A Night to Remember: GrandSlam Standard Final Takes Centre Stage at 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival

Blackpool, United Kingdom, Saturday 28 March 2026 — The third day of competition has finally arrived at the WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE, bringing one of the weekend’s most eagerly awaited highlights: the celebrated WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult Final. The legendary Empress Ballroom once again set the stage for unforgettable moments, as the world’s top couples battled for glory on one of DanceSport’s most iconic floors, with the decisive rounds broadcast exclusively through the Olympic Channel.

From 7:30 a.m., hundreds of registered athletes began arriving to take part in the festival, marking the start of the day’s competitions and preparations. This year also saw a special milestone, with the Empress Ballroom and Spanish Hall both active simultaneously for the first time, allowing athletes to compete and rehearse across both venues and filling the Winter Gardens with unmatched energy.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, dozens of volunteers traveled from across Europe to support the event, collaborating with teams from around the world and helping to ensure the smooth running of the competitions, while also creating opportunities to connect and build friendships across the DanceSport community. The day’s energy was electric, with every performance met with applause, cheers, and a fully engaged audience responding to each moment on the floor.

Highlights and Key Results of the Day – Saturday 28 March 2026

WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Latin Junior II 

The category delivered an emotional and thrilling final, showcasing the incredible talent rising in DanceSport. Gold went to Kristiyan Donchev and Martina Kondaklieva (BUL), whose reaction to their victory was truly moving, tears of joy from the couple, their families, and supporters filled the Empress Ballroom as they received their medal to a long ovation from the audience.

Ivan Karalkou and Vasilina Polyushits (BLA) claimed silver, adding another prestigious podium to their successful year, following notable appearances in the Junior II events at Platja d’Aro and Stuttgart. Meanwhile, the German duo Yasin Saglik and Isabella Craciunescu (GER), after a recent streak of gold and silver medals, now celebrate a well-earned bronze in Blackpool.

The remaining finalists Ronaid Kogan and Alina Potapova (EST), Darius Gabriel Danciu and Alessandra Maria Dediu (ROU), and Tim Gordon and Luisa Huber (GER) — brought infectious energy to the final, with their performances sparking applause and rhythmic clapping from the audience, keeping the Empress Ballroom alive with excitement.

1. Kristiyan Donchev and Martina Kondaklieva (BUL)
2. Ivan Karalkou and Vasilina Polyushits (BLA)
3. Yasin Saglik and Isabella Craciunescu (GER)
4. Ronaid Kogan and Alina Potapova (EST)
5. Darius Gabriel Danciu and Alessandra Maria Dediu (ROU)
6. Tim Gordon and Luisa Huber (GER).

You can check all the results of the day here.

WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Latin Under 21

The Under 21 Latin final was one of the most emotional moments of Saturday in Blackpool. The Empress Ballroom saw a category full of speed and intensity, but also a podium that clearly meant a lot to the couples involved.

Dimitrii Kalistov and Luna Maria Albanese (GER) took the gold medal, and their reaction said everything. The moment they realised they had won, emotions took over. They stepped onto the podium holding back the tears, receiving their title with the crowd applauding warmly as the celebration unfolded.

Second place went to Barbosu Nicolas-Daniel and Iorgovan Iovana (ROU), closing their Blackpool campaign with another major result. After winning gold in the Latin Rising Stars in Sibiu last November and adding a bronze medal yesterday in the WDSF World Challenge Cup Latin Rising Stars, the Romanian couple now leave the 2026 festival with two prestigious medals.

The bronze spot was claimed by Nicholas Spica and Carlotta Aceti (ITA), who continue their strong season after winning gold at Barcelona´s Olidata DanceSport Cup in January. In Blackpool, they delivered a final full of confidence and strong character, earning them a deserved place on the podium.

Just outside the medals, Liu Mingda and Yin Heyin (CHN) finished fourth, followed by Temirlan Samatuly and Zerip Madikyzy (KAZ) in fifth and Liu Xuan and Gao Leqi (CHN) in sixth, completing a final that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

1. Dimitrii Kalistov - Luna Maria Albanese (GER) 
2. Barbosu Nicolas-Daniel - Iorgovan Iovana (ROU)
3. Nicholas Spica - Carlotta Aceti (ITA)       
4. Liu Mingda - Yin Heyin (CHN)        
5. Temirlan Samatuly - Zerip Madikyzy (KAZ)         
6. Liu Xuan - Gao Leqi (CHN)

You can check all the results of the day here.

WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Adult     

The WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Adult brought an exciting and modern energy to the Empress Ballroom, as the world’s top solo athletes delivered performances full of personality, precision and fearless expression. With every round, the intensity grew, leading to a final where charisma and musicality kept the audience fully engaged until the very end.

