Verena Sulek Reflects on the Future of WDSF's Professional Division and Her New Role as Honorary President
The recent gathering in Warsaw offered a valuable opportunity to discuss the future of the Professional Division (PD) within the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF). Verena Sulek, a longstanding PD Director and now Honorary President for Life, shared her insights on the priorities and structural changes expected to shape the division in the coming months.
PD's Upcoming Priorities and Championship Commitments
As Sulek explained, the final months of 2024 will be focused on the implementation of decisions made at the PD AGM. “The last two months of 2024 will be very busy,” Sulek remarked, outlining her schedule for the PD Championships still to come: the World Standard in Dresden, Germany; the World Showdance Standard and Latin in Šamorín, Slovakia; and the December competitions, including the World Standard for Masterclass and European Standard in Sitges, Spain, where the last PD Super Grand Prix Latin of the year will be held.
Honoured as Honorary President for Life
Reflecting on her new lifetime title as Honorary President of the Professional Division, Sulek noted her hope for PD’s evolution as a “Premier Division” within the WDSF structure. With changes on the horizon for Standard and Latin disciplines, she envisions a new role for the PD. “I hope it will remain as a brand and that its meaning could in the future fulfil my vision to become a ‘Premier Division’ in the necessary pyramidal structure of Standard and Latin dances in WDSF.”
AGM Preparations and a Positive Reception
Discussing the lead-up to the AGM, Sulek acknowledged the challenges she faced in proposing gradual restructuring for the Professional Division during 2025. She was pleased to find her colleagues in the WDSF Presidium, PD Management Board, and the PD Athletes’ representative were united in their support. “I was pleasantly surprised that the idea has been accepted unanimously... With such a high level of consensus,” Sulek shared, expressing her gratitude for the recognition of her almost two decades of dedication to the PD.
Shawn Tay, WDSF President, expressed his deep appreciation for Verena Sulek's dedication:
"Verena's unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have been instrumental in shaping the Professional Division over nearly two decades. Her contributions have not only strengthened DanceSport's professional landscape but have also inspired a lasting legacy. We are honoured to recognize her as Honorary President for Life, and we look forward to her continued guidance as we advance toward an even brighter future for the Professional Division."
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