Brno Open 2026 will bring the world's top dance elite and the Junior World Championship in Standard to Brno!

On October 17–18, 2026, Brno will host Brno Open 2026 – WDSF World Championship Junior II Standard, a prestigious international dancesport competition that annually attracts hundreds of dancers and thousands of spectators.

The host of this year's edition will be the modern MUNI Campus Ball Sports Hall, which will provide ideal facilities for the two-day dance program.

Dance couples from the Czech Republic and especially from abroad will perform on the dance floor, competing in standard and Latin American dance categories across age and skill levels, as part of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) competition series.

We expect around 700 sports couples from 40 countries and 4 continents to participate in this year's Brno Open!

The highlight of Saturday's program will be the Junior World Championship in Standard, where the Czech dance couple David Kasal – Sára Odstrčilová will be fighting for medals!

Viewers can look forward to dancing youth combined with the experience of adult dance couples, who will be competing for points on the world rankings in the WDSF World Open new series competition.

Brno Open is among the significant sporting dance events in Europe and regularly brings not only top dancers to the city, but also coaches, referees, and fans of this elegant sport.

The competition thus represents not only a sporting but also a social event that strengthens Brno's international prestige as a center of sport and culture.

„Our goal is to create a competition at the highest organizational and sporting level, which will offer great conditions for dancers and at the same time an attractive spectacle for spectators,“ state the organizers of the event, Jan Tománek and Martin Odstrčil.

The competition program under the auspices of the World DanceSport Federation will take place on both days and will include a wide spectrum of categories from junior to adult dance couples.

In addition to the competition rounds, the event will also feature a festive Saturday GALA EVENING with the final rounds of the highest WDSF World Open Latin category and the Junior World Championships in Standard.

The traditional competition between the partner cities of Brno (Vienna, Bratislava, Leipzig, Stuttgart, Kaunas, Brno) will also take place during the GALA EVENING as the PARTNER CUP.

Basic information:
Event Name: Brno Open 2026
Date: October 17–18, 2026
Venue: Ball sports hall MUNI Campus, Brno
Event Type: International Ballroom Dancing Competition

In Velké Pavlovice, at the foot of Poštor hill, where grapevines have been cultivated for over 400 years, lie the vineyards of the Wine Breeding Station.

Its history began in 1901.
Grape varieties Pálava, Aurelius, André, and Agni are associated with Šlechtitelka, as is the apricot variety Velkopavlovická. Grape crossing began here in 1953. The company currently manages nearly 50 hectares of its own vineyards.

Since 2009, the current owners, Jarmila and Vladimír Poliak, along with their team, have been enhancing this beautiful piece of land with vineyards.

In addition to the production hall, the André Wine Guesthouse has been built here since 2013.

Its pride, in addition to the interiors and exteriors, is a wine archive dating back to 1951. The guest house surroundings are complemented by ornamental gardens, an educational trail with 180 grape varieties, and a rose garden with over 700 rose bushes. Children will be delighted by Grandma's Farm with its domestic animals.

In the restaurant, you can taste not only culinary specialties but also organic wine musts. The menu also features honey from our own apiaries, as well as homemade apricot and sour cherry jam.

Come and open this book full of stories not only about wines with a pedigree, but also let yourself be pampered in our guesthouse in the middle of the vineyards.

Vratislav Nakvasil

An unforgettable evening of world dance sport took place at the Starez Arena Vodova in Brno, where more than 4,000 spectators filled the stands for two extraordinary WDSF World Championships in Latin American Dance – Adults and the WDSF World Championship in Show Dance Standard – Adults.
An amazing atmosphere, a live broadcast on Czech Television, and dedicated fans once again confirm Brno as one of the most significant cities in the dance world.

CELEBRATION OF DANCE AND EMOTION
The stadium came alive from the very first moments – the electrifying crowd enthusiastically cheered, especially the performances of a few pairs.

Although the audience warmly supported all the contestants, every time the Czech couple entered the dance floor, thunderous applause echoed through the arena – a true celebration of home pride.

The event garnered exceptional attention thanks to Czech Television, the media, and extensive coverage on the social media channels of ČSTS, Kometa Family, and WDSF, supported by a live campaign with billboards, influencers, and digital promotion.

