2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool: Team Match Makes History on Day Two of Competition

Blackpool, United Kingdom, Friday 27 March 2026. The magic continues inside the world-famous Winter Gardens as the second competition day of the WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE welcomes athletes and spectators back to the legendary Empress Ballroom. After an unforgettable opening day, Friday’s programme raises the stakes even higher, with the much-anticipated start of the WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult, beginning today and extending into Saturday, marking the first time in Blackpool that the GrandSlam Standard is staged across two full days.

2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool: Team Match Makes History on Day Two of Competition

From early rounds to the later sessions, the atmosphere remained charged with excitement, as couples from across the globe took to the floor with ambition, focus, and unmistakable determination. The Winter Gardens once again became a meeting point for international DanceSport excellence, with athletes, coaches and officials sharing the same sense of occasion that only Blackpool can inspire.

As always, Blackpool delivered not only sporting drama but also its unmistakable visual splendour. The halls were filled with immaculate styling, striking gowns, refined tail suits and the confident elegance of athletes stepping onto one of DanceSport’s most revered stages. The energy of the crowd, attentive and enthusiastic, provided the perfect backdrop for a day where every heat carried meaning and every performance felt like part of something larger than competition alone.

While the Empress Ballroom remained the centrepiece of the action, the festival experience extended beyond the main floor. Throughout the day, the Spanish Hall continued to play a key supporting role as a training and preparation space, where athletes and coaches refined choreography, reviewed details, and warmed up before stepping into the spotlight, a constant reminder that behind every great performance lies discipline, teamwork and relentless preparation.

2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool: Team Match Makes History on Day Two of Competition

Highlights and Key Events of the Day – Friday 27 March 2026

WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult (1st day)

Day One of the WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult began today in Blackpool, launching a two-day competition format introduced here for the first time. With the decisive rounds and final results expected for tomorrow Saturday, DanceSport fans are encouraged to stay closely connected as the battle for one of the most prestigious titles of the festival continues.

WDSF Open Standard Senior II

WDSF Open Standard Senior II brought a refined and elegant atmosphere to the Empress Ballroom, with couples delivering polished performances marked by musical sensitivity and remarkable composure. The final was a true celebration of experience and partnership, where every round reflected the prestige of dancing on the Blackpool floor.

In sixth place, Pavol Zalom and Blazena Zalomova (SVK) closed their competition with a performance full of discipline and poise, showing excellent control and a calm presence throughout the final.

Finishing fifth, Simone Viola and Manuela Scorzosi (ITA) impressed with their expressive interpretation and confident floorcraft, earning a strong result in a category filled with international quality.

In fourth position, Thomas Brink and Helle Marcussen (ITA) narrowly missed the podium after a consistent and elegant showing, maintaining a smooth and harmonious style that kept them firmly in contention until the very end.

The bronze medal went to Fabio Sartore and Roxana Monica Cristea (ITA), whose performance stood out for its refined dynamics and strong partnership connection. Their third-place finish confirmed their ability to shine under pressure in one of the festival’s most competitive Standard finals.

Taking silver, Petr Kiesel and Alice Pokorna (CZE) delivered a composed and powerful performance, combining technical clarity with graceful movement. Their result represents a major achievement on one of DanceSport’s most iconic stages, rewarding their precision and consistency across the rounds.

At the top of the podium, Gatis Simsons and Julija Simsone (LAT) captured the gold medal with an outstanding display of elegance and command. Their performance carried both confidence and artistry, securing them a memorable victory in Blackpool and earning strong applause from the Empress Ballroom audience.

The medal ceremony was presided over by Luis Vaño, President of the Spanish DanceSport Federation and WDSF Presidium Member, adding further prestige to this celebrated final.

Gatis Simsons and Julija SIMSONE (LAT)
Petr Kiesel and Alice Pokorna (CZE)
Fabio SARTSartore and Roxana Monica Cristea (ITA)
Thomas Brink and Helle Marcussen (ITA)
Simone Viola and Manuela Scorzosi (ITA)
Pavol Zalom and Blazena Zalomova (SVK)

You can check all results here.

WDSF Open Standard Juvenile

The WDSF Open Standard Juvenile delivered another delightful highlight of the day in Blackpool, as the youngest Standard talents stepped onto the floor with elegance, confidence and remarkable composure for their age. In a final full of charm and competitive intensity, the audience once again showed strong support, rewarding every couple with warm applause throughout the dances.

