Dance

Šmarje pri Jelšah also offers a variety of dance opportunities. The town is home to four dance clubs that provide programs for children and youth starting from age three (Zvončica, Kuš ni me, Dansero, Plac) as well as two folklore groups (Folklore group Mestinje and Folklore association Sveti Štefan).

Through dance, children learn coordination and movement in a fun way, providing an excellent foundation for developing their dancing skills. In addition to physical benefits, dance positively impacts mental health by reducing stress, boosting self-confidence, and encouraging social interaction. Regular dance practice is recommended for all ages, as it combines movement, creativity, and enjoyment.

Below, we present all the dance groups and associations active in Šmarje:

Dance Studio Zvončica is part of the PROM Institute and operates both in Šmarje pri Jelšah and at its branch in Podčetrtek. Each year, the studio organizes two major productions – a winter and a summer show – in addition to performing at local school and kindergarten events, as well as other events in the wider area.

Dance Club Kuš ni me operates primarily in the areas of Rogaška Slatina, Kristan Vrh, Rogatec, Žetale, Kozje, and the surrounding region. The club promotes dance within the local community and offers programs for various age groups.

Dance Studio Dansero is a dance school based in Rogaška Slatina that offers a wide range of dance and movement programs for all ages and skill levels. In addition to their activities in Rogaška, they also operate in Rogatec. During the summer holidays, the studio organizes dance camps where students can socialize and further develop their dance skills.

Dance Club Plac is a dance school and club registered as an association in Celje. It was established to provide high-quality and accessible dance education for all ages. In addition to Celje, the club has branches in Šmarje, Šentjur, and Maribor. Plac is known for its achievements in dance competitions; in 2024, they reached the finals of the show Slovenia’s Got Talent.

Folklore Group Mestinje, operating within the Jakob Sket Cultural Association, has been preserving cultural heritage through dance, music, and folk traditions for nearly four decades. They regularly participate in Marolt gatherings, presenting stage performances of dances from various regions of Slovenia.

Folklore Association Sveti Štefan was founded in 2001 and officially registered in 2003. The group focuses on preserving and showcasing folk traditions through dance, singing, and theatrical performances. Members, ranging in age from young to older adults, regularly perform locally and also participate in inter-municipal folklore gatherings and international festivals.