Member Organizations

The USBC was first conducted at the Waldorf Astoria in 1971 and continued there until 1975, when they were held in Washington D.C.. From there it returned to the Waldorf Astoria from 1976 to 1981, then the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden in 1982. It was then back at the Waldorf Astoria for 1983 and shared between the Felt Forum and the Waldorf Astoria in 1984. In 1985 it was moved to Miami Beach, FL and held at the Sheraton Bal Harbour. The Championships remained there until 1988. In 1989 it was held at the Fontainebleau Hilton and returned to the Sheraton Bal Harbour in 1990.

ABC conducted the World Professional Championships (Standard) in conjunction with World Dance Promotions at the Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden, New York City in 1984 and recently conducted this event in 1998 in Miami. Additionally, ABC has organized the World’s Professional Latin American Championships in 1987, 1991, & 1996 and the World’s Professional Ten Dance Championships in 1993 and 1997.

The United States representatives for the World Professional Championships are chosen each year at the USDC. In conjunction with the NDCA, ABC helps subsidize the couples travel expenses.The US Open Professional Standard and Latin American Championships commenced in 1983, and since then have attracted the best dancers from throughout the World.

In 1995 ABC formed a joint venture with the Ballroom Dance Division at Brigham Young University to organize and run the US National Pre-Teen, Junior, Youth and Amateur Cabaret Championships in Provo, UT. This was due to the very large population of young dancers in the inter-mountain area.In 1996, the US National Professional Standard Championships and the US National Professional Rising Star Standard Competition joined the other U.S. Championships which were held in Provo.In 1997 the name of the annual US Championship was changed to reflect the trend in the dance world. The name was changed to “United States Dance Sport Championships_”.

In 2006, ABC successfully reunited all United States Championships under one roof, giving the United States one competition for all National Championships.

In 2007 ABC changed the name of the annual United States Championships to “United States Dance Championships” (USDC) to more accurately reflect the spirit of the event. Along with this change, a change of venue was made to its present location, which is the Royal Pacific Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida. ABC is an independent producer of dance competitions, and has successfully produced many United States Championships and World Championships.

Arthur Murray is proud to have brought to dancing many of the celebrities who appeared on the famous Arthur Murray Dance Party TV series and such latter day dance stars as Larry and Betty Silvers, Vernon Brock and Beverly Donahue, Ron Montez, Sam Sodano, John and Beverly Kimmins, Patrick and Wendy Johnson, David and Carrie Kloss, Bill Sparks and Shirley Johnson, Tim and Barbara Haller, Pat Traymore, Terry Leone, Bob Medeiros, Julius Kaiser, Frank and Victoria Regan, Bob and Cindy Long, Bob Powers and Julia Gorchakova, Augusto Schiavo, Luca and Loraine Barrichi, Michelle Montague, Nicholas and Lena Kosovich and Hunter and Maria Johnson.

We are equally as proud of all our instructors and franchise studio operators along with our head office staff, who are the heart and soul of the vibrant Arthur Murray Dance Studios of today.

In September 1953, Alma Heaton joined BYU faculty, and taught the first social dance class. The fall of 1967, Roy & June Mavor were appointed to be directors of Ballroom Dance Teams. Roy introduced the Medalist System and firmly established International Style into the curriculum. In May of 1971, Roy Mavor took the first BYU team to compete in the British Ballroom Dancing Championships, held in Blackpool, England. This team became the first American team ever to win the British formation championship. In 1973, after Roy and June Mavor left BYU to establish their own business, Emerson & LeGene Lyman were appointed directors of the Ballroom Dance Teams. Emerson expanded the programs to include International Style, Latin dances, International Balls and enlarged the Medalist Program. January 1977, a new social dance team, specializing in American Style, was formed on campus and coached by Lee Wakefield. In 1980, Lee became the artistic director of the Ballroom Dance Company.

