Opening Address

WDSF President Lukas Hinder © Egli

Here is the address by the President of the World Dance Sport Federation, Mr Lukas Hinder, held during the Opening Ceremony that is in progress.

In the past, Aarhus and DanceSport have made for a very convincing formula together. Memorable World and European Championships have been held in this city as part of what eventually became the Aarhus International Gala, organised by the Aarhus Sportsdanserforening – the local federation.

In my effort to trace them all, I arrive at the 12th of September in 1981 and the European Standard that was danced to tunes played by the Peder Pedersens Big Band.

The most recent championship contested here was another European – this one a Latin. It was on the 28th of March 2015.

Each and every one of these events staged over more than 30 years does have its own history attached. Some of them as glorious as local couples winning in front of their families, friends and fans – either right here at this venue, which was known as the NRGi (Energy) Arena at the time, or on national television.

Some serious rebranding has happened in Aarhus since March last year. The arena is now named after the beer brand CERES, the International Gala became an International Festival, and the name of the Aarhus DanceSport Federation seems to have disappeared from the list of hosting entities.

Such periodic adjustments are necessary to keep up with ever-changing times. But I would also caution the Aarhus organisers not to alter their core brand too much. Why, you are asking?

Well, because yours was – as I mentioned – an exceptionally convincing and strong brand over three decades already. And it continues to be to this day!

Sometimes too much change can have an adverse effect. Bigger is not always better! Trying too many new things at once can increase the likelihood of a negative outcome for some.

But then I am sure that people as knowledgeable as our hosts know that perfectly well. So here we are, just about to contest the second World Standard title in 24 hours. And may the best couple win!

I wish to thank the Danish DanceSport Federation, the local organisers, the city and everybody involved in keeping DanceSport as topical as ever in Aarhus for their tremendous effort. And to the dancers competing today and tomorrow – it’s too late for those who were on the floor yesterday – I wish as always:

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD DANCING!

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By WDSF Communications on 12 November 2016 19:03