Curtain Rises in Blackpool: A Spectacular Opening Day at the WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE

Blackpool, United Kingdom, Thursday 26 March 2026 — The long-awaited moment has finally arrived. The curtain rose today inside the legendary Empress Ballroom and Spanish Hall of the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, as the first competition day of the WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE officially got underway, bringing with it the unmistakable magic of one of the most iconic stages in DanceSport history.

From the very first rounds, the atmosphere reflected the significance of the occasion. The venue welcomed an impressive international field, with a particularly strong presence from Italian athletes representing the Federazione Italiana DanzaSportiva e Sport Musicali, the national delegation with the highest number of registered competitors at this year’s event.

Curtain Rises in Blackpool: A Spectacular Opening Day at the WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE

Beyond the sporting battles on the floor, the opening day also delivered the elegance and glamour for which Blackpool is renowned. Dreamlike hairstyles, spectacular gowns and sharply tailored suits filled the halls, made even more striking by the newly arranged red carpet area, where athletes had the opportunity to step into the spotlight and capture the moment in photographs, a fitting tribute to the artistry and prestige of the festival.

Not only did the Empress Ballroom witness the first unforgettable dances of the festival, but it was not the only floor alive with movement throughout the day. The Spanish Hall also played an essential role, serving as a dedicated training space where athletes and coaches fine-tuned their routines, warmed up, and prepared for competition, ensuring that every performance on the main stage was delivered with confidence and precision.

Curtain Rises in Blackpool: A Spectacular Opening Day at the WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE

Highlights and Key Results of the Day – Thursday 26 March 2026

WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Standard Junior II

The WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Latin Junior II brought an exciting burst of rhythm and personality to the Empress Ballroom, with a final that combined youthful energy with remarkably high technical level.

In sixth place, Romanian couple Danciu Darius Gabriel and Dediu Alessandra Maria delivered a lively and committed performance, embracing the atmosphere of Blackpool with confidence and determination. Reaching the final on such a prestigious floor represents a valuable achievement and an important step forward in their competitive development.

Fifth position went to Dinca Eduard and Avram Angelina (ROU), a duo who began their WDSF journey only last February at the Lyon French Open. Their progression in such a short time was evident in Blackpool, where they demonstrated strong potential and the ability to hold their own in an intensely competitive field.

Finishing fourth, Johann Marten Rahula and Victoria Makarov (EST) once again proved that age is no limitation when talent and discipline are present. Despite their youth, the Estonian pair already carry a notable international record, and they will return to the floor this weekend to compete in Latin Junior II and Ten Dance Junior II, where they are expected to impress once again.

The bronze medal was claimed by Moldova’s Daniel Martiniuc and Rima Psederschi, whose performance stood out for its musical clarity and expressive presence. With a controlled yet dynamic delivery, they earned a well-deserved place on the podium, celebrating a major result in one of the most prestigious Junior categories of the festival.

Silver went to Kristiyan Donchev and Martina Kondaklieva (BUL), continuing an excellent run of form following their recent successes at the 2026 Bulgarian Open in Sofia and the Ankara Open last January in Türkiye. Their Blackpool performance combined sharp technique with confident character, securing them a strong second-place finish.

At the top of the podium, David Kasal and Sara Odstrcilova (CZE) captured the gold medal for the Czech Republic. The emotion of the moment was unmistakable as the pair embraced following their victory, visibly proud and moved while the Empress Ballroom audience applauded warmly, a memorable celebration fitting for a triumph on one of DanceSport’s most iconic stages.

David Kasal and Sara Odstrcilova (CZE)
Kristiyan Donchev and Martina Kondaklieva (BUL)
Daniel Martiniuc and Rima Psederschi (MDA)
Johann Marten Rahula and Victoria Makarov (EST)
Dinca Eduard and Avram Angelina (ROU)
Danciu Darius Gabriel and Dediu Alessandra Maria (ROU)

You can check all results here.

WDSF Open Standard Junior I

The WDSF Open Standard Junior I delivered an exciting final, with a strong Romanian presence and an atmosphere worthy of the Blackpool stage.

In fifth place, Dariusz-Jean Draghici and Melinda Gligor (ROU) marked an important milestone, competing in their very first WDSF event and immediately reaching the final, a promising debut that signals their potential within the international circuit.

