On February 7–8, Kyiv CEC Parkovy hosted Freedom to People Dance Festival 2026 — a Ukrainian national ballroom dance tournament that was held at this new venue for the first time. The event brought together 648 dancers, 202 couples, and 260 solo participants — a total of 877 entries from across Ukraine.
The tournament was organized by Nataliia Kostylieva, Denys Korostashov, and Yaroslav Halai with the support of VRST, ASTMK, and the Kyiv City Department of Youth and Sports. The general partner of the event was the logistics company FTP.
The competition program was divided into two days: the first featured the Standard program (slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, and quickstep), while the second day was dedicated to the Latin American program (cha-cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, and jive). The competition covered 50 categories — from the youngest debutants to adult professionals.
Participants were evaluated by an international judging panel:
- Jonathan Wilkins (United Kingdom) — Blackpool, UK, and International Vice-Champion among professionals,
- Marek Kosaty (Poland) — Blackpool, UK, and International Champion among amateurs,
- Sergiu Rusu — multiple-time champion of Blackpool Dance Festival, UK Open, and European WDC Amateur League,
- Damir and Anna Haluzan — Blackpool Dance Festival Vice-Champions among world amateurs,
- Dirk Bastard (Germany),
- Jakub Rubicki — co-organizer of the World Dance Organizers World Championship.
The event occupied the entire third floor of the venue.
Convention and Concert Hall with an area of 750 sq.m was set up with a dance floor for the competition, a stage for hosts and judges, as well as a seating area with banquet tables and theatre-style seating for spectators.
The conference zones housed partner stands, photo zones, and space for professional stylists and dance shops.
The organizers have an ambitious goal — to create a world-class tournament in Ukraine. And after Victory — to host European and World Championships.
Freedom to People is first and foremost about supporting Ukrainian children who, despite difficult circumstances, continue to dance and pursue their goals.
Parkovy is proud to be the venue where dancers from all over Ukraine compete for victory and inspire one another.
