It gives me great pleasure to welcome the many members of the International Dance Organization to their Annual General Meeting, which will be held in the alluring and beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey, at the Elite World Hotel, June 24 & 25, 2009. The IDO is now affiliated with the World Dance Council and the International Dance Sport Federation, which is recognized by the Olympic Committee. This gives the IDO official sole rights to organize World and Continental Championships in many Dance Sport disciplines and amongst them the World Salsa, Latino Show Duos and Latino Show Teams.

I would also like to extend a warm hand of welcome to the many dancers, coaches and dance enthusiasts to the World Salsa, Latino Show Duos and Latino Show Teams, who will compete for the gold medal at the BJK Cola Turka Arena, June 27, 2009. During this event you will see the best of the best Salsa and Latino dancers from many nations around the world, who compete for a World Title. On behalf of the over 90 member nations of the IDO, we extend our very best wishes to you for an extremely rewarding experience.

The IDO would also like to thank Alper Alakut and IDO Turkey, for making these official IDO events possible, along with their very gracious hospitality. Through them, the citry of Istanbul has opened its arms to welcome IDO to Turkey,

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the delegates to the AGM a very pleasant meeting and to wish all competitors the best of luck with the competiton. Although not everyone will become winners, I am sure that all of you will bring back home, wonderful memories of spectacular dancing and wonderful friendships.

Dancing brings happiness to many throughout the World.

Danceingly yours,

William E. Fowler, Jr.
President