About the project

The scenic dance is purely a Czech movement. It has no parallels anywhere else in the world. Particularly the scene focused on children’s dance is unique and original; because of the concept, its tradition, and number of people who dedicate their energy to the cause.  Therefore we should cherish it, protect it as family silverware.

In order to preserve this treasure, we have decided to create a database of examples of the work that we think is in some sense unique. These examples do not map the entire period in the field of children’s scenic dance, they are more of an example of an overall development of this movement.

One of the great characteristics of children’s scenic dance is the variety of approaches one can assume in the perspective of this kind of creative work. The resulting form is a scenic composition; however, it is supported and backed up by a long process of pedagogical work. Thus, the examples should be approached from two points of view – from the point of view of choreography and pedagogy.

Sometimes the process which the little dancer undergoes or the method the pedagogue chooses to guide the child towards a certain goal are more valuable than the result itself. Other times, the composition and its performance are more important.

Our aim is not to point out the perfection. The child, to which this whole project is dedicated, evolves and goes through some changes – not only as a dancer but also as a human being. When it is depicted in a certain moment, in the example of the work, we need to keep in mind that it is depicted in a certain moment of development, certain stage of evolution, which can be and often is a long journey. Moreover, the example comes from a recording of a live performance. The child has to overcome such obstacles as nervousness, different space, and small technical mistakes. This may be risky but also charming thing stemming from the experience of a live dance performance.

The goal of our project is to gather successful compositions of children’s companies of scenic dance and to offer them as an inspiration or motivation to all who are interested or work in this field. That is why we also include analyses that accompany the selected examples. Their aim is to draw attention to some aspects of the composition that place it above the average; to pay attention to details that might provide inspiration or guidance to the others.