A Star is Born: WDSF Highlights from Johor Bahru and Didim

The weekend of 24–26 April once again showcased the growing international reach of DanceSport, as WDSF competitions brought athletes, officials, and passionate audiences together in two very different settings: Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Didim, Türkiye.

From record-breaking achievements in Asia to the elegance of a European Championship events on the Turkish coast, the weekend delivered a powerful reminder of DanceSport’s ability to connect generations and cultures through performance, precision, and shared passion.

Johor Bahru Welcomes a Spectacular DanceSport Weekend

Johor Bahru, Malaysia – 24–26 April 2026. The Bailando Open Championships in Johor Bahru took place at the Paradigm Mall Convention Centre, transforming the venue into a vibrant stage filled with energy, high-level performances, and an exceptionally engaged crowd.

The event welcomed 200 solo athletes and 77 couples, competing across WDSF categories and representing 19 countries and territories, underlining the region’s growing presence within the international DanceSport calendar.

Audience engagement stood out as one of the strongest highlights of the weekend. The competition recorded 1,000 day ticket holders, along with 600 ticket holders attending the evening sit-down dinner events across all three days, creating a dynamic atmosphere that elevated the experience for both athletes and spectators.

A Historic Achievement in WDSF Asian Championships

One of the most remarkable moments came during the WDSF Asian Championship Solo Standard, where history was made as Wang Yi- Shan claimed victory in both the Youth and Adult categories, a first in WDSF history. Already recognised as a World Champion in 2025 in Sarajevo, her double triumph confirmed her status as one of the discipline’s most exciting emerging stars. The achievement marked a defining moment for Solo Standard and became one of the most talked-about highlights of the entire weekend.

A star was born in Johor Bahru.

Solo Latin: A Show of Energy, Unity and Female Empowerment

The Solo Latin competitions delivered some of the most electric moments of the weekend. The audience response and performance level reached the intensity of a major title event.

The finalists brought outstanding energy to the floor, with the Jive in particular receiving strong reactions from the crowd. A memorable highlight came when the finalists entered the floor holding hands together, creating a striking moment of sportsmanship and female empowerment, a powerful image that quickly gained attention across WDSF social media.

Solo Latin continues to grow rapidly in Asia, with families and young supporters filling the venue with enthusiastic reactions, demonstrating the discipline’s rising popularity and competitive depth.

Participation from countries and territories such as Chinese Taipei, Macao, Singapore, and Indonesia further reinforced the increasing diversity of the Asian DanceSport scene, bringing visibility to regions less frequently represented on European competition floors.

Key Results of the Competition, Friday 24^th April

WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Adult            

1. Tan Li Xuan (MAS)
2. Ee Jia Xuan (MAS)
3. Lo Sum Yi Abby (HKG)
4. Geoi Ree Gyn (MAS)
5. Lai Wing Tung (HKG)
6. Adelina Utigenova (KA)

WDSF Asian Championship Solo Standard Female Junior II

1. Liu Ivy (TPE)
2. Chuang Min Hsuan (TPE)
3. Lin Cai Yi (TPE)
4. Akku Sapiyeva (KAZ)
5. Nguyen Khanh Ngoc (VIE)
6. Huen Tsz Lam (HKG)

Between the categories that were unfolded over the first competition day we can also find: WDSF Open Standard Under 21, WDSF Open Solo Standard Female Youth, WDSF Open Latin Under 21 and Solo Latin Female Juvenile II. You can check all the competition results by clicking here.

Key Results of the Competition, Saturday 25^th April

WDSF International Open Standard Adult  

1. Andrea Roccatti - Julia Mozdyniewicz (ITA)
2. Qiu Yuming - Hu Jingyi (CHN)
3. Cao Kai - Li Yuanyuan (CHN)
4. Jung Hoon - Lee Yeeun (KOR)
5. Roman Zhemchugov - Elizaveta Ustinova (AIN)
6. Sean Aranar - Ana Nualla (PHI)

WDSF Asian Championship Solo Standard Female Youth

1. Wang Yi-Shan (TPE)
2. Tay Xin Yee (MAS)
3. Yim Kei Wan (HKG)
4. Liu Ivy (TPE)
5. Meng Yu Tung (TPE)
6. Cai Leling (CHN)
7. Ta Lien Giang (VIE)

Between the categories that were unfolded over the second competition day we can also find: WDSF Open Solo Standard Female Junior I, Junior II, WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Junior I and WDSF Open PD Latin Adult.  You can check all the competition results by clicking here.