Italy’s Gabriel Boschi and Giorgia Mastrandrea (ITA) claimed fourth position, giving the home crowd plenty to applaud and reinforcing Italy’s growing strength in the junior categories, especially visible throughout the day across multiple competitions.

Bronze went to Estonia’s Evgeni Morugin and Vera Rjabosapka (EST), who earned their place on the podium through a composed and confident performance, standing out with clean technique and strong musical interpretation in a demanding final.

The silver medal was secured by Eduard Gabriel Croitoru and Ana Colbu (ROU), who arrived in Blackpool following recent competitions in Spain and Germany. Their journey across Europe culminated in an impressive performance on one of DanceSport’s most celebrated floors, confirming their ability to deliver under the highest pressure.

At the very top, Ronind Moldovan and Zsofia Gombos (ROU) claimed the gold medal after a ceremony attended by Jens Steinmann, WDSF Presidium Member, who took part in the medal presentation. After a long and decorated competitive history in Romania and other European events, the couple travelled to the other side of the continent and delivered when it mattered most, stepping onto the top of the podium in Blackpool to the excitement of an emotional audience, and with smiles that reflected the significance of their triumph.

Ronind Moldovan – Zsofia Gombos (ROU)
Eduard Gabriel Croitoru – Ana Colbu (ROU)
Evgeni Morugin – Vera Rjabosapka (EST)
Gabriel Boschi – Giorgia Mastrandrea (ITA)
Dariusz-Jean Draghici – Melinda Gligor (ROU)

You can check all results here.

WDSF Open Standard Senior III

The WDSF Open Standard Senior III offered a beautiful display of elegance and experience, as the couples brought electrifying energy from the very first heat to the last. Each round was marked by strong musicality and refined technique, proving once again that Senior DanceSport delivers some of the most captivating performances of the festival.

In sixth place, Estonia’s Margus Krass and Nele Suvisild impressed with their poise and graceful presence, securing a valuable final position in Blackpool and adding another strong result to their international experience.

Germany’s Rainer Nolte and Sabine Nolte finished fifth, delivering a composed and polished performance throughout the rounds. Their consistency and control allowed them to remain firmly in contention in a final where every placement was fiercely contested.

Just outside the podium in fourth, Thomas Langkavel and Sabine Haas (GER)demonstrated remarkable harmony and elegance, showing a confident interpretation of the Standard programme and earning strong recognition in one of the day’s most competitive senior finals.

The bronze medal went to Italy’s Massimo Bigoli and Anna Bertelli, a couple who arrived in Blackpool with momentum after winning gold in Senior III in Dublin last November, and previously in Łódź in September. Coming to fight for another major title, they once again confirmed their quality by securing a well-deserved place on the podium.

Silver was claimed by Stefano Maraboli and Laura Donati (ITA), who secured second place in Blackpool for the second consecutive year. Their result follows an outstanding season, including their gold medal in WDSF Open Standard Senior III in Prague last September, reaffirming their position among the leading couples of the category.

At the top of the podium, Germany’s Fabian Lohauss and Simone Braunschweigcaptured the gold medal with a performance full of chemistry and passion. Having already competed in Blackpool last year and earned silver in the WDSF Open Standard Senior II, they returned this time determined to go one step further — and their victory in the Empress Ballroom was met with warm applause, celebrating a truly outstanding display of artistry and connection.

Fabian Lohauss and Simone Braunschweig (GER)
Stefano Maraboli and Laura Donati (ITA)
Massimo Bigoli and Anna Bertelli (ITA)
Thomas Langkavel and Sabine Haas (GER)
Rainer Nolte and Sabine Nolte (GER)
Margus Krass and Nele Suvisild (EST)

You can check all results here.

WDSF Open Latin Juvenile

The WDSF Open Latin Juvenile brought vibrant energy to the floor, as emerging talents showcased both fearless rhythm and impressive competitive maturity, proving that the future of DanceSport is already full of promise.

Finishing in sixth place, Austrian couple Jan Babushchak and Luisa Zaripov-Ludwig concluded their Blackpool campaign with a strong result, adding to an already successful season that included a gold medal last December at the Children Grand Prix Latin in Zagreb, Croatia, last december.