The Romanian duo Fania Cezar and Fusle Ariana (ROU) concluded their competition in sixth place, with Dordea Vlad-Andrei and Dendrino Casandra (ROU) just ahead of them, securing fifth and confirming Romania’s strong presence in the Juvenile categories and their ability to shine on one of DanceSport’s most iconic stages.

In fourth position, Lithuania’s Armandas Maziliauskas and Rachele Gibiezaite (LTU) impressed with a composed and well-balanced performance, narrowly missing the podium but leaving a strong impression in the Empress Ballroom.

The bronze medal went to Herkus Darzinskas and Izabele Semaskaite (LTU), who celebrated yet another podium moment in Blackpool. After also finishing third yesterday in the WDSF Open Latin Juvenile, the Lithuanian couple confirmed their consistency across disciplines, proving they are among the most complete and competitive young pairs of the festival.

Claiming the silver medal, Rodion Potapov and Nika Babakova (EST) once again stepped onto the podium after also earning second place yesterday in the Latin category. Their performance combined elegance and maturity, underlining Estonia’s growing strength in the Juvenile ranks.

At the very top, Colbu Tudor and Molocia Ilinca-Maria (ROU) secured the gold medal, marking their second consecutive victory in Blackpool after taking gold yesterday in WDSF Open Latin Juvenile. With this new triumph in Standard, the Romanian pair firmly establish themselves as the standout Juvenile couple of the festival, delivering another joyful and emotional celebration on the podium.

Colbu Tudor – Molocia Ilinca-Maria (ROU)
Rodion Potapov – Nika Babakova (EST)
Herkus Darzinskas – Izabele Semaskaite (LTU)
Armandas Maziliauskas – Rachele Gibiezaite (LTU)
Dordea Vlad-Andrei – Dendrino Casandra (ROU)
Fania Cezar – Fusle Ariana (ROU)

You can check all results here.

WDSF Open Latin Senior III

The WDSF Open Latin Senior III brought passion, rhythm and true competitive spirit to the Empress Ballroom, as experienced couples filled the floor with charisma and powerful Latin interpretation. The atmosphere remained lively throughout the final, with the audience fully engaged and responding enthusiastically to every performance.

In sixth place, Italy’s Enrico Donato Chiattone and Morena Bonacini (ITA) completed their Blackpool campaign with a valuable final result on one of the most prestigious stages in DanceSport. Close behind, fellow Italians Jairo Wladimir Coello and Sabrina Orsini (ITA) secured fifth position, showing strong presence and determination in a highly contested category.

Finishing in fourth place, Finland’s Petri Jarvinen and Ulla Jarvinen (FIN) delivered a composed and confident performance, narrowly missing the podium but earning well-deserved recognition for their consistency and elegance across the dances.

The bronze medal went to France’s Patrick Lemaire and Jennifer Massaro (FRA), a couple who once again confirmed their quality at international level. After taking gold last December in Platja d’Aro in the WDSF Open Latin Senior III, they returned to the floor in Blackpool to claim another major result, celebrating a strong podium finish in one of the festival’s most prestigious senior finals.

Claiming the silver medal, Austria’s Herbert Schoepf and Beatrix Schoepf (AUT) added another outstanding achievement to their season. Having won gold in Zagreb last December in the same category, they arrived in Blackpool with the ambition of reclaiming the top step of the podium, and once again demonstrated their competitive strength with a powerful second-place performance.

At the top of the podium, Germany’s Marc Becker and Nicole Giersbeck (GER) captured the gold medal, continuing an impressive run of form built on a long and successful career. With recent victories already achieved in Lyon last February and in Lazise, Italy in January, the German couple once again proved their dominance, securing a memorable victory in Blackpool and closing the final with a well-earned celebration.

You can check all results here.

WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Youth

The WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Youth brought a vibrant and modern spark to the Winter Gardens, with young solo athletes delivering bold performances filled with personality, musicality and fearless confidence. The category once again demonstrated the growing popularity of Solo DanceSport, with the audience closely following every round and rewarding the finalists with strong applause.

