THE PEOPLE
Marius Iepure
President
Peter Maxwell Honorary Member |
Michael Ellard Vice President |
Sean Smullen General Secretary |
Anna De Grande International AffAIRS |
Aimie Leak Atheletes Commission |
Denise L Mayes history divisIon |
Oskar Odiakosa Equality, Diversity & Inclusion |
Gemma Barlow WDSF ADjudicator (Stage DaNce) |
Rita Mocanu Safeguarding |
Esie Aittasalo Breaking representative |
Oliver "Hooch" James Breaking representative |
Georgia Garrard Marketing & social media |
Granger Wittering Digital Marketing & Strategy |
Kasper Zalewski Treasurer |
Anna Ward Legal Counsel |
Marius iepure - President
Director, studio owner, coach, choreographer, International judge, professional Dancer, entrepreneur,
Born in Romania, moved to Germany in 2001 and then to the UK in 2015
German Champion in professional Latin Showdance
Professional Dancer
International Coach & Judge
‘Strictly come dancing’ Germany professional dancer
Worked internationally in some of the biggest studios for ballroom dancing:
LANGUAGES
Romanian, German, English, Italian
Born in Romania, moved to Germany in 2001 and then to the UK in 2015
German Champion in professional Latin Showdance
Professional Dancer
International Coach & Judge
‘Strictly come dancing’ Germany professional dancer
- Founder of Oti & Marius Dance Studio
- Organiser of the ‘London Dance Nights’ www.LondonDanceNights.com
- Organiser of ‘London Open’ www.LondonOpen.dance & OMDS Cup in www.omds.co.um
- WDSF international Dancesport Judge
- Ambassador of the Charity Hospice of Hope
- Patron of Autoimmune system disease charity
- Licentiate Member of the IDTA, ISTD & NATD
- Patron of NATD
- Trainer for Latin-American dancing in DTV (www.Tanzsport.de)
Worked internationally in some of the biggest studios for ballroom dancing:
- Rot Gold Casino Nürnberg, Germany
- TSZ Dresden, Germany
- Royal Dance Club Satu Mare, Romania
- Hvonn Dance Club Reykjavik, Iceland
- TanzGalley Kuschill Königsbrunn, Germany
- Royal Dance Club , Berlin, Germany
LANGUAGES
Romanian, German, English, Italian
Peter MAxwell - Honorary MEMBER
Honorary Life President The British DanceSport Federation
Honorary Life President World Dance Sport Federation Professional Division
In 2022 Peter was honoured to be made the first honouree of the new World Dance Sport Federation Hall of Fame as a “Dance Sport Legend” for unique and unrivalled contributions to Dance Sport. This alongside many other national and international awards during his career.
As a competitor, apart from winning practically every major Championship in both Standard and Latin in categories from junior to professional he established several records not surpassed before or since.
After retiring from competition aged 27 he spent seven years in the USA studying other dance forms to benefit his overall knowledge. He also created Ballroom Dance Theatre which toured with great success in the USA and Internationally.
Returning to London he established the Semley Studio, widely regarded worldwide as the both the most popular practice location and simultaneously the most serious venue for Dance Sport study.
As a judge he has officiated at every major championship nationally and internationally. He has been Chairman of Judges for the British Open Championships and the World Dance Sport Federation Grand Slam series.
Peter has been major coach and mentor to many national, international and world champions, uniquely in both Standard and Latin and often simultaneously.
He has also choreographed many television programmes and commercials as well as for the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet.
As an administrator he was responsible for creating the International Judges and Trainers Association which was the basis of the International Professional Dance Sport Council which subsequently became the World Dance Sport Federation’s Professional Division. He jointly created the Monaco DanceSport Association and DanceSport England.
In the last few years he has worked intensively through DanceSport England to create a unified British dance sport body to achieve recognition from U.K. Sport and the British Olympic Committee he remains determined to fulfil these aims despite the many obstacles and objections which have been placed in the path of this progress.
