A recognition that rewards years of commitment, passion, and dedication to promoting DanceSport around the world.

It was an honor to share this event in the presence of the highest authorities in sport:
Luciano Bonfiglio, President of CONI
Diana Bianchedi, Deputy Vice President of CONI
Marco Di Paola, Vice President of CONI

It was a great pleasure to meet Giovanni Malagò, a true icon of Italian sport.

I wish to thank the President of FIDESM, Laura Lunetta, Vice President of the WDSF and Member of the National Council of CONI, for her trust, constant support, and visionary leadership, which is allowing Italy to regain a leading role on the international scene.

A special thanks to the leadership of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF):
Mr. Shawn Tay, President WDSF
Mr. Nenad Jeftic, Vice President for Sport
Mr. Sergey Nifontov, Secretary General

Three extraordinary individuals who, with dedication, professionalism, and passion, work every day for the growth and global promotion of DanceSport.

Proud and happy to be part of this great international family.

#DanceSport #WDSF #FIDESM #Rome2025 #GrandSlam #InternationalDanceSportChampionships #PalaTiziano #DanceSportEurope #PietroBraga #PassionMeetsExcellence

International DanceSport Championships – Rome, 3-4-5 October 2025 – PalaTiziano

Being officially introduced and receiving a public acknowledgment from the WDSF President, Mr. Shawn Tay, for my international work was a moment of great pride and deep emotion.
This recognition rewards years of dedication, passion, and commitment to promoting DanceSport worldwide.

It was a true honor to share this event in the presence of the highest authorities in sport:
Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI
Luciano Bonfiglio, President of FIDS
Diana Bianchedi, Deputy Vice President of CONI
Marco Di Paola, Vice President of CONI

My sincere thanks go to the President of FIDESM, Laura Lunetta, Vice President of the WDSF and Member of the CONI National Council, for her trust, constant support, and visionary leadership that is bringing Italy back to a leading role on the international scene.

A special thanks to the leadership of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF):
Mr. Shawn Tay, President WDSF
Mr. Nenad Jeftic, Vice President for Sport
Mr. Sergey Nifontov, Secretary General

Three extraordinary individuals who, through their dedication, professionalism, and passion, work every day for the growth and global promotion of DanceSport.

Proud and happy to be part of this great international family.

#DanceSport #WDSF #FIDESM #Rome2025 #GrandSlam #InternationalDanceSportChampionships #PalaTiziano #DanceSportEurope #PietroBraga #PassionMeetsExcellence

This invitation marks more than a personal milestone—it is a clear signal that Italy is once again a key player on the world stage of DanceSport, returning with strength, clarity of vision, and an ambitious roadmap.

A Strategic Plan to Relaunch Italy

During his speech, Braga outlined a forward-looking and high-level plan that positions Italy as a central hub in the international DanceSport calendar:

• WDSF Grand Slam – Standard and Latin, Rome, October 3–5, 2025
• European Championships – Adult 10 Dance
• European Championships – Professional Division Latin (PD)
• WDSF Congresses for Adjudicators (AJS) and Competition Directors
• Further international WDSF events under development

This initiative is not just about competitions—it’s a cultural and institutional revival. Rome is set to become the beating heart of world DanceSport once again.

Italy’s Return to the Global Stage

Braga’s presence and speech at the WDSF Open Forum was a powerful symbol of regained trust and respect. Delegates from around the globe received his presentation with great interest and appreciation, reaffirming Italy’s readiness to lead with bold ideas and world-class execution.

Braga extended heartfelt thanks to:

• Shawn Tay, WDSF President
• Nenad Jeftic, WDSF Vice President
• The entire WDSF Presidium

for their confidence in Italy’s renewed leadership and vision.

A New Chapter Begins

“This is just the beginning of a new era for Italy in international DanceSport,” said Braga following the Forum. “With the support of WDSF, our institutional partners, and the dedication of our athletes and professionals, we are ready to write a new chapter. And Rome will be our stage.”

