After hosting the 2009 World Games, Greater Kaohsiung is to host the first World DanceSport Games scheduled for September next year at the city’s K-Arena.
Greater Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) and World DanceSport Federation president Carlos Freitag on Thursday signed a letter of intent on the city’s appointment as the official host of the Games, which will be held from Sept. 23 to Sept. 29.
A dance performance was staged by professional ballroom dancers and students from Hanmin Elementary School in the city to promote the Games.
More than 700 world-class dancers are expected to dance in 13 competition categories, including latin, salsa, hip-hop and ballroom dancing.
In addition to inviting top-notch dancers to the city, Freitag said a variety of dance training courses and workshops would also be staged in conjunction with the dance extravaganza.
“Dance sport was one of the highlights in the World Games 2009 in Kaohsiung, which drew more than 15,000 spectators. Next year, the city will step up its efforts and invite people from around the country to enjoy more advanced and breathtaking dancing skills in a world-class competition,” Chen said.
“We are endeavoring to bring Kaohsiung to the international community as a city with a sporting image, convenient transportation system, optimal venues and a group of enthusiastic people,” she added.
According to the city’s Department of Sports, Greater Kaohsiung plans to continue its bid for the 2015 SportAccord International Convention, the first World Artistic Games, the World Mind Sports Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
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