Budapest Showcases Collective Power on Day 2 of the 2025 WDSF World Championship Stage Dance

Gyál, Budapest, Hungary – Saturday, 13 December – The second day of the 2025 WDSF World Championship Stage Dancebrought a powerful continuation of the competition at the Gyáli Sport Hall, as team performances and Jazz Dance disciplines took centre stage. With the venue once again filled with energy, creativity, and an engaged audience, Saturday’s programme highlighted the collective strength, musical diversity, and expressive range that define Stage Dance at the highest level.

Around 600 spectators returned to the stands, contributing to a vibrant and supportive atmosphere throughout the day. From the first performances to the final rounds, the audience remained deeply connected to the action on the floor, responding with enthusiasm to every formation change, dynamic accent, and expressive interpretation. The competition venue resonated with shared emotion, as dancers and spectators alike became part of the artistic journey unfolding on stage.

Key Results of the Day, 13^th December

Saturday’s schedule placed a strong emphasis on team competitions, where unity, spatial awareness, and collective storytelling were key. Across Small Team, Large Team, and Mega Team categories, dancers demonstrated an impressive ability to balance individual excellence with group cohesion, transforming the floor into a living canvas of movement and emotion. Between the highlights of the second competition day, we find:

WDSF World Championship Modern & Contemporary Dance Small Team Adult   

The podium of the WDSF World Championship Modern & Contemporary Dance Small Team Adult reflected a compelling balance between proven experience and promising new formations. MOVE MI Kakolewnica (POL) claimed the title building on their established WDSF background, having previously secured a podium finish at the 2025 European Championship in Modern & Contemporary Dance (Junior) in Elbląg. Their progression into the adult category was marked by maturity, compositional clarity, and a strong collective identity, confirming the group’s ability to translate competitive experience into artistic authority at the highest level. In second place, BDK Stars (TUR) delivered a striking debut, as this marked their first competition as a formation within WDSF. Their performance revealed clear preparation, cohesion, and emotional commitment, with the result standing as a strong reward for the work and ambition behind the project. Completing the podium, Df Pro Junior Group (SRB) also made an impressive first appearance on the WDSF stage as a formation. Their third-place finish reflected both technical potential and expressive intent, signalling a group eager to grow and establish its presence within the international circuit. Just outside the podium, Azja Dance Teens Junior Modern (POL), Df Pro Junior Group Df (SRB), and Between Fear and Light (ROU) contributed depth and diversity to a final that highlighted the evolving strength and creative breadth of Small Team performances in Modern & Contemporary Dance.

1. MOVE MI Kakolewnica (POL)
2. BDK Stars (TUR)
3. Df Pro Junior Group (SRB)   
4. Azja Dance Teens Junior Modern (POL)
5. Df Pro Junior Group Df (SRB)
6. Between Fear and Light (ROU)

WDSF World Championship Modern & Contemporary Dance Large Team Adult    

The WDSF World Championship Modern & Contemporary Dance Large Team Adult podium highlighted both established artistic direction and the confident emergence of new formations on the WDSF stage. Claiming the gold, neo dance company (Modern) (GER) delivered a commanding performance in what marked their first competition as a formation within WDSF. Their presentation stood out for its clarity of vision, compositional strength, and collective leadership, demonstrating an impressive ability to rise immediately to the demands of a world championship environment. Securing second place, FAVORite Adult Company (BEL) built on previous international experience, notably their podium finish at the Open Modern & Contemporary Dance Adult event in Stockholm in 2023. That background was evident in their controlled execution and refined group dynamics, confirming their consistency on the international circuit. Completing the podium, Hoofers Pro Adult (POL) also made their debut as a WDSF formation, leaving a strong impression through cohesive teamwork and expressive intensity. Their third-place finish reflected both ambition and potential, signalling a promising pathway ahead. Beyond the podium, Ljudi!!! – Thresholds of Thought (moDuS) – WCH (CRO), Arabesque (GER), and DDS Company (BEL) contributed depth and diversity to the final, reinforcing the growing artistic and competitive standard of Large Team performances within Modern & Contemporary Dance.

1. neo dance company (Modern) (GER)
2. FAVORite Adult Company (BEL)
3. Hoofers Pro Adult (POL)
4. Ljudi!!! - Thresholds of thought (moDuS) – WCH (CRO)
5. Arabesque (GER)
6. DDS Company (BEL)

WDSF World Championship Jazz Dance Solo Female Adult

The WDSF World Championship Jazz Dance Solo Female Adult podium reflected a compelling mix of proven dominance and rising international talent. At the top, Jana Malcic (CRO) confirmed her exceptional versatility and authority on the world stage. Her gold in Jazz Dance in Budapest crowned a season already defined by multiple World and European Championship titles in Modern & Contemporary Dance, including victories in Elbląg 2025, Novi Sad 2024, and Stockholm 2023. Malcic’s consistent presence at the highest level across disciplines underscores not only her technical excellence but also her refined musicality and expressive range within Jazz Dance.

