Paris Olympics was a landmark moment for DanceSport

DanceSport is evolving into a dynamic global sport, blending athleticism and artistry. WDSF President Shawn Tay shares insights on its Olympic journey, growth strategies, and future vision. From Breaking's Paris 2024 debut to expanding grassroots participation, Tay discusses how DanceSport is strengthening its presence on the world stage during an exclusive interview with Sports Champ

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DanceSport is growing as a competitive art and athletic discipline worldwide. What is your long-term vision for its expansion on the global stage?

My long-term vision is largely reflected in “Agenda 2032,” the WDSF’s strategic roadmap for the future of DanceSport, published in January 2024. We are ambitious about global expansion, but it must be pursued sustainably.

To begin with, we aim to increase our budget by 25 per cent by 2032, enabling us to take a more proactive approach on all fronts. This includes expanding the number of National Member Bodies to 120, with at least 90 recognised by their National Olympic Committees. We are also working on enhancing our marketing and communication strategies while strengthening educational programmes across all disciplines.

In terms of growing our sport, we are adopting a multi-faceted approach targeting all stakeholders—athletes, officials, coaches, and fans. This involves increasing the number of dancers globally, offering more educational and introductory workshops and competitions, launching a global marketing campaign to boost viewership, and ensuring our disciplines remain in or are added to major multi-sport events such as the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, World Games, Asian Games, and more.

I strongly believe that sustainable growth requires a collective effort at global (WDSF), national (NMBs), and local levels. That is why, in my tenure as WDSF President, I have continuously advocated for greater cooperation, solidarity, and unity among stakeholders.

Breaking has been included in the Paris 2024 Olympics under DanceSport. How significant is this milestone for the sport, and what steps are being taken to ensure its success?