The Eternal City hosted a spectacular start to the WDSF GrandSlam festival on October 2, 2026, featuring fierce World and European Championship battles.
Rome, Italy – October 2, 2026, marked the electrifying start of a major international DanceSport spectacle as the WDSF GrandSlam festival descended upon the Eternal City. The PalaPellicone in Lido di Ostia became the epicenter of world-class dancing, hosting a series of prestigious competitions, including World and European Championships, setting a high bar for the days to follow.
The opening day was packed with high-stakes contests, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication within the global DanceSport community. The WDSF World Championship Under 21 Solo Latin Female saw Italy’s own Denise Quadrini deliver a captivating performance that earned her the gold medal and a standing ovation from the home crowd. Vietnam’s Nguyen Hoang Ngoc secured a strong second place, with Beyza Mermutluoglu of Turkey rounding out the podium in third, highlighting the growing international competitiveness in the Solo Latin category.
Next, the WDSF World Championship Under 21 Ten Dance brought a dazzling display of versatility and endurance. Polish duo Tymon Olejarz and Wiktoria Kurda commanded the floor with their powerful and precise routines across all ten dances, ultimately clinching the World Champion title. Lithuania’s Kristupas Mlinskas and Liepa Rudnickaite earned the silver, while David Parsegian and Anna Elchaninova from Armenia took home the bronze, demonstrating exceptional skill in this demanding discipline.
The intensity continued with the WDSF European Championship Adult PD Ten Dance. This professional division event showcased seasoned performers at the peak of their craft. In a masterful display of elegance and athleticism, Italian couple Lorenzo Alberetti and Aleksandra Raskatova were crowned European Champions, delivering a performance that resonated with both judges and spectators.
While the main GrandSlam Standard and Latin competitions were scheduled for the subsequent days, October 2nd undeniably set a thrilling precedent for the entire festival. The atmosphere was electric, filled with passionate fans and the palpable energy of dancers pushing the boundaries of their artistry. Rome once again proved itself a magnificent stage for DanceSport, celebrating the dedication and passion that drives these elite athletes.
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On October 2, 2026, Rome hosted the WDSF World Championship Under 21 Solo Latin Female, the WDSF World Championship Under 21 Ten Dance, and the WDSF European Championship Adult PD Ten Dance.
Denise Quadrini of Italy claimed the gold in the U21 Solo Latin Female World Championship, while Poland's Tymon Olejarz and Wiktoria Kurda triumphed in the U21 Ten Dance World Championship.