For 18 years, Lee and Linda have directed the Ballroom Dance Program at Brigham Young University. Under their jurisdiction the program has grown quickly and has become the largest Ballroom Dance Program in a university in the world. In 1994, Curt & Sharon Holman joined the faculty at the University and now work with Lee and Linda in building and improving the program. For the last 17 years, the Brigham Young University Ballroom and Latin formation teams have won the US title and numerous times have won the British formation title. The formation team members are also part of a Ballroom Performing Company that tours nationally and internationally, presenting a 90-minute production of ballroom dancing. The company is sought after around the world and is known for the high quality and professional production.

In 1993, BYU was selected to host the World Amateur Standard Championships, and is currently, along with American Ballroom Company, the host of the United States Professional Standard Ballroom Championships.

During the early years, four-day conventions were held annually in Boston. Conventions continued to be held in Boston hotels until 1977 when they were moved to a lovely suburban function facility, The Lantana, in Randolph, Massachusetts. In 1941, A “Normal School” was established for the purpose of training prospective teachers. The program expands and improves annually to make it one of the best programs of its kind in the industry and is now called The Dance Education Training Course.

From its small beginning in 1914, DTCB has enjoyed continuous growth and development. By 1947, it had 99 members; by 1969, 242 members; and today it boasts over 500 members, covering both Performing Arts and Ballroom, who come from all over the United States and from Canada and Italy. In 1966, DTCB merged with the American Society of Teachers of Dancing. ASTD was the nation’s oldest dance teacher organization, founded in 1879.

The Club holds a Convention annually. The main purpose is to present master teachers in performing arts and ballroom, who provide both members and non-members with exciting new material and the opportunity to refresh and revitalize their own teaching styles for the benefit of their students. The Club maintains a Home Fund, established in 1972, which is designed to help members in times of emergencies such as fire, theft, serious illness, or other disasters. (HOME + Helping Our Members’ Emergencies). Known as the Grand Annual Social Event of the Club, the Spring Gala is a dance and show held each year to benefit the DTCB Lillafrances Viles Scholarship Fund. Two scholarships are presented annually to college-bound students of members.

Notable DTCB Members who have taken active valuable roles within NDCA are Dan and Annette Berger; Bill Bradford; George Chopourian; Eleanor Rubino; Bill Fowler, current NDCA Performing Arts Director; Nancy Bradford, current DTCB Delegate to Council; and Brenda Johnson, Alternate Delegate. Nancy and Brenda are also members of the new Council reconstruction committee.The members of the Dance Teachers’ Club of Boston and the American Society are proud to be a part of the dance world and the fraternal organization of NDCA. We work diligently to contribute to the progress and growth of the dance industry. We are pleased to share our experiences and our expertise with our fellow educators, performers, and students from all areas of dance. We welcome you to join us, or to call on us whenever we can be of assistance.

Over the past years the Heritage Dance Foundation has developed and maintained many worthwhile projects, including:

1. The Junior Dance Foundation assisting youth in ballroom
2. The United States Dance Congress annual event and seminar which the HDF transferred to the NDCA
3. Publication of the national bi-weekly newsletter, DanceWeek
4. The publication of Ability, The Ballroom Dance Journal
5. Establishment of amateur and professional dance scholarships
6. Members of the National Dance Council of America
7. Assisting Competition Organizers for tax deductible scholarship events
8. Producer of original theatrical productions
9. Remember the Paramount and Broadway at Paramount
10. Producer of original television show “A Time to Dance”
11. Creation of a theatrical ensemble, Encore Entertainment

The Heritage Dance Foundation has created a performing arts division in order to nurture and encourage regional community theatrical and dance productions.

Five meetings were held yearly; each offering four seminars, one each from the Bronze and Silver NCDTO Syllabus, and two other suitable variations, competition material or “current trend” dances, music and training. Socials, buffets and potluck dinners added opportunities for good fellowship and lighthearted fun. Led by founder, Jim Forest, together with the assistance of Larry Dean, Jerry Jarzem, Howard Marlow, Terry Henes, Pat Patterson and Mae Patterson, the Florida Dance Teachers Association, Inc. incorporated in 1976 as a non-profit corporation for the encouragement, improvement and promotion of dancing; to institute, conduct, manage and provide a forum for dance teachers to exchange information and ideas, disseminate proper materials to enhance the integrity and capabilities of dance teachers, fix qualifications of membership and to protect and promote the mutual interest of its members. The FDTA joined the Council, then known as the National Council of Dance Teachers Organizations (NCDTO). In order to expand and attract members outside of Florida, in 1985 the organization name was changed to National Dance Teachers Association of America, Inc.