Honorary Life President World Dance Sport Federation Professional Division
In 2022 Peter was honoured to be made the first honouree of the new World Dance Sport Federation Hall of Fame as a “Dance Sport Legend” for unique and unrivalled contributions to Dance Sport. This alongside many other national and international awards during his career.
As a competitor, apart from winning practically every major Championship in both Standard and Latin in categories from junior to professional he established several records not surpassed before or since.
After retiring from competition aged 27 he spent seven years in the USA studying other dance forms to benefit his overall knowledge. He also created Ballroom Dance Theatre which toured with great success in the USA and Internationally.
Returning to London he established the Semley Studio, widely regarded worldwide as the both the most popular practice location and simultaneously the most serious venue for Dance Sport study.
As a judge he has officiated at every major championship nationally and internationally. He has been Chairman of Judges for the British Open Championships and the World Dance Sport Federation Grand Slam series.
Peter has been major coach and mentor to many national, international and world champions, uniquely in both Standard and Latin and often simultaneously.
He has also choreographed many television programmes and commercials as well as for the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet.
As an administrator he was responsible for creating the International Judges and Trainers Association which was the basis of the International Professional Dance Sport Council which subsequently became the World Dance Sport Federation’s Professional Division. He jointly created the Monaco DanceSport Association and DanceSport England.
In the last few years he has worked intensively through DanceSport England to create a unified British dance sport body to achieve recognition from U.K. Sport and the British Olympic Committee he remains determined to fulfil these aims despite the many obstacles and objections which have been placed in the path of this progress.
MICHAEL ELLARD - VICE PRESIDENT
Former owner and Managing Director of Ceroc Enterprises Ltd for over 14 years.
Founder and Trustee of iON Dance Academy charity, providing funding for dance opportunities for the young. Trustee of an Educational Academy in the process of securing charity status. Championed the 'Private Educational VAT exemption' with the HMRC at both First and Upper Tier Tribunals. Former Latin American Amateur competitor and dance teacher for over 30 years.
Mike is primarily responsible for Business development, Sponsorships, corporate partners and Social responsibility.
Founder and Trustee of iON Dance Academy charity, providing funding for dance opportunities for the young. Trustee of an Educational Academy in the process of securing charity status. Championed the 'Private Educational VAT exemption' with the HMRC at both First and Upper Tier Tribunals. Former Latin American Amateur competitor and dance teacher for over 30 years.
Mike is primarily responsible for Business development, Sponsorships, corporate partners and Social responsibility.
Sean Smullen - General Secretary
Sean is an active Professional Athlete representing BDSF in WDSF PD. In addition, Sean is a member of the WDSF Athletes Commission in the position of Professional Division Athletes Representative.
Sean to date has a successful career as an athlete achieving the Vice World Champion, Silver medalist in WDSF Professional Division Show Dance Standard 2022 and finalist of the WDSF Professional Division World Cup Standard 2023. Among other successful results, Sean’s highest world ranking to date is 2nd in the WDSF Professional Division Standard 2024.
Sean is the co-owner and principal teacher of the dance school 'LoveDancing' - specialising in competitive Ballroom and Latin American for all ages.
Sean has gained administration experience through his work as the WDSF RLS administrator across 4 countries in DanceSport.
Sean has gained procedural and governance experience with more than 10 years of voluntary work in dancesport boards and commissions including, athletes commission, anti doping commission, head of rules and regulations, head of competition planning and structures, and on other commissions to improve competitive DanceSport.
Sean to date has a successful career as an athlete achieving the Vice World Champion, Silver medalist in WDSF Professional Division Show Dance Standard 2022 and finalist of the WDSF Professional Division World Cup Standard 2023. Among other successful results, Sean’s highest world ranking to date is 2nd in the WDSF Professional Division Standard 2024.
Sean is the co-owner and principal teacher of the dance school 'LoveDancing' - specialising in competitive Ballroom and Latin American for all ages.
Sean has gained administration experience through his work as the WDSF RLS administrator across 4 countries in DanceSport.
