WDSF inks partnership agreement with International School Sport Federation 03/05/2021

The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and the International School Sport Federation (ISF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at collaboratively promoting DanceSport and its many educational and health benefits to students worldwide.

As part of the agreement, DanceSport will be included on the ISF sports programme for its events, which include the World Schools Championships and the Gymnasiade.

The WDSF and ISF recognize the role sport can play in promoting the values of respect, solidarity, tolerance, equality, friendship, education and fair play. The two organisations will work together to use DanceSport as a tool for inclusion, development and gender equality, among others.

“Our partnership with the ISF is a glorious opportunity for the WDSF to reach out to the younger generation and to show them not only how much fun DanceSport can be but also the many great benefits dancing provides,” said WDSF 1st Vice-President Tony Tilenni. “DanceSport is ideal for young people as it teaches them discipline, inclusion, social interaction, mental agility and much, much more – not to mention all the great health benefits. The WDSF is very much looking forward to this cooperation with the ISF.”

ISF President Laurent Petrynka said: “This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity for the world of school sport to further develop opportunities for youth to engage in DanceSport and enjoy new experiences around the world through sport and education. With the support of the World DanceSport Federation, I look forward to continuing to grow ISF DanceSport events and develop the sport within the world of school sport, as we begin this strong and fruitful partnership.”

WDSF National Member Bodies are encouraged to work with their respective ISF Member Federations to share information and maximise support for and participation in ISF events. The ISF will promote DanceSport disciplines as part of school sport globally.

About the WDSF

Consisting of 92 National Member Bodies, the WDSF is the governing body for all dance disciplines worldwide. Its mission is to develop DanceSport to its fullest potential around the world in a modern, sustainable and structured manner. Officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1997, the WDSF promotes DanceSport as an activity that improves physical and mental health, while also teaching the values of inclusion, gender equality, discipline and many others. The WDSF is best known for its elite-level competitions, which include continental and world championships in Standard, Latin, Breaking, Rock’n’Roll, Salsa, Boogie-Woogie, Disco, Stage, Smooth and Hip-Hop disciplines. In December 2020, Breaking was added to the sports programme for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. For more information, please visit the WDSF website, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

About the ISF

Recognised by the IOC, the ISF promotes the values and interests of education through sport. ISF events such as the World Schools Championships and the Gymnasiade aim to foster mutual understanding, volunteering, empowerment, peace, non-discrimination, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, and gender equality among young people. Through these efforts, the ISF supports the educative paths of young people to empower them as citizens of the world. The ISF pursues its goals independently from political, religious or racial considerations. Find out more about the ISF here.