1,400 dancers start to arrive at Blackpool's Winter Gardens for 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival
1,400 athletes from 52 countries are set to descend on Blackpool this weekend for the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival.
Getting underway today, the festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE sees the resort thrust into the global centre of DanceSport.
Held at the historic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, in the Empress Ballroom and Spanish Hall, thousands of dancers from across the world will perform in the town.
Shawn Tay, WDSF President, said: “Education is key on the foundation of excellence.
“It is inspiring to see such commitment from our officials and participants, and it builds great anticipation for the days ahead.
“We look forward to witnessing that same dedication come to life this weekend as athletes from across the world take to the floor in Blackpool’s Empress Ballroom and Spanish Hall.”
The festival began today as the WDSF Open Congress brought together adjudicators, athletes and representatives from across the global DanceSport community.
WDSF President Shawn Tay attended the opening of the Congress, welcoming participants and emphasising the Federation’s dedication to education and international standards.
The day opened with an address by Nenad Jeftic, WDSF Vice-President for Sports, setting the tone for a comprehensive programme of lectures dedicated to Standard and Latin disciplines. Throughout the day, participants engaged in structured sessions designed to strengthen evaluation criteria and ensure consistency across international competitions.
Following the conclusion of the Congress, participants undertook the WDSF Standard/Latin Adjudicators GKT & ECT Exams, key components in the qualification and renewal process for WDSF adjudicators.
With the conclusion of the opening Congress, attention now turns to the competition programme, set to begin tomorrow at the Winter Gardens Blackpool with competitions including WDSF International Open Standard and Latin Adult, WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Standard Junior II and Under 21, WDSF Open Standard Junior I and Senior III, WDSF Open Latin Juvenile and WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Junior II.