Bryan Allen, President of the British Dance Council, provided these words in his foreward to the book Ballroom Icons: It is a serious misfortune that until Brigitt Mayer-Karakis decided to undertake this task there was always a lack of reference work related to the people who have been involved with the development of ballroom dancing over the last 100 years. This is clear when giving lessons to students and competitors when you mention names, possibly the names of your own teachers or those instrumental in getting us to where we are today. Brigitt has had contact with a number of these “Icons” during her career. She, like all of us, began as a new dancer, fell totally under the spell of moving to music, studied and trained as a performer and reached world-class standard. Moving on, she continued to study and became a highly qualified teacher and is often sought after as an adjudicator. Like many of us, the dedication and commitment needed to become an accepted leader in both performing and teaching, she possesses the skills required to fulfill many tasks, to take on many rolls, and respond to challenges set by others or oneself. One can only admire and thank her for producing this wonderful reference work, recording as it does the work of the giants in whose footsteps we now follow. To be included is a great honour, and something of a surprise. If my inclusion suggests that I have played some minor role in the world of ballroom dancing then of course I am delighted. Brigitt should feel delighted, for although she does not appear in her book as one of the “icons,” her contribution in many ways, and in particular in the production of this wonderful reference book certainly moves her among them. Bryan Allen |