Administrative Progress, New Disciplines and Olympic Vision: Sergey Nifontov Reflects After the AGM 2025
Bucharest, Romania – June 2025
Following a weekend of high-level discussions, institutional motions, and crucial elections at the WDSF Annual General Meeting 2025, WDSF General Secretary Sergey Nifontov sat down to reflect on the Federation’s recent progress and share insights on its evolving strategy for the years ahead.
From digital transformation to discipline diversification, Nifontov highlighted the structural foundations now taking shape within the WDSF — foundations designed not only to sustain the sport’s growth but to empower its National Member Bodies (NMBs) across all levels.
Building Smarter Systems for a Modern Federation
Among the most notable upgrades, the WDSF has implemented new tools for centralized task management, enabling real-time coordination across departments. A secure cloud storage system has also been introduced to ensure that files and documentation are structured, accessible, and safely archived. Additionally, AI-driven solutions have started to play a growing role in daily operations — assisting with email triage, multilingual translation, content drafting, and other communications tasks.
Another big change is the move to digital forms. “From 1st July, bidding forms for competitions will no longer be in PDF,” Nifontov confirmed. “Everything will be processed through the new digital system — more efficient, more trackable, and more transparent.”
These tools form part of a broader digital infrastructure that aims to reduce friction for organizers and improve coordination between WDSF and its member federations.
A Home for New Disciplines with WDSF Values
Another key point of focus at the Forum and AGM was the rise of new DanceSport disciplines such as Caribbean, Hip Hop, Stage, and Disco Dance among others. Nifontov described their integration not as a departure from tradition, but as an evolution anchored in the same values that have guided the WDSF for over 68 years.
“Each new discipline follows WDSF standards and regulations. They uphold the integrity of sport and fair play,” he emphasized. “The event organizers are highly experienced, and there is technical cross-pollination — from scrutineers and DJs to chairpersons — transferring know-how from one discipline to another.”
Beyond event execution, the WDSF has supported these formats through dedicated social media channels, visual identity, and strategic promotion. “We are seeing official recognition from national governments and international federations,” he added, noting that this is a key step toward institutional legitimacy for each new discipline.
Digital Partners for a Fan-Driven Future
2025 also marked a turning point in how WDSF events are experienced by fans. New partnerships with ATOS and SportsXpert were presented at the Forum — each playing a crucial role in the Federation’s broader digital strategy.
“This year, these tools will also be implemented, after their success in Blackpool, also at the GrandSlam in Rome,” Nifontov shared. “ATOS is working with us to manage ticketing and explore CRM tools for fan engagement. We’re also evaluating a photo platform solution to centralize media access.”
The goal is to build a data-driven ecosystem that improves fan experience, simplifies logistics, and creates new monetization opportunities for organizers and federations alike.
Post-Olympic Vision and the Road Ahead
“After Paris, we move forward with an incredible calendar,” he said. “The Asian Championship in Breaking, the World Youth Championship in Porto, the World Games in Chengdu, and the World Breaking Championship in Japan — all of these build toward our global vision.”
By maintaining this pace, the WDSF hopes to not only consolidate its place within Olympic frameworks, but also reinforce every branch of DanceSport — from traditional couples events to its newest and fastest-growing disciplines.
Acknowledging Change and Looking Forward
Reflecting on the elections held during the AGM, Nifontov expressed his gratitude:
“I’d like to congratulate all newly elected officials and thank those who served before them. Their work helped bring us to this moment. Now we look ahead together — with fresh ideas, shared goals, and renewed commitment.”
From streamlined operations to Olympic momentum, the WDSF is moving decisively into a new phase. One that bridges experience and innovation — and where the efforts of every National Member Body are valued as part of a global DanceSport movement.
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