With gratitude for the support of the Czech Ministry of Culture and Švandovo divadlo, we are implementing a unique project called “Chameleon Kids Club,” which opens the door to the world of dance, movement, and new circus for children (ages 10-15) from disadvantaged backgrounds. We believe that a safe and supportive environment is key to discovering one’s own abilities, building friendships, developing cooperation, and self-expression. Our program is designed to help children build self-awareness, manage themselves, strengthen resilience, and develop communication skills through playfulness and creative work with the body.
What’s happening at Chameleon Kids Club?
For now, the children meet once a month for two-hour interactive sessions that include introductory and closing rituals, physical activities, juggling, circus skills, dance, somatic awareness, group discussions, reflection, and collective relaxation. In addition to these regular meetings, children can look forward to a more intensive program at suburban camps held during the spring, summer, and fall breaks.
Who is behind the project?
Behind the Chameleon Kids Club project is a team of enthusiastic and qualified instructors and experts who combine artistic and therapeutic approaches. Key figures include Vojtěch Holický (project guarantor and social circus specialist), Glynis Hull-Rochelle (drama therapist), Cécile Da Costa (dancer and performer), Robert Janč (medical clown), Šárka Pavelková (creative producer, educator, and psychotherapist), and Roman Zotov (dancer and yoga teacher).
How do we measure the impact of our project?
We use various methods to monitor progress and effectiveness, including regular feedback from children, monitoring progress in key skills (self-awareness, communication, emotion regulation), meetings with parents and the community, and careful documentation and evaluation of all activities.
Acknowlegments:
Enrollment in the Chameleon Kids Club is arranged in cooperation with OSPOD and selected elementary schools. We would like to thank our partners – the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic for its financial support and the Švanda Theater for providing the premises of Eliška Pešková’s Creative House in Smíchov.
