Duffers Guide to Demonstrations.
By Manuel Silva
Demonstration, Travel & Training Coordinator to the stars

First, I would like to start by thanking all the members that have taken the trouble to notify EADA of all their demonstrations. We have seen a considerable increase in the numbers reported to EADA over the last 12 months. EADA is justifiably very proud that our members continue to be in constant demand to perform demonstrations where they can exhibit their skills and are able to raise the profile of dancing to wider community.

Why is it so important to report amateur demonstrations to EADA?
Surprisingly this is not an EADA rule but because failing to report your
demo can put the dancers' amateur status at risk in the eyes of the
professional governing body.

To explain further, the BDC rule book under the section “Conditions that do not affect Amateur Status” says the following:

" Demonstrations may be given, provided that permission is obtained in advance from the National Amateur Dancesport Association. If a fee or expenses are to be paid, the amount must be approved by the Association and must be paid to the Association and not to the individual dancers. Failure to obtain this permission will result in disciplinary action being taken by the appropriate National Amateur Dancesport Association. No Amateur may advertise themselves and if any advertising is undertaken by the Organiser, the word "Amateur" must be made clear to the Public."

It is important to heed the specific wording of the above rule, it effectively states that by following the rule the amateur status of the dancers will not be at risk when they do a demonstration.

The important factors are that permission should be obtained in advance of the demonstration, the fee should be given to the Association and that the amateur couple cannot advertise themselves for demonstrations. Furthermore any advertising carried out by the Organiser must include the word “Amateur”, this last bit can catch out a surprisingly large number of couples, so please check with the Organiser if there will be any advertising – remember better safe, than sorry!

Over the years a number of “myths” have arisen about demonstrations:

Some people think that shows/demonstrations where no fee is charged and only done for expenses don’t need to be reported because they are not considered to be “proper demonstrations”. Unfortunately wrong - all demonstrations/shows should be registered with the National Amateur Dancesport Association, in this case EADA, even those done absolutely for free!

Another “myth” is that the amateur fee for a demonstration is constrained to £100.00. Fortunately not true, amateurs can paid any fee for a demonstration there is no upper limit!

On the subject of the fee, there is another myth that EADA imposes a £10 'tax' on the fee. Wrong! This is based on the days when Amateurs were originally permitted to demonstrate the fee was limited to £100. The organiser pays the fee to EADA, EADA then immediately makes a Grant towards Dance tuition which is the fee minus 10%. The 10% held back is paid into the Travel Fund. You can then apply for this money for travel expenses when attending comps (usually overseas) . This money is for your use only, so don't fear that your 10% will be used by your bigest rival. EADA endeavors to pay out more than the money put in, so its worth doing!

Always confirm the details with the Organiser in writing. A specimen letter is attached.

In summary:

• If you give a dem, but must inform eada first
• You arrange your price with the organiser, but you need to tell EADA how much you will get.
• You can get your expenses - train fare, parking, sarny on the journey up and so on paid by the promoter to you on the night. Please note the rule talks of 'reasonable expenses' so £250 for parking fee is a bit over the top. (unless you live in London obviously)
• Get the money paid to EADA. EADA will then give you the money as a grant towards your dancing. If the promoter is slow in paying, we will chase this for you. (send the boys round)
• Don't stick up posters everywhere saying you are available for dems or you'll have your wrists slapped.
• If any posters or flyers are made, ask the promoter to make it clear you are an amateur.

The full process for reporting demonstrations can be found here

Demonstrations can be reported via dems@eada.org.uk . Or if you have any questions please contact the same address.

If you have any doubt as to whether your forthcoming activity (demo/ TV or Film appearance) should be reported to EADA, my advice will always be report it anyway.