About the project:

Dance for My City is a participatory art project that uses dance and movement to connect diverse communities across České Budějovice. It is built on the idea that dance is a universal language—regardless of age, background, or experience. The project will culminate in a spectacular performance in the public spaces of the Máj housing estate, intertwining the stories of various local groups into a single collective narrative.

The project follows in the footsteps of Ode for My City (2024) and Picture for My City (2025).

Layer 1 · The Core of the Piece

The Story

Personal experiences and everyday reality embodied through dance—the foundation upon which everything else is built.

At the very beginning of the performance is the story, emerging from a collaboration with Romani children from the Máj housing estate. Their relationship to the area, their daily experiences, and their skills intertwine into a choreography that forms the core of the entire piece.

Here, dance is neither a performance nor a competition—it is a safe and natural language of expression.

Who is involved

• Romani children from the Máj housing estate, working in collaboration with an artist from the Magic Carpets platform and the hROM organization.

How the collaboration works

Regular sessions take place every Thursday afternoon as part of hROM's field services. In August, a summer day camp is organized for the children as part of an artistic residency.

What the project offers the children and the community

• A meaningful summer activity with a structured program

• The opportunity to work with professional artists acting as role models and mentors

• A space to tell their own story through means other than words

• Boosting self-esteem, visibility, and a sense of belonging to the city

• Connecting organizations that work with the Romani community

Layer 2 · Dance Communities

Battle 

Dance schools, folklore ensembles, and movement groups from across the city and region become part of the story

We have reached out to established dance communities in České Budějovice—ranging from dance schools of various genres to folklore ensembles and movement groups. Each group will bring its own interpretation of the shared choreography, becoming an integral part of the performance's narrative. Connecting different genres, age groups, and social backgrounds is one of the core aims of the entire project.

Who is involved

• Dance schools of various genres, folklore ensembles, and movement groups from České Budějovice and the surrounding area.

What the project offers to the dance communities

• A spotlight on each specific community and its work as part of a major event

• The opportunity to connect with other genres and creators across generations and social backgrounds

• Becoming an active part of their own city's story

• Performing in a unique outdoor space with professional stage production support

Layer 3 · The General Public

Flashmob

One simple choreography for everyone—an experience, not a surprise. Dance as an integral part of public space.

The third layer opens the project to absolutely everyone. Through a simple, shared choreography, the general public can get involved—whether they learn it in advance online or join in right on the spot. We see this flashmob primarily as a shared experience and a feeling of togetherness, rather than just a surprise moment on the street.

It also carries the potential for viral sharing on social media—a simple dance motif that anyone can film and share.

Who is involved?

• Anyone—enthusiasts, families, passersby. Online and live!

What the project offers to the public

• Becoming part of a dance performance with no prior experience needed

• Connecting with other participants and a sense of togetherness

• Revitalizing public space—dance as a natural part of the street

• A unique experience for people who wouldn't otherwise seek out dance

• The option to join online or physically—each at their own pace