History Begins in Rome: DanceSport Shines at the PalaTiziano

A Stage of International Prestige

3 October 2025 – Rome, Italy – The first historic edition of the Internazionali di DanzaSportiva opened today with a ceremony that drew a strong crowd and featured the highest sporting authorities, who attended not merely out of courtesy, but to show their confidence in the discipline’s potential. The Sports Hall, once part of Rome’s Olympic history, will become this weekend a world platform for DanceSport. Nearly 2,000 athletes representing around 50 nations are taking part in this first historic event set to continue taking place in the coming years.

Results of the Day, 3^rd October

The WDSF European Championships proved to be a thrilling showcase of talent, with Sergiu and Anastasia Maruster claiming the WDSF PD European Championship Latin title and Lorenzo Alberetti and Aleksandra Raskatova taking the Ten Dance Adult crown, demonstrating remarkable technique and composure under pressure.

Italian couples dominated many of the WDSF Open competitions in the Senior categories, reflecting the country’s continued strength in DanceSport. Standout performances included Stefano and Tatiana Manni winning Senior I Standard´s Gold, Bruno Lazzareschi and Ida Zotta triumphing in Senior IV Standard, and Livio Alivernini with Manuela Ottavi taking top honours in Senior III Latin.

WDSF European Championship PD Latin Adult       

1. Maruster Sergiu - Anastasia Maruster (MDA)
2. Egor Petrov - Daria Petrova (AIN)
3. Nikita Bazev - Hanna Run Bazev (ISL)
4. Lorenzo Tellini - Giulia Dotta  (ITA)
5. Vinzenz Doerlitz - Albena Daskalova (GER)
6. Vladyslav Khilchenko - Mariia Syskova (UKR)

The Moldovan duo Sergiu and Anastasia Maruster claimed the top spot, adding another major title to an already impressive career. Having won silver last August at Stuttgart´s PD Super Grand Prix, they came back stronger and demonstrating the consistency and artistry that have marked their rise through the category. They now look ahead to compete at the WDSF PD World Championship Latin in Leipzig the 18^th October, where last year they also conquered a silver Medal.

Egor Petrov and Daria Petrova returned to a WDSF competition after their last participation in 2022, now competing under the status of Individual Neutral Athletes. Their performance was exceptional, showcasing sharp technique and fluidity, earning them a well-deserved second place. Fans can look forward to an exclusive interview with the pair on social media, where they will reflect on their comeback and this remarkable performance.

Nikita Bazev and Hanna Run Bazev rounded out the podium in third place, demonstrating the strength and creativity that have brought them to the international stage. Their history in PD Latin Adult competitions includes notable results at Open and Super Grand Prix events across Europe, highlighting a consistent progression that makes them one of the most consolidated couples in the category.

 WDSF European Championship Ten Dance Adult   

1. Lorenzo Alberetti - Aleksandra Raskatova (ITA)
2. Kajetan Tygielski - Nicole Menser (POL)
3. Marc Mateos - Marija Golubeva (ESP)
4. Davide Corrodi - Maja Kucharczyk (SUI)
5. Florian Baudoux - Natalia Sadowska (FRA)
6. Ander Saago - Valeria Ovcharenko (EST)

Lorenzo Alberetti and Aleksandra Raskatova claimed their first international title together cheered on by a home crowd. Their victory builds on strong performances in 2024 and 2025, including multiple podium finishes in World Open across Standard and Latin categories, such as a first place in the 2024 Ten Dance Open in Pistoia, Italy. An exclusive interview with the winners will be shared soon on social media, be sure to follow us so you don't miss it!

Poland’s Kajetan Tygielski and Nicole Menser earned silver, drawing on multiple top finishes in Rising Stars Latin and Standard events, including victories in Warsaw and Gliwice in 2024. Spain’s Marc Mateos and Marija Golubeva took third spot, highlighting their steady rise together with their in Open Ten Dance Adult event in Vilanova i la Geltrú  last September.