Our goal is to continue to provide support, syllabus materials, and assistance to members to enhance their expertise. We offer qualification examinations for certification in different levels and styles as well as traditional Medal Tests. Our meetings provide seminar workshop presentations teaching techniques as well as variations and patterns in a variety of dance forms, both social and competitive. Our members have the tools to give their students quality lessons to provide them with a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence for a healthy, happy, physically fit future through dancing.

Rickey was asked to form an Eastern Area of the USDTA, which was successfully accomplished in 1967. During the weekend of the first successful competition, held in the mid-west by the Eastern Area, a decision was made by the Eastern group to split from the California-based USDTA, and form the American Dance Teachers Association. The first president was Joe Jenkins. At that time, Rickey was serving on the Ballroom Committee and the Rules Formation Committee of the NCDTO (now NDCA). She became president of ADTA in 1969. The object in forming the ADTA was to more fully provide an organization in the U.S.A., which would include International Styles and Theatrical as well as American Styles in equity.

Because of Rickeys qualification with the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing (having passed the examiners examination with high honors) she was able to set up an International Branch with high standards, alongside the American Branch, which was run by Tom and Petie Gonzalez. First, the syllabi were set up. This took a full year to complete. Then examiners were examined and set up in areas around the U.S.A. and a very strict code of ethics was enforced. John Ford and Ron Williams drew up the Theatre Arts exam. Subsequently, the ADTA was accepted by the NCDTO (NDCA) and became a hard-working participant at all meetings since 1969-70. A Performing Arts branch was added. The organization now has approximately 450 members, elections, a fully qualified Board of Examiners, and is one of the first organizations to establish an examination for judges, specifically to set the criteria for qualifying adjudicators in all styles.

The NDCA recently approved a request to change the name of the organization to the North American Dancesport Teachers Association, Inc. Now in its 40th year of operation, the organization enjoys a fine and well-earned reputation for high standards and is a credit to the NDCA and the U.S.A.

The original board felt the need in the United States for an independent curriculum for American Style dance instruction. Mr. Key and Mr. Mavor formulated the syllabus. After much debate, our independent teaching organization was christened “Pam Am” due to the fact that Roy and his wife, June Mavor, directed dance events entitled Pan American Dance Championships.

After NCDTO’s (NDCA) review of our application and curriculum by Chairman John Monte and the executive committee, our Degree System of dance training was ratified. Originally, Pan American Teachers of Dancing, Inc. utilized Alex Moore’s Revised technique for our International Modern examinations, and Walter Laird’s Latin Technique syllabus for International Latin. Over the years, the ISTD revised their descriptions of Latin technical components to the extent that they have been universally accepted by all international teaching organizations, including Pan American Teachers of Dancing, Inc. In the early 1990’s, Pan American Teachers of Dancing, Inc. developed a performing arts (PA) department encompassing the dance fields of ballet, tap, and jazz. Our PA department continues to grow.

Being a member of America’s representative organization (National Dance Council of America) to the World Dance and Dancesport Council has been a privilege and an honor for Pan American Teachers of Dancing, Inc. and we hope to maintain our involvement for many years to come. Pan American Teachers of Dancing’s current Board of Directors include David M. Key, President; Mary K. Race, Secretary; and Lorrie Llamas, Treasurer. Delegates to the Board of Governors of the NDCA also include Lawrence Elkin and Joy and Colin Hillary.

Mr. David Key wishes to honor our founders: Roy Mavor, Lorrie Llamas and Laure Haile. Also, loyal delegate, John Morton (CA) and fellow and examiner, David Osborne (FL).