GREATEST MOMENTS AND RESULTS 
WDSF World Championship - Latin Adult
The competition brought exceptional performances throughout the day, culminating in a grand opening ceremony before the highly anticipated semifinals.

Excitement reached its peak as Jakub Lipowski and Tereza Kučerová (CZE) qualified for the final – to the immense joy of the home crowd.

The final itself was a celebration of rhythm and art – it included a group Cha-Cha, a solo Samba, a group Paso Doble, a solo Rumba, and a final group Jive that brought the audience to their feet.

Each couple showcased their signature moves in a stunning display of skill and passion – the floor transformed into a festival of emotions.

Charles-Guillaume Schmitt and Elena Salikhova (FRA) claimed their first World Championship title in Latin American dance – an emotional triumph that left them almost speechless.

On the podium, they were joined by Guillem Pascual and Diandra-Aniela Illes (ESP), who made a strong return after Diandra's injury at the Grand Slam in Stuttgart, and Yan Bangbang and Du Yujun (CHN), who recovered from an injury that sidelined them from the Grand Slam in Rome in early October. The day was marked by comebacks, resilience, and exceptional quality.

World Championships results in Latin:
Charles-Guillaume Schmitt – Elena Salikhova (FRA)
Guillem Pascual – Diandra-Aniela Illes (ESP)
Yan Bangbang – Du Yujun (CHN)
Miculescu Ionut Alexandru – Pacurar Andra (ROU)
Malthe Brinch Rohde – Sandra Sorensen (DEN)
Jakub Lipowski – Tereza Kučerová (CZE)

After their victory, Charles-Guillaume Schmitt and Elena Salikhova expressed their heartfelt gratitude in an exclusive interview – now available on the official WDSF channel. They described the moment as „magical and unforgettable,“ amplified by the presence of their enthusiastic French fans. The interview concluded in a euphoric atmosphere as Charles and Elena were lifted and tossed into the air by their colleagues – a perfectly captured moment of joy and celebration that filled the entire arena.

WDSF World Championship – Show Dance Standard Adult
While the Latin segment captivated with rhythm, Show Dance Standard dazzled with storytelling. Artistic and athletic performances merged in a series of breathtaking displays that kept the audience in hushed anticipation.

Champions of the evening – Dmitri Kolobov and Signe Busk (DEN) – presented a captivating performance that combined flawless technique with an impressive story. After several years at the highest level – including several gold medals this year and a fourth place at the European Championships in Adult Standard Dance in Calvia in March – they deservedly took home the title of World Champions in Show Dance Standard.

The audience reacted with genuine emotion and admiration, especially during the performance of local favorites Jan Metlický and Ela Odstrčilová (CZE). This pair, who have been dancing together since 2018, won the Czech titles in Combination and Show Dance this year and achieved their first international victory at the WDSF International Open in Hradec Králové. Their elegant choreography earned them second place and a standing ovation.

Angelo Annese and Lisa Cudin (ITA) finished in third place, having won silver last year at the World Show Dance Standard Championships in Sitges.

Results:
Dmitri Kolobov – Signe Busk (DEN)
Jan Metlický – Ela Odstrčilová (CZE)
Angelo Annese – Lisa Cudin (ITA)
Andres Pohl – Magdalena Weinstabl (AUS)
Anton Kireyeu – Elizaveta Mirsaetova (AIN)
Jamie Groeneveld - Lesley Groeneveld (NED)

IMPORTANT GUESTS AND THANKS
The event enjoyed the participation of distinguished guests and representatives from the local organizing committee.
WDSF expresses gratitude to the organizing team, the Olympic Channel for media coverage, and Casa Musica for the unforgettable musical accompaniment during the final rounds.
„What we've seen today transcends medals and titles. Brno reminded us of what Dance Sport truly means – unity, creativity, and the shared joy of movement. The level of artistic expression in the Latin competition was exceptional, while the emotions and stories told through Show Dance Standard touched every heart in the arena. A powerful reminder that Dance Sport is not just a competition – it's art in motion.“

OCTOBER 19 – SECOND DAY OF THE COMPETITION
The excitement continues on Sunday, October 19th, with another full day of top-tier competitions featuring a diverse range of categories:
WDSF World Open (new series) Standard Adult
WDSF World Open (new series) Latin Adult
WDSF Open Standard Youth
WDSF Open Standard Junior I
WDSF Open Standard Junior II
WDSF Open Latin Youth
WDSF Open Latin Junior I
WDSF Open Latin Junior II
Fans can expect another day full of energy, elegance, and emotion as dancers from around the world take to the floor once again, determined to win titles, points, and the hearts of the audience. With so much talent and passion, Brno is once again becoming the beating heart of world DanceSport – and you won't want to miss a single moment.

