The Spaniard's appointment has been approved by the WDSF Presidium, and Nifontov replaces Guillaume Felli with immediate effect.

Nifontov is credited with having been a dancer since the age of five and has already served the WDSF in a variety of roles, including sports officer in Spain and as an adjudicator.

"Through hard work, commitment and passion, I look forward to supporting all athletes, contributing to the WDSF, and to all our National Member Bodies," Nifontov said.

"It is a great opportunity and I am honoured for the trust the Presidium has shown in me."

Nifontov takes the role just under three years before breaking is due to make its Olympic debut.

"Being absolutely aware of the critical situation in the world and given the fact of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recognition and the inclusion in the Olympic Summer Games in Paris 2024, I am absolutely positive about the bright future of the WDSF," added Nifontov.

"With DanceSport increasingly being in the global spotlight, opportunities for athletes, WDSF and all member bodies will be enormous going forward.

"I look forward to working collaboratively with the IOC and making new connections."

Nifontov's first order of business as general secretary will be to attend the IOC’s in-person International Federation Transition Seminar in Lausanne next month, the WDSF said.

It was also underlined that Nifontov - who co-founded a course at the Conservatorio Superior de Danza de Alicante which offers Spain's only bachelor’s degree in DanceSport - "enjoys a good working relationship" with senior WDSF management.