READY TO SHINE ON WORLD STAGES WITH NEW CHOREOGRAPHIES

For members of Banja Luka dance clubs Blok and Gema, this summer was anything but a break. With the upcoming fall season filled with competitions and performances across Europe, the dancers spent the warmer months hard at work perfecting new choreographies that will soon be showcased on international stages.

Young dancers from these clubs dedicated their summer to intense training, aiming to dazzle judges and audiences alike—and, as always, bring a collection of medals back to their hometown.

Jelena Stojaković, president of the Blok dance club, told Glas Srpske that they are currently preparing for the World Championship in Hungary, where they will present 12 choreographies.

“The championship will take place from September 19 to 21, and we are proud to be competing in all age categories, with performances ranging from modern and jazz ballet to musicals and show dance,” said Stojaković.

According to her, the competition will be fierce, and their main goal is to reach the finals. Regardless of their final ranking, she emphasizes that simply making it that far will be a success.

“After the World Championship, we have two competitions in October—one in the Czech Republic and one in Sarajevo—where our hip-hop dancers will perform. In November, we’ll head to Rovinj and Belgrade, and we’ll wrap up the first half of the season with a competition in Zagreb,” she added.

She also announced that the club’s annual concert will take place in the second half of October at the Children’s Theatre of the Republic of Srpska.

“At our traditional concert, visitors will get to enjoy all the choreographies we’ve performed over the past year at major international competitions,” she said.

Stojaković revealed that a new program for adults will be announced in September and is set to begin in October.

“We’re preparing something truly unique—something that doesn’t exist in Banja Luka,” she added.

Meanwhile, Aco Romanić, coach and choreographer at Gema dance club, said their team is also in full preparation mode for World Championships in Ljubljana and Milan, where they’ll compete in hip-hop and modern ballet.

“We’re also organizing our own competition—Banja Luka Dance Fest—which will be held on December 13 and 14 at the ‘Centar’ Sports Hall,” Romanić highlighted.

In July, Gema dancers competed in the national championship, where they qualified for the world stage. Since then, they've been refining their routines to ensure top-tier performances.

“Everyone is going—kids, juniors, and seniors. We’re hoping for strong placements,” he said.

Jelena Stojaković also mentioned that enrollment for new members at Blok begins in September, offering 14 different programs for both children and adults.

“Enrollment is open all year round, but we have two official enrollment periods—September and February,” she explained.

Gema will also open its doors to new members in September for hip-hop, Latin, and modern ballet programs.