WDSF Grants Membership to RDSU in Russia
The World DanceSport Federation officially announces the unanimous decision of its Presidium to grant Provisional Membership to the Russian Dance Sport Union (RDSU), now recognized as the sole WDSF's national representative in the territory of the Russian Federation. This decision follows the termination of WDSF’s membership with the All Russian Federation of DanceSport, Breaking, and Acrobatic Rock’n’Roll (FDSARR), and is grounded in months of procedural integrity, statutory compliance, and communications with Russian sports authorities.
"On behalf of the entire WDSF Presidium, I warmly welcome the Russian DanceSport Union into the WDSF Family. We are confident that RDSU will uphold the values of transparency, inclusiveness, and excellence in DanceSport," said WDSF President Shawn Tay. "This marks a new chapter for DanceSport in Russia and we look forward to constructive collaboration ahead."
WDSF’s relationship with FDSARR had been under intense scrutiny due to several serious breaches of international sport governance standards. These included refusal to implement the WDSF Operating Policy (OP), which aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendations for the participation of Russian athletes under neutral status; continued use of a non-transparent closed marking system in national competitions; the unilateral announcement of an unauthorized World Championship for DanceSport disciplines, including Breaking; participation in the establishment of the WFASD, a competing international body, in direct violation of WDSF statutes; and mass defection of elite athletes and officials from FDSARR, many of whom left FDSARR to compete in alternative organisations or under other national flags or in non-sporting contexts.
On 11 November 2023, WDSF President Shawn Tay issued a formal letter to Ms. Nadezhda Erastova, President of FDSARR, expressing grave concern about FDSARR’s rejection of WDSF's Operating Policy, which supported neutral athlete participation in line with IOC guidelines. The letter urged FDSARR to renounce its resolution dismissing these IOC-based policies and confirm, in writing, its intention to comply fully and in good faith. FDSARR failed to respond positively, marking the beginning of a clear break in alignment between WDSF and its Russian Member.
Subsequently, on 17 November 2024, WDSF President Tay issued a second letter addressed jointly to the Russian National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, with copies to the IOC and relevant Russian IOC Members. The letter outlined the Presidium’s downgrading of FDSARR from Full to Provisional Member in March 2024; the Presidium’s personal reprimand to Ms. Erastova; repeated FDSARR policy violations and disregard for international sport governance norms; and five specific concerns, including failure to support WDSF Operating Policy on neutral athlete status, lack of transparency in competition results, hostility to IOC principles, announcing unapproved championships, and migration of Russian athletes and officials out of the WDSF system due to punitive FDSARR internal actions. The letter invited Russian authorities to collaborate to avoid formal expulsion and protect the rights and participation opportunities of athletes and officials.
When these efforts failed to produce meaningful reform - and after WDSF cautioned FDSARR that noncompliance would leave no choice but to terminate relationship with FDSARR - FDSARR officially resigned from the WDSF in writing on 24 December 2024.
WDSF General Secretary confirmed to the Russian authorities that the resignation was accepted on 10 January 2025, in accordance with Article 5.6 of the WDSF Statutes. FDSARR later attempted to revoke its resignation on 28 January 2025, but WDSF upheld the original acceptance, confirming that FDSARR no longer held any rights or privileges within the Federation.
In line with its commitment to continuity, transparency, and athlete protection, the WDSF Presidium has now unanimously approved the Russian DanceSport Union (RDSU) as the new Provisional Member in Russia. RDSU has demonstrated a constructive approach to international standards, a commitment to Olympic values, and the administrative readiness to lead Russian DanceSport into a new era.
WDSF hereby informs all National Member Bodies (NMBs) that all sporting matters related to the Russian Federation must now be directed exclusively to the Russian DanceSport Union (RDSU). The All Russian Federation of DanceSport, Breaking, and Acrobatic Rock’n’Roll (FDSARR) is no longer a member of the WDSF and therefore must not be considered a partner or counterpart for any form of sporting cooperation. WDSF Members are advised to cease all contact and engagement with FDSARR in their official capacities.
The WDSF reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the IOC’s recommendation on neutral athlete participation and emphasises that existing policies regarding athlete eligibility, title recognition, and participation in WDSF-sanctioned events remain fully in effect. These principles continue to be upheld in strict accordance with WDSF Statutes, Operating Policies, and international best practices. Looking ahead, the WDSF is enthusiastic about working closely with the Russian DanceSport Union (RDSU), confident that this new partnership will foster integrity, inclusion, and excellence within the global DanceSport community.
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