The gold medal was claimed by Maddalena Cadorin (ITA), who delivered a commanding performance marked by confidence, sharp execution and outstanding stage presence, celebrating a memorable victory for Italy on one of DanceSport’s most iconic floors.

Silver went to Chen Jr Yu (TPE), whose performance stood out for its clarity and control, confirming her ability to compete at the very highest level and earning a well-deserved podium finish in Blackpool.

The bronze medal was secured by Lo Sum Yi Abby (HKG), an athlete who continues to grow as one of the most consistent names in the international Solo circuit. After increasing her presence on podiums in recent months, she once again proved that dedication and perseverance can lead to the highest stages, adding an important medal to her rising career.

Just outside the podium, Samira Barbolla Bonvino (ITA) finished fourth, followed by Alessandra Lo Verde (ITA) in fifth and Stefani Hrman (CRO) in sixth. All three impressed the audience with the electricity of their movements and the fierce intensity they transmitted through every look and every step, proving exactly why they deserved their place among the top six finalists of the day.

1. Maddalena Cadorin (ITA)
2. Chen Jr Yu (TPE)
3. Lo Sum Yi Abby (HKG)
4. Samira Barbolla Bonvino (ITA)
5. Alessandra Lo Verde (ITA)
6. Stefani Hrman (CRO)

You can check all the results of the day here.

WDSF Super Grand Prix PD Latin Adult

The WDSF Super Grand Prix PD Latin Adult brought a different kind of intensity to the Empress Ballroom, with Professional Division couples delivering powerful performances full of character, speed and presence. The atmosphere in the hall was charged from the first dance, as the audience followed every round with excitement, fully aware that this category always produces some of the most spectacular moments of the festival.

At the top of the podium, Razvan Dumitrescu and Jacky Joos (GER) claimed the gold medal, celebrating their first-ever victory in this category. Their performance combined confidence and sharpness, earning them a memorable triumph on one of the most prestigious floors in the DanceSport world.

Silver went to Li Mingxuan and Zhou Wanting (CHN), adding another major result to a career already marked by an impressive collection of first and second places in international competitions over recent years. Once again, they confirmed their consistency and their ability to deliver at the highest level.

The bronze medal was secured by Alexey Korobchenko and Liana Odikadze (ISR), who stepped onto the Blackpool podium after a strong and convincing performance, standing out for their energy and competitive drive throughout the final.

Just outside the medals, Egor Petrov and Daria Petrova (AIN) finished fourth, followed by Vincenzo Termini and Sharon Arena (ITA) in fifth and Xu Liangjuan and Feng Xiezhuoyl (CHN) in sixth. The final was completed by Nikita Bazek and Hanna Run Bazev (ISL) in seventh. A special mention goes to Egor Petrov, to whom we wish a speedy recovery.

1. Dumitrescu Razvan and Joos Jacky (GER)
2. Li Mingxuan and Zhou Wanting (CHN)
3. Korobchenko Alexey and Odikadze Liana (ISR)
4. Petrov Egor and Petrova Daria (AIN)
5. Termini Vincenzo and Arena Sharon (ITA)
6. Xu Liangjuan and Feng Xiezhuoyl (CHN)
7. Bazek Nikita and Bazev Hanna Run (ISL)

You can check all the results of the day here.

WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult (2nd day)         

The most awaited moment of Saturday finally arrived in the Empress Ballroom with the WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult Final, but not before the audience was treated to a series of special celebrations that made the atmosphere even more memorable.

The evening began with the recognition of the three delegations with the highest number of registered athletes, with Italian, German and French Federations receiving a well-deserved tribute for their outstanding presence at this year’s festival.

Shortly after, the spotlight turned to BDDANCE x UDANCE, who marked their 30th anniversary with a special fashion show that filled the ballroom with elegance and celebration. Models and athletes representing the brand stepped onto the floor wearing stunning designs, accompanied by rhythmic applause and an enthusiastic crowd. The moment was made even more special by the visible emotion of Vera Zhang, President of BDDANCE x UDANCE, who watched proudly as the celebration unfolded. Earlier this week, WDSF had the opportunity to speak with her in an exclusive interview, available in full on the WDSF website. Happy 30th Anniversary!

Then, it was time for the main event. The GrandSlam Standard Final was introduced by a very special presenter: Marius Andrei-Balan, multiple-time World Champion, whose presence added even more prestige to a final that already felt historic.

The competition opened with a beautiful Slow Waltz, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable battle. The atmosphere shifted with the Tango, chosen as the Solo Dance of the final, before the couples returned for the Viennese Waltz, where after three dances Cojoc Rares and Andreea Matei (ROU) held the leading position.

Everything came down to the last dance: the Quickstep, a thrilling finish that lifted the entire Empress Ballroom to its feet. The audience clapped along with the music, creating one of those Blackpool moments that can only be understood by those who have lived it inside these legendary walls.