Italy dominated the podium, led by Anna Grazia Agata Messina (ITA), who captured the gold medal after an outstanding performance in the final. Already a recent winner in Solo Latin Youth in Burgas, Bulgaria, and also a gold medallist at the German Open Championship in Stuttgart last year, Messina continues to cement her position as one of the most exciting rising solo athletes in the Youth division.

The silver medal went to Mariagrazia Manico (ITA), an athlete who has built an impressive competitive trajectory across both Youth and Junior II categories. With recent victories in events such as Millieha and Lazise, Italy earlier this year, Manico once again confirmed her consistency and high level, earning a well-deserved second place in Blackpool.

In third position, China’s Lu Qiannuo (CHN) celebrated an important milestone by claiming the bronze medal in her very first Solo Latin competition in the Youth category. After winning gold yesterday in Solo Latin Junior II, she successfully stepped up into the older age group and immediately proved her potential with another podium finish on the iconic Blackpool floor.

Just outside the medals, Lo Sum Yi Abby (HKG) finished fourth, followed by Italy’s Marika Lisanti (ITA) in fifth place, while Tudor Ana Erika (ROU) completed the final in sixth, securing a valuable result in a highly competitive international field.

Anna Grazia Agata Messina (ITA)
Mariagrazia Manico (ITA)
Lu Qiannuo (CHN)
Lo Sum Yi Abby (HKG)
Marika Lisanti (ITA)
Tudor Ana Erika (ROU)

You can check all results here.

BDSF International Team Match Ten Dance Adult

One of the most anticipated highlights of the second competition day in Blackpool was undoubtedly the BDSF International Team Match Ten Dance Adult, a brand-new and innovative category making its official debut at the Winter Gardens. With teams representing Czechia, Germany, Italy, the People’s Republic of China, Poland and Romania, the event brought a fresh and spectacular format to the Empress Ballroom, featuring couples of the very highest international level.

From the very beginning, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd was visibly excited, applauding and cheering as they awaited the moment the teams would take the floor. The opening parade became one of the most memorable scenes of the day, as each delegation entered with pride, energy and creativity. Five couples formed each team, and the Empress Ballroom erupted in applause as flags and vibrant accessories filled the floor. Dressed in striking and innovative DanceSport outfits, the athletes created a truly majestic entrance, greeted by enthusiastic ovations, a moment that brought the entire audience to its feet.

The selection of participating teams was based on two criteria: countries with the highest participation in last year’s festival, and nations with teams ranked within the Top 15 worldwide, ensuring that this new category featured some of the strongest DanceSport delegations on the planet.

Team Czechia opened the performances with a traditional and charming proposal, combining Czech-inspired music and choreography rooted in folk dance elements. Their routine sparked clapping and smiles across the ballroom, including impressive spins and dynamic moments that immediately connected with the audience.

The German team followed with a performance rich in sound and variety, reminding everyone of DanceSport’s unique power to unite cultures and generations. Their presentation felt like a tribute to the history of dance, honouring those who have stepped onto the floor before us.

When Team Italy entered, the response from the crowd was immediate. A wave of applause and cheers filled the Empress Ballroom as they delivered a routine full of Mediterranean warmth and passion, bringing a burst of energy that sent shivers through the audience.

The elegance of the People’s Republic of China then took centre stage, as their performance stood out for its precision, refined execution and striking discipline, setting a benchmark of control and harmony on the iconic Blackpool floor.

Team Poland showcased strong rhythm and character, delivering a confident routine marked by musical clarity and sharp performance quality, earning well-deserved recognition from the public.

Finally, Team Romania brought one of the most entertaining moments of the evening, surprising the audience by incorporating the sound of an alarm clock into their routine, a humorous and unexpected touch that had spectators laughing and cheering as the energy in the ballroom reached its peak.

The competition continued with the Showdance segment, led by Team Romania as the first team to take the floor in this part of the Team Match. With the participation of all delegations, the variety of styles and interpretations kept the audience fully engaged. Tango, Cha Cha and Quickstep echoed through the venue, accompanied live by the Empress Orchestra, making the Six Dance moment a spectacular celebration of both sport and entertainment.

The medal ceremony was presided over by Mr. Shawn Tay, WDSF President, alongside Ms Vera Zhang, President of BDDANCE x UDANCE, adding a special and symbolic conclusion to the debut edition of this remarkable new format.

