1. Dance sport

1.1. The history of sports ballroom dances

Ballroom dance is a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world, and growing all the more popular in North America. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television.

Ballroom dance may refer, at its widest definition, to almost any type of partner dancing as recreation. However, with the emergence of dance sport in modern times, the term has become narrower in scope. Traditionally, the term refers to the five International Standard and five International Latin style dances. The two styles, while differ in technique, rhythm and costumes, exemplify core elements of ballroom dancing such as control and cohesiveness. Developed in England, the two styles are now regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC). In the United States, two additional variations are popular: American Smooth and American Rhythm, which combine elements of both traditional Latin and Ballroom dances.

There are also a number of historical dances, and local or national dances, which may be danced in ballrooms or salons. Sequence dancing, in pairs or other formations, is still a popular style of ballroom dance.

The term 'ballroom dancing' is derived from the word ball, which in turn originates from the Latin word ballare which means 'to dance' (a ball-room being a large room specially designed for such dances). In times past, ballroom dancing was social dancing for the privileged, leaving folk dancing for the lower classes. These boundaries have since become blurred, and it should be noted even in times long gone, many ballroom dances were really elevated folk dances. The definition of ballroom dance also depends on the era: balls have featured popular dances of the day such as the Minuet, Quadrille, Polonaise, Polka, Mazurka, and others, which are now considered to be historical dances.

"Ballroom dance" refers most often to the ten dances of International Ballroom (or Standard) and International Latin, though the term is also often used interchangeably with the five International Ballroom dances. Sequence dancing, which is danced predominantly in the United Kingdom, is also sometimes included as a type of Ballroom dancing.

1.2. Dance accepted as sport

With the WDSF predecessor organization, the International Council of Amateur Dancers, opting to change its name to International Dance Sport Federation (and later again to World Dance Sport Federation), it affirmed its vision of dance as sport - in the true sense of the word - and set out to establish it within the international sporting movement.

Abandoning the previous policy of “splendid isolation,” Dance Sport was soon able to join the world sports movement.

By 1992 WDSF had become a full member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (Sport Accord), an umbrella organization made up of more than 100 sports governing bodies. Soon thereafter, Dance Sport was recognized by the International Olympic Committee and thus became eligible to be included in the Olympic Program.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) first recognized dance sport in September 1997.

In order to be recognized Dance sport had to meet strict criteria governing universality, popularity, governance, athlete welfare and development. The WDSF's statutes must conform with the Olympic Charter and as such the WDSF must enforce comprehensive anti-doping policies that comply with WADA's anti-doping code; continue to stage world championships and implement youth development programs.

There are various criteria which sports must fulfil to be included in the games; these criteria now include conditions that the new sport should increase the appeal of the games, the sports should have an emphasis on youth and development and there should be global participation – at least 75 countries must be involved worldwide. The WDSF argues dance sport should be included as an Olympic Medal Sport because: it has gender parity; it has so far been free of doping, it has a large audience world-wide, venues would be easy to find and the competition could easily be run over two days.

“Dance Sport has grown up and has gained prestige all over the world.” – said J.A. Samaranch, IOC Honorary President (1920 – 2010).

As WDSF strives to attain its declared objectives, it will never cease to develop and promote Dance Sport further. After the 2002 Olympic Program Commission Report has confirmed the sport's eligibility for admission to future Olympic Games, and after it has defined the objective criteria that will need to be met by the candidates, WDSF is now preparing Dance Sport’s bid for inclusion into the 2024 Games. The most elusive goals are worth pursuing; they convert the pursuit itself into continuous self-improvement.