Divadelní 5 se Zdeňkem Chlopčíkem

ABOUT THE EVENT

A raised arm never escapes his notice. Nor does a step with the wrong foot. But what happens when the feared StarDance judge sits in a chair from which answers, rather than points, are handed out? The pre-Christmas guest of Divadelní 5 will be dancer, choreographer and dance master Zdeněk Chlopčík.

He arrives at Beskydské Theatre on 10 December, just two days before the final of the fourteenth season of StarDance, one of the country’s most popular television shows. It is the perfect time to look behind the scenes of a competition where sympathy counts alongside dance steps. What does a judge see that viewers on the sofa miss? How do you judge someone you are rooting for when it simply is not going well? Must the best dancer win StarDance? And does an entertainment show even belong on public-service television?

Behind the reputation of a strict “executioner” is a trained mechanical engineer and former Vítkovice designer who became a two-time Czech champion in Latin American dance and one of television’s most popular dance judges. He attributes his success more to perseverance than exceptional talent. The conversation will cover his path to the dance floor, the ability to accept defeat and how to tell people an unpleasant truth in a way that helps them.

Beyond StarDance, the discussion will also address traditional Czech dance classes, the hard work behind professional dancing and the burning question of whether absolutely anyone can learn basic steps and rhythm.

An evening about dance, relationships and the steps in life for which no choreography exists.

PERFORMERS

Guest: Zdeněk Chlopčík

Hosted by: Jan David

PROGRAMME

The talk lasts 1 hour 30 minutes with no interval.

Please note: The discussion will be recorded for the Beskydské Theatre podcast.

Photographs: Zdeněk Chlopčík archive