Ballroom Dancers' Federation International honours Sri Lankan

Sri Lanka was honoured when Subashini Dias Abeyegunawardene was elected to the International Board of Directors at the recently concluded Annual General Meeting of the Ballroom Dancers Federation International held at Blackpool in UK.

Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage congratulates Subashini Dias Abeyegunawardene on her election as International Director of BDFI

This is the first time a Sri Lankan has been given the opportunity of being an International Director of a World Dance Body.

As National Director for the last four years Subashini with her dedicated Presidents, Nemantha Abeysinghe, Dr. Doreen Jayamaha and Dr. Nellie Fernando steered western dancing to new heights with new concepts.

Introducing Wheelchair Dancing in Sri Lanka was a magnanimous effort of BDFI Sri Lanka when they "United the abled and the differently abled" on a common platform.

Line Dancing was another concept brought to Sri Lanka to "Stop the cry for partners".

As a member of the World Masters International many Line Dancing competitions have been held locally and the winners promoted to Asia Pacific and World Competitions. Incidentally, Subashini is the only Sri Lankan so far who has danced at the Blackpool World Championships and was placed 5th.

Promoting five disciplines of dancing namely Hip Hop, Line and Belly under the Performing Arts category, Strict Tempo Dancing in Latin and Modern. BDFI has conducted 3 International Dancesport Festivals with great success. Workshops by International Experts have been a regular feature to uplift dancing standards, which has been marred by social dancing. Annual National Hip Hop Competitions was a base for many a hidden talent The Federation accents on correct technique and style and conducts the British Medal Exams annually.

They have spread their wings to Kandy and Galle. With special accent on children the Federation promotes dancing from 4 years to 75 years.

Many times at the AGM of BDFI in Blackpool the work done by the Sri Lanka Federation has been commended.

BDFI being affiliated to the Ministry of Sports the Federation acknowledges the support extended under the tenure of Hon Mr. Gamini Lokuge. According to Subashini this is not a personal success to me, but is proud that Sri Lanka has been recognised in the International Dance Arena. I will use my office to do betterment for Sri Lanka's dancing using my 3 D's - Dedication, Determination and Discipline.