WDSF Announces the 2026 WDSF Open Congress in Blackpool
The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) is excited to announce the WDSF Open Congress, a key feature of the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool. The congress will take place on 25 March 2026 at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England, and will include the WDSF Standard/Latin Adjudicators GKT & ECT Exams as part of the program.
WDSF Open Congress in Blackpool
Organised by the WDSF Academy, the Open Congress aims to provide high-quality training for current WDSF Licensed Standard and Latin Adjudicators, as well as for new applicants seeking their WDSF Adjudicator’s Licence. The congress is also open to WDSF athletes and registered observers, giving them a unique opportunity to gain deeper insight into WDSF judging criteria and to enhance their own competitive understanding and performance.
The event will be held in the Spanish Hall of the Winter Gardens, one of Blackpool’s most distinguished venues and that already hosted the previous edition of this congress.
Participants will be able to register until 21 March 2026 (23:59 GMT). Current WDSF Adjudicators are especially encouraged to take part, as participation in the congress will extend their Adjudicator’s Licence validity for two additional years.
Both the General Knowledge Test (GKT) and the English Comprehension Test (ECT) will also be conducted during the congress.
- WDSF officials can register to the congress here (login required).
- WDSF National Administrators can register their officials here (login required).
The course fee is CHF 100.00, payable online only. No late registrations or on-site entries will be accepted.
The congress is open to:
- WDSF A, B and C Licensed Adjudicators (Standard and Latin)
- Approved WDSF Adjudicator B and C licence applicants
- New applicants who have completed the full online Adjudicator application before the closing date
- WDSF athletes and other DanceSport enthusiasts registered as observers via their National Member Body
For participants planning their stay, the Holiday Inn Blackpool is the official event hotel, located just steps from the Winter Gardens and offering premium accommodation for festival attendees. You can also book your stay through all the accommodation offers available at the WDSF official accommodation platform.
WDSF Standard/Latin Adjudicators GKT & ECT Exams
Taking place on the same date and venue, the WDSF Standard/Latin Adjudicators GKT & ECT Exams are open to all who attend the Adjudicators’ Congress on 25 March 2026, or to candidates on their second retest attempt.
Registration opens on 22 October 2025 (18:23 GMT) and closes on 23 March 2026 (23:59 GMT). Exam times will be announced shortly. You can register to this exam here (login required).
Together, the Congress and Exams underscore WDSF’s ongoing commitment to excellence, education and transparency in DanceSport adjudication — fostering continuous professional growth within the international judging community.
Shawn Tay, WDSF President, commented:
"The WDSF DanceSport Festival exemplifies our commitment to excellence in DanceSport. It provides adjudicators and athletes with an invaluable opportunity to deepen their expertise, refine their skills, and actively contribute to the growth and global recognition of our sport."
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