Behind the Scenes of the IDO World Discofox Championships: An Organizer's Journey to Bringing Dance to Life in Frankfurt (Oder)

Dive with us into a conversation with the organizer of the upcoming IDO World Discofox Championships in Frankfurt (Oder). This event, held in the vibrant city of Frankfurt (Oder), promises an extraordinary experience for both dancers and spectators, blending high-caliber competition with cultural charm.

From the fantastic venue at Messehalle Frankfurt (Oder) to the city's supportive sports culture and scenic beauty, every aspect has been thoughtfully planned to create an unforgettable event. Our guest today, Marco Kuehne, from Tanzsportclub Frankfurt (Oder) e.V. brings not only a wealth of experience in dance but also a deep passion for Discofox and competitive dance culture. We'll explore their journey in organizing this multinational event, learn about what dancers can look forward to, and gain insights into the qualities that make for a successful competition organizer.

Let's delve into the dedication, vision, and excitement behind bringing the IDO competition to life with Marco Kuehne, from Tanzsportclub Frankfurt (Oder) e.V. !

1. Can you share some background about you and your experience in IDO and IDO organizing competitions? How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

“I've been involved in dance for many years, with a focus on Discofox and a commitment to growing the sport. This will be my first time organizing a large-scale, multinational IDO event, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of our dance club. Five words to describe myself: curious, passionate, determined, organized, and creative.”

2. What inspired you to become an organizer of the IDO competition, and how did you get started in this role?

“The idea came from a personal passion for dance and a desire to bring the excitement of international competition to our local community. We believed that Frankfurt (Oder), with its supportive sports culture, would be the perfect setting. With the support of our dance club, the city, and the strong connections and friendships we’ve built in the German Discofox community, we embarked on organizing the first IDO World Discofox Championships in Frankfurt (Oder) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our dance club. We’re also grateful for the contributions of our sponsors, whose support has made this event possible.”

3. What to expect from the city where you are organizing the IDO competition? (more about the best features regarding the competition ex. amazing hall, shopping, sightseeing, etc.)

“Frankfurt (Oder) is a city with a strong sports culture and a long-standing commitment to supporting competitive events. The venue for the competition, Messehalle Frankfurt (Oder), has fantastic features for dance, including a real wood parquet floor and an excellent sound system – perfect for the energy of a world championship. The city also offers lovely spots for sightseeing and relaxation along the Oder River, historical sites, and opportunities for shopping and dining. We’re excited for dancers and guests to experience the charm and hospitality that Frankfurt (Oder) has to offer!”


4. For dancers interested in participating, can you give us some more information to help them prepare for and make the most of the competition experience? What to expect from your competition?

“Dancers can expect a well-organized, welcoming event with everything in place for a fantastic competition experience. Check-in opens at 14:00, so please arrive in good time. The open rehearsal on the dance floor is from 15:00 to 16:00 to allow dancers time to adjust to the floor. The main hall will open to the public at 16:00. The official opening ceremony begins at 16:30 with an 'Entry of Nations,' where one couple from each country enters the hall, followed by a group entrance and welcome photo with all competitors – so please be dressed and ready. Our venue, Messehalle Frankfurt (Oder), offers excellent facilities, including a high-quality wooden dance floor, great sound, and spacious practice areas. Dedicated teams will assist with information, coordination, and logistics throughout. We encourage dancers to bring a spirit of friendly competition and to enjoy both the event and the cultural charm of Frankfurt (Oder)!”


5. How do you handle logistical aspects, such as venue selection, scheduling, and participant registration, to ensure a smooth and successful event?

“We start planning about one to two years in advance. Our venue, Messehalle Frankfurt (Oder), was chosen for its excellent facilities and accessibility. Scheduling and participant registration are carefully managed with dedicated teams to make sure all logistics are handled smoothly. We rely on online registration and regular communication with participants to address any questions or needs they may have in the lead-up to the event.”


6. What challenges do you typically face when organizing a competition, and how do you overcome them?

“Funding is one of the main challenges, as dance sports often don’t receive as much financial support as other sports. We are fortunate to have local sponsors and the backing of our city to make this event a reality. Additionally, coordinating volunteers and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day requires careful planning and team collaboration.”


7. What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful competition organizer?

"A successful organizer starts with a vision – a big-picture idea of what the event should be and how it will inspire both participants and the audience. From the beginning, there will be obstacles to overcome, and having the resilience and determination to push through these early challenges is crucial.

Beyond that, attention to detail, flexibility, resilience, and a genuine passion for dance are key qualities. It’s essential to anticipate the needs of participants, troubleshoot in real-time, and keep the focus on creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Organizing such a large event also means relying on a handful of skilled, trusted people who can manage specific aspects, like logistics, technical support, and participant coordination. These team members are invaluable, as they ensure that the event flows smoothly, allowing the organizer to focus on the vision and overall success of the competition."

8. Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging competition that you have organized in the past?

"The journey to organizing the World Championship in Discofox started well before this year. We held two major warm-up events in the same hall: the TAF German Masters Discofox on 16.07.2022 and the TAF Deutschland Cup Discofox on 30.09.2023. These competitions allowed us to practice and perfect everything needed for this dance style and venue.

Throughout these events, we received invaluable feedback from adjudicators and couples, all of whom praised the venue’s suitability for a world championship. These warm-up competitions helped us fine-tune the logistics, acoustics, and layout, preparing us in the best possible way for hosting a world-class event like the IDO World Championship."


9. Can you share your personal favourite memory or performance from past IDO championships?

“For my wife Lisa and me, our first IDO World Championship in Discofox in 2019 in Bietigheim-Bissingen will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was an incredible experience as a new couple to share the dance floor with around 20 of the world’s best couples, knowing that one of us would soon be crowned world champion. The energy was electric, and the camaraderie among the dancers was unforgettable. That moment truly ignited our passion for competition and solidified our commitment to the growth of Discofox worldwide.”


10. Please share with us your message to the IDO dance community.

"Thank you for your passion, dedication, and support in making dance such an exciting and inclusive community. Together, we are constantly raising the bar and inspiring each other. Keep dancing, keep challenging yourselves, and enjoy every moment on the floor. We can’t wait to welcome you all to Frankfurt (Oder) for this unforgettable event!

We hope that every couple will enjoy the competition and the venue, and that next time, even more couples and nations will join us to celebrate Discofox. Our goal is to bring Disco Hustle back to the top of IDO events, where it truly belongs."


Dear Marco, thank you for your time and all the best at the championships.

Gaynor Johnson.