Photos from the event: Kateřina Ryšavá

Text taken from the WDSF website

At this year's Brno Open 2025, photographer Kateřina Ryšavá will capture the competitive performances and backstage atmosphere.,

who has extensive experience photographing cultural events and also dedicates time to creating creative portraits.

This makes her photos stand out for their naturalness, originality, and eye for detail.

She photographs dance with enthusiasm because she is fascinated by its energy, elegance, and the power of the moment, and it is precisely these qualities that she tries to convey in every shot.

Her goal is to create photographs that tell stories and bring joy to everyone who sees them. You will be able to view the resulting images in the GALLERY on this website immediately after the Brno Open 2025 concludes.

Galerie Pixin (Brno Open 2025 Sales Gallery) HERE

Brno will dance the world: The World DanceSport Championship will welcome the world's elite

A unique sporting and social event will offer top performances, star personalities, and a celebratory gala evening.

Brno – This weekend, Brno will transform into the center of the world of dance sport. Dozens of top dance couples from around the world will arrive in the Moravian metropolis to compete for the world championship title at the prestigious Brno Open tournament, the largest and most significant dance competition held in the Czech Republic and Europe.

Spectators can look forward to not only a top-tier sporting spectacle, but also strong emotions, breathtaking choreography, and the festive atmosphere of a world event. Furthermore, the Czech Republic will have strong representation in the competitions and a real chance for medals.

The entire event is almost sold out, with only the last few tickets remaining for spectators who don't want to miss this top-class dance performance in person. The entire evening will also be broadcast on ČT sport.

Within the framework of Brno Open, two top-tier events under the auspices of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) will take place:

WDSF World Latin Championship
Participation of approximately 90 couples from 40 countries worldwide
The category that is most appealing to audiences
The Czech national team has high ambitions and is among the contenders for medals
WDSF World Showdance Standard Championship
15 couples from 10 countries
Unique dance stories emphasizing artistic impression
A strong showing by Czech dance couples aiming for the podium

Quote from Mr. Tománek:
„The Brno Open is a passion project for us. Every year, it brings the world's dance elite to Brno, and this year we are proud to host two world championships here. Spectators can look forward to an exceptional experience, and we believe that Czech couples will hold their own against the strong competition,“ said Jan Tománek, the main organizer of the event together with Martin Odstrčil.

 Daily program
4:00 PM – World Showdance Championship Standard – Semifinals (Top 12 couples)
5:00 PM – World Latin Championships – Quarterfinals (TOP 24 couples)
6:00 PM - „Partner Cities Cup“
(Stuttgart, Leipzig, Kaunas, Vienna, Bratislava, and Brno)
7:30 PM - Gala Evening
Performance by Veronika Lálová and Ritmo Factory
Latin World Championship Semifinals (Top 12 Couples)
World Championship Finals in Showdance Standard
World Championship Final in Latin
Kamila Tománková and Jan Onder are hosting.

The World Championships in Brno will be open to the general public, partners, and media. Visitors can look forward to a top-tier dance spectacle, a festive atmosphere, and the opportunity to personally experience the world of dance.

„Our goal is not only to host a prestigious sporting event, but also to offer an experience that people can take home with them. We want every spectator to feel the energy, elegance, and passion that competitive dance has to offer,“ adds Martin Odstrčil on behalf of the organizing team.

