Impressive Turnout at the First WDSF World Championships Solo Latin in Calvia, Spain 15/11/2023

The 2023 season witnessed a remarkable series of “firsts” in the world of competitive DanceSport. With a flurry of "first-ever" titles, the spotlight was on the historic weekend at the Palma de Mallorca, Spain, hosting the inaugural WDSF World Championships in Solo Latin.

The Spanish DanceSport Federation (FEDB) and Jordi Fabrega organized a historical event that included three title competitions: the WDSF World Championship Solo Latin Female in Junior II, Youth, and Adult. These competitions not only marked the advent of Solo Latin but also signified a shift towards broader inclusivity within DanceSport.

The World Championship Solo Latin Female attracted an impressive turnout, with 83 athletes from 26 countries in Junior II, 65 athletes from 18 countries in Youth, and 35 athletes from 18 countries in Adult.

In the WDSF World Championships Junior II Solo Latin Female, Mariagrazia Manico (ITA) won gold medal, Irene Costa Jimeno (ESP) earned silver, and Li Jie Yu (TPE) achieved bronze.

In the WDSF World Championships Youth Solo Latin Female, Mariam Spadafina (ITA) won the gold medal, Jasmin Nicole Balat (TUR) achieved the silver medal, and Francesca Manesi (ITA) secured the bronze medal.

In the WDSF World Championships Adult Solo Latin Female, Alessia Pecchia (ITA) clinched the gold medal, Ivona Curic (BIH) earned the silver medal, and Chen Jr Yu (TPE) achieved the bronze medal.

When asked to describe how she felt when the results were announced, Alessia Pecchia expressed it to be an outburst of emotions. She remarked exuberantly, “seeing my name on the WDSF result list is a dream come true: that scene I only saw through a screen, I experienced it firsthand on my skin, and this gives me the strength to say that I am heading in the right direction. The sportsmanship of the athletes, the atmosphere, and the impeccable organization made everything more special.”*

The WDSF Sports Department is actively promoting various new choreographic styles, including categories such as Duo and Synchro, expanding the horizons beyond the traditional pillars of Standard and Latin dances, which predominantly focus on couple dancing and partner choreography.

The addition of the competition categories in Solo Latin and Standard acknowledges the evolving landscape of DanceSport. Although the traditions of Standard and Latin encompass the artistry of connection between dance partners, the shift to include a wider variety of dance styles provides an important avenue for athletes who might not have a dance partner. Additionally, Solo Latin and Standard opens doors for individual expression and creativity.

“It's a discipline that's emerging, and from my point of view, it's a mix of technique and a lot of personality. You can play around by incorporating elements from other dances without distorting the discipline of Latin dances.”*

“Unlike couple dancing, the ultimate partner is the audience, and in my opinion, the most beautiful aspect of this discipline is the connection you're able to establish with people who get excited and move you. This discipline makes me feel like a star; there's an incredibly strong energy flowing through my body that's hard to explain in words. Dancing Solo Latin has given me an awareness of who I want to be; it simply brings out Alessia. If at the beginning I was flooded with doubts and uncertainties, today I can say I've found my place, my path.”*
–    Alessia Pecchia, WDSF World Championships Adult Solo Latin Winner

Alongside these inaugural championships, the Mallorca Dance Festival played host to the European Championship Senior II standard, WDSF Solo Standard Female, WDSF International Open Latin, WDSF choreographic Latin, alongside a myriad of events.

As Solo Latin and Standard takes its place alongside long-established categories, it promises an exciting and inclusive future for DanceSport athletes and enthusiasts alike.

* Quotes are translated from Italian language by the interviewer, Isabelle Tay