We have received the following correspondence from Donnie Burns, MBE:
Following rumour of correspondence from US competitors to the WDC, the WDC took extensive steps and implemented thorough enquiries. In fact , no formal correspondence has yet been made.
We have, however been advised that an alleged 'open letter' was recently published in a US dance publication called "Dance Bleat".
The letter was apparently from top professional dancers in the United States and criticized the WDC for not selecting US judges in recent years to officiate on World Championship panels. The letter claims that the WDC’s actions are malevolent (sic; evil and ill contrived).
Although the WDC has never formally received this letter, we are taking it at face value.
The WDC has been responsible for running the World Professional Championships for 57 years. Today we have over 60 member countries and each of them has an equal vote in our democratic charter. Our list of Professional World Champions is a “who’s, who” of the dance business and we (WDC) are, first and foremost, an organization that represents Professional dancers, dance teachers and dance studios.
We pride ourselves in offering Professional dancers a fair, unbiased and ethical arena for them to perform their artistry and we offer Professional competitors the most lucrative opportunities in the dance world; (the WDC Asian tour alone provides a cash prize purse in excess of $1,000,000).
Hence, we are acutely aware that our titles and our dancers are the Dance world’s finest asset and we are determined to protect them. Our dancers are our priority
By the action of publishing the ‘open letter’ - the couples have chosen to reach out to us directly; rather than communicate through their current member body - the NDCA. Whatever the reasons, this is their choice and we respect it. Moreover, we will honour it.
In response we are inviting all currently registered and currently active WDC competitors to meet directly with representatives of the WDC Presidium and the Chairman of the Competitors Commission - Paul Richardson (coincidentally a US resident) at this year’s US National Championships, the USDSC in Orlando; (a WDC World Series ranking event). The meeting will be closed to these persons only and will therefore be an atmosphere conducive to the competitors feeling comfortable and free from any intimidation or bullying. The WDC Presidium will include Mr. Jack Rothweiler , Vice President of the WDC and President of Fred Astaire’s USA and Mr. Martin Chiang, organizer of the US National Championships and honorary advisor to the WDC Presidium. The exact time and location will be clearly posted at the event.
We look forward to seeing you all in Orlando.
The WDC Presidium