The organizers offer a wide range of options for journalists, partners, and other interested parties wishing to attend in person:
Exclusive interviews with TOP world dance couples (by agreement with the organizers)
Conversations with the event's ambassadors, which will include:
Anna Veselá (Annie Camell) – influencer, dancer, and singer
Veronika Lálová – StarDance winner
Dominika Rošková – Winner of Let’s Dance
Jan Onder – Multiple Winner of StarDance
Jan Tománek – StarDance judge

Accreditation for media and partners: jonas@dancesportpro.cz
Public tickets: last pieces available on the Ticketportal network

Official Event Channels

https://brnoopen.eu/ Web
https://www.facebook.com/BRNOOPEN/ Facebook
https://www.instagram.com/brno_open/ Instagram
https://www.youtube.com/@wearekometafamily. YouTube

Dear esteemed supporters of culture and dance, dear participants, dear guests,
Our beautiful city of Brno is hosting a significant event and one of the largest events in dance sport – the 2025 World Latin Dance Championship.
We are delighted that such a significant dance event is heading to Brno. As a company with a long-standing industrial tradition in Brno, we welcome the opportunity to support local culture, and one of world-class caliber at that.
Dance and construction share common values upon which we build and create a better space around us. We connect people, dreams, and reality. We pour a great deal of energy, time, precision, elegance, technique, and other components into both work and dance, through which a perfect work is created. This mastery is a celebration of human ingenuity, perseverance, and collaboration – and it is precisely these principles that inspire us in every project we undertake.
Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the dance festival. I wish all the competing dancers to turn their efforts into unforgettable performances, and to the guests, I wish them strong experiences from an atmosphere full of rhythm, beauty, and joy.
Thank you to the organizers, partners, and volunteers who contributed to making this extraordinary event possible. Enjoy every moment!

Eng. Roman Kocúrek
General Director of OHLA ŽS, a.s.

The World Latin Dance Championship, which will take place on October 18, 2025, at Starez Arena Vodova in Brno as part of the Brno Open festival, will feature clear stars in the Czech delegation: Jakub Lipowski and Tereza Kučerová. This pair has risen to the top of the world in recent years, and their participation on home soil is keenly anticipated – not only by dance enthusiasts but also by the public, who will have the opportunity to witness the world's elite directly in the Czech Republic.

Jakub Lipowski
Originally from Poland, she has been active in the Latin dance world for a long time and is a multiple-time champion of her country.
She has experience from the final rounds of the most prestigious competitions, including Grand Slams and international championships.

Tereza Kučerová
One of the most significant Czech Latin dancers, a more than nine-time Czech Republic champion.
He also has extensive experience on the international stage – final appearances, championship semi-finals, European and world propositions.

As a couple
The couple's joint results are impressive: 5th place at the European Championships for Adults in Latin American Dances (Calvia, Spain) 2025.
Positioned around 7th place in the WDSF world rankings for Latin, which is an excellent achievement by Czech standards.

The meaning of their participation in the World Latin Championship
The participation of the Lipowski & Kučerová couple in the World Latin Championship has several significant dimensions for the Czech Republic:
A world-class domestic competition
The World Championship in Latin American dances returns to the Czech Republic after a very long time.
– Hosting such an event is a milestone in itself.

Chance for historic success
Jakub and Tereza have already managed to break through to the European Championship finals, and now they have the opportunity to try for a spot in the World Championship finals – moreover, with the support of the home crowd and at home in the Czech Republic.

Inspiration for the dance scene
Their journeys and results are a motivation for young dancers in the Czech Republic – they show that top results can be achieved even when representing a country that is not a traditional giant in dance sport. For many, they can be a role model, proving that hard work and meticulous preparation pay off.

Visibility and Support for Dance Sport
An event of international significance, hosted at home, will attract the attention of the media, the public, and sponsors. This could mean greater support for infrastructure, club work, education, and scholarships for talented couples.

Preparation and Challenges
Jakub Lipowski and Tereza Kučerová have been preparing for the World Championship for a year and a half – their training is intensive, including technical and conditioning preparation, work on choreography, musicality, and psychology.

Among the main challenges faced:
To have competitiveness at the level of a World Championship final – Dance couples from Asia or Western Europe often have extensive experience, a broad reputation, and sometimes greater resources for preparation.
Maintaining performance stability – in dance sport, small details often decide: posture, footwork, expression, grace of transitions, uniformity of choreography, and even conditioning during the final rounds.
Home environment pressure – the home crowd and expectations add tension that must be handled mentally.
Financial and organizational matters – travel, clothing, choreography, external coaches, dancing with music – all of this costs and goes beyond regular club commitments.

