Interview with Lida Karlik Fisrova, co-organizer of IDO European Disco Dance Championships

Today's special interview is with some we all know well!
Lida Karlik Fisrova, a name that resonates deeply within the world of disco dance. She is the co-organizer of the IDO European Disco Dance Championships, a role she has embraced with passion and dedication for the eighth consecutive year.

Known for her kind and loving nature, Lida is a whirlwind of energy and emotion, embodying a free-spirited and passionate approach to everything she does. Her commitment to the disco dance community is unparalleled; whether she's organizing the event, coaching dancers, cheering them on, making videos, or checking in on everyone's well-being, she does it all with an infectious smile.

Lida's ability to juggle numerous responsibilities simultaneously is nothing short of remarkable. Despite any challenges, Lida remains unwavering in her love for her work, declaring with a laugh, "I still haven't figured out how to split myself, and at the same time, I don't want to give anything up at any cost. Because I’m crazy and I just love it all "
Join us as we delve into the world of disco dance with the incredible Lida Karlik Fisrova, exploring her journey, her passion, and her vision for the future of this dazzling dance style.

1.What to expect from the city where you are organizing the IDO competition? (more about the best features regarding the competition ex. amazing hall, shopping, sightseeing, etc.)

We are excited to return with the competition to the local modern ice hockey arena that our city is very proud of. There is also an Aquapark and Cinema in the area of ​​the arena. You can find a natural Alum lake and a beautiful natural Zoo park, as well as the historic centre with shops, cafes and restaurants within 10 10-minute walk from the arena. For shopping lovers, we can recommend the Otvice shopping centre about 5 minutes by car from the arena.

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

Emotional, passionate, crazy, free minded and willing (to put my heart and soul to get the job done)

3.What inspired you to become an organizer of the IDO competition, and how did you get started in this role?

My biggest inspiration and role model is my boss Eva Vlkova - she is the mastermind of our organization and I feel very honored and proud to stand next to her. Thanks to her trust in me I can now fulfill my dreams and work next to her on such prestigious projects as the IDO competitions.

4.For dancers interested in participating, can you give us some more information to help them prepare for and make the most of the competition experience? What to expect from your competition?

Dancers can expect the top level of competition - both backstage and on the dancefloor. Only the best dancers from each country can be nominated to participate on the European Championship and my honest advice would be: don’t come here JUST to win the gold medal, come to enjoy the atmosphere in the hall full of people who love dance! Our focus is to put the highlight on your talent and to prepare the competition the best way we can!

5.How do you handle logistical aspects, such as venue selection, scheduling, and participant registration, to ensure a smooth and successful event?

The key word is teamwork. No single person can handle such a big event by himself. You need a team full of people willing to do anything possible for the organizing, people with passion for dance, and people giving 100% of their energy to the same goal: all participants should feel welcome at our event. Our team is experienced, everybody knows what has to be done in his position and we are also used to helping each other when needed.

6.What challenges do you typically face when organizing a competition, and how do you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me is not trying to do everything at once - organizing, coaching, cheering, making videos, checking if everybody is ok, talking to my friends from abroad and all that with a smile on my face. I still haven't figured out how to split myself and at the same time, I don't want to give anything up at any cost. Because I’m crazy and I just love it all :-)


7.What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful competition organizer?

I think you simply have to love this job. It makes everything much easier when you have this kind of passion. And qualities such as faith in yourself, mental and physical endurance, ability to make quick decisions, courage and creativity - all that comes also very handy.

8.Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging competition that you have organized in the past?

This year it will be the eighth IDO competition that we have the honor to organize. All the previous seven were challenging in a different way and mostly with super positive outcomes. Even when I managed to break the podium during the all-star performance and the competition had to stop for a couple of hours - an organizer's nightmare in all its glory :-)

9. Can you share your personal favourite memory or performance from past IDO championships?

I've been participating on IDO competitions for about 25 years now (I can't even count it). I collected unforgettable memories at each of them. The most recent one would be the moment when my dancers Aja and Alicka became European champions in duo female adults in Orebro. To see their absolute shock and euphoria from winning is something I will never forget.

10.Please share with us your message to the IDO dance community.

Be kind! To yourself, to each other, to your trainers, parents and supporters! There are a lot of bad things happening in the world, things we can’t control even if we want to. Let’s turn our dance world into our own precious safe space where we can compete against each other yet be friendly and supportive. Let’s show the world how it could be done - despite our differences in nationality, opinions or lifestyle, we can all meet on one dancefloor and be happy for each other.

Thank you Lida and have an amazing time at the IDO European Disco Dance Championships in Chomutov, Czechia from 19.06. - 23.06.2024