Sean has gained procedural and governance experience with more than 10 years of voluntary work in dancesport boards and commissions including, athletes commission, anti doping commission, head of rules and regulations, head of competition planning and structures, and on other commissions to improve competitive DanceSport.
Anna de Grande - international affairs
Anna is responsible for International Affairs.
aimie leAk - athletes commission
Aimie Leak from Bournemouth is an active Professional Athlete with the BDSF and WDSF.
Aimie to date has a successful career as an athlete achieving the Vice World Champion, Silver medalist in WDSF Professional Division Show Dance Standard 2022 and finalist of the WDSF Professional Division World Cup Standard 2023. Among other successful results, Aimie’s highest world ranking to date is 2nd in the WDSF Professional Division Standard 2024.
Aimie is the co-owner and principal teacher of the dance school LoveDancing. Specialising in competitive Ballroom and Latin American for all ages. Aimie has gained governance experience through her past voluntary work in DanceSport. Previously serving as the Athlete’s Representative, head of rules, head of fundraising and on other commissions to improve competitive DanceSport.
Aimie will champion the needs of the Athletes.
Aimie to date has a successful career as an athlete achieving the Vice World Champion, Silver medalist in WDSF Professional Division Show Dance Standard 2022 and finalist of the WDSF Professional Division World Cup Standard 2023. Among other successful results, Aimie’s highest world ranking to date is 2nd in the WDSF Professional Division Standard 2024.
Aimie is the co-owner and principal teacher of the dance school LoveDancing. Specialising in competitive Ballroom and Latin American for all ages. Aimie has gained governance experience through her past voluntary work in DanceSport. Previously serving as the Athlete’s Representative, head of rules, head of fundraising and on other commissions to improve competitive DanceSport.
Aimie will champion the needs of the Athletes.
Denise L Mayes - history division
WDSF Adjudicator of World, European Standard, Latin and 10 Dance Championships, PD World Cup, World Showdance & GrandSlam.
Denise started dancing at age 7 and began competing when she was introduced to Frank & Linda Venables at the Moonglow Studio in Watford. She competed in all major competitions including British Open, GOC, International and many more.
She moved to Italy in 2001 to dance with Michele Bacci representing England as a professional and had a successful career being an international trainer/coach for British PD 10 Dance Champion, PD European Finalist, Finalist British Closed Amateur & Professional. In her career, she successfully taught and coached various couples in major WDSF competitions, including:-
Denise retired in 2004 to concentrate on her school in Ballomania. Since 2006, she has been a WDSF International DanceSport judge and coach, and helps in an English school Italy which enables her to learn new things and free her mind as well as spending more time with her daughter.
Denise started dancing at age 7 and began competing when she was introduced to Frank & Linda Venables at the Moonglow Studio in Watford. She competed in all major competitions including British Open, GOC, International and many more.
She moved to Italy in 2001 to dance with Michele Bacci representing England as a professional and had a successful career being an international trainer/coach for British PD 10 Dance Champion, PD European Finalist, Finalist British Closed Amateur & Professional. In her career, she successfully taught and coached various couples in major WDSF competitions, including:-
- Salvo Caruso & Ketty World (10 Dance Champions)
- Gabriel Castellani & Yana (Finalist world U21 Standard)
- Giacomo & Noemi (Finalist world Junior 10 Dance)
- Oliver & Muriel (Finalist world Senior 3 Standard)
- Nicola Nelli & Eleonora (Finalist world PD Latin Showdance)
- Cristian Fidanzi & Martina (Finalist world PD Master Class Latin)
Denise retired in 2004 to concentrate on her school in Ballomania. Since 2006, she has been a WDSF International DanceSport judge and coach, and helps in an English school Italy which enables her to learn new things and free her mind as well as spending more time with her daughter.