What can be expected?
Looking at current form and past placements, it can be expected that:
Lipowski & Kučerová will strive to advance to the finals and ideally into the top 6 pairs in the world.
Quality performance can be expected, especially if everything goes according to plan – training, mental preparation, and support.
And even if the finals ultimately work out, their performance at the World Championships will be a significant step for Czech dance sport, a confirmation that we are capable of being part of the world elite.

Conclusion
Jakub Lipowski and Tereza Kučerová today represent the very best of the Czech Latin American dance scene. Their participation in the World Latin Championships in Brno is not just a sporting event, but a cultural moment for the entire Czech Republic. It carries within it the potential for history – for a home title, for a breakthrough on the international stage, and for the inspiration of future generations.

We will watch – and we will cheer.

Brno – The World Championship of Latin American Dances, which will take place on October 18, 2025, at Brno's Starez Aréna, promises an exceptional experience not only for sports dance fans.

Three winners of the popular TV show "StarDance" will meet in one place to celebrate the beauty of Latin dance together. In addition to top competition performances, the audience can look forward to exclusive performances, hosting by well-known personalities, and a rich accompanying program.

Veronika Lálová: Brazilian Samba
The highlight of the evening will be the performance by Veronika Lálová, who captivated audiences and the jury in 2016 and won the 7th season of StarDance with Zdeněk Piškula.
Veronika will dance the iconic Brazilian samba at the World Championships.

„Dancing with Zdeněk Piškula was one of the greatest experiences of my career, and when the offer came to dance my beloved samba at the World Championships, I didn't hesitate for a minute,“ says Veronika Lálová, who has been a professional dancer, choreographer, and judge since StarDance.

JOnder as moderator: Two-time winner and stalwart of the dance scene
The entire evening will be hosted by Jan Onder, who has won StarDance twice – in 2008 with Dana Batulková and two years later with Kateřina Baďurová. Subsequently, he worked as a coach, judge, choreographer, and presenter.
Ond.

„I look forward to being a part of such an exceptional event. The World Championship in Latin is not only a sports competition, but also a celebration of movement, rhythm, and human expression,“ said Jan Onder. „And what's more, I'll meet great colleagues with whom we share not only dance but also friendship.“

Dominika Rošková – Championship Ambassador and Winner of Slovakia's Let's Dance
The third winning face appearing at the event is Dominika Rošková, a professional dancer who shone in Slovakia this year. Together with her partner, she dominated the latest season of Let’s Dance, the Slovak version of StarDance, captivating audiences not only with her technique but also with her striking charisma.

At the World Championship in Brno, Dominika will serve as the official ambassador, which includes representing the event in the media, participating in accompanying activities, and also supporting young dancers.

„It is both an honor and a joy for me. Dance is my life, and being a part of such a prestigious international championship is a dream come true. I believe that the event in Brno will be an inspiration to thousands of people – not only for dancers but also for the public, who might fall in love with dance because of it,“ said Rošková.

World competition and cultural event of the year in Brno
The Latin American Dance World Championships will attract the best couples from over 40 countries worldwide to Brno. The competition will feature five traditional dances: samba, cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, and jive.

Organizers expect thousands of spectators and believe that the event will not only contribute to the popularization of ballroom dancing but also to strengthening Brno's cultural prestige as a host city.

The day will also feature a supporting program for the public, including dance workshops, autograph sessions, performances by young talents, and exhibitions on the history of dance.

Tickets on sale, demand is huge!!!
Tickets for the World Championship are now on sale through

TICKETPORTAL.CZ HERE

According to the organizers, audience interest is extraordinary – a sold-out venue is expected.

„Combining professional ballroom dancing with television stars brings an exceptional cultural evening to Brno. We believe the audience will fully enjoy it,“ concludes the event's production team.

📅 World Championships in Latin 2025
📍 Brno, Staré Arény Vodova
Saturday, October 18, 2025
🎟️ Tickets: TICKETPORTAL.CZ

Dance couple Martin Fried and Šárka Kosmáková have qualified for the World Latin Dance Championships – a grand finale awaits them in Brno

The Czech dance scene celebrates another great success.
Young and ambitious dance couple Martin Fried and Šárka Kosmáková have qualified for the prestigious WDSF World Latin Dance Championship, which will take place on October 18, 2025, in Brno.