Team People´s Republic of China
Team Italy
Team Germany
Team Romania
Team Poland
Team Czechia

You can check all results here.

Other highlights of the day

Among the other standout competitions on Friday, the WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Standard Youth captured the imagination of the audience. This unique event, exclusive to the Blackpool Festival, brought together the finest young standard dancers from across the globe, delivering performances full of promise and elegance. The final podium concluded as follows:

Patrick Berbece and Andreea Sturzinschi (ROU)
Artem Crivenco and Alexandrina Martinova (MDA)
Martin Makarov and Regina Peik (EST)

The WDSF World Challenge Cup Latin Rising Stars provided an electrifying spectacle, showcasing the next generation of Latin talent. Each pair brought their own style and flair, thrilling the audience with rhythm, precision, and charisma. The final ranking was:

Tygielski Kajetan and Menser Nicole (POL)
Chen Haoyang and Ouyang Shan (CHN)
Barbosu Nicolas-Daniel and Iorgovan Iovana (ROU)

Meanwhile, the WDSF Open Latin Junior I competition dazzled spectators with youthful energy and technical skill. The podium was filled with rising stars destined for future glory:

Roman Shtepliuk - Olivia Kuziv (UKR)
Moldovan Ronin - Gombos Zsofia (ROU)
Chen Xin - Zhang Jiayi (CHN)

You can check all results here.

With Thanks to Our Partners and Supporters

As the second day of the WDSF DanceSport Festival comes to an end, the World DanceSport Federation expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the many organisations whose commitment and support continue to shape the success of this event in Blackpool. WDSF extends special thanks to Casa Musica, Atos, and Sportsxpert, as well as to BDDANCE x UDANCE, Official Title Partner of the festival, and to the British DanceSport Federation, whose collaboration remains essential in bringing this celebration of DanceSport to life inside the Winter Gardens.

WDSF also recognises the work of the broadcast and media partners delivering the event to audiences worldwide. Sincere thanks go to Vivaro Media, Official Production Company of the festival, alongside DSI TV, Dance TV, WeChat (BD Dance TV), RTV Budva, PV Plus, and the Olympic Channel, where DanceSport fans can follow key moments of the festival, including exclusive coverage of the Quarterfinals, Semifinals and the highly anticipated GrandSlam Final.

A further word of appreciation is reserved for the exhibitors and vendors in the Horseshoe Pavilion, whose presence continues to enhance the festival atmosphere and bring the vibrant DanceSport lifestyle into the heart of Blackpool. WDSF warmly thanks Focus Dance, Dong XinDance, International Dance Shoes, DSI London, Dance Queen, and Beauty Code, whose collections and professional products help athletes present their very best on the floor.

2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool: Team Match Makes History on Day Two of Competition

WDSF also extends its gratitude to the Empress Orchestra, whose live music remains one of the most distinctive traditions of Blackpool, enriching the competition with an atmosphere unmatched anywhere else in the DanceSport world.

Finally, appreciation goes to the photographers, videographers, media professionals, event collaborators and dedicated volunteers who have travelled from across Europe to contribute to the smooth running of the festival and to capture the unforgettable moments that define each day of competition.

2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool: Team Match Makes History on Day Two of Competition

WDSF President’s Reflections

Reflecting on the second competition day and the beginning of the GrandSlam Standard programme, WDSF President Shawn Tay highlighted the growing intensity and excitement inside the Winter Gardens:

“Empress Ballroom once again reminded us why it stands at the heart of DanceSport tradition. The passion on the floor, the elegance of the performances, and the anticipation surrounding today´s competitions created an atmosphere truly special.”

As the second day of competition comes to a close attention now turns to tomorrow, Saturday 28 March, which promises to raise the excitement even further inside the Winter Gardens. Fans can look forward to the highly anticipated WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult Final, alongside the start of the thrilling WDSF GrandSlam Latin Adult, as well as standout events including the WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Adult and the spectacular WDSF Super Grand Prix PD Latin Adult. All live from WDSF web and Youtube, with the quarter finals, semifinals and Final of GrandSlam exclusively on Olympic Channel. With so many headline competitions still to come, Blackpool is set for another unforgettable day of world-class DanceSport.

2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool: Team Match Makes History on Day Two of Competition