Oskar Idiakosa - equality, diveristy & inclusion
Responsible for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Oskar is a Professional Latin American dancer, coach and adjudicator. Oskar has had a successful career in the amateur and professional ranks, achieving great results so far, including:
• WADF World Artistic Latin Champion
Oskar is also the Founder and Director of Black in The Ballroom CIC, the UK’s first dance company aimed at promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, something Oskar is passionate about and excited to advise and consult the BDSF on.
In the short-term, Oscar is also responsible for Anti-doping and teacher/student relations.
Oskar is a Professional Latin American dancer, coach and adjudicator. Oskar has had a successful career in the amateur and professional ranks, achieving great results so far, including:
• WADF World Artistic Latin Champion
- SADF South African Open Latin Champion
- British National Professional Finalist
Oskar is also the Founder and Director of Black in The Ballroom CIC, the UK’s first dance company aimed at promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, something Oskar is passionate about and excited to advise and consult the BDSF on.
In the short-term, Oscar is also responsible for Anti-doping and teacher/student relations.
gemma barlow - wdsf adjudicator (stage Dance)
Gemma is our very own recognised WDSF Adjudicator for Stage Dance.
Gemma started dancing from the age of 7 at Riley School Of Dance, then continued her training at Elmhurst Ballet School and SLP College. She has danced professionally for over 16 years travelling around the world mainly on cruise ships, where she was also the Dance Captain and Production Manager. she also danced every year in Classical Spectacular at The Royal Albert Hall. She is the owner of 'Gemma B Fitness', where she teaches Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Dancers’ Conditioning, Pilates, Zumba, Dance Fitness, General Conditioning for All, Functional Training and more.
Gemma started dancing from the age of 7 at Riley School Of Dance, then continued her training at Elmhurst Ballet School and SLP College. She has danced professionally for over 16 years travelling around the world mainly on cruise ships, where she was also the Dance Captain and Production Manager. she also danced every year in Classical Spectacular at The Royal Albert Hall. She is the owner of 'Gemma B Fitness', where she teaches Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Dancers’ Conditioning, Pilates, Zumba, Dance Fitness, General Conditioning for All, Functional Training and more.
Esie Aittasalo - breaking representative
Breaking representative
Oliver "Hooch" james - breaking representative
Breaking representative
georgia garrard - marketing & social media
Georgia has been working within the Ballroom & Latin industry for 10 years with experience in marketing and events management, as well as having an undergraduate degree in Urban Dance Practice. She splits her time between teaching dance and project managing events and competitions in the wider dance community such as London Dance Nights and the London Open WDSF Competition. She is also the Marketing & Events Manager for Oti & Marius Dance Studios.
granger wittering - Digital marketing & strategy
Digital Marketing & Strategy
kacper zalewski - treasurer
Kacper is a financial professional with over 10 years of experience.
He comes from Poland, has a degree in finance, and is currently working for one of the global banking groups.
His passion for dance started in primary school. He is training in all 10 dances at a competitive level and actively supports same-sex dancing.
He comes from Poland, has a degree in finance, and is currently working for one of the global banking groups.
His passion for dance started in primary school. He is training in all 10 dances at a competitive level and actively supports same-sex dancing.
rita mocanu - safeguarding
Rita Oana Mocanu, a dedicated professional with extensive experience as a Safeguarding Officer and Welfare Officer since 2016.
Over the years, Rita has worked with various organisations, ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of individuals in need. Her role has involved identifying risks, implementing effective safeguarding protocols, and offering compassionate support to those under her care. She has consistently pursued professional growth, completing multiple qualifications to enhance her expertise. Most recently, she successfully completed a Safeguarding course in 2024, demonstrating her commitment to staying updated with best practices in the field.
Rita is passionate about creating safe and supportive environments and excel in handling sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail. Her experience and dedication have made her a trusted figure in safeguarding and welfare management.
Over the years, Rita has worked with various organisations, ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of individuals in need. Her role has involved identifying risks, implementing effective safeguarding protocols, and offering compassionate support to those under her care. She has consistently pursued professional growth, completing multiple qualifications to enhance her expertise. Most recently, she successfully completed a Safeguarding course in 2024, demonstrating her commitment to staying updated with best practices in the field.