They secured their path to the World Championship thanks to excellent performances in the WDSF Rising Stars category rankings, where they were among the most successful couples of the season.

The way up:
From regional competitions to the world stage
Martin and Šárka have been dancing together for just over a year, and their synergy on the dance floor is the result of countless hours spent practicing, hard work, discipline, and a passion for Latin American dances.

This year, they shone at several international competitions under the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) banner, where they gradually earned the respect of both the judges and the audience.

In a competition of hundreds of couples from all over the world, they managed to stand out and establish themselves among the elite of the Rising Stars category.

„It's a dream come true for us. The World Championship on home soil is a huge motivation and commitment. We will do our utmost to represent the Czech Republic as best we can,“ said Martin Fried after the announcement of the nomination.

This year's World Latin Dance Championship will be held at Brno's Vodova Hall, which will transform into an international dance stage in mid-October with dozens of couples from around the world. For local fans, this is a unique opportunity to see the world's best in Latin American dances live – and at the same time cheer on their favorites.

„A home advantage is a huge benefit for us. Crowd support can do wonders, and we believe the atmosphere will be unforgettable,“ adds Šárka Kosmáková.

The hope of Czech dance sport
The qualification of Martin and Šárka for the world championship is not only a personal triumph but also proof of the growing quality of Czech dance sport. Their success motivates young dancers and reminds us that it is possible to break through to the world stage even from the Czech Republic – if determination, talent, and tireless work are present.

The organizers of the World Championships expect a record turnout of both dancers and spectators. For the Czech pair, this will be their biggest competitive challenge yet, but also an opportunity to write another chapter in their story.

We're keeping our fingers crossed for Martin and Šárka and are looking forward to their performance in Brno. Don't miss this unique event – world dance is heading to the heart of Moravia!

Jan Metlický and Ela Odstrčilová have been a strong duo since the second half of 2018, when they joined forces at the DSP Kometa Brno club.

Jan has been dancing since he was eight years old.
He comes from Sokolov, where he also started dancing under the guidance of Mr. Bahník. Over time, he went through the Prague dance club MZ Dance Team, eventually finding his dance home at Kometa Brno, where today he not only dances but also passes on his experience to younger dancers as a coach.

She has been dancing since she was seven.
She took her first dance steps in the preparatory group of the DSP KOMETA BRNO dance club, where her mother brought her.
She has a great passion for dance fashion and styling, which she also works in today, helping young dancers preparing for dance competitions with their looks.

After just a few months, Honza and Ela won silver at the Czech Championship in standard dances up to 21 years of age and the title of Czech Champions in the combination of standard and Latin American dances in the same category.

The year 2025 was a groundbreaking one for them. They managed to win the Czech Champions title in Combination and Showdance in the adult category, and on top of that, they added the Czech Vice-Champions title in Standard dances!

The upcoming World Showdance Standard Championship is an opportunity for Honza and Ela to make a significant mark on the world's top dancers, and we believe they will proudly carry the Czech flag and bring joy to the audience in Brno's Vodova hall on October 18th….

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Regarding the Czech Republic's representation at the home championship, Jan says: „We are grateful for this opportunity… we will do everything we can to give our best performance.“ Ela adds: „I'm looking forward to it immensely… It's a huge honor and motivation for us. We plan to show our best performance!“

World Showdance Championships Standard 2025: A Historic Event

As part of the Brno Open 2025 festival, which will take place from October 17th to 19th at the Starez Arena Vodova in Brno, the World Championship in Showdance Standard disciplines will be held for the first time in the Czech Republic. It will take place concurrently with the World Championship in Latin disciplines.
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The key day is Saturday, October 18, 2025 – the program will culminate in a gala evening with the final performances of both championships and a supporting program. The event will include the semi-finals and finals of Showdance, star performances from the popular TV show Stardance, and more.
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Over 400 dance couples from more than 40 countries and four continents will gather at the event – a presentation of the highest competitive level in world dance sport.
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Why does it matter?
This is a milestone for competitive ballroom dancing in the Czech Republic – together, as domestic organizers, we have the perfect opportunity for Czech couples to reach the finals of this massive world competition. And Jan and Ela are among those who have a real chance of achieving this success!
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