In April 2025, Kristýna Janečková (Dept. of Sport/Dept. of Recreation and Leisure Studies) took part in an international Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Dance, Cities, Natural Environments and Sustainability, hosted by the University of Cádiz in Spain. The programme took place on 26–27 April and was organised in collaboration with the SEA-EU alliance and the AFYEC association (Actividad Física y Expresión Corporal).
The BIP brought together academics and students from 12 European universities to explore how dance and movement can intersect with themes such as sustainability, cultural heritage, and urban environments. The diverse programme included movement workshops focused on body awareness, the expression of personal themes through dance, and the creation of short performances. Participants engaged with both traditional dance forms, such as flamenco and salsa, as well as contemporary approaches that respond to environmental and social issues.
The highlight of the week was a public performance in the historic setting of Castillo de Santa Catalina. There, participants presented a collaborative piece addressing the societal and ecological challenges of our time. “Feeling the connection between body, space, and ideas in a place with such rich history and atmosphere was truly special. It’s an experience I won’t forget,” Kristýna reflected.
This training mobility marked a significant step not only in our colleague’s personal and professional development but also in the broader scope of international collaboration at our faculty. Thanks to new contacts made with representatives of AFYEC and other partner institutions, plans are now underway for a dance-focused BIP to be held at FTK within the next two years.
“The programme offered both inspiration and hands-on experience for using dance as a tool in education and student engagement. It also confirmed that this kind of BIP would be a natural next step for our faculty,” Kristýna added.
The experience gained through this mobility may serve as a strong catalyst for developing creative and innovative forms of international collaboration—bringing new energy and fresh perspectives to both teaching and research at FTK.