From their opening waltz, the duo mesmerized both the audience and the judges. Each movement was a masterclass in technical excellence, executed with seamless control and refined grace. Their impeccable posture, timing, and balance reflected the work of seasoned professionals at the height of their craft.

Yet, beyond technique, it was their musicality that elevated the performance into something transcendent. Glukhov and Glazunova didn’t just dance to the music — they became the music. Every phrase, every note was translated into motion with remarkable emotional sensitivity. Their connection to the score created a deeply immersive experience, pulling the audience into the rhythm and soul of each dance.

What truly set this pair apart, however, was the undeniable synergy between them. The chemistry shared by Glukhov and Glazunova was authentic and electrifying. It was evident in every turn, every glance, every breath they took together on the floor. Their unity and mutual trust formed the emotional core of a performance that was both technically faultless and profoundly human.

Their gold medal in Calvià is a defining achievement, not only for them as a couple but also for Moldovan dance sport. In a field of elite competitors, they stood out not only for what they did — but for how they made people feel.

With this European title, Alexey Glukhov and Anastasia Glazunova have solidified their status as one of the most compelling and accomplished couples in the world of Standard dance. Their triumph was more than well-earned — it was unforgettable.

]]> 10788 https://www.dancesportsystem.com/wdsf-congress-belgrade-2025/ Sun, 16 Mar 2025 23:46:49 +0000 https://www.dancesportsystem.com/?p=10078 WDSF ADJUDICATORS CONGRESS BELGRADE

16.03.2025
It was a big honour to assist to Maestro Pietro Braga this Sunday.
Thank you for this opportunity and unforgettable experience.
Lorenzo and Aleksandra.

Following decisions taken during the last PD AGM 2024 and WDSF AGM 2024, please be informed of important updates regarding the management of the PD License.

All Adjudicators holding an “A” License, AJS, and GKT will automatically be allocated the PD License for the relevant discipline. This license will have no cost for the holder, and its renewal will be directly linked to attendance at the respective congress for LAT/STD.

Additionally, the application process for the PD License will be abolished. All current and active Adjudicators with an “A” License, AJS, and GKT will have the PD License automatically reflected in their profiles.

Last Saturday, February 22, the beautiful island of Malta was the stage for an extraordinary showcase of talent, technique, and passion for dance sport. The Lithuanian couple Pranas Mitkus and Justė Jančiūnaitė claimed the title of WDSF Youth Standard World Champions, delivering a breathtaking performance in this prestigious international competition.

Their performance was a perfect balance of technical precision, elegance, and refined musical interpretation, solidifying their status as rising stars in the world of dance sport. Every step, every turn, and every line was executed with masterful skill, leaving both the judges and the audience in awe.

A Talent with a Bright Future

This victory is not just a milestone but a stepping stone toward an even greater career on the international stage. Pranas and Justė embody the future of dance sport with their dedication, discipline, and incredible connection on the dance floor.

Guided by Top Coaches

Behind their success stands a team of elite coaches,like Marek Chojnacki and including the renowned Pietro Braga, who appears alongside them in the celebratory photo, and their home coach Dalia Samajauskaitė who has closely followed their growth and refinement. With their expert guidance, Pranas and Justė have honed every aspect of their style, making it truly unique and remarkable.

Anticipation for More Spectacular Performances

This victory in Malta is just the beginning. The dance sport world eagerly awaits to see this exceptional couple shine again in another international competition, where they will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences and showcase their outstanding artistic and athletic abilities.

Congratulations to Pranas Mitkus and Justė Jančiūnaitė—the future of Standard Dance is in their hands!

The second and last day of the 2024 WDSF GrandSlam Final Shanghai brought the best Standard couples in the world to the spotlight at the Shanghai Luwan Stadium. With impeccable technique and unmatched artistry, the event highlighted the beauty and sophistication that define DanceSport.