Lithuania’s Armandas Maziliauskas and Rachele Gibiezaite secured fifth place in a final marked by tight margins and intense competition, holding their own among an increasingly international juvenile field.

In fourth position, Zeshen Gu and Ameerah-Madonna Akhtar achieved a notable breakthrough, as this placement represents their first major step into international competition within the WDSF circuit, an encouraging beginning on one of the sport’s most demanding stages.

The bronze medal was claimed by Lithuanian couple Herkus Darzinskas and Izabele Semaskaite, earning a podium finish that was warmly received by the crowd and celebrated with visible emotion.

Silver went to Estonia’s Rodion Potapov and Nika Babakova, who reached the podium for the first time outside the Baltic region. Their performance marked a significant leap in their international WDSF career and established them as a pair to watch as they continue their competitive rise.

At the top of the podium, Romanian duo Colbu Tudor and Molocia Ilinca-Maria celebrated a remarkable achievement, claiming their first-ever WDSF medal, and doing so in the most emphatic way possible by taking gold in Blackpool. Their victory gives them strong momentum as they prepare to return to the floor on Friday and Saturday to compete in WDSF Open Standard Juvenile and Open 6 Dance Juvenile, carrying confidence and ambition into the next stages of the festival.

Colbu Tudor – Molocia Ilinca-Maria (ROU)
Rodion Potapov – Nika Babakova (EST)
Herkus Darzinskas – Izabele Semaskaite (LTU)
Zeshen Gu – Ameerah-Madonna Akhtar (USA)
Armandas Maziliauskas – Rachele Gibiezaite (LTU)
Jan Babushchak – Luisa Zaripov-Ludwig (AUT)

You can check all results here.

WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Junior II

The WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Junior II delivered a vibrant and highly competitive final, where expressive performances and fearless energy kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

In sixth place, Italy’s Arianna Campanale left everything on the dancefloor, earning a well-deserved position in the final after a performance full of determination and charisma.

Fifth place went to Amina Askar of Kazakhstan, who travelled across continents to compete for the first time in the legendary Blackpool halls. Her effort and presence were rewarded with a strong result, marking an important milestone in her international journey.

Finishing just outside the podium in fourth, Giulia Fichera, from Italy, impressed with a confident and polished performance, showing maturity beyond her years and confirming her growing strength within the Junior II field.

The bronze medal was claimed by the italian Alessandra Sirressi, who continues to build momentum after making her WDSF debut earlier this month at the Bulgarian Open in Sofia. Her third-place finish in Blackpool reflects both rapid progress and a clear ability to rise to the occasion on one of DanceSport’s most prestigious stages.

Silver went to Kazakhstan’s Akku Sapiyeva, adding yet another major result to an already outstanding season. After taking gold in Solo Standard Latin Junior and Solo Latin Junior II in Barcelona and Tashkent at the end of last year and the beginning of this one, she once again proved her consistency by stepping onto the podium in Blackpool.

At the top, Chinese Lu Qiannuo, captured the gold medal, reaffirming her status among the most successful solo athletes of the category. Having already claimed victory in London last September, the Chinese dancer returned to the United Kingdom to conquer once again, this time on the iconic Blackpool floor.

Lu Qiannuo (CHN)
Akku Sapiyeva (KAZ)
Alessandra Sirressi (ITA)
Giulia Fichera (ITA)
Amina Askar (KAZ)
Arianna Campanale (ITA)

You can check all results here.

WDSF International Open Standard Adult

The WDSF International Open Standard Adult delivered one of the most elegant and technically demanding finals of the day, with world-class couples bringing refined movement, musicality and intensity to the legendary Blackpool floor. The medal ceremony was presided over by Nenad Jeftic, WDSF Vice President for Sports, adding a special institutional highlight to a competition of outstanding level.

In sixth place, Poland’s Mateusz Stawowy and Sara Silva secured a valuable final result in Blackpool, arriving with an extensive competitive background that stretches back to 2014 and reflects years of dedication at the highest level of international DanceSport.

Germany’s Yevhenii Boichenko and Mariia Vlasenko finished fifth, continuing to build on a remarkably consistent sporting trajectory, having competed in more than 76 events in recent years — a testament to their experience, resilience, and competitive presence across the circuit.