Rita is passionate about creating safe and supportive environments and excel in handling sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail. Her experience and dedication have made her a trusted figure in safeguarding and welfare management.
anna ward - legal counsel
Anna will take the lead role for all legal matters.
Marius Iepure
President
Director, studio owner, coach, choreographer, International judge, professional Dancer, entrepreneur,
Born in Romania, moved to Germany in 2001 and then to the UK in 2015
German Champion in professional Latin Showdance
Professional Dancer
International Coach & Judge
‘Strictly come dancing’ Germany professional dancer
Worked internationally in some of the biggest studios for ballroom dancing:
LANGUAGES
Romanian, German, English, Italian
Born in Romania, moved to Germany in 2001 and then to the UK in 2015
German Champion in professional Latin Showdance
Professional Dancer
International Coach & Judge
‘Strictly come dancing’ Germany professional dancer
- Founder of Oti & Marius Dance Studio
- Organiser of the ‘London Dance Nights’ www.LondonDanceNights.com
- Organiser of ‘London Open’ www.LondonOpen.dance & OMDS Cup in www.omds.co.um
- WDSF international Dancesport Judge
- Ambassador of the Charity Hospice of Hope https://www.hospicesofhope.co.uk/
- Patron of Autoimmune system disease charity
- Licentiate Member of the IDTA, ISTD & NATD
- Patron of NATD
- Trainer for Latin-American dancing in DTV (www.Tanzsport.de)
Worked internationally in some of the biggest studios for ballroom dancing:
- Rot Gold Casino Nürnberg, Germany
- TSZ Dresden, Germany
- Royal Dance Club Satu Mare, Romania
- Hvonn Dance Club Reykjavik, Iceland
- TanzGalley Kuschill Königsbrunn, Germany
- Royal Dance Club , Berlin, Germany
LANGUAGES
Romanian, German, English, Italian
Anna De Grande
International Affairs
Anna is responsible for International Affairs.
Michael Ellard
Vice President
Former owner and Managing Director of Ceroc Enterprises Ltd for over 14 years.
Founder and Trustee of iON Dance Academy charity, providing funding for dance opportunities for the young. Trustee of an Educational Academy in the process of securing charity status. Championed the 'Private Educational VAT exemption' with the HMRC at both First and Upper Tier Tribunals. Former Latin American Amateur competitor and dance teacher for over 30 years.
Mike is primarily responsible for Business development, Sponsorships, corporate partners and Social responsibility.
Founder and Trustee of iON Dance Academy charity, providing funding for dance opportunities for the young. Trustee of an Educational Academy in the process of securing charity status. Championed the 'Private Educational VAT exemption' with the HMRC at both First and Upper Tier Tribunals. Former Latin American Amateur competitor and dance teacher for over 30 years.
Mike is primarily responsible for Business development, Sponsorships, corporate partners and Social responsibility.
Sean Smullen
General Secretary
Sean is an active Professional Athlete representing BDSF in WDSF PD. In addition, Sean is a member of the WDSF Athletes Commission in the position of Professional Division Athletes Representative.
Sean to date has a successful career as an athlete achieving the Vice World Champion, Silver medalist in WDSF Professional Division Show Dance Standard 2022 and finalist of the WDSF Professional Division World Cup Standard 2023. Among other successful results, Sean’s highest world ranking to date is 2nd in the WDSF Professional Division Standard 2024.
Sean is the co-owner and principal teacher of the dance school 'LoveDancing' - specialising in competitive Ballroom and Latin American for all ages.
Sean has gained administration experience through his work as the WDSF RLS administrator across 4 countries in DanceSport.
Sean has gained procedural and governance experience with more than 10 years of voluntary work in dancesport boards and commissions including, athletes commission, anti doping commission, head of rules and regulations, head of competition planning and structures, and on other commissions to improve competitive DanceSport.
