A Consolidated Stage for Elite and Development: Jordi Fábrega on the 5th Mallorca Dance Festival
As the Mallorca Dance Festival prepares to celebrate its fifth edition in Calvià, Spain, the event continues to establish itself as a key fixture within the international DanceSport calendar of the World DanceSport Federation. Taking place from 30 April to 3 May 2026 at the Pabellón Municipal Galatzó, the festival will once again bring together athletes across all age groups and levels, featuring European Championships, World Open competitions, Rising Stars events, and national titles.
Organised in cooperation with the Spanish DanceSport Federation and local partners in Mallorca, the event reflects a continued commitment to developing DanceSport through a balanced structure that connects grassroots participation with elite performance.
Ahead of this milestone edition, we spoke with organiser Jordi Fábrega about the evolution of the festival, its role within the WDSF ecosystem, and the vision guiding its continued growth.
A Personal Journey within DanceSport
To begin with, could you tell us a little about your personal background and your relationship with DanceSport?
I started dancing at the age of nine, at a time when DanceSport was still emerging in Spain. I competed in the first Spanish Junior Championship held in 2001. Before that, junior dancers competed together with the Youth category; today, we already have a more structured system, including Juvenile I.
I went on to represent Spain at the Youth World Championships in both Standard and Latin in 2003 and 2004. Later, I continued my competitive career in the Adult category, representing Spain at World and European Championships and international competitions in Standard and Ten Dance, eventually concluding my competitive career at Professional level.
During that period, I combined my sporting career with teaching and coach education in DanceSport and later became a judge. I am currently an active judge within the World DanceSport Federation.
The Evolution of the Mallorca Dance Festival
With the fifth edition about to begin, how would you describe the evolution of the event since its first edition?
It has evolved from an international competition with limited experience into a much more professional event. Each year, we have worked to improve the structure, organisation, and overall experience, with the aim of creating an event that people look forward to annually.
What does it mean for you and your team to see the festival become a stable and recurring event in the WDSF calendar?
It is a source of pride. My team is largely made up of former students or parents of students who are deeply committed to ensuring the competition runs successfully and that everyone involved is satisfied.
Having an event of this scale in our region is extremely positive for DanceSport in the island, and it brings the whole community together in a meaningful way.
Managing a Multi-Level International Programme
This year’s edition includes European Championships, World Open competitions and national titles. How do you approach organising such a diverse programme?
We begin by simulating expected entries before the registration period closes. Based on those projections, we distribute the competitions across the four days in a way that allows all categories to be accommodated properly within the schedule.
What are the main logistical challenges of hosting an event of this scale over four days in Calvià?
Mobility is one of the main challenges. Around 90% of participants, and in the case of judges and officials nearly 100%, including scrutineers and chairpersons, travel from abroad. This adds complexity to the organisational process compared to other venues.
That said, we are fortunate to have a well-connected airport and a strong hotel infrastructure, which helps absorb the scale of the event effectively.
The Role of the Venue
The Pabellón Municipal Galatzó has become a key venue for the festival. What makes it particularly suitable for DanceSport competitions?
It is very well connected by road, which facilitates access. It is not excessively large, and its capacity makes it ideal for hosting an event of significant scale while maintaining a strong atmosphere.
The festival brings together children, youth and elite adult dancers. How important is this structure for the development of DanceSport?
It is extremely important. For children, being able to watch their role models perform is essential for their development. At the same time, we must take care of those younger dancers so that, in the coming years, they can become the role models for future generations. This creates a continuous cycle that helps the sport grow.
Building Continuity and Long-Term Vision
What has been the most important factor in ensuring the consistent success and continuity of the festival?
Consistency, and having a clear vision: not to create an event just for the sake of it, but to build something with tradition and a solid foundation.
Often, the results of this work are not immediately visible. It takes years for an event to be recognised and for new opportunities for growth to emerge.
The organisers have mentioned that this edition will include some “surprises”. Can you share anything about the atmosphere or experience people can expect?
Some elements have already been announced, such as the introduction of two event mascots, Snow and Fox, a dancing couple designed to help communicate DanceSport in a more engaging way and bring the sport closer to a wider audience.
We can also reveal another development: after many years, DanceSport will return to Spanish national television through Teledeporte. For us, and for the sport in general, visibility on national television is extremely important.
Institutional and Local Support
What role has local institutional support played in the success of the event?
It is the most important factor. The Calvià Town Council has always provided strong support, which is essential for an event of this magnitude.
This year we are also supported by AETIB and the Mallorca Tourism Foundation. Without these partnerships, it would not be possible to deliver an event of this scale.
What are your ambitions for the future of the Mallorca Dance Festival within the WDSF calendar?
Our ambition is to continue working closely with the WDSF and the FEBD to develop an event that maintains a high technical and sporting level.
We want to ensure the festival continues to grow as a reference point within the international DanceSport calendar.
Closing Remarks
As the Mallorca Dance Festival enters its fifth edition, it continues to reinforce its position as a key meeting point for both elite and developing athletes within the international DanceSport landscape. The event’s growing relevance within the WDSF calendar is reflected in its ability to combine high-level competition, structured development pathways, and strong institutional collaboration.
As WDSF President Shawn Tay highlights:
“The Mallorca Dance Festival has become a strong example of how a well-structured international competition can successfully combine elite performance with athlete development. Its consistency, organisation, and growing impact reflect the shared commitment of organisers, federations, and local partners.”
With continued support from local authorities, national federations, and the wider DanceSport community, the festival is well positioned to further strengthen its role in the years ahead, continuing to contribute to the global growth and visibility of DanceSport.
The event will take place in Calvià from 30 April to 3 May and will be available to follow throughout its duration via the official social media channels of the Mallorca Dance Festival and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF).
Photos courtesy of the Mallorca Dance Festival Organising Committee
Stay connected with us
Stay connected with us on social media to stay up to date with all the news related to the 2026 Mallorca Dance Festival:
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LinkedIn: World DanceSport Federation (WDSF)
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