The Ballroom Dancers' Federation was founded in 1958 to give a voice to competitive ballroom dancers. A previous organisation, called the Competitors' Federation had been disbanded soon after its formation in 1946. The purpose of the BDF is:

1. To promote the spirit of good fellowship and sportsmanship and to protect and advance the interests of professional competitors and professionals in general.

2. To further the goodwill and co-operation between those who utilise the services of its members and the governing Dance Sport bodies.

These general aims are interpreted mainly from the point of view of professional competitors, though many of its activities do also benefit amateur competitors.

The Federation has been responsible for starting many events:

• The International Congress held biennially at the British Open Championships in Blackpool, where lectures on all aspects of the profession are presented.
• The Night of 100 Stars, which is the showcase for the Dance Sport industry.
• The type of world championships known as Classic Show Dance and South American Show Dance, were originally called segue events which was the innovation of the BDF.
• Twenty-five years ago, the Federation resurrected the Star Championships originally run by the now defunct Star newspaper
  The Star (London)
  The Star was a London evening newspaper founded in 1788.The first edition was printed on 3 May 1788 under the editorship of Peter Stuart. Founding sponsors of the new paper included publisher John Murray and William Lane of the Minerva Press...
  
   in the famous Earls Court Exhibition Centre
  Earls Court Exhibition Centre
  The Earls Court Exhibition Centre is an exhibition centre, conference and event venue located in west London, United Kingdom in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea . It is the largest exhibition venue in central London. It is served by two underground stations, Earl's Court and West...
  
  . Later the Championship was held in the Great Room of the Grosvenor House
  Grosvenor House
  Grosvenor House was one of the largest private townhouses situated on London's exclusive Park Lane in the district of Mayfair. The house was the home of the Grosvenor family for more than a century...
  
   on Park Lane
  Park Lane (road)
  Park Lane is a major road in the City of Westminster, in Central London.-History:Originally a country lane running north-south along what is now the eastern boundary of Hyde Park, it became a fashionable residential address from the eighteenth century onwards, offering both views across Hyde Park...
  
   together with a dinner dance called the Star Ball.
• The BDF awards have grown to be one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the world today.
• The Ballroom Dancers’ Federation have undertaken the responsibility of organising European and World Championship events granted by the World Dance Council
  World Dance Council
  The World Dance Council Ltd , is a registered limited company, and the legal successor to the International Council of Ballroom Dancing, and was established at a meeting organised by P.J.S Richardson on 22 September 1950 in Edinburgh...
  
   to Great Britain. This has been achieved with the support of generous sponsors.

Delegates from the Executive Committee of the Federation sit on the board of directors for the British Dance Council

British Dance Council

The British Dance Council was formed in 1929 as the Official Board of Ballroom Dancing . The name was subsequently changed in 1985 to the British Council of Ballroom Dancing and in 1996, the name was changed to British Dance Council...

; the Federation sees a major part of its role as bringing about changes in the BDC.

See also

• English Amateur Dancesport Association
  English Amateur Dancesport Association
  The English Amateur Dancesport Association Ltd is a volunteer-led organisation which represents the interests of Amateur Dancers within England. EADA provides support and training for Amateur dancers and acts as the voice of English Amateur dancers amongst other dance organisations both in the...
  
  
• BDF International http://www.bdfi.org/index.php/en_US/welcome