Sean to date has a successful career as an athlete achieving the Vice World Champion, Silver medalist in WDSF Professional Division Show Dance Standard 2022 and finalist of the WDSF Professional Division World Cup Standard 2023. Among other successful results, Sean’s highest world ranking to date is 2nd in the WDSF Professional Division Standard 2024.
Sean is the co-owner and principal teacher of the dance school 'LoveDancing' - specialising in competitive Ballroom and Latin American for all ages.
Sean has gained administration experience through his work as the WDSF RLS administrator across 4 countries in DanceSport.
Sean has gained procedural and governance experience with more than 10 years of voluntary work in dancesport boards and commissions including, athletes commission, anti doping commission, head of rules and regulations, head of competition planning and structures, and on other commissions to improve competitive DanceSport.
Aimie Leak
Athletics Commission
Aimie Leak from Bournemouth is an active Professional Athlete with the BDSF and WDSF.
Aimie to date has a successful career as an athlete achieving the Vice World Champion, Silver medalist in WDSF Professional Division Show Dance Standard 2022 and finalist of the WDSF Professional Division World Cup Standard 2023. Among other successful results, Aimie’s highest world ranking to date is 2nd in the WDSF Professional Division Standard 2024.
Aimie is the co-owner and principal teacher of the dance school LoveDancing. Specialising in competitive Ballroom and Latin American for all ages. Aimie has gained governance experience through her past voluntary work in DanceSport. Previously serving as the Athlete’s Representative, head of rules, head of fundraising and on other commissions to improve competitive DanceSport.
Aimie will champion the needs of the Athletes.
Aimie to date has a successful career as an athlete achieving the Vice World Champion, Silver medalist in WDSF Professional Division Show Dance Standard 2022 and finalist of the WDSF Professional Division World Cup Standard 2023. Among other successful results, Aimie’s highest world ranking to date is 2nd in the WDSF Professional Division Standard 2024.
Aimie is the co-owner and principal teacher of the dance school LoveDancing. Specialising in competitive Ballroom and Latin American for all ages. Aimie has gained governance experience through her past voluntary work in DanceSport. Previously serving as the Athlete’s Representative, head of rules, head of fundraising and on other commissions to improve competitive DanceSport.
Aimie will champion the needs of the Athletes.
Denise Lynette Mayes
History Division
WDSF Adjudicator of World, European Standard, Latin and 10 Dance Championships, PD World Cup, World Showdance & GrandSlam.
Denise started dancing at age 7 and began competing when she was introduced to Frank & Linda Venables at the Moonglow Studio in Watford. She competed in all major competitions including British Open, GOC, International and many more.
She moved to Italy in 2001 to dance with Michele Bacci representing England as a professional and had a successful career being an international trainer/coach for British PD 10 Dance Champion, PD European Finalist, Finalist British Closed Amateur & Professional. In her career, she successfully taught and coached various couples in major WDSF competitions, including:-
Denise retired in 2004 to concentrate on her school in Ballomania. Since 2006, she has been a WDSF International DanceSport judge and coach, and helps in an English school Italy which enables her to learn new things and free her mind as well as spending more time with her daughter.
Denise started dancing at age 7 and began competing when she was introduced to Frank & Linda Venables at the Moonglow Studio in Watford. She competed in all major competitions including British Open, GOC, International and many more.
She moved to Italy in 2001 to dance with Michele Bacci representing England as a professional and had a successful career being an international trainer/coach for British PD 10 Dance Champion, PD European Finalist, Finalist British Closed Amateur & Professional. In her career, she successfully taught and coached various couples in major WDSF competitions, including:-
- Salvo Caruso & Ketty World (10 Dance Champions)
- Gabriel Castellani & Yana (Finalist world U21 Standard)
- Giacomo & Noemi (Finalist world Junior 10 Dance)
- Oliver & Muriel (Finalist world Senior 3 Standard)
- Nicola Nelli & Eleonora (Finalist world PD Latin Showdance)
- Cristian Fidanzi & Martina (Finalist world PD Master Class Latin)
Denise retired in 2004 to concentrate on her school in Ballomania. Since 2006, she has been a WDSF International DanceSport judge and coach, and helps in an English school Italy which enables her to learn new things and free her mind as well as spending more time with her daughter.
