The acclaimed Danish gymnastics school Ollerup brought a thrilling performance full of acrobatic elements and Nordic mythology to the Slet. Their show was highlight of the stage performances during the first two days, and due to high demand, it will be shown again on Wednesday at 16:30 at the Slet House. Following this, Ollerup will attempt to captivate the audience once more during Thursday evening's program at Eden with their artistry.
Even though the All-Sokol Slet is a massive event with thousands of participants, you won't overlook this group here. 177 young gymnasts from Denmark exude the epitome of beauty. Their perfectly trained bodies, pleasant demeanor, smiles, and pure professionalism stand out. Each one different, yet together they form one big family. And when their show begins, there's hardly a spectator who doesn't get goosebumps..
"The performance is based on Norse mythology. It begins with the story of Valkyries, followed by Loki and the gods of Asgard. It's a modern way to look at our history. Mythology inspired us and gives us energy," says Cristiane Fiorin-Fuglsang, director of the international academy in Ollerup and leader of the expedition that arrived at the Prague slet. She is also related to the excellent Danish cyclist Jakob Fuglsang. He must be proud of what this group can achieve.
Opportunities for Everyone
Perfectly synchronized group dance elements blend skillfully with rhythmic gymnastics and individual acrobatics. Watching young men and women execute one somersault after another, launching high into the air at the end of the mat, is breathtaking. Every jump earns applause and enthusiastic cheers from the audience. It raises questions about safety.
"Most students who come to us already have a rich experience in gymnastics. Here, they have daily training along with lessons on injury prevention. By the end of the semester, we are confident that everyone can handle even the most challenging routines. We would never allow someone who isn't capable to perform these feats," assures Cristiane. "And for those who are relative beginners, they focus on simpler elements or rhythm. We teach five types of gymnastics, and everyone improves in the area they choose," she adds.
However, in the crowd, we may spot a young Dane in a wheelchair with both legs in plaster. As Cristiane points out, he's no amateur. On the contrary. "He is one of the best, also engaging in wild acrobatic stunts outside Ollerup, where gymnasts push their limits. Just two weeks ago, he got injured there," she explains. Despite this, the young man traveled to Prague to be part of the team and experience the All-Sokol Slet for the first time in his life.
To become a better citizen
Ollerup, which incidentally presented a purely female composition at the previous slet in 2018, has a 104-year history and a highly developed training system. When asked about the quality of the school's facilities, Cristiane doesn't hesitate to describe it as a "work of art." It's a folk high school that offers students over 18 years old a maximum of two semesters of informal education focused on gymnastics. Typically, students who have completed high school enroll here to dedicate themselves fully to their interests for a period of time. This is one of many paths in informal education in Denmark, which can also include fields like politics or the arts. "The Danish education system prepares people for life in society. In our case, we focus on how to use gymnastics and movement to become better citizens."
Currently, the school has 280 students with 30 teachers. The average age is 23, but they've had students as old as 56.
Shared DNA with Sokol
Ollerup is connected to Czech Sokol through its umbrella organization DGI. This organization shares a very similar DNA with our association, and both founders - Miroslav Tyrš and Niels Bukh - shared the ideal of a healthy body and mind as the foundation of a healthy society. Both organizations also boast a long history of mutual cooperation. Czech gymnasts regularly visit Ollerup to improve their skills, and one student originally from the Czech Republic even traveled to the slet. "I dare say that our school has contributed to the development of gymnastics in the Czech Republic, especially in the discipline of TeamGym," says Ollerup's expedition leader, Cristiane Fiorin-Fuglsang.
Ollerup's impression of Prague? "I'm here for the fifth time and every time the city enchants me with its majesty and friendliness." This time, there's no time for sightseeing as the program for her students is packed. "We love it this way, always aiming to get the maximum from our participation in the event." The organizers of the Všesokolský slet have responded to their wishes by arranging additional performances, aside from the two already held on stage. The next one will take place on Wednesday, July 3rd, at 16:30 at the slet house.
Following that, Ollerup's focus will shift to a seven-minute exhibition during Thursday's program at Eden. "We approach your traditional mass event with great humility because we don't have anything similar in Denmark," says Cristiane. The fantastic impression left by the 177 young gymnasts from Ollerup in Prague is a great promise.
To build on their success, Ollerup is adding another performance on Wednesday at 16:30 outdoors at Tyrš's "sletový" house.
