Ljubljana Welcomes the World: A Conversation with Fiona Johnson and Azra Pucko about the IDO HipHop Championships

In the center of Europe lies a city that moves with rhythm. Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is known for its clean streets, creative energy, and warmth that makes every visitor feel at home. This year, it will transform into the stage for one of the largest IDO events ever — the IDO World Championships in HipHop, Popping, Battles & Breaking.

Over 4,600 dancers from 37 countries across four continents are expected to fill the city with movement, music, and the unmistakable energy of street culture. It’s an event built on vision, dedication, and teamwork — led by Fiona Johnson, IDO Senior Vice President for Sport and Sport for All, and Azra Pucko, the organizer from Hiša Plesa and member of the Slovenian DanceSport Federation.

We sat down with both to talk about preparations, challenges, and the meaning behind bringing the world of HipHop to Ljubljana.

“Ljubljana has the rhythm of a city that lives dance.”

Fiona, you’ve been part of IDO events for many years. What makes this one in Ljubljana stand out?

“Ljubljana has the rhythm of a city that lives dance,” says Fiona. “It’s green, safe, artistic, and filled with character. We wanted a host city that represents both modern Europe and street culture — and Ljubljana does that perfectly. This championship is not just another event. It’s a statement of growth, cooperation, and the future of HipHop and Breaking in IDO.”

This edition will also mark a historical moment — the launch of the BLOC Breaking League, a new project created together with the breaking community.

“The partnership with BLOC is something new for us,” Fiona explains. “It’s about working together instead of competing for attention. Breaking has its own identity, and this cooperation respects that. We’re building bridges, not walls — and that’s what makes this event special. It’s about unity, authenticity, and evolution.”

“We built this championship from the ground up.”

For Azra, the local organizer, this journey began 18 months ago with a clear goal — to create a championship that dancers will never forget.

“It’s always hard to do something for the first time,” she says. “We had to build everything from the ground up — trust, support, logistics. But I love challenges like this. My dream was to create a competition where dancers feel cared for, where they can focus on performing, and we handle everything else.”

When asked about what makes Ljubljana unique compared to other host cities, Azra smiles:

“Our mayor often says Ljubljana is the most beautiful city in the world — and maybe he’s right,” she laughs. “Everything is close here: the halls, the city center, the cafés, the parks. You can walk everywhere. You can dance, rest, eat, and still be in the middle of everything. I think dancers will feel that connection.”

A Championship Designed for Dancers

Both Fiona and Azra agree that the focus of this event is not spectacle, but experience.

“I believe less is more,” says Azra. “The stage will be clean, simple, and built to let the dancers shine — not the decorations.”

Fiona adds:

“We are introducing several innovations this year: a professional livestream with live studio hosting, a digital Confiva platform where all participants can access schedules and updates, and a brand-new system for ordering photos directly from home. We’re also bringing a limited-edition merchandise line created especially for this event. These are small things, but they make a big difference in how people experience an IDO championship.”

The organizers are also proud that Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, a place where dance and sustainability meet naturally.

“We’re trying to reflect the city’s spirit,” says Fiona. “Modern, efficient, and full of life. Ljubljana shows how sport, culture, and community can exist together beautifully.”

Challenges Behind the Perfection

Organizing an event of this magnitude always comes with obstacles.

“Finding the right date, ensuring the infrastructure, getting support from the city, balancing hotel prices, and managing transport — it’s a lot,” Azra admits. “We wanted to give people choices: food options, comfortable spaces, good timing, and fair prices. But yes, the biggest pressure is always the one we put on ourselves. I want everything to be perfect, even when it can’t be.”

Fiona nods in agreement:

“It’s always a balance between dreams and realities. But when you work with people like Azra and her team, you see how much love and energy go into every detail. That’s what makes IDO events special — the human side of organization.”

The Legacy of Ljubljana

As the championship approaches, both women share a similar hope.

“I want people to remember this event for the feeling — the atmosphere, the kindness, the energy in the hall,” says Azra. “I want them to remember Ljubljana as a city that welcomed them with open arms.”

Fiona concludes with a vision that reaches beyond this one event:

“Every championship tells a story, but Ljubljana’s story is about growth. It’s about dance evolving, people connecting, and IDO proving once again that we can build something global while keeping the heart of dance alive.”

From the first beat to the last step, Ljubljana is ready to host the world — not just as a city, but as a symbol of what happens when passion, organization, and unity come together.

This is where movement becomes memory.
This is Ljubljana.

#IDOWorldDance