The 25th International Teaching Week (ITW) at Palacký University’s Faculty of Physical Culture swayed to the rhythm of dance. During practical sessions, students had the opportunity to try out Latin, Irish, and Croatian folk dances, street dance, and even dance classes focused on self-awareness, all under the guidance of both international and local instructors.
“We wanted to offer students the broadest possible range of dance styles and approaches. At the same time, we didn’t neglect the academic side of dance, so the program also included theoretical lectures,” said Vice-Dean for International Affairs Michal Kudláček. “Some of the guests were already on our radar—such as Saša Jovanović from Banja Luka, whose past workshops were extremely well received. Others were invited through our partner institutions or based on recommendations.”
A total of eleven instructors—from countries including Canada, Romania, and Spain—led sessions throughout the week. Among them was Shira Robbins from Israel’s Levinsky-Wingate Academic College, who played a key role in inspiring this year's dance focus of the event. “She participated in ITW back in 2022, and her energy and approach to dance left such a strong impression that we began actively developing the idea of an International Dancing Week (IDW). Due to its organizational demands, the concept needed more time to fully mature,” explained Markéta Kudláčková from the faculty’s international office, which organized the event.
The program received an enthusiastic response from both students and staff—not only from the Faculty of Physical Culture but also from other parts of the university. Students specializing in dance even requested an additional workshop from Janita Frantsi of the University of Alberta in Canada, who had presented her research-based dance project.
“I really appreciated the opportunity to not only explore new dance styles but also to absorb the atmosphere and culture brought by the international experts. I attended classes in Irish dance, contemporary, life dance, and salsa—and I thoroughly enjoyed each one,” said Recreation and Leisure Studies student Kateřina Jenisová. “It was great to try something new, and I hope there will be more opportunities like this in the future.”
Organizers are not ruling out the possibility of another similar event. “The high level of interest has encouraged us to think about making the International Dancing Week a recurring event. The international instructors were equally enthusiastic, and many told us that a dance-focused academic event like this is unique in Europe. They greatly appreciated being able to take part and also to meet and exchange ideas with Czech colleagues in their fields,” added Jitka Martincová.
International Teaching Week at the Faculty of Physical Culture is the longest-running international educational event at Palacký University. Held once each semester since 2012, it features extended English-language instruction and hosts visiting lecturers from around the globe. Over the years, the event has welcomed guests who have led both practical and theoretical sessions, enriching the academic environment of the faculty.