In fourth place, Chi Yang and Tang Ruyi (CHN) once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most exciting Chinese couples in the Standard discipline. After winning gold in Wuxi in the Rising Stars Standard category, they returned to Blackpool for the second consecutive year with their ambitions firmly set on the top step of the podium. Their journey at the festival continues, as they will also take part on Saturday in the much-anticipated WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult.

The bronze medal went to Gianluca Di Melfi and Giorgia Celli (NED), whose performance stood out for its expressive quality and complete commitment to the rhythm of the music. Their presence in the final brought a distinctive character to the floor, and their third-place finish in Blackpool represents a major achievement in one of the most prestigious Open events of the day.

Silver was claimed by Ivan Vinogradov and Olga Khrebtova (AIN), who delivered a composed and powerful performance marked by clean lines and impressive control. Their ability to combine elegance with competitive intensity allowed them to rise through the rounds and secure a well-earned second place in a final of exceptional depth.

At the top of the podium, XU Ziyin and Yan Xinru (CHN) captured the gold medal with a performance of remarkable precision and harmony. Confident, polished and clearly in command of the floor, the Chinese couple confirmed their dominance in this category and celebrated a memorable victory in Blackpool, a triumph that adds further strength to their growing international reputation.

XU Ziyin – Yan Xinru (CHN)
Ivan Vinogradov – Olga Khrebtova (AIN)
Gianluca Di Melfi – Giorgia Celli (NED)
Chi Yang – Tang Ruyi (CHN)
Yevhenii Boichenko – Mariia Vlasenko (GER)
Mateusz Stawowy – Sara Silva (POL)

You can check all results here.

WDSF International Open Latin Adult

The penultimate medal ceremony of the evening brought the Empress Ballroom to life with the WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Latin Youth final. The atmosphere inside the venue was electric, with the audience fully engaged, reacting to every performance and building the tension with every dance. The couples themselves mirrored that emotion, stepping onto the floor with visible determination and excitement, fully aware of what it means to compete in Blackpool.

In sixth place, Anatolii Kameniuk and Larissabelle Sofokleous (CYP) delivered a spirited performance, embracing the occasion with energy and confidence and closing their final with a valuable result on one of DanceSport’s most prestigious stages.

Hungarian duo Pellei Mihaly and Mihok Milla secured fifth position after an expressive and dynamic display, showing strong character and a clear connection with the music throughout the final.

Finishing fourth, Italy’s Cristian Martino and Elena Gamberini impressed with their sharp presentation and competitive drive, narrowly missing the podium but earning warm support from the crowd in a final filled with intensity.

The bronze medal went to Kazakhstan’s Temirlan Samatuly and Zerip Madikyzy, who brought powerful rhythm and presence to the floor, securing a deserved podium finish and standing out for their strong performance quality.

Silver was claimed by Savely Dobriakov and Sofiia Dubeiko (ARM), who arrived in Blackpool with momentum after taking gold in Istanbul, Türkiye, on the 15th of this month. Their second-place finish in Blackpool represents another major step forward, further propelling their rise as they now set their sights on the GrandSlam competition on Sunday.

At the top of the podium, Germany’s Demid Anisimov and Duru Nehir Gayretli captured the gold medal with a confident and compelling performance. Their victory crowned an outstanding final, leaving them celebrated by an enthusiastic audience and closing the category with a moment of pure joy in the Empress Ballroom.

Demid Anisimov – Duru Nehir Gayretli (GER)
Savely Dobriakov – Sofiia Dubeiko (ARM)
Temirlan Samatuly – Zerip Madikyzy (KAZ)
Cristian Martino – Elena Gamberini (ITA)
Pellei Mihaly – Mihok Milla (HUN)
Anatolii Kameniuk – Larissabelle Sofokleous (CYP)

You can check all results here.

WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Standard Under 21

The final medal ceremony of the day concluded the programme in the Empress Ballroom with a spectacular WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Standard Youth final, where the atmosphere remained intense until the very last bars of music. The category delivered an exceptional showcase of elegance, precision and youthful ambition, bringing a memorable close to the first competition day in Blackpool.