Rounding out the day’s programme were:

WDSF Open Standard Senior I

1. Stefano Manni - Tatiana Manni (ITA)
2. Marco Pigna - Alessia Alunno (ITA)   
3. Pasquale Dinoia - Sabatina Reddavide (ITA)

WDSF Open Standard Senior IV        

1. Bruno Lazzareschi - Ida Zotta (ITA)    
2. Jouko Leppala - Helja Leppala (FIN)  
3. Rinaldo Andreotti - Mariangela Tasselli (ITA)

WDSF Open Standard Senior V         

1. Alfredo Anselmi - Anna Maria Pietrobelli (ITA)
2. Piero Lassi - Sylvia Golini (ITA)
3. Duilio Castelli - Paola Patrizi (ITA)

WDSF Open Latin Senior I     

1. Dominik Haering - Isabella Roegner (GER)    
2. Steve Hädicke - Antonia Adam (GER)
3. Milcho Petrov - Desislava Yovelinova (BUL)

WDSF Open Latin Senior II    

1. Fabio Guardati - Giuliana Rapone (ITA)          
2. Giovanni Iacono - Filomena Caputo (ITA)
3. Dirk Regitz - Fabienne Regitz (GER)

WDSF Open Latin Senior III   

1. Livio Alivernini - Manuela Ottavi (ITA)
2. Roberto Danero - Eleonora Cicero (ITA)
3. Enrico Donato Chiattone - Morena Bonacini (ITA)

You can see full Friday results here.

Praises From the Leaders

WDSF President Shawn Tay gave recognition to the organization:

“If we are here enjoying this event and this moment, it is thanks to the abilities of Laura Lunetta, who has taken Italian dance to the highest levels. (…) We have witnessed an extraordinary opening that showcases the strength and talent of our athletes. And this is only the beginning: on Saturday and Sunday the spectacle will rise even higher, with performances that will thrill audiences.”

Laura Lunetta reminded everyone of the Italian Federation’s ambitions:

“With the internationals we turn dreams into reality. We will grow, expand this event to include other disciplines and extend it to a full week, perhaps even moving it to the Foro Italico. We live on dreams, but dreams, with will and passion, become reality. My own story proves it.”

Recognition from CONI

President of the Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano (CONI) Luciano Buonfiglio welcomed the delegations of 27 countries competing in the WDSF European Championships 10 Dance Adults and PD Latin. Their parade of flags across the PalaTiziano floor, temporarily transformed into a grand dance stage, was one of the most emotional highlights of the opening.

“The organisation of events like this brings prestige to us all, and also generates economy, let us always remember that. FIDESM has demonstrated efficiency and competitiveness in both sporting competitions and the organisation of major events.”

Organisation and Gratitude

The event brought together every corner of the dance world: young talents, veterans, amateurs, professionals, and senior competitors proving that passion has no limits. Looking around at the diversity on display, organizers also gave thanks for the support received and appreciation for those at the heart of it all:

“A special thanks goes to the athletes, the true protagonists of these days, who with dedication and passion give us unforgettable emotions. This is the true strength of our sport: uniting people, inspiring and turning dreams into reality.”

WDSF extended its gratitude not only to the institutions, but also to all those who make this event possible: the athletes, the spectators and valued partners – BD Dance, Official Sponsor of the GrandSlam Series, and the Olympic Channel, which tomorrow will broadcast the final rounds of the GrandSlam's Latin and Standard exclusively on their platform — an occasion not to be missed. You can watch it here.

Competition Continue Tomorrow

The excitement continues Saturday, 4 October, as the championships move into the second official day of competitions. The highlight of the programme will undoubtedly be the WDSF GrandSlam Standard Adult, an event that generates enormous anticipation among both athletes and spectators. Yet the day will be rich with talent across many fronts, featuring the WDSF Open Standard Under 21, Senior II and Senior III, as well as the WDSF Open Latin Youth, the Rising Stars, and once again an Open PD Latin for our Professional athletes. Spectators can look forward to a day overflowing with world-class performances, where seasoned champions and emerging talents alike will take to the floor to compete at the very highest level!

Stay connected with us

Don´t forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest updates on the Internationali Di Danza Sportiva in Rome:

Instagram: WDSF DanceSport
YouTube: DanceSportTotal
Facebook: WDSF DanceSport
TikTok: WDSF DanceSport

Photos by: Azzurra Balistreri and Matteo Marchi

Published on 4 October 2025