The medal ceremony was presented by Vera Zhang, President of BDDANCE x UDANCE, and Shawn Tay, President of WDSF, bringing a symbolic close to one of the festival’s defining nights.

Before the final results were announced, it was impossible to ignore the level of the six couples on the floor. Their names are among the most recognised in global DanceSport, and their presence, movement and partnership reminded everyone why the Winter Gardens were built: to host excellence, elegance, and history in motion. As Marius Andrei-Balan himself said during the presentation:

“These are the moments every DanceSport athlete dreams of.”:

1. Cojoc Rares and Andreea Matei (ROU)
2. Madara Freiberga and Dariusz Mycka (POL)
3. Shaoyang Yuan and Chongxuan Qi (CHN)
4. Dimitri Kobolov and Signe Busk (DEN)
5. Yahor Boldysh and Irina Averina (GER)
6. Andrea Roccatti y Julia Mozdyniewicz (ITA)

You can check all the results of the day here.

Other competitions held during the day

Today’s programme also featured a wide range of additional categories, reflecting the depth and variety that define the WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool. Among the other competitions taking place throughout the day were the WDSF GrandSlam Latin Adult (1st day) that will continue tomorrow,and the WDSF Open Standard Senior III. Among the rest of categories that we can found over this third competition day we can find:

WDSF Open Standard Senior I     

1. Andrea Bencivenga - Anna Drukarova (SUI)
2. Jonny Ruscito - Noemi Agostino (ROU)
3. Stefano Manni - Tatiana Manni (ITA)
4. Martin Cech - Katerina Cechova (CZE)
5. Martin Benysek - Martina Benyskova (CZE)
6. Christian Platz - Anja Platz (GER)

WDSF Open Latin Senior II             

1. Schaur Peter and Tolacheva Natalia (NLD)
2. Engel Alexander and Engel Marina  (GER)
3. Fernandes Pedro and Queiros Susana (POR)
4. Becker Marc and Glersbeck Nicole (GER)
5. Beloblavek Jiri and Bohacova Jitka (CZE)
6. Grabowski Remi and Aurelie Treilhou (FRA)

WDSF Open Ten Dance Junior I    

1. Moldovan Ronin - Gombos Zsofia (ROU)
2. Croitoru Eduard Gabriel - Colbu Ana (ROU)
3. Evgeni Morugin - Vera Rjabosapka (EST)
4. Roman Shtepliuk - Olivia Kuziv (UKR)
5. Taras Samchynskyi - Varvara Ivaniuk (UKR)
6. Lin En-Jheng - Lee Shan Yi (TPE)

WDSF Open 6 Dance Juvenile      

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

You can check all the results of the day here.

The People and Partners Powering the Blackpool Experience

As Saturday’s programme ended, the Winter Gardens fell silent, but the day highlighted that the WDSF DanceSport Festival is more than what happens on the dancefloor. Every moment of the event is supported by a network of partners and teams whose dedication makes the festival possible.

WDSF thanks Casa Musica, Atos, Sportsxpert, BDDANCE x UDANCE (Official Title Partner), and the British DanceSport Federation for their essential support in maintaining Blackpool’s international prestige.

The festival also thrives worldwide, thanks to broadcast teams including Vivaro Media, DSI TV, Dance TV, WeChat (BD Dance TV), RTV Budva, PV Plus, and the Olympic Channel, delivering the GrandSlam action live to audiences around the globe.

In the Horseshoe Pavilion, exhibitors and vendors such as Focus Dance, Dong XinDance, International Dance Shoes, DSI London, Dance Queen, and Beauty Code continue to enhance the festival experience and support athletes.

Live music remains at the heart of Blackpool, with the Empress Orchestra giving competitions their distinctive atmosphere. Finally, WDSF expresses gratitude to photographers, videographers, staff, and volunteers, whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensure the smooth running of the festival and preserve its unforgettable moments.

WDSF President’s Reflections

Reflecting on Saturday’s competition day, WDSF President Shawn Tay highlighted one of the most emotional aspects of the WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool: seeing all generations of athletes sharing the same historic floor, from Juvenile and Junior talents to the experienced Senior couples who represent the living legacy of the sport:

“What moved me the most today was to witness the full journey of the sport in one place. To see Senior athletes and then moments later Juvenile and Junior couples stepping onto the same floor. Under the roof of these legendary walls we are able to see the legacy of our sport and its future side by side. Our youngest athletes are the foundation on which DanceSport will continue to grow, and it is our responsibility to protect them, support them, and help them develop.”

With attention now turning to Sunday 29 March, anticipation continues to build as the festival reaches its decisive closing day. Fans can look forward to the final moments of the WDSF GrandSlam Latin Adult, the awaited WDSF World Challenge Cup Rising Stars alongside more championship competitions that will once again bring WDSF athletes to the legendary Winter Gardens floor.

Photos by Hery Deslandes

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Published on 29 March 2026