Get to Know Tap Academy Prague

As the IDO World Tap Dance Championships draw near, there's no better time to meet the incredible team behind the scenes—Tap Academy Prague! With the excitement building and dancers from around the globe preparing to hit the stage, we chat with the organizers to give you a glimpse into their passion, experience, and what you can expect from this year's competition.

From magical city tours to perfectly planned competitions, Tap Academy Prague knows how to make every moment unforgettable. Ready to get inspired? Let’s dive in!

What can participants expect from the city where you're hosting the IDO competition? (Highlighting the best features for participants—amazing venue, shopping, sightseeing, etc.)

Welcome to Prague, a city that’s straight out of a fairy tale! With its magical skyline of a thousand towers, charming red rooftops, and rich culture, you'll be enchanted from the moment you arrive. Picture yourself sipping a drink on a rooftop, soaking in breathtaking views. We’ve lined up city tours to ensure you experience Prague’s best sights! Oh, and the competition venue? It’s just a quick 10-minute tram ride from the vibrant city centre. Easy, breezy, and full of excitement!

Can you share some background about you and your experience in IDO and organizing competitions? How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

We've been part of the IDO family for ages! At Tap Academy Prague, we’ve crafted countless winning routines. Our main choreographers, Tomáš Slavíček and Monika Jeník Bačkovská, have over 20 years of experience—competing, choreographing, and helping dancers at all levels shine. Our key values? DEDICATION, CREATIVITY, SMILES, COMMUNICATION, and PROFESSIONALISM. We bring all that to every competition we organize!

What inspired you to become an IDO competition organizer, and how did you start in this role?

COVID hit, and suddenly, no competitions. We couldn’t let that stop us! So, we took the initiative, organizing a European championship to reunite the community. It wasn’t easy—dancers were hesitant to travel, and we had to navigate uncharted territory. But, prioritizing safety and teamwork, we pulled it off! That event marked a turning point, making Prague a second home for Europe’s tap dance scene.

How do you manage the logistics—venue selection, scheduling, participant registration—to ensure a smooth, successful event?

The secret? Meticulous planning and constant communication! We map out every detail, double-check our plans, and ensure everything is clear for all involved. When everyone’s on the same page, things run like clockwork!

What challenges do you face when organizing competitions, and how do you tackle them?

Our biggest challenge is making sure everyone leaves with a smile! With large groups and high expectations, things can get tricky. But we thrive on solving these puzzles and making sure the event is a success for every single participant.

What qualities do you think are essential for a successful competition organizer?

Three words: Communication, Communication, Communication! It’s the heart of everything we do. By staying in constant contact with everyone—dancers, coaches, vendors—we ensure that all needs are met and that everything runs smoothly.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging competition you’ve organized?

The first European Championship post-COVID was unforgettable. It was such an emotional event, reuniting our tap family after such a tough period. The resilience, the joy—it reminded us all why we love this so much.

What’s your personal favorite memory or performance from past IDO championships?

Last year in Riesa, Germany, Mr. Michal Wendt, the former IDO president, gave his farewell speech. It was the final Tap Dance Championship in Riesa, and his words brought me to tears. His passion for the dancers and community was so inspiring—it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

What’s your message to the IDO dance community?

Let’s keep lifting each other up and making the most of every moment we share. This is about more than just dance—it’s about bringing out the best in ourselves and each other!

Thank you all and see you soon! :)