Eliška Hrdličková
Founder | Dramaturg | Choreographer | Artistic Director
If you could spend a day in the past, where would you go?
To the Medici court in Florence. I’d love to experience a celebration where music, dance, theatre, magnificent costumes and art all come together – exactly as I imagine the Renaissance to have been.
How did you get into the world of history and dance?
I started dancing when I was just a five-year-old girl. I moved on from ballet to ballroom dancing, and eventually I was completely captivated by the world of historical dance. Gradually, however, I realised that I didn’t just want to create choreography – I enjoy telling stories.
What exactly do you do at Eliana?
I am the founder, choreographer and artistic director. I create dance choreographies, scripts for theatre performances, historical programmes and specialist texts. I am also involved in preparing stilt-walking performances and fire shows. I strive to create each programme as a single, cohesive story.
Where do you find inspiration?
In historical sources, chronicles, music, travel and also in Italy. I trained as an archivist, and working with historical sources comes as naturally to me as dancing.
Which historical period is closest to your heart?
Definitely the Renaissance. I love its art, music, dance and culture. The Italian Renaissance is my greatest source of inspiration.
Do you have a favourite place?
Florence. I lived there for a while and I still love going back there. It’s a city where you can feel the Renaissance literally at every turn. And then there’s the island of Ischia – whenever I need to relax and recharge my batteries and find inspiration.
What type of programme do you enjoy creating the most?
I like variety. Historical dances, theatre, stilt-walking performances and fire shows each have their own charm. But what gives me the greatest joy is when all these elements come together to form a single story and the audience forgets, for a moment, that they’re in the 21st century.
What are you most proud of in your work?
That Eliana has become a troupe capable of offering not only dance performances but also bespoke themed programmes for castles, châteaux, towns and festivals. And also that I was able to be involved in the ‘O Jílovské zlato’ competition project and contribute to the long-term development of historical dance.
What’s always in your bag when you’re performing?
A needle, thread, safety pins, a notepad, a USB stick… and a plan B. That almost always comes in handy at historical events.
What does Eliana mean to you?
A dream come true. A place where history isn’t just locked away in display cases, but comes to life through dance, theatre, music, fire and people’s stories.