Georgia Garrard
Marketing & Social Media
Georgia has been working within the Ballroom & Latin industry for 10 years with experience in marketing and events management, as well as having an undergraduate degree in Urban Dance Practice. She splits her time between teaching dance and project managing events and competitions in the wider dance community such as London Dance Nights and the London Open WDSF Competition. She is also the Marketing & Events Manager for Oti & Marius Dance Studios.
Granger Wittering
Digital Marketing & Strategy
Digital Marketing & Strategy
Anna Ward
Legal Counsel
Anna will take the lead role for all legal matters.
Kasper Zalewski
Treasurer
Kacper is a financial professional with over 10 years of experience.
He comes from Poland, has a degree in finance, and is currently working for one of the global banking groups.
His passion for dance started in primary school. He is training in all 10 dances at a competitive level and actively supports same-sex dancing.
He comes from Poland, has a degree in finance, and is currently working for one of the global banking groups.
His passion for dance started in primary school. He is training in all 10 dances at a competitive level and actively supports same-sex dancing.
Rita Mocanu
Safeguarding Rep
Rita Oana Mocanu, a dedicated professional with extensive experience as a Safeguarding Officer and Welfare Officer since 2016.
Over the years, Rita has worked with various organisations, ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of individuals in need. Her role has involved identifying risks, implementing effective safeguarding protocols, and offering compassionate support to those under her care. She has consistently pursued professional growth, completing multiple qualifications to enhance her expertise. Most recently, she successfully completed a Safeguarding course in 2024, demonstrating her commitment to staying updated with best practices in the field.
Rita is passionate about creating safe and supportive environments and excel in handling sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail. Her experience and dedication have made her a trusted figure in safeguarding and welfare management.
Over the years, Rita has worked with various organisations, ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of individuals in need. Her role has involved identifying risks, implementing effective safeguarding protocols, and offering compassionate support to those under her care. She has consistently pursued professional growth, completing multiple qualifications to enhance her expertise. Most recently, she successfully completed a Safeguarding course in 2024, demonstrating her commitment to staying updated with best practices in the field.
Rita is passionate about creating safe and supportive environments and excel in handling sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail. Her experience and dedication have made her a trusted figure in safeguarding and welfare management.
Esie Aittasalo & Oliver "Hooch" James
Breaking Representatives
Breaking representative
Oskar Odiakosa
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Responsible for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Oskar is a Professional Latin American dancer, coach and adjudicator. Oskar has had a successful career in the amateur and professional ranks, achieving great results so far, including:
• WADF World Artistic Latin Champion
Oskar is also the Founder and Director of Black in The Ballroom CIC, the UK’s first dance company aimed at promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, something Oskar is passionate about and excited to advise and consult the BDSF on.
In the short-term, Oscar is also responsible for Anti-doping and teacher/student relations.
Oskar is a Professional Latin American dancer, coach and adjudicator. Oskar has had a successful career in the amateur and professional ranks, achieving great results so far, including:
• WADF World Artistic Latin Champion
- SADF South African Open Latin Champion
- British National Professional Finalist
Oskar is also the Founder and Director of Black in The Ballroom CIC, the UK’s first dance company aimed at promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, something Oskar is passionate about and excited to advise and consult the BDSF on.
In the short-term, Oscar is also responsible for Anti-doping and teacher/student relations.
Gemma Barlow
WDSF Adjudicator (Stage Dance)
Gemma is our very own recognised WDSF Adjudicator for Stage Dance.
