One Great Community: Laura Lunetta on What Makes Rome’s GrandSlam Unforgettable

When the doors of the PalaPellicone swing open this October for the second consecutive year of the Internazionali di Danzasportiva, the transformation of the coastal venue will run far deeper than specialized flooring or broadcast lighting. Behind the international prestige of hosting a WDSF GrandSlam lies an intricate architecture of human effort, regional vision, and community impact.

As President of the Federazione Italiana Danza Sportiva e Sport Musicali (FIDESM) and WDSF Vice President, Laura Lunetta has spent her tenure aligning elite athletic performance with rigorous structural frameworks. Yet, as the Italian capital prepares to welcome the world's finest dancers, our conversation shifts away from governance charts and legislative milestones to explore the beating heart behind the operation: the people, the passion, and the unseen dedication driving the global DanceSport movement forward.

A Seaside Global Hub

Transforming a martial arts arena nestled in Rome’s seaside district into a specialized performance hub is no small feat. For Lunetta, seeing the PalaPellicone embrace this mantle is a powerful testament to national capability.

"Bringing an event of this level to the PalaPellicone in Ostia is a great source of pride for everyone at FIDESM," Lunetta reflects. "It means seeing Italy not only as a host country, but as a leading force capable of welcoming, organizing, and enhancing a truly prestigious international competition."

That physical metamorphosis, turning a coastal venue into an international focal point, mirrors the federation's broader philosophy. "Transforming an arena by the sea into a global hub for DanceSport is a powerful image, because it perfectly reflects what we aim to do: combine sporting excellence, the beauty of the territory, and strong organizational capability. For our team, it confirms that the work of recent years is producing concrete results and international recognition."

The Invisible Engine

An undertaking that seamlessly welds continental championships, world titles, and the high-octane WDSF GrandSlam series requires an immense operational choreography. When asked what brings her the deepest sense of pride watching those mechanisms spring to life on the floor, Lunetta points instantly to the collective spirit operating away from the spotlight.

"What makes me most proud is our team’s ability to work with passion, competence, and a true team spirit, often behind the scenes and without seeking the spotlight," she shares. "An event of this complexity requires coordination, attention to detail, quick problem-solving, and a strong sense of responsibility towards athletes, officials, judges, and the audience."

For Lunetta, watching the complex schedule click into place serves as an affirmation of shared community values. "Seeing everything come together means realizing that every single person involved has contributed with professionalism and a shared sense of belonging. That shared responsibility is the real added value of FIDESM."

Igniting the Next Generation

For local clubs, coaches, and aspiring young athletes across Italy, witnessing elite international stars compete just feet away introduces an entirely different kind of kinetic energy. Translating that live spectacle into long-term inspiration remains a core pillar of the federation's mission.

"Events like this have extraordinary value from both a promotional and educational perspective," Lunetta explains. FIDESM is intentional about ensuring young dancers experience excellence up close, viewing it not merely as a spectator experience, but as an invitation into an ambitious community.

"Watching great champions compete live sparks dreams, motivation, and a sense of belonging," she notes. "For us, it is essential to show that these achievements are the result of hard work, discipline, and passion, and that there is a real pathway to reaching the highest level. This is how we build the future of Italian DanceSport."

Balancing a Multifaceted Arena

This year's dense timetable stands out for its remarkable breadth, uniting marquee Standard and Latin GrandSlam showdowns with the expansive growth of divisions like Solo Latin. Managing such a diverse ecosystem demands meticulous care so that every discipline commands its own rightful spotlight.

"The key is balance, between organisation, listening, and giving value to each discipline," Lunetta states. "Every category has its own identity, its own audience, and its own energy, and our goal is to give each of them the space and quality they deserve."

The rapid rise of solo categories holds a special significance in this mosaic. "The growth of the Solo categories, in particular, is very important: it reflects the evolution of our movement and our ability to embrace new sensibilities and new generations of athletes. Managing such a rich programme means creating an event where everything coexists in harmony, without losing the prestige of the top-level competitions and, at the same time, giving visibility to the fastest-growing sectors."

The Wider Economic and Cultural Ripple

Executing an international calendar staple requires constant, constructive dialogue with regional institutions and sports authorities. Shifting the perception of a DanceSport championship from a simple athletic tournament to an essential civic driver requires looking at the bigger picture.

"I believe it is essential to present these events in their broader dimension," Lunetta emphasizes. "A WDSF competition does not only bring athletes and world-class performances, but also a concrete impact on the territory in terms of tourism, hospitality, international visibility, economic activity, and media exposure."

Beyond financial metrics lies a profound cultural footprint. "It also has a strong cultural value, because it promotes the principles of sport, inclusion, merit, and youth development. With the institutions, we work precisely on this vision: to show that investing in a major event means investing in the image, the economy, and the social growth of the region. When sport and institutions work well together, the result is a real opportunity for everyone."

A Welcoming Community

As athletes, coaches, and passionate fans complete their final journeys to the Italian capital, the overarching sentiment is one of shared unity and mutual respect. Stepping through the doors of the PalaPellicone this weekend represents the culmination of countless hours of sacrifice and artistic devotion.

"I hope they bring with them excitement, respect, and the joy of living an unforgettable experience," Lunetta concludes with enthusiasm. "I would like them to feel, as soon as they enter the PalaPellicone, that they are in a welcoming, dynamic place that is ready to showcase the very best of international DanceSport."

"The key message is that here every athlete, every coach, and every fan is part of one great community that shares authentic values: commitment, passion, fairness, and the desire to keep improving. Rome welcomes them with energy, but also with deep respect for their talent and hard work."