On October 26, 2025, a wonderful opening of the new dance season took place at the Sports Hall in Prague.
The organizers of the festival sincerely thank all dancers for their brilliant performances, the directors and choreographers for their original ideas and creative energy, and, of course, all students for their dedication and love for dance.
When talent and dance unite, a miracle happens – a miracle called art.
That is why the XXII edition of the “Autumn Fairy Tale” festival, within which the Best World Dance Group competition has been held for the sixth consecutive year, continues to discover new talents, give opportunities to choreographers, and connect traditions with modern possibilities of youth creativity.
Designer lighting, original stage design, and above all, the amazing performances of all participants turned the competition into a true celebration of dance.
The best ensembles from Czechia, Slovakia, Georgia, Israel, and Ukraine presented their new choreographies in six age categories.
🎭 Professional Jury
The jury appreciated the overall high level of all groups.
It was chaired by:
Kateřina Radinová – Merited Artist of Ukraine, ballerina of Laterna Magika, and teacher at the Prague Conservatory.
Magdalena Matejková – ballerina of the National Theatre in Prague, teacher at the Prague Conservatory.
Evgeniya Victory Gonzalez – prima ballerina of the National Theatre in Prague, holder of a diploma from the Swedish Royal Academy, guest performer at the Bavarian State Opera, Swedish Opera, and Mariinsky Theatre.
🏆 The Best of the Best – Winners of the Semifinal
Best World Dance Group – Autumn 2026
🏅 Grand Prix: SHOW DANCE 16–19 years ELITE Charlotte – leader and choreographer Monika Ondrašková
🏅 Best Choreography: FOLKLORE 10–12 years JUNIORS Adjaruli – leader and choreographer Sophio Abuladze
🏅 Best Solo: CONTEMPORARY 10–12 years JUNIORS Daria Smorodova – leader and choreographer Mariia Venherska
🌟 Outstanding Performances and Record Scores
100 points achieved by:
Vyhadzovaná MIXED GROUP – leader and choreographer Dagmar Kuběnová
Play With Fire (TEENS 13–15 years) – Sofia Sýkorová, leader and choreographer Monika Ondrášiková
🩰 Winners by Age Category
MIXED CATEGORY
FOLKLORE Group Vyhadzovaná (Slovakia) – leader and choreographer Dagmar Kuběnová – 100 pts, category cup
FOLKLORE Group Láska (Slovakia) – leader and choreographer Dagmar Kuběnová – 95 pts, nomination cup
EXPRESSION DANCE All the Lies (Israel) – group led and choreographed by Sasha Batushansky, Irina Limasov – 88.3 pts, nomination cup
ACRO DANCE Rattlesnake (Israel) – duo Serafima Buldakov, Alma Gan El – leaders and choreographers Sasha Batushansky, Irina Limasov – 80 pts, nomination cup
CATEGORY 16–19 YEARS ELITE
CONTEMPORARY Group Neznáma – leader and choreographer Monika Ondrášiková – 96.7 pts, category cup
DISCO SHOW Group Listen and Dance (Slovakia) – leader and choreographer Magdaléna Nemčeková – 91.7 pts, nomination cup
CATEGORY 13–15 YEARS TEENS
FOLKLORE Group Detva (Slovakia) – leader and choreographer Jana Podhorná – 95 pts, 1st place, category cup
STYLIZED DANCE At an Indian Wedding (Slovakia) – leaders and choreographers Magdaléna Nemčeková, Jana Podhorná – 93.3 pts, 1st place
CONTEMPORARY SOLO Unheard (Ukraine) – Kuleshova Kateryna, leader and choreographer Pryladysheva Daria – 91.7 pts, nomination cup
CONTEMPORARY Group La Femme (Czech Republic) – leader and choreographer Anna Saveleva – 91.7 pts, 1st place
EXPRESSION DANCE Autumn Leaves (Slovakia) – leader and choreographer Lucia Košťalová – 90 pts, 1st place
CATEGORY 10–12 YEARS JUNIORS
STYLIZED DANCE Tarantella (Slovakia) – group led and choreographed by Monika Ondrášiková – 90 pts, nomination cup
CONTEMPORARY Group Nádej – leader and choreographer Miriam Šupenová – 85 pts, nomination cup
CONTEMPORARY SOLO Point (Czech Republic) – Miroslava Kozhanova, leaders and choreographers Anastasia Hončarova, Miroslava Kozhanova – 96.7 pts, 1st place
SHOW DANCE Be Our Guest (Slovakia) – group led and choreographed by Magdaléna Nemčeková – 83.3 pts, 1st place
SHOW DANCE Matilda (Slovakia) – group led and choreographed by Monika Ondrášiková – 83.3 pts, 1st place
CATEGORY 6–9 YEARS
CONTEMPORARY Group Ikigai (Czech Republic) – leader and choreographer Tatiana Shuklina – 91.7 pts, category cup
CONTEMPORARY SOLO Free (Czech Republic) – leader and choreographer Kateryna Polinova – 91.7 pts
Many exceptionally strong participants were only a few hundredths or tenths of a point away from victory .MORE https://chat.whatsapp.com/LTfAbpUvzlCCIvdy3hlhpS
We wish you all creative inspiration and brilliant performances in future competitions.
🔮 What’s Next
✨ Winter Semifinals:
Best World Dance Group Slaný – December 6, 2025
Best World Dance Group Brno – December 3, 2025
🌟 Grand International Final:
Best World Dance Group 2025/26 – January 4, 2026
Dance connects, inspires, and awakens emotions.
We thank everyone who became part of this Autumn Fairy Tale – your energy, passion, and dreams give art its true meaning. 💖