Driven by Mr. John Scheepers, one of the biggest promoters of the garde dance in Belgium, the EFDO was founded on September 25 1984.

On the notarial profession of notary Fagard at Genk, the following founders appeared:
Mr. Johan Scheepers from Genk (Belgian)
Mr. Ludo Honings from Genk (Belgian)
Mr. Constant Houben from Houthalen-Helchteren (Belgian)
Mr. Lambertus Bruyelle from Tilburg (Dutchman)
Mr. Johannes Binke from Tilburg (Dutchman)
Mr. Johannes Giesen from Venray (Dutchman)
Ms. Lisette Kenis from Bevert (Belgian)
Mrs. Chantal Machiels from Genk (Belgian)
Mr. Frans Pairoux from Tienen (Belgian)
Mr. Cornelis van Helvert from Houthalen (Belgian)

Mr. John Scheepers received the approval of the city Genk to erect a statue to the dancer, placed at the corner of streets Winterslagstraat and Grotestraat.
This stuatue gives a clear image of what outfits the girls wore in the 80’s during their dance.

John continued working for EFDO and quickly got it together that Germany joined.
John remained president until he died and passed the torch to Mr. Faust.