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A Turkish dancer has secured a major international title at one of the world’s most prominent DanceSport events, marking what officials describe as a historic moment for Türkiye.
National athlete Batu Sandiraz and his Lithuanian partner Emelija Incilaite won a gold medal at the Winter Gardens Blackpool competition in England.
The duo placed first in the “rising star standard” category, achieving what Turkish sports authorities called a historic success for the country’s DanceSport scene.
In a statement shared on X, Türkiye’s General Directorate of Sports Services said: “A historic success in DanceSport… Emelija Incilaite and Batu Sandıraz won the gold medal, marking a milestone achievement for Turkish DanceSport.”
The result places the pair among the top emerging competitors in the standard ballroom category, which includes traditional partner dances judged on technique, posture, and synchronization.
The victory comes during the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival, held at the historic Winter Gardens venue in Blackpool, a longstanding center of international ballroom competitions.
According to organizers, around 1,400 athletes from 52 countries are participating in this year’s event, which includes competitions across multiple age groups and disciplines.
The festival opened with the WDSF Open Congress, where adjudicators, athletes, and officials gathered for training sessions and certification exams aimed at maintaining global competition standards.
WDSF President Shawn Tay emphasized the importance of education and consistency in judging, stating that the event reflects the federation’s commitment to excellence across international competitions.
Following the congress, the competition program began, featuring events in standard and Latin categories across junior, youth, and adult divisions.
The Blackpool event, hosted in venues such as the Empress Ballroom and Spanish Hall, continues to serve as a key stage for emerging talent and established competitors alike, with performances drawing global audiences both in person and online.
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