Marius-Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska Honoured with Germany’s Silver Laurel Leaf

Berlin, January 2026. Legendary Latin DanceSport champions Marius-Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska have been awarded the Silver Laurel Leaf (Silbernes Lorbeerblatt), Germany’s highest national sports accolade, in recognition of their extraordinary achievements and lasting impact on the world of DanceSport.

The Silver Laurel Leaf, established in 1950 by Federal President Theodor Heuss, is presented to athletes and teams who achieve outstanding international success, including world championship titles and medals at major multi-sport events, and whose conduct reflects character, integrity, and dedication.

Marius and Khrystyna have long been at the pinnacle of Latin DanceSport. Their remarkable journey with WDSF began in 2015 in Pforzheim, Germany, and over the following decade they established themselves as one of the world’s most successful and captivating DanceSport couples. They have claimed four World Championship titles (2021 Pforzheim, 2022 Mülheim an der Ruhr, 2023 Sibiu, 2024 Wuxi), European Championship victories (2019 Warsaw, 2021 Cagliari), and triumphed at the IWGA World Games in Chengdu, a deeply emotional crowning achievement that reflected nearly a decade of dedication. Their dominance also extended to the WDSF GrandSlam Series, with nine wins, alongside multiple World Open series victories across several countries.

"Marius and Khrystyna represent the very best of DanceSport," said WDSF President Shawn Tay. "Their careers are defined not only by historic results, but by the passion, artistry, and professionalism they brought to every performance. They have elevated DanceSport on the world stage and inspired countless athletes to pursue excellence. This honour is richly deserved."

On 18 October 2025, Marius and Khrystyna marked their final competitive performance at the WDSF World Championship PD Latin in Leipzig, Germany, closing an extraordinary chapter that has inspired generations of athletes and fans worldwide.

Beyond their accolades, Marius and Khrystyna have consistently embodied elegance, discipline, and a love for DanceSport that transcends competition. Their legacy extends to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation, ensuring that the artistry and spirit of Latin DanceSport will continue to flourish.

The WDSF warmly congratulates Marius-Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska on receiving this prestigious honour and looks forward to their continued contributions to the world of DanceSport, both on and off the floor.

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Khrystyna Moshenska
Marius-Andrei Balan

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Published on 27 January 2026