Purpose

The specific purpose of the PDF is: (a) To foster the spirit of good fellowship and sportsmanship, and to protect the interests of professionals, such as competitors, adjudicators, scrutineers, organizers and promoters involved in competitive dancing; and (b) To further the goodwill and cooperation between the members of the Professional Dancers Federation and the National Dance Council of America and all who utilize the professional services of the Professional Dancers Federation.

Why should I join?

The PDF is the only organization in the USA with a seat on the NDCA whose exclusive purpose is to represent the Dancesport Professional! The PDF can and will take your complaints to NDCA anonymously! Have a national organization stand behind you!!

Did You Know?

Many people don’t realize that the PDF is responsible for many improvements at competitions that todays competitive dancesport professionals enjoy. For example:

• Handling complaints against judges or organizers anonymously
• No smoking in the ballroom
• Drinking water in the ballroom
• 20 minutes between rounds
• Voting down surcharge on entries
• Creating the World Professional Smooth & Rhythm Championships
• And more…

Get involved today!

History of the PDF

The PDF was first established in 1980 by Brian McDonald when he lived in Oklahoma. He traveled to California at that time and met with some Professionals there who then became the first Officials of the PDF. They were Brian McDonald as President, Stephen Cullip, Jeanette Ball. Edward Ball & Bill Graveson. Mr. McDonald & Bill Mr.Graveson were the delegates who attended the NCDTO, (now known as the NDCA), meetings to try and obtain membership for the PDF. In the early eighties the PDF received an offer from Sonny Binick and Bob Burgess of the BDF in England to affiliate the PDF to their body the PDF, it was turned down as the wanted to keep completely free of any International body.

In 1982-83 at the California Star Ball, Ronald Montez was elected the new President. Mr. McDonald then continued working at NDCA for the PDF and after three years he managed to get the PDF incorporated and become a member of the NDCA. Prior to this we were at NDCA as observers only.

The PDF articles of Incorporation were filed on May 21, 1984 in California by it’s then current president, Ron Montez. The specific purpose of the corporation was to; (a) foster the spirit of good fellowship and sportsmanship, and to protect the interests of professionals, such as competitors, adjudicators, scrutineers, organizers and promoters involved in competitive dancing; and (b) to further the goodwill and cooperation between the members of the Professional Dancers Federation and the National Council of Dance Teachers Organization (now known as NDCA) and all who utilize the professional services of the Professional Dancers Federation members. Under the direction of Ron Montez on August 8, 1984, the PDF was admitted to the NDCA with Class A affiliate membership.

PDF OfficersOfficers are elected by the membership for 2 year terms. If you or anyone you know is interested in running for office please contact us. The PDF is always looking for Professionals interested in getting involved.

The standard is high in the Terpsichore Association and the qualifications of the membership roster are excellent.

Our examiners are fully qualified in all branches of ballroom dancing and are veterans of the dancing world. Teachers wishing to take their examinations should call our secretary, Debbie Marolda, at the Terpsichore office, (973) 276-1170, to receive information regarding membership exams and to schedule an examiner. We also accept qualified teachers from other societies and are most happy to have them join us with proof of their qualifications through a copy of their certificate issued to them at the time of their exams.

The society offers a full range of amateur tests in all styles of ballroom dancing, providing certificates and medals upon completion of the exams. With the US becoming world leaders in ballroom dancing, the U.S. Terpsichore Association is very proud to be a part of the NDCA. The list of current examiners for the United States Terpsichore Association consists of:

• Gary McDonald, President
• Stephan Krauel
• Beth Knoll
• Lori Woods-Gay
• Monique Hrouda
• Dennis Rogers
• Nadia Eftedal-Severino
• Diana McDonald
• Brian McDonald
• Kristi McDonald
• Ken Sloan
• Desmond Dunne
• Gene Jennings
• Ken Sloan
• Kerry Wilson
• Michael Chapman

The World Federation of Ballroom Dancers welcomes contributions from individuals, corporations, businesses, trusts, etc. All contributions to the World Federation of Ballroom Dancers, Inc. are full tax deductible under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations over $250 will be acknowledge in writing in accordance with the revisions to the tax code as of January 1, 1994.