WDSF Congress for the Renewal of International Judges’ Licenses

Belgrade, March 16, 2025

On March 16, 2025, Belgrade hosted a major event for the international DanceSport community: the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) Congress for the renewal of international judges’ licenses. This congress served as a key opportunity for judges worldwide to update their knowledge and reinforce the WDSF’s commitment to excellence in adjudication.

As the official speaker, I, Pietro Braga, had the privilege of leading the congress with the invaluable support of Lorenzo Alberetti and Aleksandra Rastokova, the Italian 10-Dance Champions. Their expertise and practical demonstrations provided an insightful look into the latest judging criteria, emphasizing the critical role of musicality, technique, and biomechanics in DanceSport evaluations.

Key Topics and Updates

The congress focused on essential topics, offering judges an in-depth understanding of the latest WDSF guidelines, including:

✅ New evaluation standards to ensure consistency and precision in judging.
✅ The importance of musicality and how to correctly interpret rhythm in Standard and Latin dances.
✅ Biomechanics and partnering skills, essential for high-level performance.
✅ The evolution of DanceSport and the judges’ responsibility in recognizing innovation.

A High-Level Institutional Meeting

During the congress, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Despotov, President of the Bulgarian Federation, with whom I discussed the future of DanceSport in the Balkans and the opportunities for expanding the international circuit.

Additionally, I had the pleasure of sharing a moment with Mr. Nenad Jeftic, WDSF Vice President for Sport, a key figure in supporting the technical development of DanceSport worldwide. The photo featuring Lorenzo Alberetti, Aleksandra Rastokova, Mr. Jeftic, and myself symbolizes the vital collaboration between athletes, officials, and institutions in advancing our discipline.

The Importance of Continuous Education

The congress reaffirmed the necessity for international judges to maintain a high level of preparation to ensure consistent and professional evaluations in all competitions.

I extend my gratitude to the WDSF, the Bulgarian Federation, and all fellow judges who made this event a success. A special thank you to Lorenzo Alberetti and Aleksandra Rastokova, whose performance and insights brought the technical concepts to life.

By committing to continuous education and adaptation, we can ensure that DanceSport evolves while respecting both its traditions and the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Pietro Braga
Speaker – WDSF Congress
Belgrade, March 16, 2025