WDSF Forum 2025 Opens in Bucharest: Legacy, Leadership and a Festival to Remember
Bucharest, Romania – 14 June 2025 – With the Atlas I hall of the Radisson Blu Hotel filled to capacity, the 2025 WDSF Forum opened today in the vibrant city of Bucharest, setting the tone for a weekend of reflection, strategy, and connection. Delegates from all continents gathered for this annual moment of collective focus—a space where the global DanceSport community aligns on the path forward.
In a city that blends historical charm with modern energy, the Forum continues to grow in stature and attendance each year. Delegates and guests alike arrived eager to engage with key updates, discover innovative projects, and take part in the shared mission of building a stronger, more professional and globally recognized DanceSport movement.
A Message of Purpose and Unity
“This annual gathering is a valuable chance for us to come together as leaders in DanceSport to share updates, learn from each other, and discuss important changes happening in our sport. Our goal is to grow DanceSport—not just in terms of competitions, but also in how we manage, lead, and build strong systems around it.”
He spoke of the steps being taken to elevate WDSF’s leadership model, from discipline development and Olympic integration to strategic partnerships and structural updates. “Let’s use today’s forum to ask good questions, share ideas, and keep pushing our sport forward,” he concluded, before introducing the first topic of the day.
Blackpool 2025: A Festival That Made History
Led by Vice President for Sports Nenad Jeftic and the General Secretary Sergey Nifontov, the presentation on the 2025 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool captured both the scale of the event and the spirit behind it.
Negotiations began quietly in June 2024, with the final agreement signed on 8 January 2025—a pivotal moment for WDSF. Despite initial hesitations, particularly regarding the challenges of organizing a major event in the UK without a local legal entity, the determination of WDSF’s leadership turned the vision into reality.
Held inside the legendary Empress Ballroom of the Winter Gardens, a venue with more than a century of DanceSport history, the Festival became a living tribute to tradition and innovation. The participation of athletes exceeded all expectations, which posed a significant challenge for the organisation of the schedule. “We had to improvise under extreme conditions,” Jeftic admitted, recalling a provisional schedule that stretched from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., and moments like a locked orchestra room due to local police operations. “But we are the masters of improvisation.”
The success of the event also relied on the incredible support of WDSF’s partners—handling everything from ticketing and broadcasting to music, branding, and logistics.
A Global Gathering in Numbers and Emotion
The participation figures spoke volumes:
- GrandSlam Standard: 149 couples from 37 countries
- GrandSlam Latin: 144 couples from 36 countries
- World Championships Senior II Standard: 80 couples from 22 countries
- World Championships Senior I Latin: 75 couples from 21 countries
- Rising Stars Challenge Cups: 186 couples across Standard and Latin
- Additional Open and GrandPrix events drew dozens more
On the digital front, a social media team of 8, along with accredited media, delivered record-breaking reach and engagement. New medal designs, behind-the-scenes coverage, and live reactions turned the Blackpool experience into a truly global celebration.
Among the most touching moments: a marriage proposal on the dancefloor, captured on video and shared widely by the DanceSport community. You can view this emotional highlight and other memorable content on our Instagram page and YouTube channel.
The Forum audience also applauded the special recognition that took part at the event of all past Blackpool finalists, honoring those who have left a mark on the sport’s history, and offering a powerful reminder of DanceSport’s legacy.
Looking Ahead: Blackpool 2026
The momentum will continue. WDSF DanceSport Festival 2026 was officially announced for 26–29 March, expanding to four days and two competition halls, setting an even more ambitious standard for what lies ahead.
“The Forum is not just a meeting,” Tay reminded the delegates. “It is a reflection of what we can build together when we stay true to our mission.”
These words echoed powerfully after the announcement of Blackpool 2026, a continuation of a project that exemplifies what WDSF strives for: professional ambition, unity across nations, and the collective effort to raise the standard of DanceSport worldwide.
With this remarkable beginning, the 2025 WDSF Forum in Bucharest reaffirmed the federation’s dedication to excellence—not only in the arena, but in leadership, innovation, and collaboration.
More articles will be shared shortly, covering the remaining Forum topics, including the development of Breaking, Youth Olympic Games allocation pathways, the introduction of new DanceSport disciplines, and key updates in sport governance.
Follow us on our official channels for highlights, key takeaways, and updates from the WDSF Forum and AGM 2025 in Bucharest.
Instagram: WDSF DanceSport
YouTube: DanceSportTotal
Facebook: WDSF DanceSport
TikTok: WDSF DanceSport
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