The WDO Board of Directors Report 2025

• BOD & Committee Meetings

The World Dance Organisation (WDO) Board of Directors have worked diligently throughout 2025. The Board has met regularly, holding at least one formal three-hour meeting each month, in addition to numerous supplementary meetings as required. Beyond their Board responsibilities, the majority of Directors have also served as Chairs of WDO Committees, each of which has been active with regular and additional meetings throughout the year. The commitment, dedication, and voluntary service of our Directors and Committee members continue to be a cornerstone of WDO’s success and we would like to thank each and every member that has given their time and effort to the WDO.

• WDO Team

We are indebted to the marvellous team behind WDO who work tirelessly behind the scenes and who we would like to offer our sincere thanks for all their hard work.

WDO Administrator & Membership Co-Ordinator; Gina Owen

WDO Secretary; Kara Harding

WDO Web Administrator; Samantha Needham

• WDO World & European Championships, WDO Ranking & Recognised Events.

We wish to extend sincere gratitude to all the Organisers that have hosted the WDO World & European Championships this year.

We also wish to thank all Organisers who hosted the WDO Ranking events and WDO Recognised Events & WDO WorldGrand Slam Series Ranking events.

Your continued support and dedication to organising fabulous events is extremely appreciated.

We are very proud and honoured to announce that ALL WDO World Titles for 2026 have now been taken and allocated, a milestone achievement reflecting the continuing growth, demand, and recognition of the WDO worldwide.

We thank you all.

• WDO Ranking Awards

In 2025 that we are all very proud to state that during The Night of WDO held in January during the UK Dance Festival, we once again awarded monetary prizes to the top-ranked Professional and Amateur couples of over £30,300. Additionally WDO Senior Ranking awards were presented at the Night of the WDO.

Another major achievement for WDO was the introduction of Pro-Am Ranking with cash awards amounting to £30,000. An exciting new initiative recognising our Pro-Am competitors, supporting and celebrating achievement within this important sector of our dance community. This year marked the second edition of the very glamorous WDO The Gala, held at the Natural History Museum in London. Once again this evening was a tremendous success that the WDO are honoured to have held.

Another first for the WDO was the introduction of the WDO After Party held at the conclusion of The Open Worlds at the fabulous Tower Ballroom Blackpool in The Circus. It was a free evening of celebration that was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

• E-Dance Hub

Our collaboration with E-Dance Hub has continued to thrive. Their expertise and technical support have been invaluable in streamlining our voting system, making it more efficient and accessible. We are working closely with them to further enhance our systems, including ongoing improvements to our membership platform.

As we approach the end of the year, we look forward to welcoming new Directors to the Board, while expressing our sincere gratitude to those who will be stepping down for their invaluable contributions and service.

The WDO Board of Directors remains deeply committed to transparency, inclusivity, and excellence in all we do. With continued passion and teamwork, we look forward to another successful and inspiring year ahead in 2026.

We thank you all for your support and look forward to the coming year with optimism and enthusiasm. We stand united in our beliefs for fairness, integrity and freedom for all.

Board of Directors of the World Dance Organisation