Champions of the Night: Alexey Glukhov and Anastasia Glazunova

Alexey Glukhov and Anastasia Glazunova of Moldova claimed the gold medal in a night that was both triumphant and sentimental. Celebrating their 10th anniversary competing in the GrandSlam Final, the duo delivered a masterful performance that showcased why they are among the all-time greats of Standard Dances. The atmosphere in the venue was electric, filled with joy and camaraderie as all couples seemed to revel in the magic of the evening.

One particularly charming moment occurred during the final, when Alexey and Anastasia, along with Rares Cojoc and Andreea Matei, delighted the audience with a heartwarming tradition. The two couples held hands and danced together during the Kiss & Cry, spreading joy to the spectators in the arena and virtual viewers worldwide.

After an exceptional season—including last week’s Sport Series Games Qualifier—their victory here cements their legacy as dominant figures in the sport. Looking ahead, they aim to repeat this year’s success in 2025, with the added goal of securing their first-ever participation in The World Games 2025 Chengdu, marking another milestone in their extraordinary journey.

The Finalists and Results

The six couples who made it to the Finals, along with their final placements, were:

1. Alexey Glukhov and Anastasia Glazunova (MDA)
2. Cojoc Rares and Matei Andreea (ROU)
3. Tomas Fainsil and Violetta Fainsil (GER)
4. Yuan Shaoyang and Qi Chongxuan (CHN)
5. Dariusz Mycka and Madara Freiberga (POL)
6. Dmitri Kolobov and Signe Busk (DEN)

This thrilling showdown highlighted the artistry, passion, and technical excellence of each finalist, culminating in a memorable victory for the Moldovan couple. After the final Quickstep face-off, all six couples treated the audience to a spectacular and joyful display, dancing together on the floor in an impromptu celebration that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.

In an exclusive interview, Alexey Glukhov and Anastasia Glazunova opened up about their excitement, reflected on the highlights of this remarkable season, and shared their eagerness for a well-deserved vacation after a year filled with intense competition. Don’t miss the full interview, coming soon to our YouTube channel.

Reflecting on the competition, WDSF President Shawn Tay remarked:
“Tonight’s Standard competition was a testament to the dedication and artistry of our athletes. Congratulations to Alexey Glukhov and Anastasia Glazunova for their brilliant achievement, and to all finalists for an unforgettable evening of DanceSport. Alexey and Anastasia’s professional trajectory continues to rise, solidifying their place in the history of DanceSport. With every performance, they inspire us with their artistry, technical excellence, and unwavering passion, leaving an indelible mark on our sport.”

Our Sincere Thanks to Our Partners

We extend our sincere appreciation to BD Dance, the Official Sponsor of the WDSF GrandSlam series, and Casa musica for providing the outstanding Standard tracks that set the perfect atmosphere for remarkable performances. We also wish to thank Olympic Channel for their unwavering support, which allows us to bring the excitement of DanceSport to audiences worldwide.

A special acknowledgment goes to the Chinese DanceSport Federation for their exceptional organization and hospitality. The venue was beautiful, and the overall experience was enhanced by a spectacular showcase featuring some of our top athletes alongside stars from popular Chinese television programs. This unique addition added even more magic to an already unforgettable competition.

Relive the Magic

Did you miss the action? Watch the 2024 WDSF GrandSlam Final Shanghai Standard again on Olympic Channel and relive every breathtaking moment. In case you also missed the 2024 WDSF GrandSlam Final Shanghai Latin competition, you can enjoy it as it is also available on Olympic Channel.

Stay connected and follow us on social media for more updates, highlights, and exclusive content from this unforgettable GrandSlam Final weekend.

• Instagram: WDSF DanceSport
• YouTube: DanceSportTotal
• Facebook: WDSF DanceSport
• TikTok: WDSF DanceSport

Let’s keep celebrating the passion, talent, and artistry of DanceSport! Photos by Studio PM.