As we announced previously, the USA Dance Board of Directors voted unanimously, with one abstention, to become a National Organization for the United States with the World Dance Organization (WDO). This was in addition to our National Member Body status with the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) – the main difference being that the WDO does not consider itself an International Governing Body for DanceSport – that right is held exclusively by the WDSF.
When we announced this arrangement, we noted that we have no intention of severing ties with the WDSF – an organization we take great pride in being a member of.
Recently, the WDSF Presidium voted to establish clear criteria by June 2024 for a preferred approach for their National Member Bodies regarding such partnerships.
(Editor’s Note: The WDSF Annual General Meeting was held on June 11, in Madrid, Spain. If you are interested, here is a link to the video of the full meeting: WDSF Annual General Meeting The relevant discussion and vote of motion #36.6 comes in at around the 1 hour and 59 minute mark and lasts for about 70 minutes.)
Along with the other NMBs, we will work with the Presidium of the WDSF to ensure that any adopted criteria will allow USA Dance the opportunities to create long-lasting relationships with other international and national DanceSport organizations. Our intent is to become the preeminent national DanceSport organization in the United States. Until that time, we will move forward to integrate WDO into USA Dance and provide our members with all of the additional opportunities to compete and adjudicate on the national and international levels.
Joining the World Dance Organization and Representing USA Dance
Unlike the WDSF, the WDO allows athletes, adjudicators, and organizers to join its organization without being a member of a national organization. However, for those athletes and adjudicators who join through USA Dance, you will be offered a discounted WDO membership price. Additionally, those World Team members who wish to receive travel stipends for attending WDO World Championships must join through USA Dance. If you are a current member of the WDO you can contact them and request that they link you to our organization.
To join WDO, go to https://cdn.ymaws.com/usadance.org/resource/resmgr/membership/documents/membersapplication-wdo.pdf and complete the registration form and email it to WDOmembership@usadance.org. Once we process your membership, we will send you an invoice.
Upcoming Open World Championships
Attention Competitors, the WDSF and WDO have announced their Open World Championships. These World Championships are open to any qualified USA Dance member who has a valid WDSF or WDO membership and meets the age or level requirements. The top two qualified World Team Members will qualify for travel stipends. See more at:
USA Dance Annual General Meeting
USA Dance held its Annual General Meeting virtually via Zoom Saturday, August 26th, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST. Did you miss it? Watch it here — USA Dance AGM.
