Burgas will host the World Junior Championship in 10 dances and the European under-21 championship in standard dances on 26 September 2026, both at the Mladost hall. It's the first time these two championships have been held together, as part of the same event.

Two of the city's leading dance clubs are organising the event: Burgas Sports Dance Club, chaired by Yavor Valchev, and Burgas 1975 Sports Dance Club, chaired by Andrey Todorov. They want Burgas to host Bulgaria's biggest dance sport event of 2026, and to help make Bulgaria a top choice for international championships.

This is the second year running that Burgas has hosted the World Junior Championship in 10 dances. This time the European under-21 championship in standard dances joins it — the first time that event has been held in Bulgaria. More than 400 competitors have already signed up for the two days of competition, and an international tournament follows on 27 September.

Kristian Donchev and Martina Kondaklieva will represent Bulgaria in the junior category. After a strong season with wins at the toughest international tournaments in their age group, the pair will fight for gold at the World Championship in 10 dances in front of a home crowd.

Bulgaria's champions Artur Vlasenko and Ivelina Karcheva will represent the country at the European under-21 championship in standard dances. Last year the pair made history, finishing fourth at the European Championship in this category, and now they're aiming for a medal at the continental event.

Organisers expect strong interest and hope to fill the Mladost hall to back Bulgaria's competitors.

The opening ceremony starts at 7pm on Saturday, 26 September, at the Mladost hall, with a parade of national flags from every competing country. The event continues on 27 September with an international dance sport tournament.