On 12 May 1957, in the city of Wiesbaden, Germany, nine federations from seven nations came together to form the International Council of Amateur Dancers (ICAD)—the foundation upon which today’s World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) proudly stands. Sixty-eight years later, that vision has grown into a global movement with 99 National Member Bodies, 77 of which are recognised by their respective National Olympic Committees.
From the first televised competitions in the 1960s to achieving full recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 1997, the WDSF has played a defining role in transforming DanceSport into a respected, modern and inclusive discipline. The recent Olympic debut of Breaking at Paris 2024 marked a historic turning point and a powerful symbol of our sport’s evolution.
Yet innovation has not stopped there. In recent years, WDSF has expanded its programme to embrace Disco Dance, Stage Dance, Caribbean Dances, and Hip Hop, offering vibrant new platforms for expression, athleticism, and creativity. Each discipline reflects our commitment to embracing cultural diversity and supporting the growth of DanceSport in all its forms.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future. With our Annual General Meeting in Bucharest on 15 June 2025, a new chapter awaits—one shaped by shared purpose, inclusivity, and ambition.
— Shawn Tay, WDSF President“Our 68th anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to progress. From Breaking’s Olympic debut to the expansion into new and dynamic disciplines, WDSF stands ready to lead DanceSport into a brighter, broader future.”
Here’s to the next steps on our collective journey—For the Good of DanceSport and the Athletes!
Stay tuned to our official channels for updates, behind-the-scenes content and the best moments of our competitions:
Instagram: WDSF DanceSport
YouTube: DanceSportTotal
Facebook: WDSF DanceSport
TikTok: WDSF DanceSport
Let’s keep celebrating the passion, talent, and artistry of DanceSport!