Marius Iepure on Blackpool, the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival, and the DanceSport Community in the United Kingdom

The 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE in Blackpool marks an important milestone not only in the international DanceSport calendar, but also for the British DanceSport community. Hosted in one of the most iconic destinations in the history of the sport, the WDSF Festival once again brings together athletes, officials, and supporters from around the world in a celebration of performance, tradition, and development.

In this context, Marius Iepure, President of the British DanceSport Federation, shares his perspective on the significance of the event, reflecting on both continuity and progress, as well as the unique opportunity it offers British dancers to compete on home ground within a truly global framework.

Marius Iepure on Blackpool, the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival, and the DanceSport Community in the United Kingdom

What does hosting the WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool represent for the British DanceSport community?

The WDSF bringing dancers from all over the world together is not only a highly significant moment in the dance calendar, but also a celebration of the history and roots of DanceSport itself.

The fact that the second edition is already taking place in Blackpool is, in many ways, history in the making. For the British DanceSport Federation, which is still at an early stage in its development journey, this Festival offers a unique opportunity for British dancers to compete in an event that is not only recognised by the WDSF, but also connected to the Olympic Movement.

It is a truly special occasion for our athletes, and one that brings considerable value to the development of DanceSport in the United Kingdom.

How would you describe the growth and development of DanceSport in the United Kingdom in recent years?

DanceSport in the United Kingdom is currently going through a challenging and transformative phase. It is a period of transition within the classical ballroom community, where different visions of the sport are evolving simultaneously.

For us at the British DanceSport Federation, our focus has been on providing dancers with new opportunities to express themselves in a more structured, transparent, and internationally connected environment.

Through initiatives such as broadcasting on the Olympic Channel and developing a more open and accessible competitive framework, we are beginning to see a gradual shift in perception. Each year, more coaches, judges, and athletes come to understand the value of this approach, and how it contributes to strengthening credibility and long-term sustainability in DanceSport.

What makes Blackpool such a special destination for DanceSport?

Blackpool holds a unique place in the history of DanceSport. Since the early twentieth century, it has been a benchmark for standard and latin dances worldwide.

The Empress Ballroom, in particular, carries an atmosphere that is impossible to replicate. When you walk through those doors, you immediately feel the connection to generations of dancers who have performed on that same floor.

There is a combination of elegance, energy, and history that makes every athlete feel part of something far greater than a competition. It is not simply a venue, it is a living symbol of DanceSport heritage.

How important do you feel is collaboration between National Federations and WDSF?

Collaboration is essential for the continued growth of DanceSport. With almost 100 National Member Bodies within the WDSF, the potential for development, education, and shared knowledge is greater than ever before. We are now witnessing a far more connected global community, where information and opportunities are more accessible than at any point in the past.

The launch of the WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool is a strong example of this collaboration in action. It reflects a shared commitment both to preserving the history of the sport and to investing in its future.

What message would you like to share with athletes and supporters attending the 2026 Festival?

My message is simple: enjoy every moment of it.

Blackpool is a place where DanceSport becomes an experience, more than just competition. It is a celebration of identity, culture, and expression.

I would encourage everyone to embrace the elegance of the event, to appreciate the atmosphere, and to support the athletes with passion and respect. The energy in the room is what makes this Festival truly unforgettable.

More than a festival

The 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDANCE x UDANCE, in Blackpool, continues to establish itself as one of the key highlights of the international DanceSport calendar. For figures such as Marius Iepure, it represents not only a competition, but also a platform for growth, collaboration, and cultural exchange within the global DanceSport community. As Shawn Tay, WDSF President has emphasised, “The continued development of events such as Blackpool is essential to strengthening DanceSport’s international structure, providing athletes with consistent, high-quality competitive opportunities within a unified global framework.”