceSport for future growth and Olympic inclusion. We respectfully propose that the British DanceSport Association be formally recognised as the National Governing Body and welcome further collaboration with EADA, government stakeholders, and all dance community members to make this vision a reality.


You can visit the EADA website here... https://www.eada.co.uk/


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