WDSF AGM Weekend Commences in Rome with DanceSport Europe Annual General Meeting

ROME, ITALY – The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has officially kicked off a packed weekend of international governance and strategic planning in the Eternal City, organised in close cooperation with Federazione Italiana DanzaSportiva e Sport Musicali. The extensive schedule commenced on Friday 12 June with the Annual General Meeting of DanceSport Europe (DSE), held in the prestigious Great Hall of the Caesars at the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel.

The assembly brought together continental delegates, officials, and distinguished guests to review the progress of European DanceSport, solidify institutional unity, and enact key regulatory updates.

WDSF AGM Weekend Commences in Rome with DanceSport Europe Annual General Meeting

Unity and Athlete Elevation

The opening session featured an address by WDSF President, Mr Shawn Tay, who praised the strategic alignment and cohesion between the global body and its European division.

Highlighting the federation's exceptional global standing, notably its number three ranking in terms of governance among all international sports federations, Mr Tay urged DanceSport Europe to dedicate its core resources toward lifting the competitive standards of youth athletes. He proposed the development of non-political, centralised European training camps to foster talent across the continent.

Following the opening remarks, the assembly, chaired by DSE President Mr Robert Wota, successfully verified its voting quorum and completed standard statutory approvals, ensuring an efficient administrative session.

WDSF AGM Weekend Commences in Rome with DanceSport Europe Annual General Meeting

Solidarity with Ukraine: Urgent Motion Passed

Demonstrating deep solidarity within the European dance community, the assembly voted unanimously to release the All-Ukrainian DanceSport Federation from its annual DSE membership fee for the calendar year 2026. Crucially, the motion preserves all of Ukraine's membership privileges, including their full right to vote throughout the legislative weekend.

Financial Stability and Strategic Investment

The financial review presented by the DSE Treasurer and Financial Controllers confirmed that DanceSport Europe maintains a highly stable, transparent, and sustainable financial position.

The delegation validated that continental reserves remain strong, allowing for targeted structural investments into grassroots development, youth ranking circuits, and direct athlete voucher systems. Furthermore, to protect national federations against ongoing global inflationary pressures, the General Assembly voted unanimously to freeze all annual membership fees for 2027.

Strategic Projects: A Vision for the Future

The assembly reviewed its core sporting portfolios, showcasing a robust operational framework driven by three pillars:

1. DSE European Grand Prix

Approaching its 10th anniversary next year, this long-standing ranking series for Juvenile and Junior categories remains highly successful. Tracking data showed a stable trajectory through 2025 and 2026, engaging nearly 700 couples across 33 nations. While remaining open to all WDSF-registered athletes to support local event organisers, official ranking points and prize money vouchers, which support top couples with training camps, apparel, and lessons, remain exclusive to DSE member nations.

2. DanceSport Europe Team Challenge Cup

Building on the momentum of its launch, this dynamic national team format features three Standard dances, three Latin dances, and a team show performance. To foster participation, DSE financially subsidises organisers by providing free accommodation for all national team members. Following successful pilot events in Romania and Italy, a bidding process will select two host countries for the 2026 editions.

3. "DanceSport Connect: United Through Movement"

As part of the Action Plan approval, project leader Mr Kris Spaho, Commissioner of one of the commissions of DSE, presented this highly innovative flagship platform designed to run through 2032. DanceSport Connect establishes an all-around ecosystem linking competition, community, and education. A central component is the DanceSport College, which will offer free educational programmes for young athletes from Juvenile to Junior fields.

The project introduces an academic recognition system. Launching with its first ranking events in Albania (September 2026) and North Macedonia (December 2026), competing athletes will register their primary, elementary, or college institutions, allowing DSE to issue formal certificates to local schools to elevate the institutional prestige and influence of DanceSport across European educational systems.

WDSF AGM Weekend Commences in Rome with DanceSport Europe Annual General Meeting

Forward Outlook

The productive sessions in Rome established a clear benchmark for continental growth, structural stability, and digital innovation. The assembly concluded with a reminder from the executive committee for all member bodies to keep their national registry data updated on the central website to ensure seamless communication moving forward.

The administrative proceedings will continue tomorrow, Saturday 13 June, with the highly anticipated staging of the WDSF Global Open Forum, where delegates will engage in open dialogue on the future of the sport worldwide ahead of Sunday's final WDSF Annual General Meeting, and that will be streamed live on WDSF Youtube Channel.