In the spring of 2024, DEKKADANCERS and ARCHA+ announced an open call for young creators aged 18–26. Based on this call, ten dancers were selected who, under the guidance of DEKKADANCERS, created a brand-new dance production. Preparations for the experimental project, titled HUTCH, culminated in its premiere on March 5, 2025. Additional performances took place on March 6 and May 12, 2025. The project received significant acclaim both from the professional dance community and from Gen Z audiences.

The next continuation of this platform for young creators is DEKKA KICK–OFF Vol. II: Photo Workshop.

A two-day intensive dance photography workshop with DEKKADANCERS, led by photographer Pavel Hejný and co-produced with ARCHA+, will take place on September 23–24, 2025.

September 23, 2025, 10 am – 6 pm, Jatka78
(Hall No. 7 & 8, Bubenské nábř. 306/13, 170 00 Prague 7)

September 24, 2025, 10 am – 6 pm, ARCHA+
(Rehearsal Space Na Košince, Libeňský zámek, Prague 8) – more info here.

This two-day intensive workshop is focused on dance photography and is organized by the renowned dance company DEKKADANCERS in co-production with ARCHA+. It is designed for young photographers aged 15–29 who wish to dive into the dynamic world of dance photography and work in a professional creative environment. The workshop will be led by acclaimed photographer Pavel Hejný.

He holds several prestigious awards in the field of photography and creative work (Czech Press Photo, Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, Golden Drum, ANDY Awards, MIFA). He was the only Czech to receive the prestigious Lucie Award, which he received at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Lürzer’s Archive ranked him among the 200 best commercial photographers in the world. A graduate set designer, he loves theater and likes to create art projects. For many years he worked as a ballet photographer at the National Theater in Prague. Here he also met Tomáš Rychetský and Viktor Konvalinka, who invited him to establish DEKKADANCERS. He has been collaborating with the Jatka78 theater and the SKUTR directing duo for a long time. He says that if he didn’t become a photographer, he would definitely do something useful.

Workshop Program

Day 1: September 23, 2025 (Jatka78)
Introductory session with Pavel Hejný, presentation of his work and his approach to capturing movement. Afterwards, participants will have the opportunity to photograph the dress rehearsal of La Dolce Vita directly on the Jatka78 stage.

Day 2: September 24, 2025 (ARCHA+ Rehearsal Space, Prague 8)
Hands-on session in ARCHA+ spaces, where participants will try out various photography techniques with two professional dancers under the lecturer’s guidance. The workshop will conclude with a presentation and feedback session on the participants’ photos.

For more information:
📧 zuzana@dekkadancers.net
📞 +420 608 427 516

 

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DEKKA KICK-OFF Vol. I: HUTCH

Premiere: 5. 3. 2025, 19.00, ARCHA+

CREDITS

• Created by: Olha Bashkirova, Simona Bednaříková, Luisa Brychcínová, Amálie Cuplová, Leontina Foltýnová, Kateřina Hulínská, Vojtěch Javůrek, David Kodys, Kristýna Kosková, Alice Silná
• With help of Patrik Čermáka, Štěpán Pechar and the whole team of DEKKADANCERS and ARCHA+
• Costumes: Emma Fiala
• Music: František „Luteja” Dušek, Tomáš „TAIPEI8000000” Prokop
• Photography: Pavel Hejný (visuals), Michael Amico

DEKKA KICK-OFF
DEKKA KICK-OFF is a joint experimental project of DEKKADANCERS and ARCHA+. It provides an opportunity for artists aged 18–26 to prepare their original dance production under the supervision of experienced dancers, choreographers and other professional collaborators. The project places a strong emphasis on authenticity and space for the expression of artistic vision, of attitude and ideas of today’s young generation.