Gemma started dancing from the age of 7 at Riley School Of Dance, then continued her training at Elmhurst Ballet School and SLP College. She has danced professionally for over 16 years travelling around the world mainly on cruise ships, where she was also the Dance Captain and Production Manager. she also danced every year in Classical Spectacular at The Royal Albert Hall. She is the owner of 'Gemma B Fitness', where she teaches Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Dancers’ Conditioning, Pilates, Zumba, Dance Fitness, General Conditioning for All, Functional Training and more.
Gemma started dancing from the age of 7 at Riley School Of Dance, then continued her training at Elmhurst Ballet School and SLP College. She has danced professionally for over 16 years travelling around the world mainly on cruise ships, where she was also the Dance Captain and Production Manager. she also danced every year in Classical Spectacular at The Royal Albert Hall. She is the owner of 'Gemma B Fitness', where she teaches Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Dancers’ Conditioning, Pilates, Zumba, Dance Fitness, General Conditioning for All, Functional Training and more.
Peter Maxwell
Honorary Member
Honorary Life President The British DanceSport Federation
Honorary Life President World Dance Sport Federation Professional Division
In 2022 Peter was honoured to be made the first honouree of the new World Dance Sport Federation Hall of Fame as a “Dance Sport Legend” for unique and unrivalled contributions to Dance Sport. This alongside many other national and international awards during his career.
As a competitor, apart from winning practically every major Championship in both Standard and Latin in categories from junior to professional he established several records not surpassed before or since.
After retiring from competition aged 27 he spent seven years in the USA studying other dance forms to benefit his overall knowledge. He also created Ballroom Dance Theatre which toured with great success in the USA and Internationally.
Returning to London he established the Semley Studio, widely regarded worldwide as the both the most popular practice location and simultaneously the most serious venue for Dance Sport study.
As a judge he has officiated at every major championship nationally and internationally. He has been Chairman of Judges for the British Open Championships and the World Dance Sport Federation Grand Slam series.
Peter has been major coach and mentor to many national, international and world champions, uniquely in both Standard and Latin and often simultaneously.
He has also choreographed many television programmes and commercials as well as for the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet.
As an administrator he was responsible for creating the International Judges and Trainers Association which was the basis of the International Professional Dance Sport Council which subsequently became the World Dance Sport Federation’s Professional Division. He jointly created the Monaco DanceSport Association and DanceSport England.
In the last few years he has worked intensively through DanceSport England to create a unified British dance sport body to achieve recognition from U.K. Sport and the British Olympic Committee he remains determined to fulfil these aims despite the many obstacles and objections which have been placed in the path of this progress.
Honorary Life President World Dance Sport Federation Professional Division
In 2022 Peter was honoured to be made the first honouree of the new World Dance Sport Federation Hall of Fame as a “Dance Sport Legend” for unique and unrivalled contributions to Dance Sport. This alongside many other national and international awards during his career.
As a competitor, apart from winning practically every major Championship in both Standard and Latin in categories from junior to professional he established several records not surpassed before or since.
After retiring from competition aged 27 he spent seven years in the USA studying other dance forms to benefit his overall knowledge. He also created Ballroom Dance Theatre which toured with great success in the USA and Internationally.
Returning to London he established the Semley Studio, widely regarded worldwide as the both the most popular practice location and simultaneously the most serious venue for Dance Sport study.
As a judge he has officiated at every major championship nationally and internationally. He has been Chairman of Judges for the British Open Championships and the World Dance Sport Federation Grand Slam series.
Peter has been major coach and mentor to many national, international and world champions, uniquely in both Standard and Latin and often simultaneously.
He has also choreographed many television programmes and commercials as well as for the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet.
As an administrator he was responsible for creating the International Judges and Trainers Association which was the basis of the International Professional Dance Sport Council which subsequently became the World Dance Sport Federation’s Professional Division. He jointly created the Monaco DanceSport Association and DanceSport England.
In the last few years he has worked intensively through DanceSport England to create a unified British dance sport body to achieve recognition from U.K. Sport and the British Olympic Committee he remains determined to fulfil these aims despite the many obstacles and objections which have been placed in the path of this progress.