Brno Open continues its cooperation with the Emil Foundation. Dance becomes a space for inclusion.
The Brno Open International Dance Festival is expanding its activities and entering a new phase. Starting with this year's edition, it will partner with official cooperation with the Emil Foundation, an organization that has been supporting children and youth with disabilities through sports for over two decades.
The common goal is to create a space where dance connects, inspires, and breaks down barriers.
The combination of professional sports and charity
Brno Open, a prestigious competition in standard and Latin American dances, attracts hundreds of competitive couples from around the world every year.
This year, however, it also brings a deeper dimension to the dance world – an expansion with a social outreach that connects professional performance with humanity.
„Dance has a tremendous power – it can connect people across ages, nationalities, and abilities.
Collaboration with the Emil Foundation is a natural step for us.
“We want to open Brno Open to those who may have stood aside until now," says one of the festival organizers, Jan Tománek.
The Emil Foundation supports children and young people with disabilities in sports, competition, and dreams.
His key project is Emil Open – the European Games for disabled youth, which Brno hosts annually. Cooperation with Brno Open thus connects two significant Brno events and underscores that the city of Brno is an open and inclusive center for culture and sports.
What will cooperation bring?
The joint activities will take several forms:
Dance performances by children and young people with disabilities as part of the Brno Open program – as guests or as part of ceremonies.
Educational workshops and discussions on inclusion, movement, and prejudice against people with disabilities.
The possibility of involving supported athletes in workshops and training sessions led by professional dancers.
Joint charity event, with proceeds going to support young dancers with disabilities.
The first concrete outputs are planned for this October, when Brno hosts the WDSF World Latin Dance Championship as part of Brno Open 2025.
Dance as a Tool for Change
„With this partnership, we want to show that dance is not just a competition for technique and medals. It is a language of the body, joy, and connection.
“And regardless of what options or limitations we have," adds Jan Tománek.
Beginning of a long-term collaboration
The organizers of both institutions believe this is not a one-time project, but the beginning of a permanent connection between the dance and inclusive scenes in the Czech Republic. In the future, there are plans to get involved in other events as well, including school programs, inclusive festivals, or the joint project „Dance with Emil.“.
The Brno Open 2025 will take place from October 17th to 19th at the Starez Arena on Vodova Street. More information can be found at www.brnoopen.eu
🔵 Learn about the activities of the Emil Foundation at www.emilnadace.cz
