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DanceSport

Evolution of
Dance as a Sport

From social halls to international arenas: DanceSport is the evolution of partner and performance dance into a recognized global sport. Emerging from the traditions of ballroom and swing, it combines artistry, rhythm, and creativity with the discipline and precision of athletic competition. Today, DanceSport spans diverse styles and is celebrated worldwide for uniting culture and sport on the biggest stages.

Elegant flow

The Athletic
Expression of Dance

DanceSport is the official term for dance as a recognized sport discipline. Governed internationally by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and supported by national federations worldwide, it elevates the artistry of dance into the framework of structured competition.

Uniting technique, creativity, rhythm, and athletic performance, DanceSport embraces the elegance of the Standard ballroom dances—Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep—together with the passion and flair of the Latin dances—Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Each discipline has its own rules, judging systems, and competitive formats, yet all are bound by the same foundation: excellence in movement, expression, and sport.

What makes DanceSport unique is its ability to bridge two worlds:

  • As a sport, it demands discipline, training, strength, and precision.
  • As an art form, it embodies creativity, storytelling, and cultural heritage.

Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, DanceSport continues to evolve, offering dancers across generations the opportunity to compete, perform, and inspire on the global stage.

Official Rules

The DanceSport rules set clear standards for performance, judging, safety, and competition conduct, ensuring fairness and consistency while preserving the sport’s artistic and athletic spirit.

Our Judges

WFADS judges are certified experts who ensure fairness, consistency, and integrity in every competition, upholding the highest international standards.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Everything You Need to Know About Acro Swing

DanceSport is the official term for dance as a recognized sport discipline. It transforms the artistry of dance into structured competition, combining creativity, rhythm, and expression with athletic skill and precision.

DanceSport is traditionally divided into two main categories:

  • Standard Dances – Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep

  • Latin Dances – Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive

Competitions are evaluated on a range of criteria including technique, musicality, partnership, choreography, expression, and athletic performance. Each discipline follows its own judging system set by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF).

Yes. DanceSport is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is featured in various international multi-sport events. Its recognition continues to grow as both a sport and cultural expression.

DanceSport is open to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from youth beginners to elite professionals. Many clubs, schools, and federations worldwide offer training and competition opportunities.

While social dance focuses on enjoyment and community, DanceSport emphasizes structured competition, technical mastery, and athletic performance, blending artistry with sport.

DanceSport bridges two worlds:

  • As a sport, it requires discipline, training, strength, and precision.

  • As an art form, it embodies creativity, musicality, storytelling, and cultural heritage.

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