Key Results of the Competition, Sunday 26^th April

WDSF International Open Latin Adult

The weekend reached its peak during the International Open final, which delivered a true DanceSport spectacle. The arena atmosphere intensified round by round, with the crowd reacting passionately to every performance.

The final showdown between Guillem Pascual - Diandra-Aniela Illes (ESP) and Malthe Brinch Rohde - Sandra Sorensen (DEN) was a battle in every sense of the word, pushing both couples to their highest level and keeping the audience fully engaged until the last dance.

In the end, Guillem & Diandra claimed victory, closing the event with a final that will be remembered as one of the most exciting moments of the weekend.  

1. Guillem Pascual - Diandra-Aniela Illes (ESP)
2. Malthe Brinch Rohde - Sandra Sorensen (DEN)
3. Tam Winson - Anastasia Novikova (HKG)
4. Nguyen Doan Minh Truong - Dang Thu Huong (VIE)
5. Wang Yuxuan - Zhao Yuxuan (CHN)
6. Hwang Yousung - Jung EunJi (KOR)

WDSF Asian Championship Solo Standard Female Adult

1. Wang Yi-Shan (TPE)
2. Tay Xin Yee (MAS)
3. Yim Kei Wan (HKG)
4. Ee Jia Xuan (MAS)
5. Loh Yi Ling (MAS)
6. Lily Djoen Jadhisno (INA)
7. Ta Lien Giang (VIE)

Between the categories that were unfolded over the last competition day we can also find: WDSF Open Solo Standard Female Adult, Juvenile II, WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Youth, WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Junior II and WDSF Open PD Standard Adult. You can check all the competition results by clicking here.

Didim Hosts the WDSF European Championship Standard Senior I

Didim, Türkiye – 25–26 April 2026. The WDSF Anda Barut Dance Cup took place at Anda Hall in Didim, once again offering a high-level competitive environment in a coastal setting known for its welcoming spirit and professional organisation.

This year’s edition welcomed 124 athletes from 15 countries, including Estonia, Germany, Kazakhstan, San Marino, Portugal, Türkiye, Italy, Latvia, Austria, Czechia, Poland, the Netherlands, Cyprus, and Vietnam.

The event was honoured by the presence of Zafer Coşkun, Vice President of the Türkiye DanceSports Federation. Additionally, distinguished guest Aytunç Bentürk attended as part of the federation’s honorary guest list.

A Prestigious Event

A central highlight of the weekend was the successful staging of the 2026 WDSF European Championship Standard Senior I. Organisers expressed pride in hosting the championship once again, highlighting the increased international participation and the continued growth.

“As organisers of the WDSF Anda Barut Dance Cup we are proud to have once again successfully hosted the 2026 WDSF European Championship Standard Senior I, a prestigious title event. This year, we were especially pleased to see increased international participation. We are delighted to witness the event’s continued growth and success year after year, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the WDSF for their trust and ongoing support.”

Key Results of the Competition, Saturday 25^th April

WDSF International Open Latin Adult    

1. Konstantin Gorodilov - Polina Figurenko (EST)
2. Nitu Eric Marius - Wang Lisha (GER)
3. Daniil Pisankin - Anastasiya Shin (KAZ)
4. Roman Kiparin - Olga Kiparina (AIN)
5. Lorenzo Bonzi - Cara Gabusi (SMR)
6. Nuno Duarte - Rafaela Alexandra da Silva Duarte (POR)

WDSF Open Latin Youth    

1. Ronald Kogan - Alina Potapova (EST)
2. Kerem Comez - Ece Bahcelioglu (TUR)
3. Doruk Sahin - Duru Vahaplar (TUR)
4. Demir Demiriz - Melina Lyrintzi (TUR)
5. Atilla Burc Polatel - Duru Soydal (TUR)
6. Kuzey Efe Kirsan - Nilufer Damla Izgur (TUR)

Between the categories that were unfolded over the first competition day we can also find: WDSF Open Standard Senior II, WDSF Open Latin Junior I, Junior II , Juvenile II, WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Youth   and Juvenile II. You can check all the competition results by clicking here.

Across Asia and Europe, One Shared Passion

From the electrifying atmosphere in Johor Bahru to the elegance and prestige of a European Championship title event in Didim, the weekend of 24–26 April highlighted DanceSport’s expanding global impact.

Whether through historic achievements, rising stars, or unforgettable finals, both events reflected the sport’s ability to inspire audiences worldwide and bring the international DanceSport community closer together, one performance at a time.

Johor Bahru photos by Chesterphy Lab Studio

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Published on 27 April 2026