A Spectacular Weekend at the IDO European Show Dance Championships 2024 in Grodzisk Mazowiecki

Last weekend, the IDO Family gathered in the beautiful city of Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland, for one of the most anticipated dance events of the year—the IDO European Show Dance Championships 2024! From September 5th to 8th, dancers from across Europe came together to showcase their exceptional talent, passion, and dedication to show dance.

The event was masterfully organized by the Polish Dance Federation and Reliese Dance Academy, led by two distinguished figures—Piotr Patłaszyński, President of the Polish Dance Federation, and Leszek Cichocki, Member of the Board of the Polish Olympic Committee. Their efforts ensured that everything was prepared to the highest standard for the dancers, coaches, and spectators alike.

Irena Bous, the competition supervisor from Ukraine, praised the event’s organization, stating that it was perfectly run and maintained a high professional standard throughout. She expressed her satisfaction with how smoothly everything unfolded.

The atmosphere throughout the event was electrifying. Competitors, coaches, and spectators felt the energy, excitement, and spirit of fair play. The audience cheered on their favorite dancers, who delivered unforgettable performances on stage, leaving a lasting impression on everyone.

The event took place at the state-of-the-art arena in Grodzisk Mazowiecki, which offered a spacious 2000-square-meter area, 13-meter-high ceilings, and seating for 1600 spectators. The arena also featured a large stage, separate rehearsal halls, and a generously-sized backstage area, providing the perfect environment for dancers and their props. Visitors enjoyed additional amenities, such as a planetarium, an astronomical observatory on the arena's rooftop, and a scenic viewing terrace.

Throughout the four-day event, the competition attracted nearly 2000 spectators. Local citizens were given free entry, with around 250 adults and 350 students from local schools attending to support the dancers.

The Mayor of Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Katarzyna Marcinowska, and Marek Masłowski, Head of the Sports and Cultural Events Department, graced the event with their presence at the Saturday Gala, showing their appreciation for the talent and efforts on display. On Sunday, the arena welcomed Piotr Kandyba, Member of the Polish Parliament, and Norbert Cegliński, Mayor of Grodzisk Mazowiecki, who expressed their admiration for the organization and dancers, and voiced their excitement about future collaborations. In fact, Grodzisk Mazowiecki is set to host the IDO World Disco Dance and Disco Freestyle Championships 2025, marking another milestone for the city.

The event also featured a heartfelt Ralf Josat Memorial, honoring the legacy of this esteemed figure in the dance community.

A special thank you goes out to Grodzisk Mazowiecki for being an exceptional host, providing a professional and welcoming atmosphere for this international celebration of dance. The organizers also extend their gratitude to the IDO for their trust and partnership, marking 20 years of fruitful collaboration.