International Federation
World Dance Council
The British professional ballroom tradition
Best For
Competitors in the European/British professional ballroom tradition
Overview
World Dance Council, established in Edinburgh on 22 September 1950 as the International Council of Ballroom Dancing, later the World Dance & Dance Sport Council, and under its present name since 1 June 2006. The federation of the professional ballroom tradition: its member bodies include the British Dance Council, and its titles are contested at the major British championships such as Blackpool, the UK Open and the International.
History
Established on 22 September 1950 in Edinburgh, Scotland, as the International Council of Ballroom Dancing (ICBD).
Later known as the World Dance & Dance Sport Council (WD&DSC); it has carried the name World Dance Council since 1 June 2006.
Its professional titles are contested at the major British championships such as Blackpool, the UK Open and the International.
Governance & Structure
Led by a Presidium of company directors and vice-presidents elected by the member bodies every three years.
Work is divided between the World Competitive Dance Committee and the World Social Dance Committee.
Member bodies include the British Dance Council.
Not recognised by the IOC (WDSF holds that recognition).
Competition Structure
WDC World Championships in Professional Ballroom and Professional Latin.
WDC World Cups and European Championships in the professional divisions.
The WDC Amateur League (WDC AL) runs the amateur pathway alongside the professional titles.
Recognised championships include Blackpool, the UK Open and the International, each independently organised.
Key Programs
World Championships
Professional Ballroom and Professional Latin world titles.
WDC World Cups
Professional Latin and Ballroom cups sanctioned by the WDC.
Membership & Access
Professional dancers register through their national council. Competition entry is typically through event organizers with WDC sanctioning.
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