In sixth place, Romania’s Robert-Leonard Coman and Sara-Maria Velea earned an important final result on one of the most prestigious stages in DanceSport. Their performance combined composure with determination, and their presence in the top six reflects a growing international profile that continues to develop season after season.

Lithuanian couple Kristupas Mlinskas and Liepa Rudnickaite secured fifth position, standing out for their refined movement and controlled interpretation of the Standard programme. Their Blackpool appearance marks another valuable step forward, adding experience and recognition in a highly demanding championship field.

Poland’s Mateusz Stawowy and Sara Silva finished fourth, narrowly missing the podium after delivering a strong and elegant performance. With their well-established competitive experience, the duo once again demonstrated the depth and quality of Polish DanceSport, remaining consistent through each round of the event.

The bronze medal was claimed by Germany’s Dmytrii Forostianov and Helene Novalee Tilgert, a dazzling couple who impressed throughout the competition with their presence and confident musicality. Their journey at the festival is not yet over, as they will return to the floor on Sunday in the World Challenge Cup Rising Stars Standard, where they are expected to be among the standout couples once again.

Silver went to Tymon Olejarz and Wiktoria Kurda (POL), who arrived in Blackpool with momentum after earning silver at the European Championships Standard Youth in Burgas, Bulgaria, last December. Their performance in the Empress Ballroom reaffirmed Poland’s strength in the category, as they danced with clarity, ambition and remarkable determination.

At the top of the podium, Richards Krivins and Alexandra Shamova (LAT) captured the gold medal, continuing to build a legacy that has been steadily taking shape over time. After already claiming gold last year in the Standard Youth category, the Latvian couple returned to Blackpool with confidence and delivered once again, successfully defending their title and celebrating another defining victory on DanceSport’s most iconic floor.

Richards Krivins – Alexandra Shamova (LAT)
Tymon Olejarz – Wiktoria Kurda (POL)
Dmytrii Forostianov – Helene Novalee Tilgert (GER)
Mateusz Stawowy – Sara Silva (POL)
Kristupas Mlinskas – Liepa Rudnickaite (LTU)
Robert-Leonard Coman – Sara-Maria Velea (ROU)

You can check all results here.

Partners, Production and Appreciation

As the first day of competition comes to a close, the World DanceSport Federation extends its sincere gratitude to all partners whose dedication and collaboration have contributed to the success of this opening day. Special thanks go to Casa Musica, Atos, Sportsxpert, and to BDDANCE x UDANCE, Official Title Partner of this event, as well as to the British DanceSport Federation.

WDSF also wishes to thank the broadcasting teams and television partners who have delivered live coverage of the event worldwide. Appreciation goes to Vivaro Media, Official Production Company of this event, well renowned for working for the Olympic Games and FIFA, thanks as well to DSI TV, Dance TV, WeChat (BD Dance TV), RTV Budva, PV Plus, and of course the Olympic Channel, where DanceSport fans will be able to follow the Quarterfinals, Semifinals and the much-anticipated GrandSlam Final exclusively.

A special mention is reserved for the many exhibitors and vendors present in the Horseshoe Pavilion, whose stands added colour, style and vibrancy to the festival experience. WDSF warmly thanks Focus Dance, Dong XinDance, International Dance Shoes, DSI London, Dance Queen, and Beauty Code, all of whom showcased outstanding products, from elegant gowns and remarkable footwear to professional hair and make-up equipment, supporting athletes in presenting their very best on the Empress Ballroom floor.

Gratitude is also extended to the Empress Orchestra, whose live music once again elevated the competition, preserving the tradition and atmosphere that make Blackpool unlike any other DanceSport destination.

Finally, WDSF wishes to thank the media professionals, photographers, videographers, and all collaborators attending the event, as well as the many volunteers who have travelled from across Europe to contribute their time and effort in ensuring the smooth running of the competition.

Curtain Rises in Blackpool: A Spectacular Opening Day at the WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE

A Word from WDSF President

Reflecting on the opening day, WDSF President Shawn Tay praised the atmosphere and the outstanding performances delivered on one of DanceSport’s most iconic stages:

“Today was a spectacular opening to the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival. The connection between the couples, the elegance of the performances, and the electricity brought by the solo athletes truly captured the spirit of DanceSport. Blackpool remains a place where our sport shines at its very highest level.”

Photos by Hery Deslandes