Securing the silver medal, Nathalie Nujster (CRO) reinforced her reputation as one of the most complete performers of her generation. Her career includes a World Championship title in Jazz Dance Adult in Novi Sad 2024, alongside multiple European Championship podium finishes in both Jazz and Modern & Contemporary Dance. In Budapest, her performance reflected years of international experience, marked by control, clarity, and dynamic interpretation that have made her a constant contender at major WDSF events.

Completing the podium, Gabriela Piwowarczyk (POL) delivered a confident and polished performance, building on her bronze medal at the 2025 European Championship in Elbląg. Her third-place finish at the World Championship signalled her steady progression within the adult category and confirmed her ability to compete among the elite of international Jazz Dance. Beyond the podium, Masa Kosanovic (SRB), Karolina Tartanus (POL) and Giulia Benetton (ITA) added further depth and quality to a final that showcased the high technical and artistic standards now defining Jazz Dance at WDSF World Championship level.

1. Jana Malcic (CRO)
2. Nathalie Nujster (CRO)
3. Gabriela Piwowarczyk (POL)
4. Masa Kosanovic (SRB)
5. Karolina Tartanus (POL)
6. Giulia Benetton (ITA)

WDSF World Championship Jazz Dance Solo Male Adult      

The podium of the WDSF World Championship Jazz Dance Solo Male Adult highlighted a striking blend of established excellence, cross-disciplinary experience, and emerging talent. Taking gold, Christian Weiss (GER) once again confirmed his status as one of the leading male performers on the international stage. His triumph in Budapest builds on an outstanding competitive record, including European Championship titles in both Jazz Dance and Modern & Contemporary Dance in Elbląg 2025, as well as a silver spot at the World Championship Jazz Dance Adult in Novi Sad 2024. Weiss’s career progression through Youth and Junior World Championship successes further reflects a performer whose technical precision and expressive maturity have been shaped by sustained excellence across categories.

In second place, Gianluca Balduccini (ITA) brought a distinctive profile to the final, drawing on extensive competitive experience in Latin Dance at international and open events in Italy and abroad. His background, spanning Rising Stars, Under 21 and Adult Latin competitions in Bassano del Grappa, Livorno and San Marino, translated into a performance marked by rhythmic clarity, stage confidence and stylistic individuality, underlining the value of cross-disciplinary foundations within Jazz Dance.

Completing the podium, Yagiz Avcioglu (TUR) delivered an impressive debut at WDSF level. Competing in his first WDSF event, his third-place finish at a World Championship immediately signalled his potential, showcasing strong technical ability, musical awareness and competitive composure. Beyond the medals, the final itself reflected the growing depth and diversity of Jazz Dance Solo Male Adult, with each finalist contributing to a high-quality showcase of athleticism, artistry and international reach.

1. Christian Weiss (GER)
2. Gianluca Balduccini (ITA)
3. Yagiz Avcioglu (TUR)

These categories showcased the depth of preparation and creative vision behind each performance. Precision in timing, seamless transitions, and emotional clarity were central themes throughout the day, with teams pushing the boundaries of modern and contemporary movement while maintaining a strong connection to musical structure and narrative intent.

Between the categories that were unfolded over the second competition day we can also find: WDSF World Championship Modern & Contemporary Dance Small Team Junior, Large Team Junior, WDSF World Championship Modern & Contemporary Dance Mega Team Adult, WDSF World Championship Jazz Dance Duo Adult, WDSF World Championship Jazz Dance Solo Female Youth, Jazz Dance Duo Youth, Jazz Dance Solo Female Junior I, Jazz Dance Duo Junior I, Junior II and Jazz Dance Solo Female Junior II. You can check all the competition results here.

A Venue United by Energy and Emotion

Throughout the second competition day, the connection between performers and spectators remained one of the defining elements of the event. Applause, cheers, and moments of silence during emotionally charged routines underscored the mutual respect between audience and athletes. The Gyáli Sport Hall once again proved to be an ideal setting for Stage Dance, offering both intimacy and intensity in equal measure.

The championship continues to reflect WDSF’s commitment to innovation, artistic development, and the expansion of DanceSport disciplines, particularly through formats that encourage collective creativity and interdisciplinary expression.

Looking Ahead, Day 3

The successful execution of the second day was made possible thanks to the dedication and professionalism of all those involved. WDSF extends its sincere gratitude to the Local Organising Committee for their continued commitment and flawless organisation, as well as to Casa musica for providing the unforgettable soundtrack that elevated each performance and helped shape the emotional arc of the competition.

Reflecting on the championship’s progress, WDSF President Shawn Tay shared his perspective:

“Stage Dance continues to demonstrate how DanceSport can evolve while staying true to its artistic foundations. What we have witnessed in Budapest is a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and passion, with athletes pushing boundaries and engaging audiences in a truly meaningful way.”

For international fans, the 2025 WDSF World Championship Stage Dance remains accessible worldwide, with all competitions available via livestream on the official WDSF website, allowing global audiences to experience every performance in real time.

As the championship moves towards its final stages, anticipation continues to build. With creativity at its peak and emotions running high, Budapest has once again confirmed its place as a host capable of delivering world-class Stage Dance events, and the story of this championship is far from over.

Images by Alberto Capdepon from PMV Studio

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Published on 14 December 2025