WDSF Caribbean Congress 2025: Celebrating Culture, Professionalism, and Global Unity
The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) proudly welcomed Adjudicators, Candidates, and Observers to the WDSF Caribbean Congress, a vibrant gathering dedicated to celebrating the richness of Caribbean rhythms and the professionalism of DanceSport worldwide.
The congress brought together 45 participants from 12 different countries, a testament to the growing international recognition and strength of the Caribbean discipline within the WDSF family.
A Mission of Knowledge and Integrity
The congress had a dual mission:
- To deepen the collective understanding of the cultural heritage embodied by Caribbean dances.
- To reinforce the commitment of all participants to the highest standards of education, adjudication, and professional conduct.
This aligns with WDSF’s long-term vision of DanceSport as a discipline of excellence, integrity, and global recognition.
A Step Toward Istanbul 2025
This year’s congress also marked an important milestone for the global DanceSport community—the upcoming 2025 WDSF World Championship in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 6–7 December 2025. This historic event will unite the global DanceSport family in one of the world’s most iconic cultural crossroads, showcasing artistry, athleticism, and unity at the highest level.
Supporting the Next Generation of Adjudicators
An important announcement highlighted the Caribbean Adjudicator’s license examination, scheduled for 29 September. Only duly registered candidates will be eligible to participate, underlining the importance of respecting registration deadlines as part of professional advancement.
WDSF President Shawn Tay praised the congress, stating:
“The Caribbean Congress highlights the beauty of our cultural diversity and the professionalism of our DanceSport community. It is inspiring to see how the Caribbean discipline is thriving internationally, and I look forward to seeing this energy carried forward to the World Championship in Istanbul.”
Congress Programme and Distinguished Lecturers
The 2025 Caribbean Congress offered participants an enriching programme led by respected champions, teachers, cultural guardians, and innovators:
- 13:30 – 14:15 | Ethical-Professional Approach – Nenad Jeftic, WDSF Vice-President for Sport
Nenad Jeftic brings decades of leadership experience within the WDSF, guiding the sport’s development with a strong emphasis on integrity, fairness, and professionalism. His lecture underscored the ethical framework that underpins DanceSport worldwide. - 14:15 – 15:00 | AJS for Caribbean Dances & Regulations Update – Carolina Marcet Llinares
Carolina Marcet Llinares, a specialist in WDSF Caribbean discipline, offered her expertise on the AJS and its application to Caribbean dances, ensuring judges and candidates remain aligned with the latest standards and regulations. - 15:00 – 15:15 | Break
- 15:15 – 16:00 | Merengue – Alien Ramírez
A Cuban artist and 24-time World Latin Dance Champion, Alien Ramírez is internationally recognized as one of the most influential figures in dance. She is a mentor, choreographer, coach, and teacher, combining competitive excellence with educational leadership on stages around the world. In addition, she serves as a judge at Caribbean Dance competitions worldwide, bringing her expertise to the highest standards of evaluation. - 16:00 – 16:45 | Musicality in Salsa – Juan Camilo Diago
A Colombian dancer and eight-time World Salsa Champion, Juan Camilo Diago is recognized for his stage charisma and technical excellence. As a professional soloist with strong international projection, he has set trends in style and the training of new talents in the Salsa community. Today, he is increasingly present as a speaker and judge in some of the most influential congresses, strengthening his role as a representative of the new generation. - 16:45 – 17:00 | Break
- 17:00 – 17:45 | Bachata Fundamentals – Evelyn Viana Lovera
“La Negra” Journalist, teacher, and a leading figure in traditional Bachata and Salsa, Evelyn Viana Lovera—known as La Negra—has built a strong career dedicated to preserving and promoting Caribbean rhythms. She is also a DJ and organizer of the “Pasos Libres La Negra Salsa” event, and currently serves as a member of the judging panels in various international competitions, consolidating her role as a promoter and guardian of quality in Caribbean Dances.
Upholding Professional Standards
As a reminder to all participants, the congress reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the WDSF Code of Ethics, the guiding compass ensuring fairness, respect, and integrity in all professional activities.
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