WDSF AGM 2025: A New Chapter of Leadership and Vision Opens in Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania – 15 June 2025 – The majestic Atlas I room of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest was the stage for a milestone day in the life of the World DanceSport Federation. With delegates from 55 National Member Bodies present and 14 represented by proxies, the 2025 WDSF Annual General Meeting (AGM) was officially opened by President Shawn Tay, who delivered a speech full of pride, gratitude and vision.
“Our financial position is now twice as strong as it was before the pandemic,” Tay said, recalling the doubts cast during the 2021 elections. “Through hard work, we stabilized our finances, expanded our global footprint, and laid the foundation for the next chapter.”
He celebrated achievements in 2024–2025 such as the success of new disciplines like Hip Hop, Caribbean and Stage Dance, the launch of the WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool, and the growth in education, digital outreach, and financial health. He also extended warm thanks to the Romanian DanceSport Federation, led by Vasile Gliga and General Secretary Paul Cursaru, for hosting the event in a city remembered fondly from the 2014 AGM.
A powerful moment followed with a farewell message from IOC President Thomas Bach, recognizing the “remarkable success” of Breaking at Paris 2024 and offering his best wishes as the IOC prepares to welcome its first female President, Kirsty Coventry.
Motions and Milestones: Key Decisions Shaping the Future
Throughout the day, the General Meeting reviewed and approved numerous reports and motions that will shape the operational, sporting, and regulatory future of DanceSport.
Among the most discussed topics was Rule B.2 on Eligibility and Participation in Competitions, which defines the transition process between Solo and Couple licenses. After thoughtful discussion, the General Meeting voted in favour of the amendments.
Several additional motions were also adopted:
- Updates to the Dress Code Regulations across multiple age groups and categories.
- Granting fees introduced for World Championships in Solo Adult, Youth and Junior II (1,000 CHF each).
- A 15 CHF Athlete ID Card fee for Breaking Youth.
- A new rule (8.4) requiring WDSF officials to reimburse pre-paid travel costs to the LOC in case of unjustified no-show at title events.
- Technical revisions to judging systems (AJS/RJS), Hip Hop rules, and financial structures.
These changes reflect WDSF’s continued commitment to modernizing governance, streamlining competition management, and ensuring fairness across disciplines.
A Democratic Mandate: WDSF Elects Its New Leadership
Elected Members of the WDSF Presidium (2025–2029 Term)
- Shawn Tay – Re-elected as WDSF President
- Nenad Jeftic – Re-elected as VP for Sports
- Tony Tilenni – Re-elected as VP for Finance
- Maris Vainovskis – Newly elected as VP for Legal Affairs
- Antoni Czyzyk – Re-elected as VP for Development
- Laura Lunetta – Newly elected as VP for Communications
- Vasile Gliga – Re-elected as VP for Marketing
- Nenad Jeftic – Elected as First Vice-President
Ordinary Presidium Members
- Jens Steinmann (GER) – Newly elected
- Luis Vañó (ESP) – Newly elected
- Boris Odikadze (ISR) – Re-elected
With Gratitude to the Departing Members
The WDSF extends heartfelt thanks to:
- Jeffrey van Meerkerk – Former VP for Communications
- Patricia Goh – Former Ordinary Presidium Member
- Charles Ferreira – Former Ordinary Presidium Member
Their dedication and service have left a lasting impact on the federation and the global DanceSport community.
Looking Forward with Purpose
The 2025 AGM in Bucharest marked not just a day of decisions, but a renewed commitment to shared values, strategic development, and global cooperation. From financial resilience to athlete-centred reforms, from technological progress to key structural updates within the Presidium — WDSF continues to evolve as a strong, modern, and united federation.
“With today’s elections and approvals, we reaffirm our direction and our unity,” said President Tay in his closing remarks. “Let us continue working together with clarity, strength, and ambition to serve the future of DanceSport.”
More content exploring WDSF’s strategic direction and leadership perspectives will be shared soon, including a series of exclusive interviews with members of the WDSF Managing Committee. Stay connected with us on our official channels:
- Instagram: WDSF DanceSport
- YouTube: DanceSportTotal
- Facebook: WDSF DanceSport
- TikTok: WDSF DanceSport
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