The Classique du Quebec, once one of the most prestigious dance competitions in North America, has struggled in recent years to reach its former glory. However it has sunk to a new low with the announcement, two weeks before the events were to be run, that the Classique professional competitions would not be sanctioned by the CDDSC as previously agreed to.

No reason was given for removing CDDSC sanctioning at this late date. A date after competitors had finalized arrangements, under the understanding they would be entering a CDDSC event. The purpose of this action is obviously political and aimed at trying to force professional competitors to support the Canadian Dancesport Federation. Something professionals are obviously not doing. The use of misinformation and dirty tricks seem to be the norm in an attempt to make it appear that the CDF is a credible organization.

We are disappointed that Meryem Pearson would support those few individuals who in the past have tried, unsuccessfully, to replace the CDTA, and now the CDDSC, with their own organization. And appointed themselves in charge.

The CDF recently suffered a humiliating defeat in Ontario where they lobbied furiously to have CDTA Ontario Branch resign from CDDSC claiming that all the Ontario professionals were in favour of ODDSO and CDF. And that those Ontario professionals did not want to belong to CDDSC. Before taking any action the CDTA Ontario Brach Executive wisely sent a questionnaire to all ballroom professionals. The results were eight-five percent of the professionals were in favour of remaining in the CDDSC.  A far cry from the claim that there were no professionals in Ontario in support of CDDSC.

As the true facts emerge, it is evident that there is a small group of professionals who, to further their own ends, are willing to give up their professional status and be led by the amateur association. It is a shame that the deplorable tactics that have been the hallmark of the CDF and ODDSO have now been used to tarnish the Classique. A competition that at one time was such a credit to our country.

Because of the late change in sanctioning status that has occurred, the CDDSC will not penalize any member participating in this event.

To the many professionals, who quite understandably do not want to become involved in the unprincipled and unethical politics originating with a few professionals, we encourage you to nevertheless become more active. If we wish to continue to have strong professional involvement in dancesport, we must all work together to actively support the CDDSC – the organization responsible for protecting the professional's interests in dancesport and in the dance industry.